Q61. ‘Nationally Determined Contributions’ (NDCs) are a key element of which international agreement?
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 61–70 of 168 questions
Q62. Which of the following is considered an adaptation measure rather than a mitigation measure in climate change?
Explanation
While many actions focus on reducing the causes of climate change, others are designed to help communities cope with the inevitable effects. For example, building infrastructure to protect coastal areas from rising sea levels is a practical way to manage risk. Unlike shifting to renewable energy or planting trees, these physical interventions directly address the consequences of a warmer world and shifting weather patterns.
Q63. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) was established by:
Explanation
A leading international body for the assessment of climate change was created through the collaboration of two major global organizations. One focused on environmental issues and the other on weather and climate patterns. Their goal was to provide policymakers with regular scientific assessments regarding the physical basis of climate change, its potential impacts, and various options for mitigation and adaptation strategies worldwide.
Q64. Regarding the impacts of climate change, consider the following statements:
I. It leads to the shifting of climatic zones and altered rainfall patterns.
II. It results in the global decrease of sea levels.
III. It increases the frequency of extreme weather events like hurricanes and droughts.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. It leads to the shifting of climatic zones and altered rainfall patterns.
II. It results in the global decrease of sea levels.
III. It increases the frequency of extreme weather events like hurricanes and droughts.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
A warming planet leads to numerous significant alterations in the Earth’s systems. These include changes in where different climates are found and how much rain falls in various regions. Furthermore, the intensity and frequency of severe weather events like powerful storms and prolonged dry spells are increasing. However, instead of falling, the levels of the world’s oceans are actually rising due to melting ice.
Q65. What does "Net Zero" emission mean in the context of climate change?
Explanation
Achieving a balance between the amount of greenhouse gases produced and the amount removed from the atmosphere is a critical environmental goal. This state does not mean all emissions must stop completely, but rather that any remaining releases are offset by natural or technological processes that capture and store the gases. This approach is seen as essential for stabilizing the global climate system.
Q66. Ocean acidification, often called the "evil twin" of climate change, is caused by:
Explanation
As human activities increase the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, a significant portion of this gas is absorbed by the world’s oceans. When this gas dissolves in seawater, it undergoes a chemical reaction that increases the water’s acidity. This change makes it difficult for many marine organisms, such as corals and shellfish, to build their shells and skeletal structures.
Q67. Which of the following represents the odd one out regarding India’s declared climate targets (Panchamrit) at COP26?
Explanation
During a major climate summit, India announced a set of five ambitious targets to address global warming. These goals include significantly increasing renewable energy capacity and reducing total carbon emissions by the end of the decade. While the nation has committed to achieving a balance between emissions and removals, the specific target year for this milestone is set later than for many other countries.
Q68. The greenhouse effect refers to:
Explanation
The greenhouse effect is the trapping of heat by atmospheric gases such as carbon dioxide, methane and water vapour, which keeps the Earth warm.
Q69. Which of the following greenhouse gases has the highest Global Warming Potential (GWP) per molecule?
Explanation
Different gases vary in their ability to trap heat and their lifespan in the atmosphere. One specific industrial gas is known for being extremely effective at absorbing radiation, making it thousands of times more potent than carbon dioxide on a molecule-for-molecule basis. Because it is very stable and stays in the air for thousands of years, even small amounts contribute significantly to long-term warming.
Q70. Consider the following greenhouse gases and their contribution to the natural greenhouse effect:
A. Methane
B. Water vapor
C. Carbon dioxide
Which of the following represents the correct sequence in decreasing order of overall contribution?
A. Methane
B. Water vapor
C. Carbon dioxide
Which of the following represents the correct sequence in decreasing order of overall contribution?
Explanation
Several different substances contribute to the natural warming of the planet. The most significant contributor by far is the gas that forms clouds and humidity. This is followed by a gas released through both natural and human activities like burning fuels. Other potent gases exist in much smaller concentrations but still play a role in the complex interactions that maintain the Earth’s temperature.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 61 | (d) Paris Agreement |
| 62 | (c) Building sea walls to protect coasts |
| 63 | (b) UNEP and WMO |
| 64 | (b) I and III only |
| 65 | (a) Balancing emissions with gas removal |
| 66 | (c) Absorption of carbon dioxide by oceans |
| 67 | (a) Achieve the target of Net Zero by 2050 |
| 68 | (d) Trapping of heat by atmospheric gases |
| 69 | (b) Sulfur hexafluoride |
| 70 | (a) B, C, A |
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.