UPSC Prelims Questions: Water Hyacinth & Interdisciplinary Environmental Focus
1. Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) is native to:
A. Africa
B. South America
C. Southeast Asia
D. North America
Answer: B. South America
Explanation: Water hyacinth is native to the Amazon basin and was introduced to India as an ornamental plant.
2. What ecological problem is caused by dense mats of water hyacinth?
A. Soil salinity
B. Eutrophication and oxygen depletion
C. Desertification
D. Flood prevention
Answer: B. Eutrophication and oxygen depletion
Explanation: Dense growth blocks sunlight, reduces photosynthesis in water, and oxygen levels drop, harming aquatic fauna.
3. Which of the following invasive species affect India’s wetlands?
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Water Hyacinth
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Eichhornia crassipes
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Lantana camara
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Prosopis juliflora
A. 1 and 3 only
B. 1, 2, and 3 only
C. 1, 2, 3, and 4
D. 2 and 4 only
Answer: B. 1, 2, and 3 only
Explanation: Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) and Lantana affect wetland biodiversity; Prosopis juliflora mainly affects dryland ecosystems.
4. Which Indian state’s rice bowl is most affected by water hyacinth?
A. Punjab
B. Kerala
C. West Bengal
D. Assam
Answer: B. Kerala
Explanation: Kuttanad region in Kerala is affected as water hyacinth blocks irrigation channels and affects paddy cultivation.
5. Which of the following is a Ramsar site affected by water hyacinth?
A. Chilika Lake
B. Vembanad Lake
C. Loktak Lake
D. Dal Lake
Answer: B. Vembanad Lake
Explanation: Vembanad Lake in Kerala, a Ramsar site, is heavily affected by water hyacinth growth.
6. Which greenhouse gas is released during water hyacinth decomposition?
A. Carbon dioxide
B. Methane
C. Nitrous oxide
D. Sulfur hexafluoride
Answer: B. Methane
Explanation: Methane is produced during anaerobic decomposition and is over 25 times more potent than CO₂ in trapping heat.
7. Prosopis juliflora is classified as:
A. Endangered species
B. Invasive alien species
C. Native aquatic plant
D. Medicinal plant
Answer: B. Invasive alien species
Explanation: Prosopis juliflora spreads rapidly in arid regions, outcompeting native plants.
8. Which of the following is an international treaty for wetland conservation?
A. Ramsar Convention
B. CITES
C. Montreal Protocol
D. UNFCCC
Answer: A. Ramsar Convention
Explanation: Signed in 1971, it aims to conserve wetlands of international importance.
9. Which strategy is NOT used to manage water hyacinth?
A. Mechanical removal
B. Introduction of weevils as biological control
C. Using it for handicrafts
D. Fertilizer application to accelerate growth
Answer: D. Fertilizer application to accelerate growth
Explanation: Fertilizer increases hyacinth growth and worsens the problem; other methods reduce its impact.
10. Which Ministry is primarily responsible for wetland management in India?
A. Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC)
B. Ministry of Agriculture
C. Ministry of Water Resources
D. Ministry of Rural Development
Answer: A. Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC)
Explanation: MoEFCC manages policies for biodiversity, wetlands, and invasive species.
11. Lantana camara is an invasive species mainly affecting:
A. Wetlands
B. Forests
C. Coastal ecosystems
D. Alpine regions
Answer: B. Forests
Explanation: Lantana invades forest ecosystems, affecting native flora.
12. Which of the following are considered terrestrial invasive alien species?
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Prosopis juliflora
-
Lantana camara
-
Water Hyacinth
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. All of the above
Answer: A. 1 and 2 only
Explanation: Water hyacinth is aquatic; the other two are terrestrial invasive species.
13. Which government scheme promotes bio-resource utilization including invasive species?
A. National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP)
B. Swachh Bharat Mission
C. Digital India
D. National Health Mission
Answer: A. National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP)
Explanation: NBAP promotes sustainable use of biodiversity, including converting invasive species into bio-products.
14. Which of the following invasive species are aquatic in India?
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Water Hyacinth
-
Salvinia molesta
-
Eichhornia crassipes
A. 1 only
B. 1 and 2 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2, and 3
Answer: D. 1, 2, and 3
Explanation: All listed species are invasive aquatic plants affecting freshwater ecosystems.
15. Which of the following is a renewable utilization of water hyacinth?
A. Biogas production
B. Compost making
C. Handicrafts and furniture
D. All of the above
Answer: D. All of the above
Explanation: Communities use hyacinth for biofuel, compost, and handicrafts, turning a pest into a resource.
16. Which of the following environmental impacts are caused by invasive species?
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Loss of native biodiversity
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Alteration of nutrient cycling
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Spread of pathogens
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1 and 3 only
C. All of the above
D. None of the above
Answer: C. All of the above
Explanation: Invasive species disrupt ecosystems, spread diseases, and alter nutrient dynamics.
17. Which of the following is true about Ramsar Sites in India?
A. India has over 75 Ramsar Sites
B. Vembanad Lake is one of them
C. They are designated under the Ramsar Convention
D. All of the above
Answer: D. All of the above
Explanation: All statements are correct as per current status (2024).
18. Which organization is involved in wetland research and management at the global level?
A. Wetlands International
B. WWF
C. IUCN
D. UNEP
Answer: A. Wetlands International
Explanation: Wetlands International works on wetland conservation and management worldwide.
19. What is the impact of water hyacinth on fish populations?
A. Provides breeding grounds
B. Increases oxygen, helping fish thrive
C. Blocks sunlight and suffocates aquatic life
D. None of the above
Answer: C. Blocks sunlight and suffocates aquatic life
Explanation: Dense mats prevent sunlight penetration, reducing oxygen and affecting fish nursery areas.
20. Which of the following are government initiatives to control invasive species?
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National Biodiversity Authority (NBA)
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National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC)
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State-level water hyacinth removal drives
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1 and 3 only
C. All of the above
D. 2 and 3 only
Answer: C. All of the above
Explanation: NBA regulates biodiversity, NAPCC promotes climate-resilient ecosystems, and states conduct local removal drives.
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