Q20. Which mineral extraction site in Jharkhand is particularly associated with radiation concerns?
[JPSC CCE Prelims – GS Paper II (2017)]
(A) Jadugora
(B) Ghatshila
(C) Jharia
(D) Chiraiya
Answer: (A) Jadugora
Explanation: Jadugora is known for uranium mining. Naturally occurring radionuclides and mine waste require monitoring and containment to manage possible radiation exposure pathways for workers and nearby communities.
2016
Q19. Which initiative is closely related to the term “Intended Nationally Determined Contributions”?
[UPSC CSE Prelims GS Paper I (2016)]
(A) UNFCCC climate negotiations
(B) Ramsar Convention
(C) Montreal ozone protocol alone
(D) Antarctic Treaty
Answer: (A) UNFCCC climate negotiations
Explanation: Intended Nationally Determined Contributions were countries’ pledged climate actions ahead of the Paris climate agreement. The approach recognises nationally determined efforts within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change rather than a fixed allocation imposed uniformly on every state.
Q18. Which Indian region was the subject of reports prepared by the Gadgil and Kasturirangan expert panels?
[UPSC CSE Prelims GS Paper I (2016)]
(A) Ecological protection of the Western Ghats
(B) Glacier retreat in the Alps
(C) The Krishna water tribunal
(D) Desert irrigation zoning
Answer: (A) Ecological protection of the Western Ghats
Explanation: The two expert committees examined ecologically sensitive areas in the Western Ghats and recommended differing approaches to conservation and development regulation. Their proposals became central to discussions about biodiversity, livelihoods and land-use restrictions.
Q17. When was the Jharkhand Action Plan on Climate Change published?
[JPSC CCE Prelims – GS Paper II (2016)]
(A) 2013
(B) 2014
(C) 2015
(D) 2011
Answer: (A) 2013
Explanation: The cited JPSC 2016 question distinguishes the action plan’s publication year, 2013, from later documents that refer to 2014 updates and assessments. Its purpose is to guide adaptation and mitigation across Jharkhand sectors.
2015
Q16. Which definition best describes an ecosystem?
[UPSC CSE Prelims GS Paper I (2015)]
(A) A community of interacting organisms
(B) The Earth zone inhabited by life
(C) An organism community plus its living environment
(D) Only the flora and fauna of a geographical area
Answer: (C) An organism community plus its living environment
Explanation: An ecosystem includes living communities, non-living components and energy or nutrient exchanges between them. Sunlight, soil, water and climate shape interactions, so a definition restricted to organisms alone is incomplete.
Q15. Which national park is particularly known for a floating mat of vegetation over a wetland?
[UPSC CSE Prelims GS Paper I (2015)]
(A) Bhitarkanika National Park
(B) Keibul Lamjao National Park
(C) Keoladeo Ghana National Park
(D) Sultanpur National Park
Answer: (B) Keibul Lamjao National Park
Explanation: Keibul Lamjao in Manipur is famous for floating phumdi vegetation in Loktak Lake and as a habitat of the endangered Sangai deer. Its wetland character is distinctive among India’s national parks.
2014
Q14. Which organisms form the classic lichen symbiosis?
[UPSC CSE Prelims GS Paper I (2014)]
(A) Algae and bacteria
(B) Algae and fungi
(C) Bacteria and fungi
(D) Fungi and mosses
Answer: (B) Algae and fungi
Explanation: Lichens consist of a fungal partner associated with a photosynthetic alga or cyanobacterium. The partners together tolerate harsh exposed surfaces and can initiate ecological succession on bare rock by contributing to weathering and soil development.
Q13. Which sequence is a proper marine food chain?
[UPSC CSE Prelims GS Paper I (2014)]
(A) Diatoms → Crustaceans → Herrings
(B) Crustaceans → Diatoms → Herrings
(C) Diatoms → Herrings → Crustaceans
(D) Crustaceans → Herrings → Diatoms
Answer: (A) Diatoms → Crustaceans → Herrings
Explanation: Diatoms photosynthesise and act as producers. Small crustaceans graze on phytoplankton, and herring can consume those zooplankton. The sequence correctly traces food energy from producer to successive consumers.
Q12. Which processes add atmospheric carbon dioxide: volcanic activity, respiration, photosynthesis and decomposition?
[UPSC CSE Prelims GS Paper I (2014)]
(A) Volcanic activity and photosynthesis
(B) Respiration only
(C) Volcanism, respiration and decomposition
(D) All four
Answer: (C) Volcanism, respiration and decomposition
Explanation: Volcanoes emit carbon dioxide, cellular respiration releases it, and decomposers return carbon from dead organic matter. Photosynthesis usually withdraws carbon dioxide from the atmosphere to make organic compounds, so it is excluded.
2013
Q11. What ecological term includes both an organism’s occupied space and its functional role?
[UPSC CSE Prelims GS Paper I (2013)]
(A) Ecotone
(B) Ecological niche
(C) Habitat
(D) Home range
Answer: (B) Ecological niche
Explanation: A niche describes resource use, trophic relationships, environmental tolerances and ecological functions, not merely a location. Habitat refers more narrowly to where an organism lives; an ecotone is a transition between communities.
