Q521. Which of the following statements regarding the global significance of Amazon deforestation is correct?
World Geography: RAS Prelims MCQs
553 RAS Prelims practice MCQs on world geography are on this page, in 7 chapters. They cover physical landforms, major rivers and lakes, natural vegetation and biomes, world agriculture, industrial regions, the transport network and the main environmental issues: desertification, deforestation, climate change and ozone depletion. Each question has an answer and an explanation, in the formats the exam uses.
Practice questions based on the RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the exam pattern but are not past-paper questions.
Showing 521–530 of 553 questions
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Q522. Consider the following statements regarding the consequences of deforestation:
I. It disrupts the local hydrological cycle, often leading to reduced precipitation in the area.
II. It increases the albedo of the cleared land, affecting local energy balances.
III. It results in an immediate increase in the amount of organic carbon securely stored in the soil.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. It disrupts the local hydrological cycle, often leading to reduced precipitation in the area.
II. It increases the albedo of the cleared land, affecting local energy balances.
III. It results in an immediate increase in the amount of organic carbon securely stored in the soil.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Deforestation significantly alters local environments by reducing evapotranspiration, which can lead to lower rainfall. It also typically increases surface albedo, as cleared land reflects more sunlight than dark forest canopies. Contrary to increasing soil carbon, the removal of vegetation and subsequent soil disturbance usually leads to a rapid loss of organic carbon. This happens as the soil organic matter decomposes more quickly.
Q523. What is the chemical formula of stratospheric ozone, and how is it naturally formed?
Explanation
Stratospheric ozone has the chemical formula O 3 . It forms naturally through a process where high-energy ultraviolet radiation splits diatomic oxygen molecules into individual atoms. These highly reactive oxygen atoms then collide and bond with other oxygen molecules to create triatomic ozone. This continuous cycle of creation and destruction maintains a steady-state concentration of ozone, which filters harmful UV radiation from reaching Earth.
Q524. Consider the following statements regarding climate change feedbacks:
Statement I: As global temperatures rise, permafrost in the Arctic regions begins to thaw.
Statement II: Thawing permafrost primarily absorbs methane from the atmosphere, creating a negative feedback loop that cools the planet.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Statement I: As global temperatures rise, permafrost in the Arctic regions begins to thaw.
Statement II: Thawing permafrost primarily absorbs methane from the atmosphere, creating a negative feedback loop that cools the planet.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Rising global temperatures cause Arctic permafrost to thaw, which is an observed physical process. However, this thawing releases trapped greenhouse gases like methane and carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Because these gases trap more heat, they accelerate further warming, creating a positive feedback loop rather than a cooling effect. This mechanism is a major concern for future climate stability and warming rates.
Q525. Consider the following statements based on the key findings of recent IPCC reports:
I. Human activities are unequivocally responsible for the observed warming of the atmosphere, ocean, and land.
II. Global surface temperature will continue to increase until at least mid-century under all assessed emission scenarios.
III. Limiting human-induced global warming requires achieving at least net zero CO 2 emissions.
IV. Climate change is already affecting many weather and climate extremes in every region across the globe.
V. Sea level rise is predicted to completely reverse and drop to pre-industrial levels by 2100.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are incorrect?
I. Human activities are unequivocally responsible for the observed warming of the atmosphere, ocean, and land.
II. Global surface temperature will continue to increase until at least mid-century under all assessed emission scenarios.
III. Limiting human-induced global warming requires achieving at least net zero CO 2 emissions.
IV. Climate change is already affecting many weather and climate extremes in every region across the globe.
V. Sea level rise is predicted to completely reverse and drop to pre-industrial levels by 2100.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are incorrect?
Explanation
Recent IPCC reports confirm that human activities are responsible for global warming and that temperatures will rise through mid-century. They also emphasize that reaching net zero CO 2 is necessary to stabilize the climate. However, sea-level rise is a long-term process that is projected to continue for centuries due to ongoing ocean warming and ice melt, rather than reversing by 2100.
Q526. Which of the following is NOT an effective strategy for combating desertification?
Explanation
Combating desertification requires sustainable land management practices like agroforestry, terracing, and rotational grazing. These methods help maintain soil structure, moisture, and fertility. In contrast, intensive monoculture without rest periods depletes soil nutrients and increases vulnerability to erosion. Such practices accelerate land degradation and desertification. Effective strategies instead focus on diversifying crops and allowing land to recover through natural or managed cycles.
Q527. Match List-I with List-II concerning global environmental treaties and their adoption years:
Select the correct answer from the codes given below:
| Treaty/Agreement | Adoption Year |
|---|---|
| A. UNFCCC | i. 1987 |
| B. UNCCD | ii. 1992 |
| C. Montreal Protocol | iii. 1994 |
| D. Paris Agreement | iv. 2015 |
Explanation
Global environmental governance has seen the adoption of several landmark treaties over the decades. The Montreal Protocol was established in 1987 to protect the ozone layer. The UNFCCC followed in 1992, providing a framework for climate action. The UNCCD was adopted in 1994 to address desertification. Most recently, the Paris Agreement was reached in 2015, setting new targets for global temperature limits.
Q528. Which of the following represents the most accurate description of how the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) develops its assessment reports?
Explanation
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change does not carry out its own scientific research. Instead, hundreds of experts from around the world volunteer to review and synthesize existing peer-reviewed literature. This process ensures that its assessment reports reflect the current global scientific consensus on climate change. These summaries provide policymakers with the most reliable and comprehensive information available for decision-making.
Q529. Given below are two statements, one labelled as
Assertion (A) and the other as Reason (R):
Assertion (A): Widespread deforestation in the Amazon basin can lead to a significant decline in regional rainfall.
Reason (R): Deforestation reduces the number of trees available to undergo evapotranspiration, thereby cutting off a crucial source of moisture for the atmosphere.
Select the correct answer from the codes given below:
Assertion (A) and the other as Reason (R):
Assertion (A): Widespread deforestation in the Amazon basin can lead to a significant decline in regional rainfall.
Reason (R): Deforestation reduces the number of trees available to undergo evapotranspiration, thereby cutting off a crucial source of moisture for the atmosphere.
Select the correct answer from the codes given below:
Explanation
Trees in the Amazon basin play a critical role in the regional water cycle by recycling moisture through evapotranspiration. This process supplies a large portion of the water needed for rainfall in the area. When forests are removed, this moisture source is significantly reduced, leading to a decline in precipitation. This feedback loop can potentially trigger a transition toward drier, savanna-like conditions.
Q530. Which of the following statements regarding greenhouse gases is INCORRECT?
Explanation
Carbon dioxide is the main gas emitted by humans, and methane is more potent despite its shorter life. However, nitrous oxide emissions are primarily linked to agricultural activities, specifically the use of synthetic nitrogen fertilizers. Refrigeration systems are historically associated with ozone-depleting substances like chlorofluorocarbons and modern hydrofluorocarbons. Correctly identifying these sources is vital for designing effective environmental policies and emission reductions.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 521 | (d) The Amazon holds about 10% of global biodiversity, which is severely threatened by habitat loss. |
| 522 | (a) I and II only |
| 523 | (d) O 3 ; formed when UV light splits O 2 molecules, which then combine with unbroken O 2 . |
| 524 | (c) Statement I is correct, but Statement II is incorrect. |
| 525 | (b) V only |
| 526 | (b) Promoting intensive monoculture farming without fallow periods |
| 527 | (a) A-ii, B-iii, C-i, D-iv |
| 528 | (c) It synthesizes published scientific papers to summarize climate drivers and potential impacts. |
| 529 | (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. |
| 530 | (c) Nitrous oxide emissions are predominantly associated with the cooling systems of older refrigerators. |
Key facts from World Geography
- The RPSC syllabus for world geography lists mountains, plateaus, plains and deserts, major rivers and lakes, natural vegetation, agriculture, industrial regions, transport and environmental issues.
- Questions ask for the location of a feature: where a range lies, where a river ends, which country has an industrial region.
- Statement and sequence questions are common, for example the order of mountain ranges or of vegetation layers.
- Environmental issues are asked through treaties and dates, such as the Montreal Protocol, the IPCC and the Paris Agreement.
- Indian and Rajasthan geography are on their own pages, each with its own chapters.
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on World Geography?
This page has 553 practice MCQs on World Geography. Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
Which chapters does the world geography set cover?
Seven chapters: physical landforms (mountains, plateaus, plains and deserts), major rivers and lakes, natural vegetation and biomes, world agriculture, major industrial regions, the world transport network, and environmental issues including desertification, deforestation, climate change and ozone depletion.
Is world geography part of the RAS Prelims syllabus?
Yes. The RPSC syllabus has a Geography of World and India section that lists physical aspects, rivers and lakes, natural vegetation, agriculture, industrial regions, transport and environmental issues for the world, followed by India and Rajasthan.
How can I revise world geography quickly?
Use an atlas alongside the questions. Attempt each chapter, read the explanation for every miss and mark the place on the map. Make short lists of ranges, rivers and industrial regions with their countries, and revise them over several days.