Q101. Which specific global initiative aims to restore 350 million hectares of deforested and degraded land by 2030?
Environmental and Ecological Changes and Impact Assessment: RAS Prelims MCQs
168 RAS Prelims MCQs on environmental and ecological changes and impact assessment cover ecosystem concepts, pollution, climate and environmental law. Ecotones, decomposers, primary productivity, secondary pollutants, the greenhouse effect, the EIA Notification 2006, the Environment (Protection) Act 1986 and the Aravalli mining ban are asked as definitions, laws and statements.
Practice questions based on the RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the exam pattern but are not past-paper questions.
Showing 101–110 of 168 questions
Q102. Illegal logging is often driven by the high international demand for:
Explanation
The unauthorized cutting and removal of trees is often fueled by the high value placed on certain types of wood in the global market. These precious materials are highly sought after for making high-quality furniture, flooring, and other luxury goods. Because of the large profits involved, criminal groups often bypass environmental laws and exploit protected forest areas, leading to rapid habitat destruction and the loss of biodiversity.
Q103. How does deforestation contribute to the outbreak of zoonotic diseases?
Explanation
The destruction of natural habitats brings people into closer proximity with wild animals that they would otherwise rarely encounter. As forests are cleared for farming or development, the boundaries between human communities and wildlife become blurred. This increased contact provides more opportunities for pathogens to jump from animals to humans. Such events can lead to the outbreak of new infectious diseases that can spread rapidly through the global population.
Q104. The "Chipko Movement," originating in Uttarakhand, was primarily a grassroots movement for:
Explanation
A historic grassroots movement in northern India focused on protecting trees from being cut down by commercial interests. The participants, mostly women from local villages, used non-violent methods such as hugging the trunks to prevent loggers from using their saws. This action highlighted the importance of forests for the livelihoods of mountain communities and became a powerful symbol for environmental conservation and social justice around the world.
Q105. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is best defined as:
Explanation
Before a major project begins, a formal process is used to predict and evaluate the potential consequences for the surrounding environment. This study considers the likely impacts on air, water, soil, and the health of local communities. By identifying these issues early, developers can find ways to reduce or prevent harm. This assessment is a critical tool for ensuring that new developments are sustainable and socially responsible.
Q106. Regarding the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process in India, consider the following statements:
I. It is statutorily backed by the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
II. Public consultation is a mandatory component for all categories of projects.
III. Screening is the first step of the EIA process.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. It is statutorily backed by the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
II. Public consultation is a mandatory component for all categories of projects.
III. Screening is the first step of the EIA process.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
The legal framework for assessing the environmental effects of projects in India is based on a major national protection law. The process involves several mandatory stages, beginning with a decision on whether a full study is even required. While many projects involve gathering feedback from the public, some specific types are excused from this step. These assessments are essential for balancing the needs of development with environmental conservation.
Q107. In the Indian EIA framework, "Category A" projects require environmental clearance from:
Explanation
Projects that have the potential for significant environmental impact are classified into a specific group that requires a high level of scrutiny. For these developments, the final decision on whether they can proceed is made at the national level by the central government’s environmental authority. This ensures that large-scale industrial and infrastructure activities are evaluated according to rigorous standards that protect the interests of the entire country and its natural resources.
Q108. Which step of the EIA process determines the terms of reference and the specific environmental issues to be studied?
Explanation
After it is decided that an environmental study is necessary, a specific phase is used to define the boundaries and focus of the investigation. During this stage, experts identify the most important issues that need to be addressed and determine the methods that will be used to collect data. This ensures that the final report will cover all relevant concerns and provide a solid basis for making an informed decision.
Q109. What is the role of the Environmental Management Plan (EMP) within an EIA report?
Explanation
A critical part of an environmental report is a detailed plan that outlines the specific actions that will be taken to manage the project’s impact. This document describes the measures for preventing, reducing, and compensating for any negative effects identified during the assessment. It also includes details on how these actions will be monitored over time to ensure that the project remains in compliance with environmental standards and goals.
Q110. Under the EIA Notification 2006, which projects are exempt from the public consultation process?
Explanation
Under the EIA Notification 2006, Category B2 projects are exempt from public consultation, as they have less environmental impact.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 101 | (d) The Bonn Challenge |
| 102 | (b) Tropical timber and valuable hardwoods |
| 103 | (b) By increasing human and wildlife contact |
| 104 | (a) Forest conservation against commercial logging |
| 105 | (c) Evaluating impacts of a proposed project |
| 106 | (b) I and III only |
| 107 | (c) Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) |
| 108 | (b) Scoping |
| 109 | (d) To propose measures to mitigate impacts |
| 110 | (a) Category ‘B2’ projects |
Key facts from Environmental and Ecological Changes and Impact Assessment
- An ecosystem is made of interacting organisms and their physical environment; an ecotone is a zone of transition between ecosystems.
- Saprotrophs convert complex organic matter into simple substances; gross primary productivity is the rate at which producers create organic matter.
- Plants release water vapour through transpiration.
- Ground-level ozone is a secondary pollutant; CO, SO₂ and PM10 are primary pollutants.
- The greenhouse effect is the trapping of heat by atmospheric gases.
- Category B2 projects are exempt from public consultation under the EIA Notification 2006; the Supreme Court banned mining in the Aravalli range in Haryana and Rajasthan.
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on Environmental and Ecological Changes and Impact Assessment?
This page has 168 practice MCQs on Environmental and Ecological Changes and Impact Assessment (Health, Environment and Agriculture). Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
What is a secondary pollutant?
A pollutant that is not emitted directly but forms in the air from primary pollutants. Ground-level ozone is the standard example, formed when nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds react in sunlight.
What is an ecotone?
A zone of transition between two different ecosystems, such as the area between a forest and a grassland. It often has more species than either neighbour because it has species of both.
Which projects are exempt from public consultation under EIA 2006?
Category B2 projects, which have less environmental impact. Category A and B1 projects need public consultation as part of the clearance process, which is the main way local people are heard.