Q231. The "ozone hole" refers to a region of exceptionally depleted ozone primarily observed over:
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 231–240 of 662 questions
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Q232. Match List I with List II regarding ozone protection agreements:
| International Protocol/Amendment | Key Focus |
|---|---|
| A. Vienna Convention | i. Phase-down of Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) |
| B. Montreal Protocol | ii. Framework for protection of the ozone layer |
| C. Kigali Amendment | iii. Phase-out of ozone-depleting substances (ODS) |
Explanation
International efforts to protect the atmosphere have evolved through several key agreements. The initial framework established a commitment to cooperation and research. This was followed by a binding treaty to phase out the production of substances that directly destroy ozone molecules. More recently, an amendment was added to target other chemicals that, while safe for ozone, contribute significantly to the global warming problem.
Q233. Why was the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol deemed necessary?
Explanation
While the original agreement successfully addressed chemicals that were destroying the ozone layer, their replacements turned out to be extremely potent greenhouse gases. To prevent these substitutes from contributing to rapid global warming, an international amendment was adopted. This new regulation requires a gradual reduction in the use of these heat-trapping substances, helping to protect both the ozone layer and the global climate system.
Q234. Polar Stratospheric Clouds (PSCs) play a crucial role in ozone depletion over Antarctica by:
Explanation
During the dark polar winter, the temperature in the upper atmosphere can drop low enough for clouds to form in a region that is usually very dry. These clouds provide a solid surface where chemical reactions occur between stable reservoir molecules. When the sun returns in the spring, these reactions release highly reactive forms of chlorine, which then rapidly destroy ozone in a catastrophic cycle.
Q235. The thickness of the ozone layer is measured in which of the following units?
Explanation
Scientists use a specific unit to represent the total amount of ozone in a vertical column of air above a given location. It is defined as the thickness that the ozone would have if it were compressed into a pure layer at standard temperature and pressure. This measure allows for easy comparison of ozone levels across the globe and helps track the recovery of the protective layer.
Q236. Which of the following is an expected health consequence of a significantly depleted ozone layer?
Explanation
A significant decrease in the concentration of ozone in the upper atmosphere allows more high-energy radiation to reach the Earth’s surface. This increased exposure is directly linked to several serious human health issues. Most notably, it leads to higher incidences of DNA damage in skin cells and clouding of the lens in the eye. These conditions can result in chronic illness and loss of vision over time.
Q237. Desertification is formally defined by the UNCCD as land degradation in which specific areas?
Explanation
Land degradation in specific climate zones is a major global environmental challenge. This process occurs in regions where the amount of water lost through evaporation and plant usage exceeds the amount of rainfall received. These dry areas are particularly vulnerable to over-exploitation and shifting weather patterns. When the soil in these zones loses its productivity and biological potential, it is formally described as a type of desertification.
Q238. Which anthropogenic activity is the leading cause of desertification globally?
Explanation
Several human activities contribute to the loss of productive land in dry regions. The most significant factor worldwide is the pressure placed on vegetation by large numbers of domestic animals. When livestock eat more plants than can naturally regrow, the soil is left exposed to wind and water erosion. This disruption of the natural plant cover is the primary driver of the degradation seen in many arid lands.
Q239. The "Great Green Wall" is a monumental project aimed at combating desertification in which region?
Explanation
An ambitious project aims to restore millions of hectares of degraded land by planting a massive belt of trees and vegetation across a wide geographical area. This initiative is focused on a transition zone south of a major desert, where environmental conditions are increasingly harsh. By creating a living barrier, the project helps to improve soil health, provide local resources, and combat the southward expansion of drylands.
Q240. What is a common soil consequence of poor irrigation practices in arid areas that contributes to desertification?
Explanation
In arid environments, using too much water for farming can have unintended negative effects on the soil. When water is added to the ground, it can cause the water table to rise, bringing dissolved minerals to the surface. As the water eventually evaporates in the heat, these minerals are left behind. The resulting accumulation of salt makes the ground toxic to most crops, accelerating the degradation process.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 231 | (a) Antarctica |
| 232 | (c) A-ii, B-iii, C-i |
| 233 | (a) To target HFCs, which are potent GHGs |
| 234 | (d) Providing surfaces for chlorine release |
| 235 | (b) Dobson Units (DU) |
| 236 | (c) Higher rates of skin cancer and cataracts |
| 237 | (a) Arid, semi-arid, and dry sub-humid areas |
| 238 | (b) Overgrazing by livestock |
| 239 | (b) The Sahel region, Africa |
| 240 | (a) Soil salinization |
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.