Environment MCQs 3

1.What is the primary purpose of the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES)?

a) To monitor atmospheric greenhouse gases b) To assess the state of the world's biodiversity and ecosystem services c) To enforce international agreements on climate change d) To regulate global water usage

b) The Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) was established to assess the state of the world’s biodiversity and ecosystem services, provide policy-relevant information, and support decision-making. It serves as a counterpart to the IPCC but focuses on biodiversity rather than climate change.

2. Which of the following best describes "Stratospheric Ozone Depletion" and its primary cause?

a) Decrease in ozone layer due to increased CO₂ b) Depletion of ozone due to increased UV radiation c) Decrease in ozone layer due to chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) d) Depletion of ozone due to increased water vapor

c) Stratospheric ozone depletion is primarily caused by chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and other ozone-depleting substances (ODS), which break down ozone molecules in the stratosphere. The Montreal Protocol addresses this issue by phasing out the production of CFCs and other ODS.

3. What is the main source of "Black Carbon" and its effect on climate change?

a) Industrial waste b) Biomass burning c) Oceanic plankton d) Volcanic eruptions

b) Black carbon is primarily emitted from incomplete combustion of fossil fuels and biomass burning, such as from forest fires and agricultural burning. It contributes to climate change by absorbing sunlight and warming the atmosphere, and by settling on ice, reducing its reflectivity and accelerating melting.

4. The "Great Pacific Garbage Patch" primarily consists of:

a) Biodegradable materials b) Microplastics c) Organic waste d) Heavy metals

b) The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is predominantly composed of microplastics—tiny plastic particles resulting from the breakdown of larger plastic debris. These microplastics are harmful to marine life and ecosystems.

5. Which of the following is a primary driver of soil degradation?

a) Reforestation b) Agroforestry c) Overgrazing d) Organic farming

c) Overgrazing by livestock is a significant driver of soil degradation, leading to erosion, loss of soil fertility, and desertification. It removes vegetation cover and compacts the soil, reducing its ability to retain moisture and nutrients.

6. The term "Eutrophication" refers to:

a) The loss of biodiversity in marine ecosystems b) The process of nutrient enrichment in water bodies c) The accumulation of heavy metals in soil d) The decline of coral reef health

b) Eutrophication is the process where excess nutrients, mainly nitrogen and phosphorus from agricultural runoff, enter water bodies, leading to excessive growth of algae and aquatic plants. This process depletes oxygen levels in the water and harms aquatic life.

7. Which international agreement focuses on reducing global greenhouse gas emissions?

a) The Kyoto Protocol b) The Ramsar Convention c) The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) d) The Basel Convention

a) The Kyoto Protocol, adopted in 1997, is an international agreement that set binding targets for developed countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It was a precursor to the Paris Agreement, which builds on and expands these efforts.

8. What environmental issue is most directly associated with the use of nitrogen fertilizers?

a) Ozone depletion b) Greenhouse gas emissions c) Groundwater contamination d) Habitat destruction

c) The use of nitrogen fertilizers can lead to groundwater contamination through leaching. Nitrogen compounds, such as nitrates, can seep into groundwater and cause health issues such as methemoglobinemia (blue baby syndrome) and contribute to eutrophication in surface water.

9. Which biome is characterized by permafrost and low biodiversity?

a) Taiga b) Tropical rainforest c) Savanna d) Temperate deciduous forest

a) The Taiga, or boreal forest, is characterized by cold temperatures, permafrost, and low biodiversity compared to tropical rainforests. The harsh climate and short growing season limit the types of species that can thrive in this biome.

10. The "Land Degradation Neutrality" (LDN) target aims to:

a) Completely restore all degraded lands by 2030 b) Prevent the increase of degraded land globally c) Convert all agricultural land to forested areas d) Increase global land productivity by 50%

b) Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) is a target established under the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). The goal is to prevent the further increase of degraded land by balancing the amount of land being restored with the amount of land being degraded.

If any answer found wrong, Please comment.

---

© 2025 UnIQ Coaching. All rights reserved.