Q191. Bioremediation is defined as:
Health, Environment and Agriculture: RAS Prelims MCQs
662 RAS Prelims practice MCQs on health, environment and agriculture are on this page, in 4 chapters. They cover human health, food, nutrition and public health programmes, environmental and ecological changes and impact assessment, biodiversity and conservation of natural resources, and agriculture, horticulture, forestry and animal husbandry in Rajasthan. Each question has an answer and an explanation.
Practice questions based on the RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the exam pattern but are not past-paper questions.
Showing 191–200 of 662 questions
Browse Health, Environment and Agriculture chapters
Q192. Which agricultural practice is a major contributor to soil pollution?
Explanation
Modern farming often relies heavily on the application of synthetic chemicals to control pests and boost crop yields. While these products can be effective in the short term, their excessive and improper use leads to the accumulation of toxic residues in the ground. These chemicals can harm beneficial soil organisms, disrupt natural nutrient cycles, and eventually leach into the local groundwater supplies.
Q193. Phytoremediation utilizes which of the following to clean up soil pollution?
Explanation
An innovative environmental cleanup technique uses the natural abilities of green vegetation to remove, transfer, or stabilize contaminants in the soil. These organisms can absorb heavy metals and other pollutants through their roots and either store them in their tissues or break them down.
Q194. Identify the incorrect statement regarding soil pollution.
Explanation
Soil pollution is a complex issue driven by various industrial and agricultural activities. While mining can introduce heavy metals and acid rain can change soil chemistry, not all additives are harmful. For instance, a specific carbon-rich material produced from organic waste is often used to improve soil health. This substance can actually help reduce toxicity by binding with pollutants and enhancing the soil’s structure.
Q195. Regarding soil remediation, consider the following statements:
I. Ex-situ remediation involves treating the contaminated soil at the site without excavation.
II. Soil washing is a physical/chemical remediation technique.
III. In-situ techniques are generally less expensive than ex-situ techniques.
IV. Thermal desorption uses heat to vaporize contaminants from soil.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. Ex-situ remediation involves treating the contaminated soil at the site without excavation.
II. Soil washing is a physical/chemical remediation technique.
III. In-situ techniques are generally less expensive than ex-situ techniques.
IV. Thermal desorption uses heat to vaporize contaminants from soil.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Techniques for cleaning contaminated ground are categorized by where the treatment takes place and the methods used. Physical processes like washing and thermal methods that vaporize toxins are common. Treating the soil directly in its original location is generally more economical and less disruptive than removing it for processing elsewhere. These various strategies are essential for restoring polluted land to a safe and productive state.
Q196. The excessive accumulation of which element in the soil leads to sodicity, causing poor soil structure?
Explanation
The physical structure of soil is heavily influenced by its chemical composition. When a specific alkali metal accumulates in high concentrations, it causes soil particles to disperse, leading to poor drainage and aeration. This condition makes the ground hard and difficult for roots to penetrate, which significantly hinders plant growth. Proper management often involves adding amendments like gypsum to displace the problematic element.
Q197. Which of the following is an example of an organochlorine pesticide known for persisting in soil?
Explanation
A notorious synthetic chemical once widely used in agriculture and disease control is known for its extreme persistence in the environment. This substance does not break down easily and can remain in the soil for decades. Because it accumulates in the fatty tissues of animals, it has caused significant harm to wildlife populations, leading to widespread bans on its use in many countries.
Q198. Solid waste dumping in open landfills most directly pollutes the soil and groundwater through the generation of:
Explanation
When solid waste is disposed of in open areas, it is exposed to rainwater that filters through the pile. This liquid picks up various dissolved and suspended contaminants from the decomposing trash, forming a highly polluted fluid. If not properly collected, this toxic mixture can seep into the underlying soil and eventually reach the groundwater, posing a serious threat to the local environment.
Q199. Vermicomposting is a process that:
Explanation
Recycling organic waste into a rich soil amendment can be accomplished through a biological process involving specific types of invertebrates. These creatures consume food scraps and other organic materials, breaking them down into a nutrient-dense compost. This method is highly efficient and can be done on both small and large scales, providing a sustainable way to manage waste and improve soil fertility naturally.
Q200. Microplastics are generally defined as plastic particles smaller than:
Explanation
Tiny pieces of plastic that contaminate the environment are defined by their maximum dimension. These particles are typically smaller than half a centimeter. They can originate from the breakdown of larger plastic items or be intentionally manufactured for use in various products. Because of their small size, they are easily ingested by a wide range of organisms, entering the food chain and causing harm.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 191 | (d) Use of living organisms to degrade contaminants |
| 192 | (a) Excessive use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers |
| 193 | (b) Plants |
| 194 | (b) Biochar application always increases the toxicity of agricultural soils. |
| 195 | (b) II, III and IV |
| 196 | (c) Sodium |
| 197 | (d) DDT |
| 198 | (c) Leachate |
| 199 | (b) Uses earthworms to convert organic waste |
| 200 | (b) 5 millimeters |
Key facts from Health, Environment and Agriculture
- The RPSC General Science syllabus includes human health and nutrition, environmental change, biodiversity and the agriculture of Rajasthan.
- Health questions pair a deficiency or a programme with its cause or target, for example iron with anaemia.
- Environment questions cover ecosystems, pollutants, laws and treaties, including carbon markets.
- Rajasthan agriculture questions deal with dryland farming, crops of the arid zones and the State’s agro-climatic zones.
- Science and technology, policies and defence are on the Science and Technology page.
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on Health, Environment and Agriculture?
This page has 662 practice MCQs on Health, Environment and Agriculture. Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
Which chapters does this set cover?
Four chapters: human health, food, nutrition and public health programmes; environmental and ecological changes and their impact assessment; biodiversity, conservation of natural resources and sustainable development; and agriculture, horticulture, forestry and animal husbandry in Rajasthan.
Are health, environment and agriculture part of the RAS Prelims syllabus?
Yes. The General Knowledge and General Science paper includes human health, nutrition, environment, biodiversity and the agriculture sector of Rajasthan, so these topics can be asked every year.
How can I revise this part of the syllabus?
Make short lists of deficiency diseases, pollutants, laws and treaties, and Rajasthan crops and zones. Attempt each chapter, read the explanations of the misses and revisit the lists after a few days.