Environment and Ecology Prelims PYQs, 2022 to 2026

1. UPSC Prelims 2026, Question 21
   Consider the following statements with reference to India’s response to climate change:
   I. India’s Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategy (LT-LEDS) is a crucial tool for achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.
   II. India’s 4th Biennial Update Report (BUR-4) submitted in December, 2024 recorded around 8% decrease in Greenhouse gas emissions in 2020 over 2019.
   III. Climate-resilient development necessarily depends on quick and short-term achievement of emission reduction targets.
   Which of the following relationships among the above statements is/are correct?
   1. Statement I is empirically supported by statement II.
   2. Statement III contradicts the approach implicit in statement I.
   3. Statement I and statement III together establish the premise of long-term sustainability.
   Select the answer using the code given below:
   1. 1 only
   2. 1 and 2
   3. 2 and 3
   4. 3 only
2. UPSC Prelims 2026, Question 22
   With respect to the Western Hoolock Gibbons, which of the following statements is/are correct?
   1. A Sanctuary in North-east India is home to this ape species listed as Endangered in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.
   2. They have specialized brachiation and can easily swing between trees.
   3. They possess a strong and heavy build like gorillas, yet are remarkably agile tree climbers.
   Select the answer using the code given below:
   1. 1 only
   2. 1 and 2
   3. 2 and 3
   4. 3 only
3. UPSC Prelims 2026, Question 23
   Which of the following best explain(s) the rationale for protecting mangrove ecosystems in the context of climate resilience?
   1. Mangroves reduce tidal energy and store freshwater, making them ideal sites for paddy cultivation in saline estuarine belts.
   2. Their salt-sensitive roots filter seawater, making mangroves key to converting coastal land into freshwater aquaculture zones.
   3. By withstanding tidal surges and offering biomass resources, mangroves function both as natural bio-shields and livelihood bases for rural communities.
   Select the answer using the code given below:
   1. 1 only
   2. 1 and 2
   3. 2 and 3
   4. 3 only
4. UPSC Prelims 2026, Question 27
   Which of the following statements with regard to the arrival of Amur Falcons at Doyang Lake in Nagaland each year from Mongolia is/are correct?
   1. It showcases how sustained local conservation efforts can contribute to the arrival and protection of international migratory birds.
   2. It reflects the global success of advanced tracking technologies that guide migratory birds back to their stopover sites.
   3. It confirms that Amur Falcons have adapted to permanent residency in India due to favourable habitat changes.
   Select the answer using the code given below:
   1. 1 only
   2. 1 and 2
   3. 2 and 3
   4. 3 only
5. UPSC Prelims 2026, Question 32
   With reference to Madhav National Park, which of the following statements is/are correct?
   1. It was declared a Tiger Reserve in India in 2025.
   2. Sakhya Sagar, which is designated as a Ramsar Site, is situated within this National Park.
   3. Its area is shared between Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.
   Select the answer using the code given below:
   1. 1 only
   2. 1 and 2
   3. 2 and 3
   4. 3 only
6. UPSC Prelims 2026, Question 36
   Consider the following statements about Rhynchostylis retusa (Foxtail orchid):
   1. It is an epiphytic orchid.
   2. The species is endemic to North-east India.
   3. It is the State flower of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.
   Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
   1. 1 only
   2. 1 and 3
   3. 2 and 3
   4. 3 only
7. UPSC Prelims 2026, Question 38
   At the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC) held in June, 2025 in France, the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) of the United Nations demonstrated its leading voice on marine and ocean issues, especially on sustainable fisheries and aquaculture for resilient livelihood and “Blue Transformation”.
   Which of the following combinations about the “Four Betters” proposed by FAO for “Blue Transformation” is correct?
   1. Better production, better nutrition, better environment and better ocean
   2. Better production, better nutrition, better environment and better life
   3. Better coral reefs, better nutrition, better environment and better life
   4. Better estuaries, better nutrition, better environment and better mangrove vegetation
8. UPSC Prelims 2026, Question 40
   Which one of the following is the first Plan Vivo certified Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) project in India?
   1. Uttarakhand REDD+ project
   2. ICFRE-ICIMOD Transboundary REDD+ project in North-Eastern Himalayas
   3. Khasi Hills Community REDD+ project
   4. Sikkim Mamley Kamrang Community REDD+ project
9. UPSC Prelims 2026, Question 77
   Which of the following statements in relation to NIRANTAR (National Institute for Research and Application of Natural Resources to Transform, Adapt and Build Resilience), a platform of institutions under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, is/are correct?
   1. Ecosystem Survey and Analysis is a vertical under this platform, the lead institute of which is Botanical Survey of India, Kolkata.
   2. Research and Management of Ecosystem Service is a vertical under this platform, the lead institute of which is Central Zoo Authority, New Delhi.
   3. Capacity Development Support is a vertical under this platform, the lead institute of which is Indian Institute of Forest Management, Bhopal.
   Select the answer using the code given below:
   1. 1, 2 and 3
   2. 1 and 3 only
   3. 2 only
   4. 3 only
10. UPSC Prelims 2025, Question 9
    Consider the following statements:
    Statement I: Circular economy reduces the emissions of greenhouse gases.
    Statement II: Circular economy reduces the use of raw materials as inputs.
    Statement III: Circular economy reduces wastage in the production process.
    Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
    1. Both Statement II and Statement III are correct and both of them explain Statement I
    2. Both Statement II and Statement III are correct but only one of them explains Statement I
    3. Only one of the Statements II and III is correct and that explains Statement I
    4. Neither Statement II nor Statement III is correct
11. UPSC Prelims 2025, Question 31
    Consider the following statements:
    Statement I: Studies indicate that carbon dioxide emissions from cement industry account for more than 5% of global carbon emissions.
    Statement II: Silica-bearing clay is mixed with limestone while manufacturing cement.
    Statement III: Limestone is converted into lime during clinker production for cement manufacturing.
    Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
    1. Both Statement II and Statement III are correct and both of them explain Statement I
    2. Both Statement II and Statement III are correct but only one of them explains Statement I
    3. Only one of the Statements II and III is correct and that explains Statement I
    4. Neither Statement II nor Statement III is correct
12. UPSC Prelims 2025, Question 32
    Consider the following statements:
    Statement I: At the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28), India refrained from signing the ‘Declaration on Climate and Health’.
    Statement II: The COP28 Declaration on Climate and Health is a binding declaration; and if signed, it becomes mandatory to decarbonize health sector.
    Statement III: If India’s health sector is decarbonized, the resilience of its health-care system may be compromised.
    Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
    1. Both Statement II and Statement III are correct and both of them explain Statement I
    2. Both Statement II and Statement III are correct but only one of them explains Statement I
    3. Only one of the Statements II and III is correct and that explains Statement I
    4. Neither Statement II nor Statement III is correct
13. UPSC Prelims 2025, Question 34
    Consider the following statements:
    Statement I: Article 6 of the Paris Agreement on climate change is frequently discussed in global discussions on sustainable development and climate change.
    Statement II: Article 6 of the Paris Agreement on climate change sets out the principles of carbon markets.
    Statement III: Article 6 of the Paris Agreement on climate change intends to promote inter-country non-market strategies to reach their climate targets.
    Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
    1. Both Statement II and Statement III are correct and both of them explain Statement I
    2. Both Statement II and Statement III are correct but only one of them explains Statement I
    3. Only one of the Statements II and III is correct and that explains Statement I
    4. Neither Statement II nor Statement III is correct
14. UPSC Prelims 2025, Question 35
    Which one of the following launched the ‘Nature Solutions Finance Hub for Asia and the Pacific’?
    1. The Asian Development Bank (ADB)
    2. The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB)
    3. The New Development Bank (NDB)
    4. The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD)
15. UPSC Prelims 2025, Question 36
    With reference to ‘Direct Air Capture’, an emerging technology, which of the following statements is/are correct?
    I. It can be used as a way of carbon sequestration.
    II. It can be a valuable approach for plastic production and in food processing.
    III. In aviation, it can be a source of carbon for combining with hydrogen to create synthetic low-carbon fuel.
    Select the correct answer using the code given below.
    1. I and II only
    2. III only
    3. I, II and III
    4. None of the above statements is correct
16. UPSC Prelims 2025, Question 37
    Regarding Peacock tarantula (Gooty tarantula), consider the following statements:
    I. It is an omnivorous crustacean.
    II. Its natural habitat in India is only limited to some forest areas.
    III. In its natural habitat, it is an arboreal species.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
    1. I only
    2. I and III
    3. II only
    4. II and III
17. UPSC Prelims 2025, Question 38
    Consider the following statements:
    I. Carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions in India are less than 0.5 t CO₂/capita.
    II. In terms of CO₂ emissions from fuel combustion, India ranks second in Asia-Pacific region.
    III. Electricity and heat producers are the largest sources of CO₂ emissions in India.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
    1. I and III only
    2. II only
    3. II and III only
    4. I, II and III
18. UPSC Prelims 2025, Question 39
    Consider the following pairs:

    	Plant	Description
    I.	Cassava	Woody shrub
    II.	Ginger	Herb with pseudostem
    III.	Malabar spinach	Herbaceous climber
    IV.	Mint	Annual shrub
    V.	Papaya	Woody shrub

    How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?
    1. Only two
    2. Only three
    3. Only four
    4. All the five
19. UPSC Prelims 2025, Question 40
    With reference to the planet Earth, consider the following statements:
    I. Rain forests produce more oxygen than that produced by oceans.
    II. Marine phytoplankton and photosynthetic bacteria produce about 50% of world’s oxygen.
    III. Well-oxygenated surface water contains several folds higher oxygen than that in atmospheric air.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
    1. I and II
    2. II only
    3. I and III
    4. None of the above statements is correct
20. UPSC Prelims 2025, Question 50
    Consider the following statements:
    Statement I: Activated carbon is a good and an attractive tool to remove pollutants from effluent streams and to remediate contaminants from various industries.
    Statement II: Activated carbon exhibits a large surface area and a strong potential for adsorbing heavy metals.
    Statement III: Activated carbon can be easily synthesized from environmental wastes with high carbon content.
    Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
    1. Both Statement II and Statement III are correct and both of them explain Statement I
    2. Both Statement II and Statement III are correct but only one of them explains Statement I
    3. Only one of the Statements II and III is correct and that explains Statement I
    4. Neither Statement II nor Statement III is correct
21. UPSC Prelims 2025, Question 64
    The World Bank warned that India could become one of the first places where wet-bulb temperatures routinely exceed 35 °C. Which of the following statements best reflect(s) the implication of the above-said report?
    I. Peninsular India will most likely suffer from flooding, tropical cyclones and droughts.
    II. The survival of animals including humans will be affected as shedding of their body heat through perspiration becomes difficult.
    Select the correct answer using the code given below.
    1. I only
    2. II only
    3. Both I and II
    4. Neither I nor II
22. UPSC Prelims 2025, Question 85
    Artificial way of causing rainfall to reduce air pollution makes use of
    1. silver iodide and potassium iodide
    2. silver nitrate and potassium iodide
    3. silver iodide and potassium nitrate
    4. silver nitrate and potassium chloride
23. UPSC Prelims 2025, Question 90
    Which organization has enacted the Nature Restoration Law (NRL) to tackle climate change and biodiversity loss?
    1. The European Union
    2. The World Bank
    3. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development
    4. The Food and Agriculture Organization
24. UPSC Prelims 2024, Question 16
    One of the following regions has the world’s largest tropical peatland, which holds about three years worth of global carbon emissions from fossil fuels; and the possible destruction of which can exert detrimental effect on the global climate. Which one of the following denotes that region?
    1. Amazon Basin
    2. Congo Basin
    3. Kikori Basin
    4. Rio de la Plata Basin
25. UPSC Prelims 2024, Question 17
    With reference to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) that are used in making many consumer products, consider the following statements:
    1. PFAS are found to be widespread in drinking water, food and food packaging materials.
    2. PFAS are not easily degraded in the environment.
    3. Persistent exposure to PFAS can lead to bioaccumulation in animal bodies.
    Which of the statements given above are correct?
    1. 1 and 2 only
    2. 2 and 3 only
    3. 1 and 3 only
    4. 1, 2 and 3
26. UPSC Prelims 2024, Question 18
    Consider the following:
    1. Carabid beetles
    2. Centipedes
    3. Flies
    4. Termites
    5. Wasps
    Parasitoid species are found in how many of the above kind of organisms?
    1. Only two
    2. Only three
    3. Only four
    4. All five
27. UPSC Prelims 2024, Question 19
    Consider the following plants:
    1. Groundnut
    2. Horse-gram
    3. Soybean
    How many of the above belong to the pea family?
    1. Only one
    2. Only two
    3. All three
    4. None
28. UPSC Prelims 2024, Question 21
    The organisms “Cicada, Froghopper and Pond skater” are:
    1. Birds
    2. Fish
    3. Insects
    4. Reptiles
29. UPSC Prelims 2024, Question 22
    Consider the following statements:
    Statement-I: Many chewing gums found in the market are considered a source of environmental pollution.
    Statement-II: Many chewing gums contain plastic as gum base.
    Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
    1. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
    2. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
    3. Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
    4. Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct
30. UPSC Prelims 2024, Question 23
    Consider the following pairs:

    	Country	Animal found in its natural habitat
    1.	Brazil	Indri
    2.	Indonesia	Elk
    3.	Madagascar	Bonobo

    How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
    1. Only one
    2. Only two
    3. All three
    4. None
31. UPSC Prelims 2024, Question 25
    Consider the following statements:
    1. Lions do not have a particular breeding season.
    2. Unlike most other big cats, cheetahs do not roar.
    3. Unlike male lions, male leopards do not proclaim their territory by scent marking.
    Which of the statements given above are correct?
    1. 1 and 2 only
    2. 2 and 3 only
    3. 1 and 3 only
    4. 1, 2 and 3
32. UPSC Prelims 2024, Question 28
    Which one of the following shows a unique relationship with an insect that has coevolved with it and that is the only insect that can pollinate this tree?
    1. Fig
    2. Mahua
    3. Sandalwood
    4. Silk cotton
33. UPSC Prelims 2024, Question 29
    Consider the following:
    1. Butterflies
    2. Fish
    3. Frogs
    How many of the above have poisonous species among them?
    1. Only one
    2. Only two
    3. All three
    4. None
34. UPSC Prelims 2024, Question 30
    Consider the following:
    1. Cashew
    2. Papaya
    3. Red sanders
    How many of the above trees are actually native to India?
    1. Only one
    2. Only two
    3. All three
    4. None
35. UPSC Prelims 2024, Question 39
    “Membrane Bioreactors” are often discussed in the context of:
    1. Assisted reproductive technologies
    2. Drug delivery nanotechnologies
    3. Vaccine production technologies
    4. Wastewater treatment technologies
36. UPSC Prelims 2024, Question 90
    According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which one of the following is the largest source of sulphur dioxide emissions?
    1. Locomotives using fossil fuels
    2. Ships using fossil fuels
    3. Extraction of metals from ores
    4. Power plants using fossil fuels
37. UPSC Prelims 2024, Question 96
    Consider the following statements:
    Statement-I: The European Parliament approved The Net-Zero Industry Act recently.
    Statement-II: The European Union intends to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040 and therefore aims to develop all of its own clean technology by that time.
    Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
    1. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
    2. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
    3. Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
    4. Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct
38. UPSC Prelims 2023, Question 3
    Consider the following trees:
    1. Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus)
    2. Mahua (Madhuca indica)
    3. Teak (Tectona grandis)
    How many of the above are deciduous trees?
    1. Only one
    2. Only two
    3. All three
    4. None
39. UPSC Prelims 2023, Question 12
    Consider the following statements:
    Statement-I: Marsupials are not naturally found in India.
    Statement-II: Marsupials can thrive only in montane grasslands with no predators.
    Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
    1. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
    2. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
    3. Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
    4. Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct
40. UPSC Prelims 2023, Question 13
    ‘Invasive Species Specialist Group’ (that develops Global Invasive Species Database) belongs to which one of the following organizations?
    1. The International Union for Conservation of Nature
    2. The United Nations Environment Programme
    3. The United Nations World Commission for Environment and Development
    4. The World Wide Fund for Nature
41. UPSC Prelims 2023, Question 14
    Consider the following fauna:
    1. Lion-tailed Macaque
    2. Malabar Civet
    3. Sambar Deer
    How many of the above are generally nocturnal or most active after sunset?
    1. Only one
    2. Only two
    3. All three
    4. None
42. UPSC Prelims 2023, Question 15
    Which of the following organisms perform waggle dance for others of their kin to indicate the direction and the distance to a source of their food?
    1. Butterflies
    2. Dragonflies
    3. Honeybees
    4. Wasps
43. UPSC Prelims 2023, Question 16
    Consider the following statements:
    1. Some mushrooms have medicinal properties.
    2. Some mushrooms have psycho-active properties.
    3. Some mushrooms have insecticidal properties.
    4. Some mushrooms have bioluminescent properties.
    How many of the above statements are correct?
    1. Only one
    2. Only two
    3. Only three
    4. All four
44. UPSC Prelims 2023, Question 17
    Consider the following statements regarding the Indian squirrels:
    1. They build nests by making burrows in the ground.
    2. They store their food materials like nuts and seeds in the ground.
    3. They are omnivorous.
    How many of the above statements are correct?
    1. Only one
    2. Only two
    3. All three
    4. None
45. UPSC Prelims 2023, Question 18
    Consider the following statements:
    1. Some microorganisms can grow in environments with temperature above the boiling point of water.
    2. Some microorganisms can grow in environments with temperature below the freezing point of water.
    3. Some microorganisms can grow in highly acidic environment with a pH below 3.
    How many of the above statements are correct?
    1. Only one
    2. Only two
    3. All three
    4. None
46. UPSC Prelims 2023, Question 19
    Which one of the following makes a tool with a stick to scrape insects from a hole in a tree or a log of wood?
    1. Fishing cat
    2. Orangutan
    3. Otter
    4. Sloth bear
47. UPSC Prelims 2023, Question 20
    Consider the following:
    1. Aerosols
    2. Foam agents
    3. Fire retardants
    4. Lubricants
    In the making of how many of the above are hydrofluorocarbons used?
    1. Only one
    2. Only two
    3. Only three
    4. All four
48. UPSC Prelims 2023, Question 23
    Consider the following statements:
    Statement-I: Carbon markets are likely to be one of the most widespread tools in the fight against climate change.
    Statement-II: Carbon markets transfer resources from the private sector to the State.
    Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
    1. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
    2. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
    3. Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
    4. Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct
49. UPSC Prelims 2023, Question 38
    Consider the following statements:
    Once the Central Government notifies an area as a ‘Community Reserve’
    1. the Chief Wildlife Warden of the State becomes the governing authority of such forest
    2. hunting is not allowed in such area
    3. people of such area are allowed to collect non-timber forest produce
    4. people of such area are allowed traditional agricultural practices
    How many of the above statements are correct?
    1. Only one
    2. Only two
    3. Only three
    4. All four
50. UPSC Prelims 2023, Question 59
    Consider the following statements regarding mercury pollution:
    1. Gold mining activity is a source of mercury pollution in the world.
    2. Coal-based thermal power plants cause mercury pollution.
    3. There is no known safe level of exposure to mercury.
    How many of the above statements are correct?
    1. Only one
    2. Only two
    3. All three
    4. None
51. UPSC Prelims 2023, Question 63
    Consider the following statements:
    Statement-I: The soil in tropical rain forests is rich in nutrients.
    Statement-II: The high temperature and moisture of tropical rain forests cause dead organic matter in the soil to decompose quickly.
    Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
    1. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
    2. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
    3. Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
    4. Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct
52. UPSC Prelims 2023, Question 68
    Consider the following activities:
    1. Spreading finely ground basalt rock on farmlands extensively
    2. Increasing the alkalinity of oceans by adding lime
    3. Capturing carbon dioxide released by various industries and pumping it into abandoned subterranean mines in the form of carbonated waters
    How many of the above activities are often considered and discussed for carbon capture and sequestration?
    1. Only one
    2. Only two
    3. All three
    4. None
53. UPSC Prelims 2023, Question 79
    Consider the following statements:
    1. In India, the Biodiversity Management Committees are key to the realization of the objectives of the Nagoya Protocol.
    2. The Biodiversity Management Committees have important functions in determining access and benefit sharing, including the power to levy collection fees on the access of biological resources within its jurisdiction.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
    1. 1 only
    2. 2 only
    3. Both 1 and 2
    4. Neither 1 nor 2
54. UPSC Prelims 2022, Question 21
    Among the following crops, which one is the most important anthropogenic source of both methane and nitrous oxide?
    1. Cotton
    2. Rice
    3. Sugarcane
    4. Wheat
55. UPSC Prelims 2022, Question 41
    “Climate Action Tracker” which monitors the emission reduction pledges of different countries is a:
    1. Database created by coalition of research organisations
    2. Wing of “International Panel of Climate Change”
    3. Committee under “United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change”
    4. Agency promoted and financed by United Nations Environment Programme and World Bank
56. UPSC Prelims 2022, Question 42
    Consider the following statements:
    1. “The Climate Group” is an international non-profit organization that drives climate action by building large networks and runs them.
    2. The International Energy Agency in partnership with the Climate Group launched a global initiative “EP100”.
    3. EP100 brings together leading companies committed to driving innovation in energy efficiency and increasing competitiveness while delivering on emission reduction goals.
    4. Some Indian companies are members of EP100.
    5. The International Energy Agency is the Secretariat to the “Under2 Coalition”.
    Which of the statements given above are correct?
    1. 1, 2, 4 and 5
    2. 1, 3 and 4 only
    3. 2, 3 and 5 only
    4. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
57. UPSC Prelims 2022, Question 43
    “If rainforests and tropical forests are the lungs of the Earth, then surely wetlands function as its kidneys.” Which one of the following functions of wetlands best reflects the above statement?
    1. The water cycle in wetlands involves surface runoff, subsoil percolation and evaporation.
    2. Algae form the nutrient base upon which fish, crustaceans, molluscs, birds, reptiles and mammals thrive.
    3. Wetlands play a vital role in maintaining sedimentation balance and soil stabilization.
    4. Aquatic plants absorb heavy metals and excess nutrients.
58. UPSC Prelims 2022, Question 44
    In the context of WHO Air Quality Guidelines, consider the following statements:
    1. The 24-hour mean of PM_2.5 should not exceed 15 µg/m³ and annual mean of PM_2.5 should not exceed 5 µg/m³.
    2. In a year, the highest levels of ozone pollution occur during the periods of inclement weather.
    3. PM₁₀ can penetrate the lung barrier and enter the bloodstream.
    4. Excessive ozone in the air can trigger asthma.
    Which of the statements given above are correct?
    1. 1, 3 and 4
    2. 1 and 4 only
    3. 2, 3 and 4
    4. 1 and 2 only
59. UPSC Prelims 2022, Question 45
    With reference to “Gucchi” sometimes mentioned in the news, consider the following statements:
    1. It is a fungus.
    2. It grows in some Himalayan forest areas.
    3. It is commercially cultivated in the Himalayan foothills of north-eastern India.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
    1. 1 only
    2. 3 only
    3. 1 and 2
    4. 2 and 3
60. UPSC Prelims 2022, Question 47
    Which of the following is not a bird?
    1. Golden Mahseer
    2. Indian Nightjar
    3. Spoonbill
    4. White Ibis
61. UPSC Prelims 2022, Question 48
    Which of the following are nitrogen-fixing plants?
    1. Alfalfa
    2. Amaranth
    3. Chickpea
    4. Clover
    5. Purslane (Kulfa)
    6. Spinach
    Select the correct answer using the code given below:
    1. 1, 3 and 4 only
    2. 1, 3, 5 and 6 only
    3. 2, 4, 5 and 6 only
    4. 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6
62. UPSC Prelims 2022, Question 49
    “Biorock technology” is talked about in which one of the following situations?
    1. Restoration of damaged coral reefs
    2. Development of building materials using plant residues
    3. Identification of areas for exploration/extraction of shale gas
    4. Providing salt licks for wild animals in forests/protected areas
63. UPSC Prelims 2022, Question 50
    The “Miyawaki method” is well known for the:
    1. Promotion of commercial farming in arid and semi-arid areas
    2. Development of gardens using genetically modified flora
    3. Creation of mini forests in urban areas
    4. Harvesting wind energy on coastal areas and on sea surfaces
64. UPSC Prelims 2022, Question 75
    Which one of the following has been constituted under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986?
    1. Central Water Commission
    2. Central Ground Water Board
    3. Central Ground Water Authority
    4. National Water Development Agency
65. UPSC Prelims 2022, Question 80
    Which one of the following best describes the term “greenwashing”?
    1. Conveying a false impression that a company’s products are eco-friendly and environmentally sound
    2. Non-inclusion of ecological/environmental costs in the Annual Financial Statements of a country
    3. Ignoring the disastrous ecological consequences while undertaking infrastructure development
    4. Making mandatory provisions for environmental costs in a government project/programme
66. UPSC Prelims 2022, Question 89
    With reference to Indian laws about wildlife protection, consider the following statements:
    1. Wild animals are the sole property of the government.
    2. When a wild animal is declared protected, such animal is entitled for equal protection whether it is found in protected areas or outside.
    3. Apprehension of a protected wild animal becoming a danger to human life is sufficient ground for its capture or killing.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
    1. 1 and 2
    2. 2 only
    3. 1 and 3
    4. 3 only
67. UPSC Prelims 2022, Question 90
    Certain species of which one of the following organisms are well known as cultivators of fungi?
    1. Ant
    2. Cockroach
    3. Crab
    4. Spider
68. UPSC Prelims 2022, Question 99
    Consider the following statements:
    DNA Barcoding can be a tool to:
    1. assess the age of a plant or animal.
    2. distinguish among species that look alike.
    3. identify undesirable animal or plant materials in processed foods.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
    1. 1 only
    2. 3 only
    3. 1 and 2
    4. 2 and 3
69. UPSC Prelims 2022, Question 100
    Consider the following:
    1. Carbon monoxide
    2. Nitrogen oxide
    3. Ozone
    4. Sulphur dioxide
    Excess of which of the above in the environment is/are cause(s) of acid rain?
    1. 1, 2 and 3
    2. 2 and 4 only
    3. 4 only
    4. 1, 3 and 4

Take the timed test above to see the answers and explanations.