Q. Land is considered a resource because:
A). It can be created by humans
B). It supports all human activities and natural ecosystems
C). It never gets degraded
D). It has unlimited availability
Answer: B). It supports all human activities and natural ecosystems
Explanation: Land provides the base for agriculture, industry, housing, forests, and ecosystems, making it a vital natural resource.
Q. Which of the following is NOT a cause of land degradation?
A). Deforestation
B). Overgrazing
C). Mining
D). Growing trees
Answer: D). Growing trees
Explanation: Afforestation (growing trees) helps conserve land, while deforestation, overgrazing, and mining damage land
Q. Which of the following is NOT a measure for conservation of land resources?
A). Regulated use of chemical pesticide and fertilisers
B). Checks on overgrazing
C). Deforestation
D). Afforestation
Answer: C). Deforestation
Explanation: Deforestation destroys land and increases soil erosion, so it is not a conservation measure.
Q. The uppermost layer of the Earth’s crust, which supports plant growth, is called:
A). Humus
B). Soil
C). Bedrock
D). Subsoil
Answer: B). Soil
Explanation: Soil is the top layer of the Earth where plants grow.
Q. Match the following factors of soil formation with their correct descriptions:
1. Parent rock
2. Relief
3. Flora and fauna
4. Climate
5. Time
A). Affects rate of weathering and soil profile development
B). Determines soil depth and accumulation due to slope
C). Influences soil formation through organic matter decay
D). Determines colour, texture, chemical properties
E). Determines thickness of soil profile
Options:
A). 1-D, 2-B, 3-C, 4-A, 5-E
B). 1-C, 2-A, 3-B, 4-D, 5-E
C). 1-B, 2-D, 3-A, 4-C, 5-E
D). 1-A, 2-C, 3-D, 4-B, 5-E
Answer: A). 1-D, 2-B, 3-C, 4-A, 5-E
Q. Match the following soil conservation methods with their correct descriptions:
Methods
1. Mulching
2. Contour barriers
3. Rock dam
4. Terrace farming
5. Shelter belts
6. Contour ploughing
Descriptions
A). Planting trees in rows to reduce wind speed
B). Stones built along streams to slow down water flow
C). Covering soil with plant waste to retain moisture
D). Creating step-like fields on mountain slopes
E). Placing grass/soil barriers along contours to check erosion
F). Ploughing along the contour lines to reduce runoff
Options:
A). 1-F, 2-A, 3-D, 4-C, 5-B, 6-E
B). 1-A, 2-C, 3-E, 4-B, 5-D, 6-F
C). 1-C, 2-E, 3-B, 4-D, 5-A, 6-F
D). 1-C, 2-A, 3-F, 4-E, 5-B, 6-D
Answer: C). 1-C, 2-E, 3-B, 4-D, 5-A, 6-F
Q. Consider the following statements about water on Earth:
1. More than 97% of the total water on Earth is saltwater found in oceans.
2. Fresh water accounts for only about 2.7%.
3. Only about 1% of the total freshwater on Earth is easily accessible for human use.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A). 1 and 2 only
B). 2 and 3 only
C). 1 and 3 only
D). 1, 2 and 3
Answer: D). 1, 2 and 3
Q. Oceans on Earth were formed almost how many years ago?
A). 1 million years ago
B). 3.5 billion years ago
C). 10 million years ago
D). 400 million years ago
Answer: B). 3.5 billion years ago
Q. Which of the following is the most effective method for conserving water resources?
A). Leaving taps open while washing
B). Rainwater harvesting
C). Increasing groundwater extraction
D). Using more borewells
Answer: B). Rainwater harvesting
Explanation: Rainwater harvesting is one of the most effective methods for conserving water because it collects and stores rainwater, reduces runoff, and helps recharge groundwater.
Q. Which term describes the narrow zone where lithosphere, atmosphere, and hydrosphere meet?
A). Ecosystem
B). Biosphere
C). Biome
D). Habitat
Answer: B). Biosphere
Explanation: Biosphere is the thin layer where land, water, and air interact to support life.
Q. What is an ecosystem?
A). A community of living organisms only
B). A community of living and non-living things interacting with each other
C). A large desert area
D). Only plants in an area
Answer: B). A community of living and non-living things interacting with each other
Explanation: An ecosystem includes both living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) components interacting with each other.
Q. Why are vultures dying rapidly in the Indian subcontinent?
A). Due to excessive hunting for meat
B). Because of the drug Diclofenac used in livestock
C). Due to lack of food availability only
D). Because of climate change only
Answer: B). Because of the drug Diclofenac used in livestock
Explanation: Vultures feeding on the carcasses of livestock treated with Diclofenac (similar to aspirin or ibuprofen), which led to kidney failure. This drug, widely used as painkiller.
Q. Consider the following statements regarding conservation of natural vegetation and wildlife:
1. National parks and wildlife sanctuaries help protect endangered species.
2. Afforestation and reforestation are important for maintaining natural vegetation.
3. Hunting and poaching contribute to wildlife conservation.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A). 1 and 2 only
B). 2 and 3 only
C). 1 and 3 only
D). 1, 2 and 3
Answer: A). 1 and 2 only
Q. Which of the following are created to protect our natural vegetation and wildlife?
A). National parks
B). Wildlife sanctuaries
C). Biosphere reserves
D). All of the above
Answer: D). All of the above
Q. Consider the following statements about CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora):
1. CITES aims to regulate and monitor international trade in endangered species.
2. It provides legal protection to endangered plants and animals.
3. CITES prohibits all trade of wild species under any circumstances.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A). 1 and 2 only
B). 2 and 3 only
C). 1 and 3 only
D). 1, 2 and 3
Answer: A). 1 and 2 only
Explanation: CITES does not prohibit all trade; it allows regulated trade under strict guidelines.