Geography · Chapter 29 of 29

Environment & Ecology: BPSC Prelims PYQs

67 previous-year questions on Environment & Ecology, asked 1992–2025. Each one opens to its answer and explanation.

1. 1. 53rd–55th BPSC Prelims 2011

   Environment is a composite of :

   1. ABiotic factors
   2. BPhysiographic factors
   3. CAbiotic factors
   4. DAll of the above
   Answer and explanation →

2. 2. 65th BPSC Prelims 2019

   The exact place where an organism lives is called—

   1. AHabitat
   2. BEcosystem
   3. CNiche
   4. DBiome
   5. ENone of the above/More than one of the above
   Answer and explanation →

3. 3. BPSC TRE-2 (Dec 2023)

   An animal that mainly eats meat is called—

   1. AOmnivore
   2. BCarnivore
   3. CHerbivore
   4. DMore than one of the above
   5. ENone of the above
   Answer and explanation →

4. 4. 40th BPSC Prelims 1995

   To maintain ecological balance, the minimum forest cover required is—

   1. A25% of total land
   2. B50% of total land
   3. C40% of total land
   4. D33% of total land
   Answer and explanation →

5. 5. BPSC TRE-3 (Jul 2024)

   A major and top source of oxygen in the atmosphere is—

   1. APhotosynthesis by forest plants
   2. BPhotosynthesis by Oceanic plants
   3. CPhotosynthesis by grassland ecosystems
   4. DMore than one of the above
   5. ENone of the above
   Answer and explanation →

6. 6. 46th BPSC Prelims 2004

   Which of the following was NOT included in the Millennium Development Goals?

   1. AEradicate poverty and hunger
   2. BAchieve universal primary education
   3. CPromote gender equality and women’s empowerment
   4. DAchieve a Double economic growth rate
   Answer and explanation →

7. 7. 71st BPSC Prelims 2025

   The species which are in danger of extinction are known as?

   1. ARare
   2. BVulnerable
   3. CEndangered
   4. DExtinct
   Answer and explanation →

8. 8. 42nd BPSC Prelims 1997

   For what work is the famous environmental expert Sundar Lal Bahuguna known?

   1. AChipko Movement
   2. BNarmada Bachao
   3. CSatyagraha
   4. DAnti-corruption
   Answer and explanation →

9. 9. 38th BPSC Prelims 1992

   The “Chipko Movement” is-

   1. AA movement to stop untouchability
   2. BA movement to save trees
   3. CA union for milk production
   4. DNone of these
   Answer and explanation →

10. 10. 67th BPSC Prelims Re-exam 2022

    Plants receive their nutrients mainly from-

    1. AChlorophyll
    2. BAtmosphere
    3. CLight
    4. DSoil
    5. ENone of the above/More than one of the above
    Answer and explanation →

11. 11. BPSC TRE-3 (Jul 2024)

    Lichens are sensitive to which air pollutant?

    1. AMethane
    2. BCarbon monoxide
    3. CSulfur dioxide
    4. DMore than one of the above
    5. ENone of the above
    Answer and explanation →

12. 12. 69th BPSC Prelims 2023

    Which one of the following is one of the world’s richest regions in terms of marine biodiversity, which includes estuaries, sea coasts, near-shore coastal forests, seagrass, coral reefs, salt marshes and mangroves, along with twenty-one islands?

    1. ANilgiri Biosphere Reserve
    2. BGulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve
    3. CNanda Devi Biosphere Reserve
    4. DSundarban Biosphere Reserve
    5. ENone of the above
    Answer and explanation →

13. 13. 69th BPSC Prelims 2023

    With reference to the “Gangetic Dolphin”, consider the following statements - 1. The Ganga river dolphin has been categorized as an Endangered animal under the IUCN Red List. 2. It has no crystalline eye lens, which makes it effectively blind. 3. It uses echolocation to move and to hunt. 4. It has been recognized as India’s National Aquatic Animal. Which of the above statements are correct?

    1. AOnly 1, 3 and 4
    2. BOnly 1, 2 and 4
    3. COnly 2, 3 and 4
    4. DAll of the above
    Answer and explanation →

14. 14. BPSC TRE-2 (Dec 2023)

    How many species of flora and fauna are found in India?

    1. A81,000 species of fauna and 47,000 species of flora
    2. B70,000 species of fauna and 50,000 species of flora
    3. C50,000 species of fauna and 40,000 species of flora
    4. DMore than one of the above
    5. ENone of the above
    Answer and explanation →

15. 15. BPSC TRE-1 (Aug 2023)

    Kerala’s Silent Valley is protected because-

    1. AVery rare species of plants and animals are found here
    2. BThe soil is rich in minerals
    3. CLand areas were used on a large scale for agricultural purposes
    4. DMore than one of the above
    5. ENone of the above
    Answer and explanation →

16. 16. BPSC Auditor 2019

    In which state is Kanger Valley National Park located?

    1. AArunachal Pradesh
    2. BChhattisgarh
    3. CGujarat
    4. DAssam
    Answer and explanation →

17. 17. BPSC TRE-3 (Jul 2024)

    In a national park, protection is given to-

    1. AOnly fauna
    2. BThe entire ecosystem
    3. COnly flora
    4. DMore than one of the above
    5. ENone of the above
    Answer and explanation →

18. 18. BPSC TRE-3 (Jul 2024)

    Which of the following national parks is not correctly matched?

    1. AGuindy - Tamil Nadu
    2. BBhagwan Mahavir - Bihar
    3. CBalpakram - Meghalaya
    4. DMore than one of the above
    5. ENone of the above
    Answer and explanation →

19. 19. 69th BPSC Prelims 2023

    Ten captive-bred Asian giant tortoises (Manouria emys), one of the largest tortoise species in mainland Asia, were recently released in which national park of India?

    1. AKanchenjunga National Park
    2. BNtangki National Park
    3. CPeriyar National Park
    4. DPench National Park
    Answer and explanation →

20. 20. 66th BPSC Prelims Re-exam 2020

    Where is the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary located?

    1. AGoa
    2. BSrinagar
    3. COdisha
    4. DMaharashtra
    5. ENone of the above/More than one of the above
    Answer and explanation →

21. 21. 67th BPSC Prelims 2022

    Recently, China has claimed rights over the areas around the Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary, calling it a disputed area. Where is this wildlife sanctuary located?

    1. AArunachal Pradesh
    2. BBhutan
    3. CNepal
    4. DBangladesh
    5. ENone of the above/More than one of the above
    Answer and explanation →

22. 22. 71st BPSC Prelims 2025

    Which organisation recognized the Nagi bird sanctuary Site as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA)?

    1. AUNESCO
    2. BWorld Wildlife Fund
    3. CBird Life International
    4. DMore than one of the above
    Answer and explanation →

23. 23. 71st BPSC Prelims 2025

    Kanha National Park established in

    1. AAssam
    2. BUttarakhand
    3. CMadhya Pradesh
    4. DMaharashtra
    Answer and explanation →

24. 24. 69th BPSC Prelims 2023

    Regarding Heat Wave, consider the following statements— 1. If the maximum temperature of a plain area reaches at least 30°C or more, it is considered a heat wave. 2. If the maximum temperature of a hilly area reaches at least 40°C or more, it is considered a heat wave. Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?

    1. ANeither 1 nor 2
    2. BBoth 1 and 2
    3. COnly 1
    4. DOnly 2
    Answer and explanation →

25. 25. 68th BPSC Prelims 2023

    The atmosphere is mainly heated by:

    1. ALong-wave terrestrial radiation
    2. BShort-wave solar radiation
    3. CReflected solar radiation
    4. DMore than one of the above
    5. ENone of the above
    Answer and explanation →

26. 26. BPSC CDPO Prelims 2022

    Which of the following is a greenhouse gas?

    1. ACarbon dioxide
    2. BOzone
    3. CCFC
    4. DMethane
    5. ENone of the above / More than one of the above
    Answer and explanation →

27. 27. 68th BPSC Prelims 2023

    Which gas contributes to global warming through its greenhouse effect?

    1. ACarbon dioxide
    2. BNitrous oxide
    3. CMethane
    4. DMore than one of the above
    5. ENone of the above
    Answer and explanation →

28. 28. 64th BPSC Prelims 2018 · 65th BPSC Prelims 2019

    The main component of greenhouse gases is:

    1. ACarbon dioxide
    2. BMethane
    3. CNitrous oxide
    4. DOzone
    5. ENone of the above/More than one of the above
    Answer and explanation →

29. 29. BPSC CDPO Prelims 2018

    Which one of the following gases is considered an atmospheric pollutant?

    1. AOxygen
    2. BOzone
    3. CSulphur dioxide (SO2)
    4. DNitrogen
    5. ENone of the above/More than one of the above
    Answer and explanation →

30. 30. BPSC TRE-2 (Dec 2023)

    Which of the following gases is considered an atmospheric pollutant?

    1. AArgon
    2. BOxygen
    3. CSulphur dioxide
    4. DMore than one of the above
    5. ENone of the above
    Answer and explanation →

31. 31. 60th–62nd BPSC Prelims 2016

    In acid rain, which is present in the maximum amount?

    1. AHCl
    2. BHNO3
    3. CH2SO4
    4. DH2CO3
    5. ENone of the above/More than one of the above
    Answer and explanation →

32. 32. 47th BPSC Prelims 2005

    Acid rain is caused by –

    1. AIndustries
    2. BPetrol
    3. CBurning coal
    4. DWood
    Answer and explanation →

33. 33. 66th BPSC Prelims Re-exam 2020

    The component(s) of acid rain is/are:

    1. AHNO3
    2. BH2SO4
    3. CCO2
    4. DBoth (a) and (b)
    5. ENone of the above/More than one of the above
    Answer and explanation →

34. 34. 67th BPSC Prelims Re-exam 2022

    Which of the following components is the main constituent of biogas?

    1. AMethane
    2. BPropane
    3. CButane
    4. DEthane
    5. ENone of the above/More than one of the above
    Answer and explanation →

35. 35. BPSC CDPO Prelims 2005

    Coal is used for—

    1. ABurning
    2. BEating
    3. CBuilding walls
    4. DMaking boats
    Answer and explanation →

36. 36. BPSC CDPO Prelims 2022

    Breathing air polluted with carbon monoxide (CO) is dangerous, because—

    1. ACO combines with oxygen in the blood
    2. BCO combines with haemoglobin
    3. CCO removes water from the body and causes dehydration
    4. DCO causes the deposition of proteins in the body
    5. ENone of the above/More than one of the above
    Answer and explanation →

37. 37. 70th BPSC Prelims 2024

    Which of the following is a major cause of air pollution?

    1. ADisposal of plastic
    2. BBurning of fossil fuels
    3. CDeforestation
    4. DExcessive use of pesticides
    Answer and explanation →

38. 38. 60th–62nd BPSC Prelims 2016

    What is particulate matter?

    1. ASolid waste
    2. BAir pollutant
    3. CWater pollutant
    4. DSoil pollutant
    5. ENone of the above/More than one of the above
    Answer and explanation →

39. 39. BPSC CDPO Prelims 2005

    What effects can ozone depletion have on human health? 1. Sunburn 2. Cataract 3. Skin cancer 4. Skin ageing/wrinkling Choose the correct answer using the options given below.

    1. A1, 2, 3 and 4
    2. BOnly 1 and 2
    3. COnly 3 and 4
    4. DOnly 2 and 3
    Answer and explanation →

40. 40. 60th–62nd BPSC Prelims 2016

    The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change is related to—

    1. AReduction in the use of fossil fuels
    2. BReduction in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions
    3. CReduction in uranium production
    4. DReduction in emissions of greenhouse gases
    5. ENone of the above/More than one of the above
    Answer and explanation →

41. 41. 70th BPSC Prelims Re-exam 2024

    Which country hosted the COP28 climate summit in 2023?

    1. AItaly
    2. BBrazil
    3. CUnited Kingdom
    4. DUnited Arab Emirates
    Answer and explanation →

42. 42. BPSC TRE-3 (Jul 2024)

    In November 2024, where was the United Nations Climate Change Conference, 2024 to be held?

    1. ADubai – UAE
    2. BSharm El-Sheikh – Egypt
    3. CBaku – Azerbaijan
    4. DMore than one of the above
    5. ENone of the above
    Answer and explanation →

43. 43. 69th BPSC Prelims 2023

    The much-discussed “Lisbon Declaration” is related to the conservation of which entity?

    1. AFreshwater glaciers
    2. BAir
    3. CMountains
    4. DOceans
    Answer and explanation →

44. 44. 65th BPSC Prelims 2019

    Recently, where was the fourth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-4) held?

    1. AParis – France
    2. BUlaanbaatar – Mongolia
    3. CBeijing – China
    4. DNairobi – Kenya
    5. ENone of the above / More than one of the above
    Answer and explanation →

45. 45. BPSC BAO 2024

    Which one of the following statements regarding COP-28 is incorrect?

    1. ADuration – 30 November to 13 December 2023
    2. BVenue – Doha (Qatar)
    3. CApproval of the operational policy of the Loss and Damage Fund
    4. DApproval of the Santiago Network
    Answer and explanation →

46. 46. 71st BPSC Prelims 2025

    The UN climate conference held in Baku in 2024 concluded with an agreement that:

    1. AAims to ban fossil fuels globally by 2030
    2. BCalls on developed countries to provide at least $500 billion annually to developing nations by 2030
    3. CCalls on developed countries to provide at least $300 billion annually to developing nations by 2035
    4. DMore than one of the above
    Answer and explanation →

47. 47. BPSC TRE-2 (Dec 2023)

    Himalayan Brown Bear, Asian Wild Buffalo, Desert Fox are examples of which?

    1. ARare species
    2. BExtinct species
    3. CEndangered species
    4. DMore than one of the above
    5. ENone of the above
    Answer and explanation →

48. 48. BPSC TRE-3 (Jul 2024)

    The atmosphere receives its maximum energy from-

    1. ALong-wave terrestrial radiation
    2. BShort-wave terrestrial radiation
    3. CThe Sun
    4. DMore than one of the above
    5. ENone of the above
    Answer and explanation →

49. 49. BPSC TRE-3 (Jul 2024)

    Which of the following is a renewable source of energy?

    1. ACoal
    2. BNuclear fuel
    3. CPetroleum
    4. DMore than one of the above
    5. ENone of the above
    Answer and explanation →

50. 50. BPSC TRE-2 (Dec 2023)

    Fossil fuels are examples of which type of resources?

    1. ARenewable
    2. BBiotic
    3. CNon-renewable
    4. DMore than one of the above
    5. ENone of the above
    Answer and explanation →

51. 51. 71st BPSC Prelims 2025

    Match List-I with List-II: List-I (a) Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) scheme (b) Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes (MISHTI) (c) The Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE) (d) National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) List-II (1) Introduced in the Union Budget for 2023-24 (2) Aims to reduce emissions in energy-intensive industries (3) Launched in 2019 as a national-level strategy (4) Launched at COP26 in Glasgow in November 2021 Code: A B C D

    1. A1 3 2 4
    2. B3 4 1 2
    3. C2 1 4 3
    4. DMore than one of the above
    Answer and explanation →

52. 52. BPSC TRE-3 (Jul 2024)

    In mountainous regions, the maximum number of bird species live in which forest?

    1. APine forests
    2. BShrub forests
    3. COak forests
    4. DMore than one of the above
    5. ENone of the above
    Answer and explanation →

53. 53. 67th BPSC Prelims 2022

    It is advised not to sleep under a tree at night because trees—

    1. ARelease a lesser amount of oxygen
    2. BRelease harmful gases at night
    3. CRelease carbon dioxide
    4. DRelease carbon monoxide
    5. ENone of the above/more than one of the above
    Answer and explanation →

54. 54. 66th BPSC Prelims Re-exam 2020

    Which of the following is not a component of chlorophyll?

    1. ACalcium
    2. BCarbon
    3. CMagnesium
    4. DHydrogen
    5. Enone of the above/more than one of the above
    Answer and explanation →

55. 55. 46th BPSC Prelims 2004

    Which metal ion is found in chlorophyll?

    1. AIron
    2. BMagnesium
    3. CZinc
    4. DCobalt
    Answer and explanation →

56. 56. 39th BPSC Prelims 1994

    India’s national mammal is—

    1. ACow
    2. BPeacock
    3. CLion
    4. DTiger
    Answer and explanation →

57. 57. 40th BPSC Prelims 1995

    What is “Greenpeace” (Harit Shanti)?

    1. AAn agriculture-related organization
    2. BAn international peacekeeping force
    3. CAn international organization of environmental supporters
    4. DNone of the above
    Answer and explanation →

58. 58. 38th BPSC Prelims 1992

    The approximate weight of an adult Indian elephant is—

    1. A500 kilogram
    2. B1000 kilogram
    3. C5000 kilogram
    4. D10000 kilogram
    Answer and explanation →

59. 59. 40th BPSC Prelims 1995

    The flightless bird found in New Zealand is—

    1. AOstrich
    2. BAlbatross
    3. CKiwi
    4. Dnone of the above
    Answer and explanation →

60. 60. 69th BPSC Prelims 2023

    Which state government launched the State-Level Committee for Vulture Conservation (SLCVC) for vulture conservation, as proposed under the National Action Plan for vulture conservation in India?

    1. AMeghalaya
    2. BTamil Nadu
    3. CSikkim
    4. DAssam
    Answer and explanation →

61. 61. 66th BPSC Prelims Re-exam 2020

    India's first Dolphin Observatory is being built in:

    1. ADelhi
    2. BMumbai
    3. CBihar
    4. DOdisha
    5. ENone of the above/More than one of the above
    Answer and explanation →

62. 62. 67th BPSC Prelims Re-exam 2022

    To monitor the Arctic climate, which country launched its first satellite ‘Arktika-M’?

    1. AJapan
    2. BChina
    3. CRussia
    4. DIndia
    5. ENone of the above/More than one of the above
    Answer and explanation →

63. 63. 66th BPSC Prelims 2020

    How many Indian beaches have been recommended for the Blue Flag Certification recently?

    1. ASix
    2. BSeven
    3. CEight
    4. DNine
    5. ENone of the above/More than one of the above
    Answer and explanation →

64. 64. 71st BPSC Prelims 2025

    In India the Temperate Forest Research center is in which city?

    1. ARanchi
    2. BShimla
    3. CSrinagar
    4. DDehradun
    Answer and explanation →

65. 65. 43rd BPSC Prelims 1999

    The National Environmental Engineering Research Institute is located at—

    1. ABengaluru
    2. BChota Nagpur
    3. CDehradun
    4. DNagpur
    Answer and explanation →

66. 66. BPSC TRE-3 (Jul 2024)

    Where has the Gharial breeding centre been established in India?

    1. ACorbett (Uttarakhand)
    2. BMorena (Madhya Pradesh)
    3. CSundarbans (West Bengal)
    4. DMore than one of the above
    5. ENone of the above
    Answer and explanation →

67. 67. BPSC TRE-3 (Jul 2024)

    Earth Day, observed on 22 April, is related to—

    1. AThe end day of the Second World War
    2. BBan on nuclear weapons on planet Earth
    3. CEnvironmental awareness
    4. DMore than one of the above
    5. ENone of the above
    Answer and explanation →