Environmental Science Quiz - India

The water component of the biosphere, encompassing all forms of water on, above, and below the Earth's surface, including oceans, lakes, rivers, groundwater, and ice.

An organism that lives at the bottom of a water body, such as a lake or ocean.

A type of forest characterized by the presence of hemlock, yew, and maple trees, typically found in cooler climates.

An organism that consumes primarily other animals, playing a crucial role in regulating prey populations.

A consumer that feeds on other consumers (secondary consumers), occupying the highest trophic level in an ecosystem.

The term 'ecosystem' refers to a defined unit of study, encompassing the interactions between living organisms and their non-living environment.

A non-renewable resource is a natural resource that cannot be replenished at a rate comparable to its consumption. Minerals are an example, as they take millions of years to form.

The zone in the ocean close to the shore, characterized by high species diversity and productivity due to abundant sunlight and nutrients.

The Deccan Peninsula covers the largest area in India, signifying its significant size and geographic importance.

The Western Ghats are recognized as a biodiversity hotspot in India, indicating their rich and diverse ecosystem.

Aesthetic value is an indirect use value of biodiversity, meaning it doesn't involve direct consumption but benefits from its beauty and enjoyment.

Atomic energy is a non-conventional source of energy, meaning it's derived from sources other than traditional fossil fuels.

The North-Western Himalaya is a suitable region for geothermal energy, indicating its potential for harnessing heat from the Earth's core.

Coal provides more than half of India's energy needs, making it a major energy source.

The Western Ghats are recognized as a hotspot for biodiversity, indicating their rich and diverse ecosystem.

The Sunderbans in West Bengal is a unique ecosystem and a biodiversity hotspot, known for its mangrove forests and diverse flora and fauna.

Physical treatment involves changing the physical properties of hazardous waste without altering its chemical composition. Conditioning involves altering the physical form of waste, like making it more solid or easier to handle.

Lagooning is a method of waste disposal where liquid hazardous waste is contained in large, shallow ponds. It's essentially storing waste in a controlled environment.

Digestion is a chemical process for breaking down wastes using high temperatures and pressure, often involving bacteria. This method aims to reduce the volume and toxicity of the waste.

Composting is a natural process of decomposing organic materials, like food scraps or yard waste, into a nutrient-rich soil amendment. This is not a suitable method for hazardous waste.

Underground disposal involves burying hazardous waste deep beneath the Earth's surface, hoping to isolate it from the environment.

Dumping at sea involves releasing hazardous waste into the ocean, often in specially designed containers

Incineration is a method of burning hazardous waste at high temperatures, aiming to break down the waste into ash and gases.

The IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) was established in 1988 to provide comprehensive assessments of climate change science, its impacts, and potential risks and solutions.

Article 48A of the Indian Constitution emphasizes the state's responsibility to protect and enhance the environment, ensuring the well-being of forests and wildlife.

The rise in population between 10,000 BC and 1800 AD was largely due to the agricultural revolution, which led to increased food production and a higher birth rate.

Schizophrenia, unlike thalassemia, hemophilia, and sickle cell anemia, is not solely determined by genetics. Its development is influenced by a complex interplay of genetic predisposition and environmental factors.

Atmospheric hazards encompass events related to weather conditions and atmospheric changes, such as heatwaves.

Geological hazards involve processes related to the Earth's crust, leading to events like landslides.

Biological hazards refer to threats posed by living organisms, such as pest invasions.

Hydrological hazards refer to threats caused by water, such as floods.

Fine particles in wastewater can be made to settle down by using caustic soda. Caustic soda, also known as sodium hydroxide, is a strong base that helps in flocculation, causing small suspended particles to clump together and settle.

Only 2.5% of the Earth's water is freshwater. This is further divided into surface water (like rivers and lakes) and groundwater. However, only about 1% of this freshwater is readily available for human use.

Manure is a fantastic soil amendment. It improves soil structure by adding organic matter, increasing its water retention capacity, and promoting the formation of stable aggregates. However, it doesn't decrease soil salinity.

Atomic energy, also known as nuclear energy, is non-conventional because it is reliant on nuclear fission or fusion reactions. It's different from conventional sources like hydropower (water), biomass (plants), and natural gas (fossil fuel).

The Bombay High region is the highest producer of mineral oil in India. Bombay High is an offshore oilfield located in the Arabian Sea.

As economic development progresses, per capita energy demand typically declines in the residential sector. This is due to efficiency improvements in appliances and increased adoption of energy-saving measures in homes.

Sludge gas, also known as biogas, is mainly composed of methane (CH4). It is produced by anaerobic digestion of organic waste. This gas is often used as a renewable energy source.

Sludge Gas, also known as biogas, is produced during the anaerobic digestion of organic matter. This process is performed by bacteria that decompose organic waste in the absence of oxygen, creating methane as a byproduct.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) was established in 1988. This United Nations body assesses the science related to climate change, addressing its impacts and potential risks, and suggesting adaptation and mitigation strategies.

CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) are not directly responsible for acid rain. Acid rain is primarily caused by the release of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides from burning fossil fuels, which react with water in the atmosphere to form sulfuric and nitric acids.

The National Mission for Hunger and Poverty Eradication is not part of India's Eight National Missions for climate change. The other seven National Missions are focused on addressing various climate change concerns, including sustainable development and resource management.

The Basel Convention primarily focuses on hazardous waste management. It aims to control international movements of hazardous waste, promote environmentally sound waste management, and ensure responsible disposal.

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) in India is a specialized body established for effective and expeditious disposal of cases relating to environmental issues. It aims to provide a swift and dedicated platform for addressing environmental concerns.

India's Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act was amended in 1987, which aimed to strengthen regulations and address evolving environmental challenges.

Methyl isocyanate was the toxic gas released from the Union Carbide plant in Bhopal, India, in 1984, resulting in a major industrial disaster.

Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is a primary pollutant. This means it is emitted directly from sources like burning fossil fuels, industrial processes, and volcanic activity.