PYQ Research Document EVS & Geo > Environment 2024 > Flashcards

Environment 2024 Flashcards

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1
Q

What are the characteristics that define insects?

A

Insects are hexapod invertebrates of the class Insecta characterized by:
- A chitinous exoskeleton
- A three-part body
- Three pairs of jointed legs
- Compound eyes
- A pair of antennae

Additionally, insects have no internal skeleton, and their mouthparts vary significantly among species.

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2
Q

What is the significance of the exoskeleton in insects?

A

The exoskeleton serves several important functions for insects:
- It protects their soft internal organs.
- It provides structural support and prevents water loss.
- It allows for muscle attachment, facilitating movement.

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3
Q

How are insects classified within the Insecta class?

A

Insects are classified into 29 orders within the class Insecta. Some common orders include:

Order | Common Name |
|————–|——————————|
| Mantodea | Praying mantids |
| Blattodea | Cockroaches |
| Isoptera | Termites |
| Siphonaptera| Fleas |
| Odonata | Dragonflies and damselflies |
| Dermaptera | Earwigs |
| Diptera | Flies |
| Lepidoptera | Butterflies and moths |
| Orthoptera | Grasshoppers, katydids, crickets |

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4
Q

What are the main characteristics of cicadas?

A

Cicadas are known for their loud, distinctive mating calls produced by males. They have:
- Prominent eyes set wide apart
- Short antennae
- Membranous front wings
They are found worldwide, especially in tropical and temperate regions.

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5
Q

What is the lifecycle of cicadas?

A

Cicadas have a unique lifecycle, particularly some species like the periodical cicadas, which have long developmental periods of up to 17 years, mostly spent underground as nymphs.

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6
Q

To which order and family do cicadas belong?

A

Cicadas belong to the order Hemiptera and the family Cicadidae.

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7
Q

What is the classification of froghoppers?

A

Froghoppers belong to the superfamily Cercopoidea, which is a group of hemipteran insects in the suborder Auchenorrhyncha.

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8
Q

What are the main groups of insects mentioned in the text?

A

The main groups of insects mentioned are:
- Coleoptera: beetles
- Hymenoptera: wasps, bees, ants, sawflies
- Cicada: superfamily in Hemiptera
- Froghopper: superfamily Cercopoidea in Hemiptera
- Pond Skater: family in Hemiptera

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9
Q

What are the key characteristics of Froghoppers?

A

Froghoppers, also known as spittlebugs, are small insects known for their ability to jump long distances, similar to frogs. Their nymphs produce frothy masses of spittle on plants for protection.

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10
Q

What allows Pond Skaters to walk on water?

A

Pond skaters can walk on the surface of water due to the surface tension and their hydrophobic legs, which distribute their weight evenly and allow for quick movement across the water surface.

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11
Q

What is the environmental impact of chewing gum?

A

Many chewing gums are considered a source of environmental pollution because they are produced with a synthetic gum base that is non-biodegradable, leading to dangerous environmental pollutants.

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12
Q

What is the composition of the gum base in chewing gum?

A

The gum base in chewing gum is largely made of polyvinyl acetate, which is a type of plastic.

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13
Q

What is the environmental impact of chewing gum residue?

A

Chewing gum residue is considered a dangerous environmental pollutant because it is non-biodegradable and remains in the environment for a long time.

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14
Q

What are the characteristics of the Indri?

A
  • Largest lemurs in the world
  • Black and white coat
  • Maintains an upright posture when climbing
  • Monogamous and lives in small family groups
  • Herbivorous, mainly feeding on leaves, seeds, fruits, and flowers
  • Vocal communication through singing and roaring
  • Size: 64-72 cm in body length, 6-9.5 kg in weight
  • Appearance: Large expressive eyes, minimal tail, long legs for leaping
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15
Q

What is the habitat of the species endemic to Madagascar?

A

The species is found in eastern rainforests of Madagascar, specifically in tropical moist lowland and montane forests, and has an arboreal lifestyle.

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16
Q

What is the social structure and diet of the species endemic to Madagascar?

A

The species lives in small family groups consisting of monogamous pairs and their offspring. It is primarily folivorous, consuming leaves, and also eats fruits, flowers, and seeds.

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17
Q

What are the reproductive characteristics of the species endemic to Madagascar?

A

The species has a low reproductive rate, producing a single offspring every 2-3 years, with a gestation period of approximately 4-5 months. The mother initially carries the infant on her abdomen and later on her back as it grows.

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18
Q

What is the conservation status of the species endemic to Madagascar and the threats it faces?

A

The species is classified as critically endangered by the IUCN. Threats include habitat destruction from slash-and-burn agriculture and logging, human encroachment, and hunting.

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19
Q

What conservation efforts are being made for the species endemic to Madagascar?

A

Conservation efforts include the establishment of protected areas, reforestation initiatives, promotion of ecotourism, and awareness campaigns.

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20
Q

What cultural significance does the species endemic to Madagascar hold?

A

The species holds a special place in Malagasy culture, often considered taboo to hunt due to ancestral beliefs.

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21
Q

What is the size and appearance of the elk (Cervus canadensis)?

A

The elk is a large deer species, with males weighing 320-330 kg (700-730 lbs) and females weighing 225-240 kg (495-530 lbs). They have a tan or light brown body with a dark brown head, neck, and legs, and males possess large, branched antlers that are shed and regrown annually.

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22
Q

What is the habitat of the elk (Cervus canadensis)?

A

The elk is native to North America and northeastern Asia, inhabiting forests, meadows, and grasslands, often found in mountainous regions.

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23
Q

What is the social structure of elk (Cervus canadensis)?

A

Elk live in herds, with separate groups for males and females outside the breeding season.

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24
Q

What are the vocalizations used by males and females during the rutting season?

A

Males bugle during the rut (mating season), while females and calves make various calls.

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25
What is the typical gestation period for bonobos?
The gestation period for bonobos is around 8 months.
26
What is the conservation status of bonobos according to the IUCN?
Bonobos are classified as endangered by the IUCN.
27
What type of diet do bonobos have?
Bonobos are omnivorous, primarily consuming fruits, leaves, seeds, flowers, and small animals.
28
Describe the social structure of bonobos.
Bonobos live in matriarchal societies with strong female bonds and are known for their peaceful and cooperative social interactions.
29
What are the main threats to the conservation of certain subspecies of the species mentioned?
The main threats include habitat loss, hunting, and competition with livestock.
30
What are the main threats to fig trees?
The main threats to fig trees include **habitat destruction**, **poaching**, and the **bushmeat trade**.
31
What conservation efforts are being made to protect fig trees?
Conservation efforts for fig trees focus on **habitat preservation**, **anti-poaching measures**, and **awareness campaigns**.
32
What is the unique relationship between fig trees and fig wasps?
Fig trees have a **mutualistic** relationship with **fig wasps** where: 1. **Fig Trees** rely on specific species of fig wasps for pollination. 2. **Fig Wasps** lay their eggs inside fig flowers, pollinating them in the process. This relationship is essential for the reproduction of fig trees, as they cannot reproduce without their respective fig wasps.
33
What is the significance of the fig wasp to the fig tree's reproduction?
The fig wasp is crucial for the fig tree's reproduction because each species of fig tree is typically pollinated by its own unique species of wasp, making their relationship a classic example of **coevolution** and **mutual dependency**.
34
What are the nutritional contents of raw figs?
Raw figs contain roughly **80% water** and **20% carbohydrates**, with negligible amounts of **protein**, **fat**, and **micronutrients**. They are also a moderate source of **dietary fiber**.
35
How many of the following have poisonous species: Butterflies, Fish, Frogs?
Fish have poisonous species among them, while butterflies and frogs do not have widely recognized poisonous species. Therefore, only 1 of the 3 has poisonous species.
36
What are some examples of poisonous species among butterflies, fish, and frogs?
- **Butterflies:** The *Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus)* is poisonous due to toxic chemicals ingested from milkweed plants during its larval stage. - **Fish:** The *Pufferfish (Tetraodontidae family)* contains tetrodotoxin, a potent neurotoxin, making it poisonous. - **Frogs:** The *Poison Dart Frogs (Dendrobatidae family)* have toxic skin secretions used to poison darts, making them poisonous.
37
How many of the trees listed are native to India?
Only one tree, the Red Sanders, is native to India. The Cashew and Papaya are not native to India.
38
What is the native region of the Red Sanders tree?
The Red Sanders tree is native to the southern parts of India, particularly in the state of Andhra Pradesh.
39
What are the main threats to the Red Sanders tree?
The main threats to the Red Sanders tree include illicit felling for smuggling, forest fires, cattle grazing, and other anthropogenic threats.
40
What is the conservation status of the Red Sanders tree according to the IUCN Red List?
The Red Sanders tree is classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
41
What are the uses of Red Sanders wood?
Red Sanders wood is used in cosmetics, medicinal products, furniture, woodcraft, and musical instruments due to its rich hue and therapeutic properties.
42
What happens to the amount of water vapor as altitude increases?
The amount of water vapor decreases with altitude because most originates from evaporation at the Earth's surface, and higher altitudes have lower temperatures and capacity to hold water vapor.
43
Where is the concentration of water vapor typically highest?
The concentration of water vapor is typically highest in warmer regions near the equator due to higher evaporation rates from water bodies.
44
Is the percentage of water vapor maximum at the poles?
No, the percentage of water vapor is minimum at the poles due to lower temperatures and evaporation rates.
45
What are PFAS and why are they used in consumer products?
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of man-made chemicals used in various consumer and industrial products due to their resistance to **heat, water, and grease**. They possess unique properties such as **surfactant qualities, heat and stain resistance, and amphiphilic nature**, making them valuable in industries like carpet, textile, leather production, and more.
46
What are the environmental concerns associated with PFAS?
PFAS are **not easily degraded** in the environment, leading to their **persistent nature** and widespread presence in the environment and human blood. Concerns include potential health effects such as **reproductive harm, developmental problems, and certain types of cancer**.
47
Which statements about PFAS are correct?
The correct statements about PFAS are: 1) PFAS are found to be widespread in drinking water, food, and food packaging material; 2) PFAS are not easily degraded in the environment; 3) Persistent exposure to PFAS can lead to bioaccumulation in animal bodies. Therefore, the correct answer is (d) 1, 2 and 3.
48
What are some common sources of PFAS in the environment?
Common sources of PFAS in the environment include: 1. **Primary manufacturing facilities** where PFAS is produced. 2. **Secondary manufacturing facilities** where PFAS is incorporated into products. 3. **Consumer products** such as food paper and packaging, furnishings, waterproof clothing, and cosmetics. These sources contribute to urban background concentrations in stormwater, wastewater treatment plant influent, and landfill leachate.
49
How many of the listed organisms have parasitoid species?
Parasitoid species are found in only three of the listed organisms: flies, termites, and wasps.
50
What are parasitoids and how do they differ from predators and parasites?
Parasitoids are organisms, typically insects, that spend their immature stages within or on another organism (the host), eventually killing it. They differ from predators as they rely on a single host for development and reproduction, and unlike parasites, they ultimately kill the host.
51
What types of insects are commonly classified as parasitoids?
Common types of parasitoids include: | Type | Examples | |-----------|--------------------------------------------| | Wasps | Ichneumonid wasps, Encyrtid wasps, Trichogramma wasps, Aphelinid wasps | | Flies | Tachinid flies | | Beetles | Netelia producta (Orange caterpillar parasite) | | Other Insects | Some species of butterflies, moths, lacewings, and caterpillars |
52
What is the conservation status of the Indian Flying Fox according to the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972?
The Indian Flying Fox is listed under Schedule II of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
53
What role does the Indian Flying Fox play in its ecosystem?
The Indian Flying Fox is a keystone species that causes seed dispersal of many plants in tropical systems.
54
What are the typical physical characteristics of the Indian Flying Fox?
The Indian Flying Fox is characterized by its large size, fox-like facial features, and usually displays a dark brown, gray, or black body with a distinct yellowish mantle.
55
Where can the Indian Flying Fox be found geographically?
The Indian Flying Fox occurs in tropical regions of South Central Asia, from Pakistan to China, and as far south as the Maldive Islands.
56
What type of habitat does the Indian Flying Fox prefer?
The Indian Flying Fox prefers forests and swamps, roosting in trees such as banyan, fig, and tamarind, usually near a body of water.
57
What is the primary diet of flying foxes?
Flying foxes maintain a **frugivorous diet**, supplementing it with **insects**, **flowers**, and substances containing **juice and nectar**.
58
What are the main threats to flying foxes?
Flying foxes face threats from **predators**, **disturbances**, and environmental factors such as **heat** and **light**. They are also known for spreading diseases like the **Nipah virus**, which can cause illness and death in humans.
59
What is Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) also known as?
SAF is also known as **bio-jet fuel**.
60
What are the potential sources of feedstock for producing Sustainable Aviation Fuel?
Sustainable Aviation Fuel can be produced from various sources including: 1. **Waste oil and fats** 2. **Green and municipal waste** 3. **Non-food crops** 4. Specific oils such as **palm stearin, sapium oil, palm fatty acid distillates, algae oil, kar
61
Nipah virus
diseases like the Nipah virus, which can cause illness and death in humans.
62
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)
SAF is also known as bio-jet fuel.
63
potential sources of feedstock for producing Sustainable Aviation Fuel
Sustainable Aviation Fuel can be produced from various sources including: 1. Waste oil and fats 2. Green and municipal waste 3. Non-food crops 4. Specific oils such as palm stearin, sapium oil, palm fatty acid distillates, algae oil, karanja, and jatropha.
64
significant environmental benefit of using Sustainable Aviation Fuel
Sustainable Aviation Fuel reduces CO2 emissions by up to 80% compared to traditional jet fuel.
65
major challenge associated with Sustainable Aviation Fuel
One major challenge is that it is four times more expensive than traditional fossil jet fuel.
66
Sustainable Aviation Fuel contribution to decarbonizing the aviation sector
SAF recycles the CO2 that has been absorbed throughout the life of the biomass utilized as feedstock, making its carbon footprint significantly lower than aviation turbine fuel (ATF).
67
statements about lions, cheetahs, and leopards
1. Lions do not have a particular breeding season. 2. Unlike most other big cats, cheetahs do not roar. Therefore, the correct statements are 1 and 2 only.
68
unique about cheetahs compared to other big cats
Cheetahs cannot roar; they produce a variety of vocalizations including purring, chirping, and growling.
69
how male leopards mark their territory
Male leopards use scent marking with urine, feces, and secretions from scent glands to proclaim their territory.
70
plants belong to the pea family (Fabaceae)
All three plants: Groundnut, Horse-gram, and Soybean belong to the pea family (Fabaceae).
71
significance of groundnuts in agriculture
Groundnuts are rich in protein and oil, crucial for human consumption and oil production, and they improve soil fertility through nitrogen fixation.
72
characteristics of horse-gram
Horse-gram is a drought-tolerant legume with trifoliate leaves, small flowers, and produces small, hard seeds.
73
key characteristics of the Fabaceae family
- Flowers: Typically have five petals arranged in a unique 'butterfly' shape (papilionaceous) with one large petal (standard), two lateral petals (wings), and two lower petals fused together (keel). - Leaves: Usually compound, often with stipules, and can be pinnate or trifoliate. - Fruit: A legume or pod that splits open on two sides to release seeds. - Nitrogen Fixation: Many members form symbiotic relationships with Rhizobium bacteria, fixing atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form, improving soil fertility.
74
significance of soybeans in agriculture
- Soybeans are one of the most important leguminous crops globally. - They are used for their protein-rich seeds in food products, animal feed, and oil extraction. - Soybeans contribute significantly to soil health through nitrogen fixation.
75
nutritional benefits of horse-gram
- Horse-gram is a nutritious legume high in protein, iron, and calcium. - It is used in traditional dishes and as fodder for livestock. - Like other legumes, it helps in nitrogen fixation, enhancing soil fertility.
76
examples of legumes depicted in the image
Examples of legumes include: 1. Pea 2. Peanuts 3. Soybean 4. Horse gram 5. Common bean 6. Lentil 7. Chickpea 8. Broad bean 9. Alfalfa 10. Clover 11. Wild bean 12. Lupine 13. Acacia 14. Vetches 15. Mung bean 16. Tonka beans 17. Papilionoideae 18. Tamarind.
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