The "Environment (UPSC)" category is crucial for students preparing for various competitive exams in India. Understanding environmental concepts not only enhances your knowledge but also significantly boosts your exam scores. Practicing MCQs and objective questions helps in reinforcing key concepts, making it easier to tackle important questions during your exams. With focused practice questions, you can sharpen your skills and improve your performance in the exam preparation journey.
What You Will Practise Here
Fundamentals of ecology and ecosystems
Environmental pollution and its types
Conservation of biodiversity and endangered species
Climate change and global warming concepts
Environmental laws and policies in India
Renewable and non-renewable resources
Important diagrams related to environmental science
Exam Relevance
The topic of Environment is frequently featured in CBSE, State Boards, NEET, and JEE exams. Students can expect questions that assess their understanding of ecological principles, environmental issues, and conservation strategies. Common question patterns include multiple-choice questions that test both theoretical knowledge and practical application of concepts, making it essential to be well-prepared with important Environment (UPSC) questions for exams.
Common Mistakes Students Make
Confusing terms related to types of pollution and their effects
Overlooking the significance of biodiversity and its conservation
Misunderstanding the impact of climate change on ecosystems
Neglecting to study environmental laws and their implications
FAQs
Question: What are some effective ways to prepare for Environment (UPSC) MCQs? Answer: Regularly practice objective questions, review key concepts, and take mock tests to enhance your understanding and speed.
Question: How often do Environment questions appear in competitive exams? Answer: Environment-related questions are common in various competitive exams, often comprising 10-15% of the total questions.
Start solving practice MCQs today to test your understanding and solidify your knowledge in the Environment (UPSC) category. Your preparation will pave the way for success in your exams!
Q. The establishment of national parks in the United States was significantly influenced by which of the following events?
A.
The Great Depression
B.
The Industrial Revolution
C.
The establishment of Yellowstone National Park
D.
The Civil Rights Movement
Solution
The establishment of Yellowstone National Park in 1872 marked the beginning of the national park movement in the United States, influencing conservation efforts worldwide.
Correct Answer:
C
— The establishment of Yellowstone National Park
Q. The Green Revolution in India, which began in the 1960s, primarily aimed at increasing agricultural production. What was one of its major environmental impacts? (1960)
A.
A. Increase in Soil Fertility
B.
B. Decrease in Water Usage
C.
C. Soil Degradation
D.
D. Increase in Biodiversity
Solution
The Green Revolution led to soil degradation due to the excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, which adversely affected soil health.
Q. The Industrial Revolution significantly contributed to climate change primarily through which of the following?
A.
Increased agricultural output
B.
Deforestation
C.
Fossil fuel consumption
D.
Urbanization
Solution
The Industrial Revolution marked a shift to fossil fuel consumption, particularly coal, which significantly increased greenhouse gas emissions and contributed to climate change.
Q. The Industrial Revolution, which began in the late 18th century, had a profound impact on the environment. Which of the following was a major consequence?
A.
A. Deforestation
B.
B. Soil Fertility Improvement
C.
C. Increase in Biodiversity
D.
D. Decrease in Urban Pollution
Solution
The Industrial Revolution led to significant deforestation as forests were cleared for industrial expansion and urban development, resulting in environmental degradation.
Q. What was the primary purpose of the Forest Conservation Act of 1980 in India? (1980)
A.
To promote industrialization in forest areas
B.
To regulate the diversion of forest land for non-forest purposes
C.
To increase timber production
D.
To enhance wildlife conservation
Solution
The Forest Conservation Act of 1980 was enacted to regulate the diversion of forest land for non-forest purposes, thereby ensuring the protection and conservation of forests in India.
Correct Answer:
B
— To regulate the diversion of forest land for non-forest purposes
Q. Which ancient civilization is known for its advanced understanding of climate and agriculture, particularly in relation to the Nile River?
A.
Indus Valley Civilization
B.
Mesopotamian Civilization
C.
Ancient Egyptian Civilization
D.
Mesoamerican Civilization
Solution
The Ancient Egyptian Civilization developed around the Nile River, where they understood the seasonal flooding and its impact on agriculture, showcasing an early awareness of climate patterns.
Q. Which ancient civilization is known for its advanced water conservation techniques, including the construction of stepwells?
A.
Indus Valley Civilization
B.
Mesopotamian Civilization
C.
Ancient Egyptian Civilization
D.
Mesoamerican Civilization
Solution
The Indus Valley Civilization is renowned for its sophisticated water conservation techniques, including the construction of stepwells and drainage systems.
Q. Which ancient text is known for its detailed instructions on the management of forests and wildlife in India?
A.
Arthashastra
B.
Manusmriti
C.
Rigveda
D.
Mahabharata
Solution
The Arthashastra, attributed to Kautilya, contains detailed instructions on the management of forests and wildlife, highlighting the importance of conservation in ancient India.
Q. Which international agreement focuses on the conservation of biological diversity? (1992)
A.
Montreal Protocol
B.
Convention on Biological Diversity
C.
Ramsar Convention
D.
CITES
Solution
The Convention on Biological Diversity, established in 1992, focuses on the conservation of biological diversity, sustainable use of its components, and fair sharing of benefits arising from genetic resources.
Correct Answer:
B
— Convention on Biological Diversity
Q. Which medieval empire is noted for its significant contributions to environmental management through the establishment of extensive irrigation systems?
A.
A. The Gupta Empire
B.
B. The Mughal Empire
C.
C. The Ottoman Empire
D.
D. The Byzantine Empire
Solution
The Mughal Empire (16th to 18th centuries) is known for its advanced irrigation systems, which significantly improved agricultural productivity and environmental management.
Q. Which of the following events is often cited as a consequence of climate change during the Medieval period?
A.
The fall of the Roman Empire
B.
The Black Death
C.
The Crusades
D.
The Renaissance
Solution
The Black Death (1347-1351) is often linked to climate change, as the cooler temperatures and crop failures may have contributed to the spread of the plague.
Q. Which of the following historical events is associated with the establishment of the first national park in the world?
A.
A. The establishment of Yellowstone National Park
B.
B. The creation of the National Park Service in the USA
C.
C. The signing of the Antiquities Act
D.
D. The first Earth Day celebration
Solution
Yellowstone National Park, established in 1872, is recognized as the first national park in the world, marking a significant step in environmental conservation.
Correct Answer:
A
— A. The establishment of Yellowstone National Park
Q. Which of the following historical events is often linked to the effects of climate change on human migration patterns?
A.
The Great Migration
B.
The Viking Expansion
C.
The Bantu Migration
D.
The Trail of Tears
Solution
The Bantu Migration is often linked to climate change, as shifts in climate conditions prompted the movement of Bantu-speaking peoples across Africa in search of arable land.
Q. Which of the following movements in India was primarily focused on environmental conservation and the rights of local communities? (1970)
A.
A. The Chipko Movement
B.
B. The Green Revolution
C.
C. The Non-Cooperation Movement
D.
D. The Swadeshi Movement
Solution
The Chipko Movement, which began in the 1970s, focused on environmental conservation by encouraging people to hug trees to prevent deforestation and protect local ecosystems.
Q. Which treaty, signed in 1992, aimed to address global warming and promote sustainable development? (1992)
A.
A. The Paris Agreement
B.
B. The Kyoto Protocol
C.
C. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
D.
D. The Montreal Protocol
Solution
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was established in 1992 to address climate change and promote sustainable development globally.
Correct Answer:
C
— C. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
Q. Which treaty, signed in 1992, marked a significant global commitment to address climate change? (1992)
A.
Kyoto Protocol
B.
Paris Agreement
C.
Rio Declaration
D.
Montreal Protocol
Solution
The Rio Declaration, part of the Earth Summit in 1992, laid the groundwork for international cooperation on climate change, leading to subsequent treaties like the Kyoto Protocol.