Environment & Biodiversity MCQs
Environment, Ecology & Biodiversity Multiple choice questions for GK paper in SSC, NDA, CDS, UPSC, UPPSC and State PSC Examinations.
Environment & Biodiversity
Current Affairs MCQs
1.Bandipur Tiger Reserve, recently seen in the news, is located in which state?
[A] Rajasthan
[B] Bihar
[C] Karnataka
[D] Telangana
Correct Answer: C [Karnataka]
Notes:
An elephant patrol team recently rescued a tusker stuck in a rail barricade in the Maddur range of Bandipur Tiger Reserve. Bandipur Tiger Reserve is located in Mysore and Chamarajanagar districts of Karnataka, at the tri-junction of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. Geographically, it is an “ecological confluence” of the Western and Eastern Ghats.
The reserve was once a hunting ground for the Mysore kingdom rulers. It was established as Venugopala Wildlife Park in 1931 by the Maharaja of Mysore and expanded as Bandipur Tiger Reserve under Project Tiger in 1973. The reserve is bordered by the Kabini River to the north and the Moyar River to the south. Bandipur experiences a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons.
2.Carrhotus piperus, recently seen in news, belongs to which species?
[A] Fish
[B] Frog
[C] Spider
[D] Lizard
Correct Answer: C [Spider]
Notes:
A new jumping spider species, Carrhotus piperus, has been discovered in the lower Palani Hills of Tamil Nadu. It was found on pepper plants, about two meters above the ground. The name piperus comes from the plant Piper nigrum, reflecting its habitat. This discovery adds to the rich biodiversity of the region and brings the total Carrhotus species in India to 10, and globally to 37. The spider is unique due to its prolateral protrusion and beak-shaped embolus. The Palani Hills are part of the Western Ghats and are a continuation of the Anaimalai Hills in Kerala.
3.‘Southern Birdwing butterfly’, recently seen in the news, is the state butterfly of which state?
[A] Karnataka
[B] Maharashtra
[C] Kerala
[D] Telangana
Correct Answer: A [Karnataka]
Notes:
A Southern Birdwing butterfly, India’s second largest butterfly species, was recently found at the satellite campus of The American College in Madurai, Tamil Nadu. Also known as the ‘Sahyadri Birdwing,’ it is mostly found in South Asia, especially in the Western Ghats. It is exceptionally large, with wings larger than some small birds, which gives it the name “birdwing.” Males have black wings with greenish-blue markings, while females display cream-coloured patterns. It is Karnataka’s state butterfly and is classified as “Least Concern” by the IUCN.
4.‘Assam cascade frogs’, recently seen in the news, is mainly found in which region of India?
[A] Eastern ghats
[B] Banni grasslands
[C] Himalayas
[D] Western ghats
Correct Answer: C [Himalayas]
Notes:
Scientists from the Wildlife Institute of India studied the Assam cascade frogs (Amolops formosus) in the Churdhar Wildlife Sanctuary to understand how water flow affects this species in Western Himalayan streams. Found in high-flowing streams across the Himalayan region and parts of northern Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal, Amolops formosus serves as an indicator species for stream health. This genus, with 72 species in southern and Southeast Asia, is well-adapted to fast-flowing waters with their sticky digits for gripping rocks. Known also as the Assam sucker frog or hill stream frog, its conservation status is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN.
5.Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), recently mentioned in news, comes under which ministry?
[A] Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways
[B] Ministry of Earth Sciences
[C] Ministry of Science and Technology
[D] Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
Correct Answer: B [Ministry of Earth Sciences]
Notes:
The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has launched the Integrated Ocean Energy Atlas. This atlas identifies areas with high potential for generating energy from marine sources. It includes data on various types of marine energy such as solar, wind, wave, tide, currents, ocean thermal, and salinity gradients. The atlas is intended to help policymakers, industries, and researchers utilize energy resources in India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). INCOIS, established in 1999 as an autonomous body under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, provides ocean data and advisory services to various sectors.
6.Emu, a flightless bird recently in news, is native to which country?
[A] Australia
[B] China
[C] India
[D] Indonesia
Correct Answer: A [Australia]
Notes:
Researchers have discovered that emu wing bones exhibit significant shortening and asymmetrical fusion, driven by differences in embryonic movement. This study sheds light on the evolutionary processes that shape skeletal structures in these unique birds. Emus are flightless running birds from the ratite family, one of the most primitive modern bird families. They are the second-largest living birds, after ostriches. Emus are found only in Australia, inhabiting diverse regions from coastal areas to high mountains.
7.Recently, a new species of glyptosternine catfish, ‘Exostoma sentiyonoae’, has been discovered in which river of Nagaland?
[A] Dhansiri River
[B] Zungki River
[C] Dzuleke River
[D] Tizu River
Correct Answer: C [Dzuleke River]
Notes:
A new species of glyptosternine catfish, Exostoma sentiyonoae, was discovered in the Dzuleke River, Nagaland. The fish has unique features like an adipose fin attached to the upper caudal-fin rays, tubercles on its dorsal-fin spine, a slender head, small eyes, and 41 vertebrae. It also has a long distance between its dorsal and adipose fins. Researchers distinguished it from related species found in Myanmar and Thailand, like E. berdmorei and E. gaoligongense.
8.Recently, which national park in India has been designated as an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) to protect Asiatic lions?
[A] Gir National Park
[B] Bandhavgarh National Park
[C] Kanha National Park
[D] Periyar National Park
Correct Answer: A [Gir National Park]
Notes:
The Indian government designated 1.84 lakh hectares around the Gir Protected Area as an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ). This area aims to protect Asiatic lions and promote sustainable development. The ESZ covers 196 villages across three districts and includes 17 rivers. It features a 10 km buffer zone from the Gir Protected Area’s boundary. Gir National Park, located in Gujarat, is famous for its conservation efforts and has a thriving population of Asiatic lions.
9.Sigur Elephant Corridor, recently in the news, is located in which state?
[A] Karnataka
[B] Tamil Nadu
[C] Andhra Pradesh
[D] Maharashtra
Correct Answer: B [Tamil Nadu]
Notes:
The Sigur Elephant Corridor, part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, facilitates the movement of Asian elephants across Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala. It is located in Tamil Nadu, specifically in the Nilgiri district on the Sigur Plateau. Recently, a Madras High Court petition challenged the demolition of illegal resorts obstructing this vital corridor. The Supreme Court had previously appointed a committee to restore the corridor, which is crucial for maintaining the ecological balance and preventing habitat fragmentation for elephants and other wildlife. The corridor’s degradation is a result of unchecked tourism and illegal constructions.
10.Bodo Napham and Bodo Ondla, which have received the Geographical Indications tag, are from which state?
[A] Mizoram
[B] Assam
[C] Odisha
[D] Jharkhand
Correct Answer: B [Assam]
Notes:
The Geographical Indications Registry in Chennai has granted GI tags to eight products from Assam, including Bodo Napham and Bodo Ondla. Bodo Napham is a fermented fish dish prepared anaerobically over two to three months. Bodo Ondla is a rice powder curry seasoned with garlic and ginger.The other six products are Bodo Jou Gwran, Maibra Jou Bidwi, Bodo Jou Gishi, Bodo Gwkha, Bodo Narzi and Bodo Aronai.
11.Recently, a new orchid species named Crepidium assamicum was discovered in which national park of Assam?
[A] Orang National Park
[B] Manas National Park
[C] Dibru-Saikhowa National Park
[D] Manas National Park
Correct Answer: C [Dibru-Saikhowa National Park]
Notes:
A new orchid species, Crepidium assamicum, was discovered in Dibru Saikhowa National Park, Assam. The discovery was made by Dr. Jintu Sarma and Khyanjeet Gogoi, known as the “Orchid Man of Assam.” Crepidium assamicum belongs to the genus Crepidium, increasing India’s total species count to 19 and the global total to 281. Globally, there are around 27,000 orchid species, with India home to about 1,265 and Northeast India hosting 800. Assam alone has about 414 species of orchids.
12.Recently, a new genus of jumping spiders named Tenkana was discovered in which region of India?
[A] Ladakh
[B] Northeast India
[C] Southern India
[D] None of the Above
Correct Answer: C [Southern India]
Notes:
A new genus of jumping spiders, ‘Tenkana,’ was discovered across southern India. The genus includes two known species and a new species, Tenkana jayamangali, from Karnataka. The name “Tenkana” comes from Kannada, meaning “south,” reflecting its southern India and northern Sri Lanka presence. Tenkana belongs to the Plexippina subtribe, distinct from related genera like Hyllus and Telamonia. These spiders prefer dry, ground habitats and are found in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh.
13.Which port of India has been listed as an incentive provider on the Environment Ship Index (ESI) platform?
[A] Kamarajar Port
[B] Mormugao Port
[C] Deendayal Port
[D] Cochin Port
Correct Answer: B [Mormugao Port]
Notes:
Mormugao Port Authority is now listed as an incentive provider on the Environment Ship Index (ESI) portal, recognized by the International Association of Ports and Harbours (IAPH). IAPH, founded in 1955, represents 185 ports and 160 port-related businesses in 88 countries, handling over 60% of global seaborne trade and container traffic. Mormugao’s ‘Harit Shrey’ scheme, launched in October 2023, offers discounts on port charges for ships with high ESI scores, promoting reduced emissions. ESI evaluates ships based on emissions of nitrogen oxide, sulphur oxide, and greenhouse gases, identifying vessels with superior environmental performance.
14.Which invasive plant is being used by artisans in Andhra Pradesh for eco-friendly handicrafts?
[A] Water Hyacinth
[B] Neltuma juliflora
[C] Billygoat weed
[D] Lantana camara
Correct Answer: A [Water Hyacinth]
Notes:
Artisans in Andhra Pradesh are being trained to create eco-friendly products from water hyacinth, an invasive plant. This initiative, led by the Andhra Pradesh Handicrafts Development Corporation, aims to clear water bodies while providing livelihood to local artisans. The fibrous stems of water hyacinth are processed into various handicrafts such as handbags and decorative items. Water hyacinth, called Gurrapudekka in Telugu, is an invasive aquatic plant with a fibrous stem.
It is used in making handicrafts like handbags, table mats, baskets, and decorative items. The plant absorbs heavy metals and pollutants, aiding in wastewater treatment, but needs careful disposal.
15.What is Gastrodia lohitensis, that was recently seen in news?
[A] Fish
[B] Orchid species
[C] Butterfly
[D] Spider
Correct Answer: B [Orchid species]
Notes:
Indian botanists have discovered a new leafless orchid species, Gastrodia lohitensis, in Arunachal Pradesh’s Lohit district. This orchid thrives in bamboo thickets around Tezu, relying on nutrients from fungi in decomposing leaf litter instead of sunlight. The discovery was led by Krishna Chowlu from the Botanical Survey of India during a May 2024 expedition. Gastrodia lohitensis stands 50-110 cm tall and has unique features, including linear calli and ridges on its flower lip. It is classified as “Endangered” due to threats from local land use, emphasizing the need for habitat protection in this biodiverse area.
16.Senna spectabilis, an invasive species, is being eradicated from the forests of which state?
[A] Tamil Nadu
[B] Odisha
[C] Bihar
[D] Gujarat
Correct Answer: A [Tamil Nadu]
Notes:
The Madras High Court has mandated the complete removal of Senna spectabilis from Tamil Nadu’s forests by October 1, 2025. Currently, 28,000 tonnes remain, with efforts underway to eradicate this invasive species. The court emphasized that the removal process should not be delayed by negotiations with paper companies for the timber. Additionally, the court is focused on eradicating other invasive species like Lantana camara and Prosopis juliflora to protect the forest ecosystem.
17.Marbled Map butterfly, which was seen in the news, is endemic to which regions in India?
[A] Ladakh and Uttarakhand
[B] Eastern Ghats and Odisha
[C] Western Ghats and Telangana
[D] Assam and Arunachal Pradesh
Correct Answer: B [Eastern Ghats and Odisha]
Notes:
The Marbled Map butterfly is an endemic species found only in the Eastern Ghats and Odisha. A recent study documented 190 butterfly species in the region, showcasing its unique biodiversity. The research underscores the need for conservation efforts, as butterfly populations are threatened by human encroachment and climate change. The Eastern Ghats, a biodiversity hotspot, serves as a crucial habitat for these species, making their protection vital for maintaining ecological balance and health in the region.
18.The rare bird, Scarlet Tanager, was recently spotted in which country?
[A] France
[B] India
[C] United Kingdom
[D] Russia
Correct Answer: C [United Kingdom]
Notes:
The rare Scarlet Tanager was recently seen in the UK for the first time in 40 years. It is native to North America. Its scientific name is Piranga olivacea. It breeds in deciduous forests and migrates to tropical forests in Central and South America for winter. The bird is medium-sized, about seven inches long, with a large head, short tail, and thick bill for catching insects and fruit. Males are bright red with black wings and tails in summer; females and young are olive-yellow. Its song resembles a “robin with a cold,” and its call is a distinctive “chip-burr.”
19.Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is located in which state?
[A] Assam
[B] Manipur
[C] Mizoram
[D] Nagaland
Correct Answer: A [Assam]
Notes:
Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, located on the southern bank of the Brahmaputra River in Assam, is seeing a rise in migratory bird arrivals with the onset of winter. The sanctuary was declared a reserve forest in 1971 and a wildlife sanctuary in 1987. It has the highest density of Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros, with around 102 rhinos in 38.8 sq. km. The landscape is dominated by alluvial lowlands and marshland, with the Brahmaputra River to the north and Garanga Beel to the south.
20.Which city in Colombia has successfully reduced its average temperature by 2°C using green corridors?
[A] Cali
[B] Cartagena
[C] Bogotá
[D] Medellín
Correct Answer: D [Medellín]
Notes:
Medellín implemented green corridors, which are lines of trees and plants, costing $16.3 million to cut temperatures and air pollution. This initiative addresses the urban heat island effect, where cities trap heat due to buildings and road materials. The project is a part of broader efforts worldwide to combat air pollution, with cities adopting various strategies to improve air quality and reduce emissions, showcasing innovative urban environmental management practices.
21.What is the origin of Sabarmati River that was recently seen in the news?
[A] Mahabaleshwar hills
[B] Barwani hills
[C] Aravalli hills
[D] Mahadeo Hills
Correct Answer: C [Aravalli hills]
Notes:
The Sabarmati Riverfront project spans 38 km from Ahmedabad to Gandhinagar, with monetization of the first phase (11 km) underway. The Sabarmati River is monsoon-fed, originating in Rajasthan’s Aravalli Hills and flowing into the Arabian Sea’s Bay of Khambhat. The river traverses 371 km, with 48 km in Rajasthan and 323 km in Gujarat, bisecting Ahmedabad into western and eastern halves. Its basin covers 21,674 sq. km, bounded by the Aravalli Hills, Rann of Kutch, and Gulf of Khambhat. Agriculture covers 74.68% of the basin, with key tributaries being Wakal, Hathmati, Vatrak, and Sei.
22.Tungareshwar wildlife sanctuary is located in which state?
[A] Madhya Pradesh
[B] Tamil Nadu
[C] Kerala
[D] Maharashtra
Correct Answer: D [Maharashtra]
Notes:
Authorities have denied claims made in a media report about wild animals disappearing from Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary due to encroachments, calling them inaccurate and sensationalized. The sanctuary is located in Palghar district, Maharashtra, 75 km from Mumbai. It spans 85 sq. km., mostly hilly terrain, and serves as a corridor between Sanjay Gandhi National Park and Tansa Wildlife Sanctuary. The area features dense forests, small rivers, and a mix of Dry Deciduous, Moist Deciduous, and Semi-Evergreen forests, with species like teak, bamboo, and mango trees.
23.Ashtamudi Lake, that was recently seen in news, is located in which state?
[A] Maharashtra
[B] Kerala
[C] Tamil Nadu
[D] Karnataka
Correct Answer: B [Kerala]
Notes:
A recent fish kill in Ashtamudi Lake highlights issues like sewage contamination, plastic pollution, encroachments, and uncontrolled weed growth. Ashtamudi Lake, a Ramsar wetland in Kerala’s Kollam district, is the state’s second-largest lake. Its name means “Eight Braids” in Malayalam, reflecting its palm-shaped topography with eight channels. The lake connects to the sea via the Neendakara estuary and is primarily fed by the Kallada River. Historically significant, it was a major port in the 14th century, as noted by explorer Ibn Battuta. The region hosts diverse mangroves, including endangered species Syzygium travancoricum and Calamus rotang.
24.Pterosaurs, that were recently seen in news, became extinct in which period of Geological Times Scale?
[A] Permian Period
[B] Triassic Period
[C] Cretaceous Period
[D] Jurassic Period
Correct Answer: C [Cretaceous Period]
Notes:
Paleontologists recently discovered a new species of pterosaur, Nipponopterus mifunensis, from Japan’s Late Cretaceous period. Pterosaurs were flying reptiles that thrived throughout the Mesozoic Era. They were the first vertebrates to fly, using strong forelegs to launch into the air. Pterosaurs are not dinosaurs but are archosaurs, sharing a group with birds and crocodiles. The largest flying vertebrate, Quetzalcoatlus, was a pterosaur. They went extinct about 65.5 million years ago during the Cretaceous-Tertiary extinction event. Birds, descendants of dinosaurs, replaced pterosaurs as dominant flyers.
25.What is the name of the world’s oldest known wild bird that recently laid her 60th egg?
[A] Eastern screech owl
[B] Cardinalidae
[C] Eastern bluebird
[D] Laysan albatross
Correct Answer: D [Laysan albatross]
Notes:
Wisdom, a 74-year-old Laysan albatross, is the world’s oldest known wild bird and has laid her 60th egg. Laysan albatrosses (Phoebastria immutabilis) are large seabirds inhabiting the North Pacific. 99.7% of the population is found in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, mainly on Laysan Island and Midway Atoll. They nest on sandy or grassy islands, including Oahu, Kauai, and some sites in Japan and Mexico. Known for their exceptional soaring ability, they travel hundreds of miles with minimal wing movement. They are monogamous, mate for life, and are listed as “Near Threatened” by the IUCN.
26.Milkweed Plant (Asclepias syriaca L) is primarily found in which states?
[A] Assam, Mizoram and Nagaland
[B] Rajasthan, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu
[C] Odisha, Jharkhand and Bihar
[D] Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana
Correct Answer: B [Rajasthan, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu]
Notes:
The Ministry of Textiles is promoting research into innovative natural fibers like milkweed fiber, derived from milkweed plant seed pods. Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca L) is native to North America and grows wild in Rajasthan, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu in India. Milkweed fiber is lightweight, soft, biodegradable, and renewable but brittle for spinning due to its oily material and lignin content. It has amphiphilic properties, both water-absorbing and water-repelling. Applications include water-safety equipment like life jackets and belts, and filtration systems due to its fine fiber structure.
27.Calyptocephallela gayi, which was seen in the news, belongs to which species?
[A] Spider
[B] Fish
[C] Ant
[D] Frog
Correct Answer: D [Frog]
Notes:
The giant frog species Calyptocephallela gayi, also known as the Helmeted Water Toad, is losing habitat in Chile due to climate change and human activities. It is among the largest frogs globally, growing up to 32 cm (13 in) and weighing 1 kg (2.2 lbs). Known as a “living fossil,” it existed alongside dinosaurs. It has a broad head, large mouth, and lives in aquatic environments like lakes, rivers, and ponds, found in Chile’s lowlands up to 500 m elevation. It is listed as “Vulnerable” by the IUCN. It faces threats from habitat destruction, pollution, and environmental decline.
28.Chillai Kalan is the local name given to the 40 day period of harsh winter in which region of India?
[A] Kashmir
[B] Himachal Pradesh
[C] Uttarakhand
[D] Arunachal Pradesh
Correct Answer: A [Kashmir]
Notes:
Kashmir is experiencing its harshest winter, known as “Chillai Kalan,” starting from December 21, 2024. Chillai Kalan lasts for 40 days, from December 21 to January 29, and is the coldest period of winter in Kashmir. During Chillai Kalan, temperatures drop below freezing, causing daily life disruptions. People use the traditional Kashmiri dress “Pheran” and a firing pot called “Kanger.” Tap water pipes freeze, and Dal Lake also freezes during this period.
29.Green Crab, which was seen in the news, is native to which region?
[A] Atlantic Ocean and Baltic Sea
[B] Iran and Kuwait
[C] Red Sea
[D] Antarctica
Correct Answer: A [Atlantic Ocean and Baltic Sea]
Notes:
A recovering sea otter population in California’s Elkhorn Slough has controlled the invasive green crab population. Green crabs, also known as shore crabs, are among the world’s top 100 invasive species. They are native to the Atlantic Ocean and Baltic Sea. They have spread to Australia, South America, and South Africa also. They feed on small crustaceans, molluscs, and worms, damaging seagrass beds and overhunting prey species. Green crabs outcompete native species, disrupting coastal ecosystems.
30.Sanjay Gandhi National Park is located in which state?
[A] Gujarat
[B] Maharashtra
[C] Jharkhand
[D] Rajasthan
Correct Answer: B [Maharashtra]
Notes:
A fire recently broke out outside Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) in Mumbai, raising concerns. Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP), formerly Borivali National Park, is located in Mumbai’s northern region, Maharashtra. It lies partly in Thane District and Mumbai Suburban District, making it one of the largest urban parks in India. The park is home to dense forests, diverse birdlife, butterflies, and a small tiger population. The Kanheri Caves, carved from basalt rock, served as a significant Buddhist learning center between the 9th and 1st centuries BCE. The park also features Tulsi and Vihar Lakes, a deer park, lion safari, and Mahatma Gandhi’s Samadhi.
