UPSC 2023 Environment and Ecology Questions with Answers
16 previous year UPSC Prelims questions on Environment and Ecology in the UPSC 2023 Prelims. Choose an option to see the answer and explanation.
Explanations state facts as of the year each question was asked; words like “recently” refer to that year.
Showing 11–16 of 16 questions
Browse Environment and Ecology chapters
UPSC 2023Environment and Ecology · Protected Areas for the Biodiversity Conservation
Q11. Consider the following statements: Once the Central Government notifies an area as a ‘Community Reserve’. 1. The Chief Wildlife Warden of the State becomes the governing authority of such forest. 2. Hunting is not allowed in such areas. 3. People of such areas are allowed to collect non-timber forest produce. 4. People of such areas are allowed traditional agricultural practices. How many of the above statements are correct?
Explanation
Statement 1 is incorrect: The State Government will establish a Community Reserve management committee, which will be in charge of conserving, maintaining, and overseeing the community reserve in accordance with Section 36 D of the Wild-life Protection Act (WLPA). The committee will choose a chairman who will serve as the community reserve’s Honorary Wild Life Warden.
Statement 2 is correct: Community Reserves are designated to protect wildlife and biodiversity. Under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 hunting is strictly prohibited in all protected areas including Community Reserves. Section 9 of the Act prohibits hunting of wild animals listed in Schedules I, II, III, and IV.
Statement 3 is correct: In a Community Reserve, the collection of non-timber forest produce by the local communities is subject to the specific rules and regulations governing the Community Reserve. It may be regulated or restricted to ensure sustainable use and conservation of resources.
Statement 4 is incorrect: After a forest has been made into a community reserve, people cannot use it for agricultural practices, leave alone jhum cultivation.
UPSC 2023Environment and Ecology · Species
Q12. Invasive Species Specialist Group’ (that develops the Global Invasive Species Database) belongs to which one of the following organisations?
Explanation
The Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG) is a global network of scientific and policy experts on invasive species, organised under the auspices of the Species Survival Commission (SSC) of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The ISSG fosters and enables the worldwide exchange of knowledge and information concerning invasive species. It also ensures the linkage between knowledge, practice, and policy to ensure that decisions are based on well-informed insights.
UPSC 2023Environment and Ecology · Species
Q13. Consider the following statements: 1. Some mushrooms have medicinal properties. 2. Some mushrooms have psychoactive properties 3. Some mushrooms have insecticidal properties. 4. Some mushrooms have bioluminescent properties. How many of the above statements are correct?
Explanation
Statement 1 is correct: Mushrooms possess antibacterial properties, enhance the immune system, and aid in lowering cholesterol levels. Moreover, they serve as significant reservoirs of bioactive compounds. Consequently, certain mushroom extracts are utilised to support human health and are available in the form of dietary supplements.
Statement 2 is correct: Psychoactive properties refer to substances that influence brain function, resulting in alterations in mood, awareness, cognition, emotions, or behaviour. Psilocybin is a hallucinogenic compound found in specific mushrooms commonly known as magic mushrooms.
Statement 3 is correct: In recent times, there has been a growing discovery of insecticidal compounds within mushrooms.
Statement 4 is correct: Bioluminescence refers to the generation and release of light by living organisms. Panellus stipticus stands out as one of the most luminous bioluminescent mushrooms found on our planet. The newly discovered species, designated as Roridomyces phyllostachydis found in Meghalaya, now joins the ranks of the 97 recognised types of bioluminescent fungi world- wide.
Exam tip:
"Some" = possibility logic, not absolute. If even one species of organism does something, the statement is likely correct. UPSC uses "some" to lower the burden of proof harder to eliminate. Hence all statements are likely correct.
UPSC 2023Environment and Ecology · Species
Q14. Consider the following statements regarding the Indian squirrels: 1. They build nests by making burrows in the ground. 2. They store their food materials like nuts and seeds in the ground. 3. They are omnivorous. How many of the above statements are correct?
Explanation
Statement 1 is incorrect: Indian squirrels, such as the Indian Palm Squirrel, do not burrow in the ground to build nests. Instead, they construct nests in trees, crevices, or other elevated areas using materials like leaves and twigs. Burrow-making is more characteristic of rodents like rats or ground squirrels, which are not typical Indian squirrels.
Statement 2 is correct: Nuts serve as the primary food source for these creatures year-round, especially during the winter months when they are preparing for hibernation. They store nuts by burying them underground, enabling retrieval during the win-ter season.
Statement 3 is correct: Squirrels are omnivores. Their diet primarily consists of nuts and fruits, although they will also consume seeds, insects, small mammals, reptiles, eggs, and occasionally even bird chicks.
UPSC 2023Environment and Ecology · Miscellaneous
Q15. Consider the following statements: Statement-I: India, despite having uranium deposits, depends on coal for most of its electricity production. Statement-II: Uranium, enriched to the extent of at least 60%, is required for the production of electricity. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
Explanation
Statement-I is correct: Although India has significant uranium deposits, its reliance on coal for electricity production is higher compared to uranium. It constitutes 55% of the nation’s energy requirements. Statement-II is incorrect: For electricity generation, uranium enrichment to a level of 3 to 5 percent of the Uranium (235) isotope is necessary. Research reactors utilise uranium enriched to a minimum concentration of 20%. Uranium enriched to at least 90% is classified as weapons-grade uranium.
UPSC 2023Environment and Ecology · Miscellaneous
Q16. Consider the following infrastructure sectors: 1. Affordable housing 2. Mass rapid transport 3. Health care 4. Renewable energy On how many of the above does the UNOPS Sustainable Investments in Infrastructure and Innovation (S3i) initiative focus for its investments?
Explanation
The UNOPS Sustainable Investments in Infrastructure and Innovation (S3i) initiative was introduced in 2015 as a pilot project to investigate inventive approaches to financing sustainable infrastructure endeavours in developing nations. The initiative sought to capitalise on UNOPS’ proficiency and track record in providing infrastructure solutions that align with the requirements and ambitions of individuals and communities. The S3i initiative provides initial funding for significant projects in affordable housing, renewable energy, and health infrastructure. It does not emphasise investments in mass rapid transport infrastructure.
Answer key for these questions
Q
UPSC year
Correct answer
11
2023
(b) Only two
12
2023
(a) The International Union for Conservation of Nature
13
2023
(d) All four
14
2023
(b) Only two
15
2023
(c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
16
2023
(c) Only three
Frequently asked questions
How many previous year UPSC questions are there on Environment and Ecology?
This page covers 16 previous year UPSC Prelims GS Paper-I questions on Environment and Ecology in the UPSC 2023 Prelims, asked from 1996 to 2025. Each has the correct answer and an explanation.
How should I use previous year UPSC questions for Prelims?
Attempt each question first, then open the answer and read the explanation for every option. Repeat by chapter, and track which statements UPSC reuses across years. Previous year questions show the exam pattern and difficulty level.
Which years are covered for Environment and Ecology?
Questions on Environment and Ecology in the UPSC 2023 Prelims are available for 22 years, from 1996 to 2025. Use the Year filter to practise a single paper.
