UPSC Prelims 2012 Analysis

Explanation

The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) was established in 2003 to implement India's Biological Diversity Act (2002).The NBA is a statutory and autonomous body and it performs facilitative, regulatory and advisory functions for the Government of India on issues of conservation, sustainable use of biological resources and fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising out of the use of biological resources.

The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) plays a crucial role in protecting Indian agriculture by checking biopiracy and protecting indigenous and traditional genetic resources.

While the NBA does have a regulatory role, it does not directly monitor and supervise scientific research on genetic modification of crop plants. This task is typically handled by other scientific and regulatory bodies.

Any application for Intellectual Property Rights related to genetic or biological resources cannot be made without the approval of the NBA. This is a significant measure to prevent the exploitation of India's rich biodiversity without proper compensation and benefit sharing.

Therefore, only statements 1 and 3 are correct.

Explanation

Biomass gasification is a process that converts organic materials like wood, agricultural residues, or waste into a combustible gas mixture known as synthesis gas or syngas. The resulting syngas can be used as a fuel for various applications, including electricity generation, heating, and as a feedstock for the production of biofuels and chemicals.

Coconut shells, groundnut shells, and rice husk are examples of biomass that can be used in biomass gasification.

The combustible gases generated from biomass gasification do not consist of hydrogen and carbon dioxide only. They also include other gases such as methane and carbon monoxide.

The combustible gases generated from biomass gasification can be used for direct heat generation and also in internal combustion engines.

Therefore, only statement 1 is correct.

Explanation

Oryx is a genus consisting of four large antelope species. They are adapted to live in hot and arid areas like Africa and Arabia. They are very striking in appearance and all have distinctive long horns (both male and female have horns).

On the other hand, Chiru, also known as the Tibetan antelope, is adapted to live in steppes and semi-desert areas of cold high mountains of the Tibetan Plateau. They are a small, unique species related to goats and sheep.

Therefore, the statement "Oryx is adapted to live in hot and arid areas whereas Chiru is adapted to live in steppes and semi-desert areas of cold high mountains" correctly describes the difference between the two species.

Explanation

The tiger reserves of India were set up in 1973 and are governed under Project Tiger, which is administered by the National Tiger Conservation Authority, Government of India. A Tiger Reserve is an area that is dedicated to the conservation and protection of the tiger population. It aims to provide a safe and secure environment for tigers to thrive by ensuring the preservation of their habitats and prey species.

Bandipur is a Tiger Reserve located in Karnataka. Manas is a National Park, UNESCO Natural World Heritage site, a Project Tiger Reserve, an Elephant Reserve and a Biosphere Reserve in Assam. Sunderbans is a Tiger Reserve located in West Bengal.

However, Bhitarkanika is a wetland famous for its bird diversity and is not a Tiger Reserve.

Therefore, Bandipur, Manas, and Sunderbans are declared Tiger Reserves.

Explanation

Phytoplankton are microscopic, single-celled photosynthetic organisms that live suspended in water. They play a crucial role in the ocean's carbon cycle and food chains.

Phytoplankton absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and convert it into organic carbon, a process known as carbon sequestration. This makes the ocean a significant carbon sink. If phytoplankton were to be completely destroyed, this process would be disrupted, adversely affecting the ocean's ability to act as a carbon sink.

Phytoplankton form the base of the marine food chain. They are consumed by small marine animals, which are in turn eaten by larger ones, and so on. If phytoplankton were to be completely destroyed, it would disrupt the food chains in the ocean.

The density of ocean water is primarily determined by its temperature and salinity, not by the presence of phytoplankton.

Explanation

Pollination is the transfer of pollen from the male parts of a flower to the female parts of a flower of the same species, which results in fertilization and the production of seeds.

Bats are known to be pollinators, especially of tropical and desert plants. When they feed on the nectar of these plants, pollen sticks to their bodies and is transferred to other flowers as the bat moves around.

Bees are perhaps the most well-known pollinators. They collect nectar and pollen for food, and in the process, they transfer pollen from the male anthers of a flower to the female stigma.

Certain birds, like hummingbirds, also play a role in pollination. They feed on the nectar of certain flowers, and like bees and bats, pollen sticks to their bodies and is transferred to other flowers.

Therefore, all three organisms listed - bats, bees, and birds - are pollinating agents.

Explanation

Sea buckthorn is a plant that is known for its multiple benefits.

It is indeed known for its ability to control soil erosion and prevent desertification. This is because it is a soil-binding plant that prevents soil erosion and checks siltation in rivers.

Sea buckthorn is not primarily known as a source of biodiesel. While its berries can be used for various purposes, including medicinal and cosmetic products, it is not commonly cultivated for biodiesel production.

It is also known for its nutritional value and its ability to adapt to cold areas of high altitudes. Its fruit and leaves are rich in vitamins, carotenoids, and omega fatty acids. It is found in the Himalayan region, generally in dry areas such as the cold deserts of Ladakh and Spiti.

Sea buckthorn timber is not of great commercial value. It is primarily cultivated for its berries and leaves, which have various applications in food, medicine, and cosmetics.

Explanation

The acidification of oceans can adversely affect the growth and survival of calcareous phytoplankton because their calcium carbonate shells may dissolve in more acidic waters.

The growth and survival of coral reefs are indeed adversely affected by ocean acidification. Corals build their skeletons using calcium carbonate, which can dissolve in more acidic conditions, leading to coral bleaching and reduced coral growth rates.

The survival of some animals that have phytoplanktonic larvae can be adversely affected by ocean acidification. These larvae may struggle to form their calcium carbonate shells in more acidic waters, leading to decreased survival rates.

The adverse effect of ocean acidification on cloud seeding and cloud formation is not directly linked. Ocean acidification primarily affects marine ecosystems, particularly organisms with calcium carbonate shells, and does not directly impact cloud formation processes. Therefore, statement 4 is not correct.

Explanation

National Water Mission is one of the missions established by Government of India to address the impact of climate change on water resources under The National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC). The National Water Mission aims at conservation of water, minimizing wastage and ensuring its more equitable distribution.

It does include plans to meet part of the water needs of urban areas through recycling of wastewater and to meet the water requirements of coastal cities with inadequate alternative sources of water by adopting appropriate technologies that allow for the use of ocean water.

However, the mission does not include linking all the rivers of Himalayan origin to the rivers of peninsular India.

Also, the mission does not include any provision for the reimbursement of expenses incurred by farmers for digging bore-wells and for installing motors and pump sets to draw groundwater. The mission's focus is more on promoting efficient use of water and conservation, rather than on subsidising water extraction.

Therefore, only statements 1 and 2 are correct in the context of the National Water Mission.

Explanation

Global warming, fragmentation of habitat, and invasion of alien species are all threats to the biodiversity of a geographical area.

Global warming increases the overall temperature of the atmosphere, which can lead to the extinction of certain species that cannot adapt to the change in temperature.

Fragmentation of habitat refers to the division of large habitats into smaller ones. This can lead to a decrease in biodiversity as smaller, isolated habitats may not be able to support as many different species as a larger, connected habitat.

Invasion of alien species can also threaten biodiversity. When a new species is introduced to a habitat, it can outcompete native species for resources, leading to a decrease in biodiversity.

Promotion of vegetarianism, on the other hand, is not a threat to biodiversity. In fact, it can be argued that it helps biodiversity by reducing the demand for meat, which can lead to less habitat destruction for livestock farming.

Explanation

Carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere absorb and re-emit infrared radiation (heat) emitted by the Earth's surface. This process traps heat in the atmosphere, leading to the greenhouse effect and contributing to the warming of the Earth's surface temperature.

Therefore, increasing levels of carbon dioxide result in the absorption of the infrared part of solar radiation, leading to the gradual warming of the atmosphere.

Explanation

The correct answer is (a) Great Indian Bustard, Musk Deer, Red Panda, and Asiatic Wild Ass.

The Great Indian Bustard is a large bird found in India and Pakistan that is critically endangered, with only a few hundred individuals remaining in the wild.

The musk deer is a small deer found in the Himalayan region that is also critically endangered, due to habitat loss and poaching.

The red panda is a small carnivorous mammal found in the Himalayan region that is endangered due to habitat loss and poaching.

The Asiatic wild ass, also known as the onager, is a species of horse found in parts of Asia that is endangered due to habitat loss and poaching.

Explanation

The country's total geographical area under the category of wetlands is recorded more in Gujarat as compared to other states.

The area under inland wetlands accounts for 69%, coastal wetlands 27%, and other wetlands (smaller than 2.25 ha) 4%. So, the total geographical area of inland wetlands is larger than that of coastal wetlands.

So, only the first statement is correct.

Explanation

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are synthetic compounds that contain chlorine, fluorine, and carbon. They have been a significant environmental concern due to their role in ozone depletion.

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) were commonly used in the production of plastic foams, such as those used in insulation and packaging materials.

CFCs are not typically used in the production of tubeless tires. Instead, they are often used in the vulcanization process of rubber, which gives tires their durability.

CFCs were used in cleaning certain electronic components due to their solvent properties. However, their use in this application has been significantly reduced due to environmental concerns.

CFCs were commonly used as pressurizing agents in aerosol cans, such as those used for hairspray, deodorant, and household cleaning products.

So, statements 1, 3 and 4 are correct.

Explanation

Black-necked crane is found in the Tibetan and trans-Himalayan regions of India. During the winter, they migrate to warmer regions of the country. So, this is naturally found in India.

Cheetahs were once found in India, but they have been declared extinct in the country since the last century. So, they are not naturally found in India now.

There are several species of flying squirrels found in India, including the Indian Giant Flying Squirrel and the Red Giant Flying Squirrel. So, this is naturally found in India.

Snow leopard is found in the Himalayan region of India. So, this is naturally found in India.

So, the animals naturally found in India are the Black-necked crane, Flying squirrel, and Snow leopard.

Explanation

The decline in vulture populations in India is primarily attributed to a drug used by cattle owners for treating their diseased cattle.

The drug referred to here is diclofenac, which was commonly used to treat cattle but caused kidney failure in vultures that consumed the carcasses of treated animals. This led to a catastrophic decline in vulture populations across the Indian subcontinent.

Explanation

The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MA) was called for by the United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan in 2000. Initiated in 2001, the objective of the MA was to assess the consequences of ecosystem change for human well-being and the scientific basis for action needed to enhance the conservation and sustainable use of those systems and their contribution to human well-being.

Provisioning services are the products obtained from ecosystems, such as food, water, timber, and fiber.

Regulating services are the benefits obtained from the regulation of ecosystem processes, such as climate regulation, disease control, and water purification.

Cultural services are the non-material benefits people obtain from ecosystems through spiritual enrichment, cognitive development, reflection, recreation, and aesthetic experiences.

Supporting services are those that are necessary for the production of all other ecosystem services. They include nutrient cycling, soil formation, primary production and pollination.

So, nutrient cycling and crop pollination fall under the category of supporting services.

Explanation

Carbon sequestration is the process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide. It is one method of reducing the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere with the goal of reducing global climate change.

Contour bunding is a method of farming that is practiced on the slopes of hills. It helps in reducing soil erosion and increasing the organic matter content in the soil. This in turn helps in carbon sequestration.

Relay cropping is a method where a second crop is sown before the first crop is harvested. While it helps in maintaining soil cover and can contribute to carbon sequestration, it is not as direct a method as contour bunding or zero tillage.

Zero tillage is a way of growing crops from year to year without disturbing the soil through tillage. It increases the amount of water that infiltrates into the soil and increases organic matter retention and cycling of nutrients in the soil. This helps in carbon sequestration.

Therefore, all three practices help in carbon sequestration/storage in the soil.

Explanation

In Biosphere Reserves, Wildlife Sanctuaries, and Wetlands declared under Ramsar Convention, local people are allowed to collect and use the biomass under certain restrictions.

In National Parks in India, local people are generally not allowed to collect or use biomass. National Parks are areas set aside for the conservation and protection of wildlife and their habitats, with strict regulations in place to minimise human interference and maintain ecological balance. This includes restrictions on activities such as logging, hunting, grazing, and collection of biomass to ensure the preservation of biodiversity.