1.

What could be the main reason/reasons for the formation of African and Eurasian desert belt?

1. It is located in the sub-tropical high pressure cells.

2. It is under the influence of warm ocean currents.

Select the correct answer:

A

1 only

B

2 only

C

Both 1 and 2

D

Neither 1 nor 2

E

Answer

A

Instruction

Solution

Sub-tropical high pressure belts are adiabatic in nature, bringing little rainfall. Warm ocean currents are not a necessary condition for desert belts.

PYQ

Yes

2.

Consider the following statements:

1. Biodiversity is normally greater in the lower latitudes as compared to the higher latitudes.

2. Along the mountain gradients, biodiversity is normally greater in the lower latitudes as compared to the higher latitudes.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A

1 only

B

2 only

C

Both 1 and 2

D

Neither 1 nor 2

E

Answer

C

Instruction

Solution

Biodiversity is greater in lower latitudes (tropics) and lower altitudes due to more favorable and stable environmental conditions.

PYQ

Yes

3.

How do mangroves function as a safety hedge?

A

The mangrove swamps separate the human settlements from the sea by a wide zone in which people neither live nor venture out.

B

The mangroves provide both food and medicines which people are in need of after any natural disaster.

C

The mangrove trees are tall with dense canopies and serve as an excellent shelter during a cyclone or Tsunami.

D

The mangrove trees do not get uprooted by storms and tides because of their extensive roots

E

Answer

D

Instruction

Solution

Mangroves function as a safety hedge primarily because their extensive root systems prevent them from being uprooted by storms and tides. They also create a wide buffer zone separating human settlements from the sea and act as an excellent shelter during cyclones or tsunamis.

PYQ

Yes

4.

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 are the correct criteria?

A

1, 2 and 6

B

2, 4 and 6

C

1, 3 and 5

D

3, 4 and 6

E

Answer

C

Instruction

Solution

A biodiversity hotspot must have high species richness (specifically endemic plants) and be under significant threat of habitat loss.

PYQ

Yes