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Environment & EcologyMediumAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2026, GS Paper I

With respect to the Western Hoolock Gibbons, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. A Sanctuary in North-east India is home to this ape species listed as Endangered in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. 2. They have specialized brachiation and can easily swing between trees. 3. They possess a strong and heavy build like gorillas, yet are remarkably agile tree climbers. Select the answer using the code given below :

  1. A.1 only
  2. B.1 and 2
  3. C.2 and 3
  4. D.3 only

Correct answer

B. 1 and 2

Explanation

The correct answer is B, 1 and 2. The Western Hoolock Gibbon is an Endangered ape protected in a sanctuary in Assam, and it moves by swinging from branch to branch, but it is a light, slender animal, not heavily built like a gorilla.

Hoolock gibbons are the only apes found in India, living in the forests of the north-east. The Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary in Jorhat district of Assam is named after them and is one of their best-known homes. Gibbons are lesser apes: an adult weighs only about six to nine kilograms, and their very long arms let them practise brachiation, swinging hand over hand through the canopy at great speed. Males are black with white brows and females are buff-coloured; pairs sing loud duets at dawn.

A is wrong: it leaves out statement 2, though brachiation is the gibbon's typical way of moving.

C is wrong: it includes statement 3; gibbons are small and light, unlike the massive gorilla.

D is wrong: statement 3 is the only incorrect one.

Exam tip: Hoolock gibbon = India's only ape, Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary (Assam), moves by brachiation.

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Q2.Environment & EcologyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2025, GS Paper IHard

Consider the following statements :

I. Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in India are less than 0.5 t CO2/capita.

II. In terms of CO2 emissions from fuel combustion, India ranks second in Asia-Pacific region.

III. Electricity and heat producers are the largest sources of CO2 emissions in India.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

India is the second-largest emitter of fuel-combustion CO2 in the Asia-Pacific after China, and power and heat generation is its biggest source, but its per capita emissions are well above 0.5 tonne.

Q3.Environment & EcologyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2017, GS Paper IMedium

The term 'Domestic Content Requirement' is sometimes seen in the news with reference to

  1. A.Developing solar power production in our country
  2. B.Granting licences to foreign T.V. channels in our country
  3. C.Exporting our food products to other countries
  4. D.Permitting foreign educational institutions to set up their campuses in our country
Show answer
Correct answer: A. Developing solar power production in our country

Domestic Content Requirement (DCR) is the rule that certain solar projects must use solar cells and modules made in India.

Q4.Environment & EcologyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2019, GS Paper IMedium

In the context of which of the following do some scientists suggest the use of cirrus cloud thinning technique and the injection of sulphate aerosol into stratosphere?

  1. A.Creating the artificial rains in some regions
  2. B.Reducing the frequency and intensity of tropical cyclones
  3. C.Reducing the adverse effects of solar wind on the Earth
  4. D.Reducing the global warming
Show answer
Correct answer: D. Reducing the global warming

Both ideas are geoengineering proposals meant to cool the planet by changing how much heat enters or leaves the Earth.

Q5.Environment & EcologyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2021, GS Paper IMedium

Which of the following have species that can establish symbiotic relationship with other organisms?

1. Cnidarians

2. Fungi

3. Protozoa

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

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

Cnidarians, fungi and protozoa all include species that live in close, mutually useful partnerships with other organisms. Symbiosis means two different species living closely together, often to the benefit of both.