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 301–310 of 662 questions
Browse Health, Environment and Agriculture chapters
RAS PrelimsHealth, Environment and Agriculture · Environmental and Ecological Changes and Impact Assessment
Q301. Given below are two statements, one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other as Reason (R): Assertion (A): The Indira Gandhi Canal Project has brought green revolution to western Rajasthan but also created environmental issues. Reason (R): Intensive canal irrigation without proper drainage has led to widespread waterlogging and soil salinity in the command area.
Explanation
A massive irrigation project has transformed large parts of a previously dry region, allowing for successful farming and economic growth. However, this progress has also brought new environmental challenges. Because the water is applied intensively to soil that does not drain well, it can lead to the ground becoming saturated and salty. This change makes it difficult for crops to grow and can eventually lead to the loss of productive land if not managed properly.
RAS PrelimsHealth, Environment and Agriculture · Environmental and Ecological Changes and Impact Assessment
Q302. Sambhar Lake, a critical ecosystem in Rajasthan, has faced severe ecological threats recently due to:
Explanation
A large and unique inland salt lake in western India is facing multiple environmental challenges. The intensive extraction of salt and the expansion of human settlements have disrupted the natural flow of water and harmed the local wildlife, particularly migratory birds. Additionally, the illegal occupation of surrounding land has reduced the size of the lake and its sensitive wetlands. These pressures threaten the long-term health of an ecosystem that is of international importance.
RAS PrelimsHealth, Environment and Agriculture · Environmental and Ecological Changes and Impact Assessment
Q303. Match List I with List II regarding Ramsar sites in India:
Ramsar Site in India
State
A. Keoladeo National Park
i. Kerala
B. Chilika Lake
ii. Manipur
C. Loktak Lake
iii. Odisha
D. Vembanad Kol Wetland
iv. Rajasthan
Explanation
India is home to many wetlands that are recognized for their global ecological importance. These sites are found in diverse landscapes, from the coastal regions of the south and east to the freshwater lakes in the mountains of the northeast and the bird sanctuaries in the dry northern plains. Each of these areas provides essential services such as water filtration, flood control, and habitat for a wide variety of plant and animal species.
RAS PrelimsHealth, Environment and Agriculture · Environmental and Ecological Changes and Impact Assessment
Q304. According to the Ramsar Convention, which of the following is NOT classified as a wetland?
Explanation
According to the international agreement for protecting sensitive water-dominated ecosystems, many different areas can be identified as important. This includes inland lakes, rivers, and marshes, as well as coastal areas like coral reefs. However, there is a specific limit for the depth of open ocean water that can be included. Any area where the water is deeper than six meters at low tide is generally not considered to be a wetland.
RAS PrelimsHealth, Environment and Agriculture · Environmental and Ecological Changes and Impact Assessment
Q305. The Montreux Record is a register of wetland sites on the List of Wetlands of International Importance where:
Explanation
As part of an international effort to protect significant wetlands, a specific list is maintained for sites that are facing serious environmental threats. These areas are identified because human activities or other factors have caused, or are likely to cause, a significant change in their natural ecological state. Being on this list allows for focused attention and resources to be directed toward restoring the health of these sensitive ecosystems and ensuring their survival.
RAS PrelimsHealth, Environment and Agriculture · Environmental and Ecological Changes and Impact Assessment
Q306. Which of the following Ramsar sites in India is famous for floating phumdis?
Explanation
A unique freshwater lake in northeastern India is famous for large masses of vegetation, soil, and organic matter that float on its surface. These natural structures, which can be thick enough to support houses and wildlife, are a critical part of the local ecosystem. The lake provides a habitat for a variety of species, including a rare and endangered type of deer that is only found in this specific area, making it a conservation site.
RAS PrelimsHealth, Environment and Agriculture · Environmental and Ecological Changes and Impact Assessment
Q307. Wetlands are often referred to as "Nature’s Kidneys" because they:
Explanation
Wetlands are often described by a term that reflects their vital role in maintaining the health of the environment. Much like a specific human organ, these areas act as a natural filtration system for the planet. As water moves through the dense vegetation and soil of a marsh or swamp, many harmful pollutants and sediments are trapped and broken down. This process ensures that the water that eventually flows out is much cleaner.
RAS PrelimsHealth, Environment and Agriculture · Environmental and Ecological Changes and Impact Assessment
Q308. Which day is celebrated globally as World Wetlands Day, commemorating the adoption of the Ramsar Convention?
Explanation
Every year, a special day is set aside to raise global awareness about the importance of wetlands for people and the planet. This event commemorates the anniversary of the adoption of the first international treaty for the conservation of these sensitive ecosystems. By celebrating this day, communities around the world can learn about the many benefits that wetlands provide, such as providing fresh water, protecting coastlines, and supporting an incredible variety of biodiversity.
RAS PrelimsHealth, Environment and Agriculture · Environmental and Ecological Changes and Impact Assessment
Q309. In Rajasthan, apart from Keoladeo National Park, which is the other recognized Ramsar site?
Explanation
In addition to a famous national park known for its bird life, another large and unique water body in western India is recognized for its international ecological significance. This inland salt lake is one of the largest in the country and provides a critical habitat for many species of migratory birds. Its inclusion on the global list of important wetlands highlights the need for careful management to protect its natural values from external pressures.
RAS PrelimsHealth, Environment and Agriculture · Environmental and Ecological Changes and Impact Assessment
Q310. Which unique ecosystem provides a breeding ground for fish, protects coastlines from storm surges, and is classified as a critical wetland?
Explanation
A specific type of forest grows in the brackish water along tropical coastlines, where the land meets the sea. These hardy trees have special roots that allow them to survive in salty conditions and low-oxygen soil. This unique ecosystem provides a nursery for many types of fish and shellfish and acts as a powerful natural shield against storms and large waves. Because of their many roles, these areas are considered to be critically important.
Answer key for these questions
Q
Correct answer
301
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
302
(d) Salt extraction and illegal encroachments
303
(c) A-iv, B-iii, C-ii, D-i
304
(b) Marine waters over six meters deep
305
(d) Likely changes in ecological character
306
(a) Loktak Lake
307
(c) Purify water by trapping pollutants
308
(a) 2nd February
309
(d) Sambhar Lake
310
(c) Mangroves
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.