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Environment & EcologyEasyAsked in: NDA · NDA-II 2018, GAT

Which one of the following greenhouse gases is in largest concentration in the atmosphere?

  1. A.Chlorofluorocarbon
  2. B.Nitrous oxide
  3. C.Carbon dioxide
  4. D.Methane

Correct answer

C. Carbon dioxide

Explanation

The correct answer is C, Carbon dioxide. Among the gases listed, carbon dioxide is present in by far the largest amount, about 0.04 per cent of the air, which is roughly two hundred times the amount of methane.

Carbon dioxide enters the air from breathing, burning of coal, oil and wood, and volcanoes, and is removed by plants and the oceans. Its level has risen from about 280 parts per million before the industrial age, mainly because of fossil fuels, and it is the largest cause of human-made global warming. Water vapour is also a greenhouse gas, but it is not among the options and its amount changes from place to place.

A is wrong because chlorofluorocarbons are present only in parts per trillion, though each molecule traps much heat and they also destroy ozone. B is wrong because nitrous oxide is only about a third of a part per million. D is wrong because methane is about two parts per million, though it traps far more heat per molecule.

Exam tip: by amount, carbon dioxide leads, then methane, then nitrous oxide; CFCs are the rarest but very potent.

Practice Questions

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Q2.Environment & EcologyAsked in: CDS · CDS-I 2017, GKEasy

With regard to 'Project Tiger', which one of the following statements is not correct?

  1. A.It was launched in India in the year 1973.
  2. B.The objective of the Project is to preserve the habitats and tigers therein as natural heritage.
  3. C.The Project emphasized to ensure viable population of tigers in India.
  4. D.There are no Tiger Reserves in north-eastern part of India.
Show answer
Correct answer: D. There are no Tiger Reserves in north-eastern part of India.

This is false: the north-east has several tiger reserves. Manas, Kaziranga, Nameri and Orang in Assam, Namdapha, Pakke (Pakhui) and Kamlang in Arunachal Pradesh, and Dampa in Mizoram are all tiger reserves.

Q3.Environment & EcologyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2018, GS Paper IMedium

With reference to organic farming in India, consider the following statements :

1. 'The National Programme for Organic Production' (NPOP) is operated under the guidelines and directions of the Union Ministry of Rural Development.

2. 'The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority' (APEDA) functions as the Secretariat for the implementation of NPOP.

3. Sikkim has become India's first fully organic State.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. A.1 and 2 only
  2. B.2 and 3 only
  3. C.3 only
  4. D.1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Correct answer: B. 2 and 3 only

NPOP is run by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, not Rural Development, while the statements about APEDA and Sikkim are correct.

Q4.Environment & EcologyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2018, GS Paper IHard

Consider the following statements :

1. The definition of "Critical Wildlife Habitat" is incorporated in the Forest Rights Act, 2006.

2. For the first time in India, Baigas have been given Habitat Rights.

3. Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change officially decides and declares Habitat Rights for Primitive and Vulnerable Tribal Groups in any part of India.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

  1. A.1 and 2 only
  2. B.2 and 3 only
  3. C.3 only
  4. D.1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Correct answer: A. 1 and 2 only

The Forest Rights Act defines critical wildlife habitat, and the Baigas were the first community to receive habitat rights, but the Environment Ministry does not grant those rights.