10 UPSC Prelims-style questions on water hyacinth, invasive species, and related environmental terms:
1. Which of the following is an invasive alien species in India?
A. Water Hyacinth
B. Salicornia
C. Nymphaea
D. Lotus
Answer: A. Water Hyacinth
Explanation: Eichhornia crassipes (Water Hyacinth) is an invasive alien species introduced as an ornamental plant. Salicornia, Nymphaea, and Lotus are native or non-invasive species.
2. What is the primary ecological threat caused by water hyacinth?
A. Soil erosion
B. Blocking sunlight and depleting oxygen in water
C. Increasing river flow speed
D. Reducing water acidity
Answer: B. Blocking sunlight and depleting oxygen in water
Explanation: Dense mats prevent sunlight penetration and reduce dissolved oxygen, affecting aquatic life.
3. Vembanad Lake, often in news due to water hyacinth, is located in which state?
A. Tamil Nadu
B. Karnataka
C. Kerala
D. Odisha
Answer: C. Kerala
Explanation: Vembanad Lake is the largest lake in Kerala and a Ramsar site, heavily impacted by water hyacinth.
4. Which of the following conventions is related to wetland conservation?
A. Ramsar Convention
B. CITES
C. Montreal Protocol
D. Kyoto Protocol
Answer: A. Ramsar Convention
Explanation: The Ramsar Convention (1971) aims at conserving and sustainably using wetlands of international importance.
5. Prosopis juliflora, often mentioned in news, is an example of:
A. Native aquatic plant
B. Invasive alien species
C. Medicinal plant
D. Endangered species
Answer: B. Invasive alien species
Explanation: Prosopis juliflora is an invasive tree species spreading in arid regions of India, affecting native biodiversity.
6. Which of the following is a greenhouse gas released by decaying water hyacinth?
A. Carbon dioxide
B. Methane
C. Nitrous oxide
D. Ozone
Answer: B. Methane
Explanation: Methane released during decomposition of water hyacinth is over 25 times more potent than CO₂ in trapping heat.
7. Lantana camara in India is categorized as:
A. Endangered species
B. Invasive alien species
C. Aquatic plant
D. Medicinal herb
Answer: B. Invasive alien species
Explanation: Lantana camara is a terrestrial invasive species, widespread in forests, affecting native flora.
8. Which of the following strategies are used for managing water hyacinth?
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Mechanical removal
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Biological control
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Making handicrafts
A. 1 only
B. 1 and 2 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2, and 3
Answer: D. 1, 2, and 3
Explanation: Management includes mechanical removal, biological control (weevils), and utilizing hyacinth for handicrafts or biofuel.
9. Which Indian state has the Kuttanad region, often affected by water hyacinth?
A. Maharashtra
B. Kerala
C. West Bengal
D. Assam
Answer: B. Kerala
Explanation: Kuttanad, the “rice bowl of Kerala,” faces irrigation blockages and agricultural losses due to water hyacinth.
10. Which of the following statements about Ramsar Sites is/are correct?
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They are wetlands of international importance.
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India has over 50 Ramsar Sites.
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The Convention mandates the eradication of invasive species.
A. 1 only
B. 1 and 2 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2, and 3
Answer: B. 1 and 2 only
Explanation: Ramsar Sites are internationally important wetlands. India currently has 75 Ramsar Sites (as of 2024). The convention promotes conservation but does not mandate eradication of invasive species.
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