61) There is a concern over the increase in harmful algal blooms in the sea waters of India. What could be the causative factors for this phenomenon ?
1.   Discharge of nutrients from the estuaries.
2.   Run-off from the land during the monsoon.
3.   Upwelling in the seas.
   
 Select the correct answer from the codes given below:
(a)  1 only
(b)  1 and 2 only
(c)  2 and 3 only
(d)  1, 2 and 3


62) Consider the following :
1.   Photosynthesis
2.   Respiration
3.   Decay of organic matter
4.   Volcanic action

Which of the above add carbon dioxide to the carbon cycle on Earth ?
(a)  1 and 4 only
(b)  2 and 3 only
(c)  2, 3 and 4 only
(d)  1, 2, 3 and 4



63) A sandy and saline area is the natural habitat of an Indian animal species. The animal has no predators in that area but its existence is threatened due to the destruction of its habitat. Which one of the following could be that animal ?
(a)  Indian wild buffalo
(b)  Indian wild ass
(c)  Indian wild boar
(d)  Indian gazelle



64) Three of the following criteria have contributed to the recognition of Western Ghats-Sri Lanka and Indo-Burma regions as hotspots of biodiversity :
1.   Species richness
2.   Vegetation density
3.   Endemism
4.   Ethno-botanical importance
5.   Threat perception
6.   Adaptation of flora and fauna to warm and humid conditions

Which three of the above are correct criteria in this context?
(a)  1, 2 and 6
(b)  2, 4 and 6
(c)  1, 3 and 5
(d)  3, 4 and 6


65) Human activities in the recent past have caused the increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, but a lot of it does not remain in the lower atmosphere because of
1.   its escape into the outer stratosphere.
2.   the photosynthesis by phytoplankton in the oceans.
3.   the trapping of air in the polar ice caps.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
(a)  1 and 2
(b)  2 only
(c)  2 and 3
(d)  3 only


66) In the context of ecosystem productivity, marine upwelling zones are important as they increase the marine productivity by bringing the
1.   decomposer microorganisms to the surface.
2.   nutrients to the surface.
3.   bottom-dwelling organisms to the surface.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
(a)  1 and 2
(b)  2 only
(c)  2 and 3
(d)  3 only



67) Microbial fuel cells are considered a source of sustainable energy. Why ?
1.  They use living organisms as catalysts to generate electricity from certain substrates.
2.   They use a variety of inorganic materials as substrates.
3.   They can be installed in waste water treatment plants to cleanse water and produce electricity.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a)  1 only
(b)  2 and 3 only
(c)  1 and 3 only
(d)  1, 2 and 3


68) The formation of ozone hole in the Antarctic region has been a cause of concern. What could be the reason for the formation of this hole ?
(a)  Presence of prominent tropospheric turbulence; and inflow of chlorofluorocarbons
(b)  Presence of prominent polar front and stratospheric clouds; and inflow of chlorofluorocarbons
(c)  Absence of polar front and stratospheric clouds; and inflow of methane and chlorofluorocarbons
(d)  Increased temperature at polar region due to global warming



69) Regarding "carbon credits", which one of the following statements is not correct ?
(a)  The carbon credit system was ratified in conjunction with the Kyoto Protocol
(b)  Carbon credits are awarded to countries or groups that have reduced greenhouse gases below their emission quota
(c)  The goal of the carbon credit system is to limit the increase of carbon dioxide emission
(d)  Carbon credits are traded at a price fixed from time to time by the United Nations Environment Programme



70) Two important rivers — one with its source in Jharkhand (and known by a different name in Odisha), and another, with its source in Odisha — merge at a place only a short distance from the coast of Bay of Bengal before flowing into the sea. This is an important site of wildlife and biodiversity and a protected area. Which one of the following could be this ?
(a)  Bhitarkanika
(b)  Chandipur-on-sea
(c)  Gopalpur-on-sea
(d)  Simlipal