21) Which one of the following sets of elements was primarily responsible for the origin of life on the Earth?
(A) Hydrogen, Oxygen, Sodium
(B) Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen
(C) Oxygen, Calcium, Phosphorous
(D) Carbon, Hydrogen, Potassium


22) The acidification of oceans is increasing. Why is this phenomenon a cause of concern?
1. The growth and survival of calcareous phytoplankton will be adversely affected
2. The growth and survival of coral reefs will be adversely affected
3. The survival of some animals that have phytoplankton larvae will be adversely affected
4. The cloud seeding and formation of clouds will be adversely affected

Which of the statements are correct?
(A) 1, 2 and 3 only
(B) 2 only
(C) 1 and 3only
(D) 1, 2, 3 and 4


23) Consider the following protected areas:
1. Bandipur
2. Bhitarkanika
3. Manas
4. Sunderbans

Which of the above are declared Tiger Reserves?
(A) 1 and 2 only
(B) 1, 3 and 4 only
(C) 2, 3 and 4 only
(D) 1, 2, 3 and 4


24) In which one among the following categories of protected areas in India are local people not allowed to collect and use the biomass?
(A) Biosphere reserves
(B) National parks
(C) Wetlands declared under Ramsar convention
(D) Wildlife sanctuaries


25) Which one of the following groups of animals belongs to the category of endangered species?
(A) Great Indian bustard, Musk Deer, Red Panda and Asiatic Wild Ass
(B) Kashmir Stag, Cheetah, Blue Bull, GIB
(C) Snow Leopard, Swamp Deer, Rhesus Monkey, Saras (Crane)
(D) Lion Tailed Macaque, Blue Bull, Hanuman Langur, Cheetah


26) The Millenium Ecosystem Assessment describes the following major categories of ecosystem services-provisioning, supporting, regulating, preserving and cultural. Which one of the following is supporting service?
(A) Production of food and water
(B) Control of climate and disease
(C) Nutrient Cycling and crop pollinator
(D) Maintenance of diversity


27) What is the difference between the antelopes Oryx and Chiru?
(A) 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
(B) Oryx is poached for its antlers whereas Chiru is poached for its musk
(C) Oryx exists in western India only whereas Chiru exists in north east India only.
(D) None of the statements (A), (B) and (C) given above is correct.


28) Which of the following can be threats to the biodiversity of a geographical area?
1 Global warming
2 Fragmentation of habitat
3 Invasion of alien species
4 Promotion of vegetarianism

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(A) 1, 2 and 3 only
(B) 2 and 3 only
(C) 1 and 4 only
(D) 1, 2, 3 and 4


29) Consider the following:
1. Black necked crane
2. Cheetah
3. Flying squirrel
4. Snow leopard

Which of the above are naturally found in India?
(A) 1, 2 and 3 only
(B) 1, 3 and 4 only
(C) 2 and 4 only
(D) 1, 2, 3 and 4


30) Consider the following agricultural practices:
1. Contour bunding
2. Relay cropping
3. Zero tillage

In the context of global climate change, which of the above helps/help in carbon sequestration/ storage in the soil?
(A) 1 and 2 only
(B) 3 only
(C) 1, 2 and 3
(D) None of them