Q241. Which UN convention specifically addresses the issue of desertification?
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.
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Q242. Match List I with List II regarding mechanisms against desertification:
| Control Measure | Mechanism against Desertification |
|---|---|
| A. Shelterbelts | i. Prevents soil erosion on steep slopes |
| B. Sand dune stabilization | ii. Rows of trees planted to reduce wind speed |
| C. Crop rotation | iii. Planting grasses to bind loose sand |
| D. Terracing | iv. Maintains soil fertility and structure over seasons |
Explanation
Several techniques are used to prevent and reverse the degradation of drylands. Planting rows of trees helps to slow down the wind and protect the soil from being blown away. On hillsides, building steps prevents water from washing away the topsoil. Using different crops in a sequence helps maintain nutrients, while specific methods are used to stop the movement of loose sand and stabilize the ground.
Q243. How does desertification impact the global climate?
Explanation
The loss of vegetation and soil health in dry regions has significant implications for the global atmosphere. Healthy soil and plants act as reservoirs for carbon, keeping it out of the air. When land becomes degraded, this stored carbon is released, primarily as a heat-trapping gas. This contribution to the greenhouse effect helps drive global warming, which can then create even more severe droughts in a dangerous cycle.
Q244. Which of the following states in India has the highest proportion of its geographical area under desertification/land degradation?
Explanation
Large areas of land in India are facing the threat of degradation due to both natural factors and human activities. The impact is most severe in a northern state that contains a vast arid region. Because of its climate and the high demand for limited resources, more than half of the land in this state is considered to be affected by the processes that lead to the loss of productivity.
Q245. Identify the incorrect statement regarding desertification.
Explanation
Desertification is a complex process of land degradation driven by climate change and human actions. It leads to the loss of plant life and a decrease in the land’s ability to produce food. However, it is important to understand that this phenomenon is not simply about the movement of existing deserts. Instead, it involves the gradual decline of productivity in various dryland areas that were previously fertile.
Q246. The concept of "Land Degradation Neutrality" (LDN) implies:
Explanation
A key global goal is to ensure that the total amount and quality of healthy land resources remain stable or increase over time. This concept focuses on balancing any new degradation with the restoration of land that has already been damaged. By maintaining the natural potential of the soil, societies can ensure food security and protect the essential services that ecosystems provide to all living beings on the planet.
Q247. Regarding deforestation, consider the following statements:
I. It alters local microclimates and reduces rainfall.
II. It is a major driver of biodiversity loss.
III. It decreases the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
IV. It exacerbates soil erosion and flooding.
V. Expansion of commercial agriculture is a leading cause.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. It alters local microclimates and reduces rainfall.
II. It is a major driver of biodiversity loss.
III. It decreases the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
IV. It exacerbates soil erosion and flooding.
V. Expansion of commercial agriculture is a leading cause.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
The large-scale removal of trees has profound effects on the environment at both local and global scales. It disrupts weather patterns, increases the risk of floods, and is a primary reason for the extinction of many species. Furthermore, instead of lowering the amount of carbon dioxide in the air, the loss of forests actually increases it, as the stored carbon is released during the clearing process.
Q248. "Slash-and-burn" agriculture, which contributes heavily to deforestation in tropical areas, is also known in India as:
Explanation
A traditional farming method involves clearing a patch of forest by cutting down trees and burning the remaining vegetation to fertilize the soil. After a few years of growing crops, the land is left to recover while the farmers move to a new area. While this practice worked when populations were small, it now contributes significantly to the permanent loss of forests and biodiversity in many regions.
Q249. The REDD+ initiative is a global effort primarily aimed at:
Explanation
An international mechanism was created to encourage developing nations to protect their forests as a way to combat global warming. This program provides financial incentives for countries to reduce the rates of tree clearing and degradation. By valuing the carbon stored in standing forests, the initiative aims to make conservation more economically attractive than activities that lead to the permanent loss of essential woodland ecosystems.
Q250. Deforestation directly affects the water cycle by:
Explanation
Forests play a vital role in moving water from the ground back into the air through their leaves. When trees are removed, this natural process is significantly reduced, leading to drier local conditions and a decrease in rainfall. Furthermore, the absence of a tree canopy and root systems means that less water is absorbed by the soil, which increases the speed of runoff and the frequency of floods.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 241 | (c) UNCCD |
| 242 | (d) A-ii, B-iii, C-iv, D-i |
| 243 | (c) It releases stored carbon from soil |
| 244 | (b) Rajasthan |
| 245 | (d) It refers primarily to the expansion of existing deserts into non-desert areas. |
| 246 | (a) Maintaining healthy land resources |
| 247 | (b) I, II, IV and V |
| 248 | (a) Jhum cultivation |
| 249 | (d) Reducing emissions from deforestation |
| 250 | (b) Reducing precipitation via evapotranspiration |
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.