UPSC Prelims 2011 Analysis

Explanation

Marine upwelling zones are regions where deep, cold water rises towards the surface. This upwelling water is rich in nutrients that "fertilize" the surface waters, promoting the growth of phytoplankton, which forms the base of the marine food chain. Therefore, statement 2 is correct.

However, upwelling does not necessarily bring decomposer microorganisms or bottom-dwelling organisms to the surface. Decomposer microorganisms are found throughout the water column, not just in deep waters, and bottom-dwelling organisms are typically adapted to life at the seafloor and do not rise to the surface. Therefore, statements 1 and 3 are not correct.

Explanation

When coal is burned in thermal power plants, it releases several types of emissions. One of the primary emissions is Carbon dioxide (CO2), which is a result of the combustion of the carbon present in the coal. In addition to this, the combustion process also results in the formation of Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx) and Oxides of Sulphur (SOx). These are formed due to the reaction of nitrogen and sulphur present in the coal with oxygen in the air. Therefore, all three - Carbon dioxide, Oxides of Nitrogen, and Oxides of Sulphur - are emissions from coal combustion at thermal power plants.

Explanation

Soil salinization occurs when water-soluble salts accumulate in the soil to a level that impacts on agricultural production, environmental health, and economics.

• Salt at higher level causes soil aggregates to break down, collapsing soil pores and reducing the movement of water and air. This makes soil impermeable.
• In the early stages, salinity affects the metabolism of soil organisms and reduces soil productivity, but in advanced stages it destroys all vegetation and other organisms living in the soil, consequently transforming fertile and productive land into barren and desertified lands.

Explanation

Bioasphalt is an asphalt alternative made from non-petroleum based renewable resources. (Asphalt or bitumen is a sticky, black and highly viscous liquid or semi-solid form of petroleum.)

These sources include

• sugar, molasses and rice, corn and potato starches
• natural tree and gum resins
• natural latex rubber and vegetable oils
• lignin, cellulose
• palm oil waste, coconut waste, peanut oil waste, canola oil waste
• dried sewage effluent and so on.

It is eco-friendly and hence used for surfacing of roads.

Explanation

One of the significant processes that remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere is photosynthesis by phytoplankton in the oceans. Phytoplankton, through photosynthesis, absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and convert it into organic carbon, which can then be stored in the ocean or passed through the marine food web.

Carbon dioxide does not typically escape into the outer stratosphere as a mechanism to reduce its concentration in the atmosphere. While trapping of air in the polar ice caps may occur, it is not a significant process for reducing the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

Explanation

Nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus from agricultural run-off, sewage, and industrial waste can feed algal blooms, leading to their increase.

The monsoon brings heavy rains that wash more nutrients from the land into the sea, further contributing to nutrient enrichment of coastal waters and stimulating algal blooms.

Upwelling brings nutrient-rich cold water from the deep sea to the surface. These nutrients can fuel the growth of algae, leading to blooms. While upwelling is a natural process, its effects can exacerbate the conditions that lead to harmful algal blooms when combined with excessive nutrient levels from human activities.

Therefore, all three factors mentioned in the options can contribute to the increase in harmful algal blooms in the seawaters of India.

Explanation

The "Red Data Book" published by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) is a comprehensive inventory of the global conservation status of plant and animal species. It primarily contains lists of threatened plant and animal species.

It does not list endemic species present in biodiversity hotspots or protected sites for conservation of nature and natural resources in various countries.

Therefore, the correct answer is that the Red Data Book contains lists of threatened plant and animal species only.

Explanation

The Himalayan Range is indeed very rich in species diversity. This is primarily due to the fact that it is a confluence of different biogeographical zones. Each of these zones has its unique features, which contribute to the differences in climate conditions. These varying climate conditions, in turn, support a wide variety of plants and animals, leading to high species diversity.

While high rainfall, absence of exotic and invasive species, and less human interference can contribute to species diversity, they are not the primary reasons for the high species diversity in the Himalayan Range.

Therefore, the most appropriate reason is that the Himalayan Range is a confluence of different biogeographical zones.

Explanation

The formation of the ozone hole over the Antarctic is primarily due to the presence of stratospheric clouds that form in the extremely cold Antarctic winter. These clouds provide a surface for chlorine and bromine compounds to convert into their active forms, which can then rapidly destroy ozone molecules.

The polar front isolates the Antarctic stratosphere, allowing these reactions to proceed more extensively.

The chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which are man-made chemicals, release chlorine atoms when they are broken down by UV light, leading to the depletion of the ozone layer. This process is particularly intense in the Antarctic spring (August to October), leading to the formation of the ozone hole.

Explanation

Mangroves function as a safety hedge against coastal calamities like cyclones and tsunamis due to their unique adaptations. Their extensive root systems help anchor them firmly in the soil, preventing them from being uprooted by strong winds and tides.

This characteristic makes them an excellent natural barrier that can help reduce the impact of such disasters on coastal communities.

Explanation

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) indeed use living organisms, such as bacteria or algae, as catalysts to generate electricity from certain substrates. These microorganisms break down organic matter and transfer electrons to an electrode, creating an electric current. While MFCs primarily use organic substrates for electricity generation, they may also utilize some inorganic materials, but this is less common. MFCs can indeed be installed in wastewater treatment plants to cleanse water through microbial degradation of organic pollutants, while simultaneously producing electricity. This dual functionality makes them a sustainable source of energy.

Explanation

The Indian wild ass, also known as the khur, is native to the sandy and saline deserts of India. This animal has adapted to the harsh conditions of its habitat, which includes sandy and saline areas where vegetation is sparse. One of the main threats to the existence of the Indian wild ass is the destruction of its habitat. The other options, Indian wild buffalo, Indian wild boar, and Indian gazelle, are not specifically adapted to sandy and saline habitats.

Explanation

To qualify as a biodiversity hotspot, a region must meet two strict criteria

• It must have at least 1,500 vascular plants as endemics which is to say, it must have a high percentage of plant life found nowhere else on the planet. A hotspot, in other words, is irreplaceable.

• It must have 30% or less of its original natural vegetation. In other words, it must be threatened.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct. CFLs produce light through the ionization of mercury vapor which, when it collides with the phosphor coating of the bulb, generates visible light. On the other hand, LED lamps produce light using semiconductor material.

Statement 2 is incorrect. The average lifespan of an LED lamp is much longer than that of a CFL. While the lifespan of a CFL is around 8,000-10,000 hours, an LED lamp can last up to 50,000 hours.

Statement 3 is correct. LED lamps are more energy-efficient compared to CFLs. Despite their higher initial cost, LED bulbs are more cost-effective in the long run due to their higher energy efficiency.

Therefore, statements 1 and 3 are correct.

Explanation

Biodiversity is indeed normally greater in the lower latitudes as compared to the higher latitudes due to the presence of tropical rainforests, diverse ecosystems, and favourable climatic conditions.

Along the mountain gradients, biodiversity is also normally greater in the lower altitudes as compared to the higher altitudes. This is because lower altitudes often have more stable climatic conditions, greater availability of resources, and a wider range of habitats.

Both statements are accurate in highlighting the pattern of biodiversity distribution across latitudes and altitudes.

Explanation

Photosynthesis actually consumes carbon dioxide, converting it into organic matter using sunlight, so it doesn't add CO2 to the atmosphere. Respiration by plants and animals converts organic matter back into carbon dioxide, releasing it into the atmosphere. The decay of organic matter by decomposers also releases carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere as part of the decomposition process. Volcanic action emits carbon dioxide directly into the atmosphere from the Earth's interior. Therefore, the processes that add carbon dioxide to the carbon cycle are 2, 3, and 4.

Explanation

Biodiversity is crucial for human existence in numerous ways. It aids in soil formation by contributing to the organic matter and structure of the soil. It also helps in preventing soil erosion as different types of plants and their root systems hold the soil together. Biodiversity plays a significant role in the recycling of waste as various organisms are involved in the decomposition process. Lastly, biodiversity is essential for the pollination of crops. Many insects, birds, and other animals that are part of biodiversity help in the transfer of pollen from the male part of the flower to the female part, leading to the production of fruits and seeds. Therefore, all the four given options are correct.

Explanation

Oilzapper is used to get rid of oil from a surface. Oil Zapping is a bio-remediation technique involving the use of oil zapping bacteria.

Oilzapper feeds on hydrocarbon compounds present in crude oil and the hazardous hydrocarbon waste generated by oil refineries. It converts oil sludges into harmless CO2 and water.

Explanation

Let's consider each Act one by one

The Import and Export (Control) Act, 1947 regulates the import and export of certain goods. It can have an impact on biodiversity conservation as it can control the import and export of biodiversity-related goods.

The Mining and Mineral Development (Regulation) Act, 1957 regulates the mining sector in India, which can have a significant impact on biodiversity through habitat destruction, pollution, etc.

The Customs Act, 1962 regulates the import and export of goods into and out of India. It can also have an impact on biodiversity conservation as it can control the import and export of biodiversity-related goods.

The Indian Forest Act, 1927 provides for the conservation of forests and for matters connected therewith or ancillary or incidental thereto. It directly relates to biodiversity conservation as it aims to preserve and improve the forest areas, which are rich in biodiversity.

Therefore, all these Acts have relevance to/bearing on the biodiversity conservation in the country.

Explanation

In-situ Conservation In-situ conservation is on site conservation or the conservation of genetic resources in natural populations of plant or animal species , such as forest genetic resources in natural populations of tree species. It is the process of protecting an endangered plant or animal species in its natural habitat , either by protecting or cleaning up the habitat itself or by defending the species from predators. In India following types of natural habitats are being maintained as protected area

1. National parks
2. Wildlife sanctuaries
3. Biosphere reserves

Explanation

One carbon credit represents the right to emit one ton of carbon dioxide or an equivalent amount of a different greenhouse gas. These credits can be traded in the carbon market as part of initiatives to reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions.

The concept of carbon credits was indeed ratified in conjunction with the Kyoto Protocol, so option A is correct.

The goal of the carbon credit system is indeed to limit the increase of carbon dioxide emission, making option C correct.

Carbon credits are indeed awarded to countries or groups that have reduced greenhouse gases below their emission quota, so option D is also correct.

However, option B is not correct. The price of carbon credits is not fixed by the United Nations Environment Programme. Instead, the price of carbon credits is determined by the market, based on supply and demand.