Q171. All of the following are examples of Traditional Ecological Knowledge applied in India, EXCEPT:
Biodiversity, Conservation and Sustainable Development: RAS Prelims MCQs
179 RAS Prelims MCQs on biodiversity, conservation of natural resources and sustainable development cover the levels of biodiversity, hotspots, conservation bodies, wildlife law and climate instruments. Alpha diversity, Norman Myers, the IUCN Red List, the Wildlife Amendment Act 2022, the CBD protocols and carbon market ideas like cap and trade and additionality are asked as facts and statements.
Practice questions based on the RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the exam pattern but are not past-paper questions.
Showing 171–179 of 179 questions
Q172. Identify the correct pair connecting a traditional practice/system with its region.
Explanation
Different regions in India have developed unique traditional water management systems. Surangam is a traditional water harvesting system found specifically in the Kasaragod district of Kerala. In contrast, the Apatani system belongs to Arunachal Pradesh, and Johads are typical of Rajasthan. Khadin is a specific runoff farming technique from Jaisalmer, but the Surangam- Kerala pair is the only correctly matched.
Q173. A "Carbon Credit" is best defined as:
Explanation
A carbon credit is a key component of national and international emissions trading schemes. It serves as a tradable certificate or permit that represents the right to emit one metric tonne of carbon dioxide or an equivalent amount of another greenhouse gas. This market-based mechanism provides an economic incentive for companies and nations to reduce their overall carbon footprint and emissions.
Q174. Identify the correct statement regarding a "Cap and Trade" mechanism.
Explanation
In a cap and trade mechanism a limit is set on emissions and the surplus allowances can be traded.
Q175. Identify the incorrect statement comparing Carbon Tax and Emissions Trading.
Explanation
A carbon tax fixes a price without guaranteeing a limit, and cap and trade fixes the limit while the price varies. Under emissions trading, companies are allowed to buy credits, so A is incorrect.
Q176. In carbon offset projects, the principle of "Additionality" means:
Explanation
Additionality means that the reductions must be real and would not have happened without the revenue from carbon credits.
Q177. Read the following statements and select the correct option:
Statement I: The Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) under the Kyoto Protocol allowed developed countries to invest in emission-reduction projects in developing countries to earn carbon credits.
Statement II: Developing countries like India were not eligible to participate in or benefit from CDM projects.
Statement I: The Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) under the Kyoto Protocol allowed developed countries to invest in emission-reduction projects in developing countries to earn carbon credits.
Statement II: Developing countries like India were not eligible to participate in or benefit from CDM projects.
Explanation
The Clean Development Mechanism allowed developed countries to invest in emission-reduction projects in developing countries and earn credits, so Statement I is correct. India took part in CDM projects, so Statement II is incorrect.
Q178. One carbon credit is universally accepted as equivalent to the reduction, avoidance, or sequestration of:
Explanation
One carbon credit is equal to the reduction, avoidance or sequestration of one metric tonne of carbon dioxide or its equivalent.
Q179. "Carbon Leakage" is a phenomenon that occurs when:
Explanation
Carbon leakage occurs when industries move to countries with weak regulations because of local climate policy, so emissions are shifted and not reduced.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 171 | (c) Large-scale genetically modified crop cultivation using synthetic fertilizers |
| 172 | (d) Surangam (Traditional water management) - Kerala |
| 173 | (a) A tradable permit to emit one tonne of carbon dioxide or equivalent gas. |
| 174 | (b) Setting emission limits and allowing trade of surplus allowances. |
| 175 | (a) Under an emissions trading system, companies are never allowed to buy credits from the market; they must reduce emissions internally to zero. |
| 176 | (c) Reductions must be real and not possible without carbon credit revenue. |
| 177 | (a) Statement I is correct, and Statement II is incorrect. |
| 178 | (c) 1 metric tonne of carbon dioxide or equivalent gases. |
| 179 | (b) Industries relocating to countries with weak regulations due to local policy. |
Key facts from Biodiversity, Conservation and Sustainable Development
- Genetic diversity is the variation of genes and alleles within a species; alpha diversity is the diversity of species within a habitat.
- Norman Myers proposed the concept of biodiversity hotspots; the Nicobar Islands are part of the Sundaland hotspot.
- The IUCN maintains the Red List of Threatened Species; the Amazon rainforest is called the lungs of the planet.
- The Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act 2022 removed the vermin schedule; the Centre can declare vermin by notification.
- The Cartagena Protocol, Nagoya Protocol and Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework belong to the CBD; the Kyoto Protocol does not.
- Cap and trade sets an emission limit and allows trade of surplus allowances; one carbon credit equals one tonne of CO₂; additionality means reductions must be real.
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on Biodiversity, Conservation and Sustainable Development?
This page has 179 practice MCQs on Biodiversity, Conservation and Sustainable Development (Health, Environment and Agriculture). Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
Who proposed the concept of biodiversity hotspots?
The ecologist Norman Myers. A hotspot is a region with a very high number of endemic species that has lost most of its original habitat, such as the Western Ghats and Sundaland.
What is cap and trade?
A mechanism that sets a limit (cap) on total emissions and issues allowances to firms. Firms that emit less than their allowance can sell the surplus to others, which gives a market price to carbon.
What does additionality mean in carbon offsets?
That the emission reductions must be real and would not have happened without the revenue from carbon credits. A project that would have gone ahead anyway does not earn credits.