Q1. Which of the following is an example of Müllerian mimicry?
A) Viceroy butterfly resembling Monarch butterfly
B) Stingless hoverfly resembling honeybee species
C) Two unpalatable Heliconius with warning colours
D) Walking stick insect resembling dry twig
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Müllerian mimicry occurs when two or more unpalatable/toxic species evolve similar warning coloration, reinforcing predator learning. Heliconius butterflies are the classic textbook example.
Q2. In a stable community, if the number of species is plotted against their relative abundance on a log scale (Whittaker plot), the curve obtained is:
A) Geometric series
B) Log-normal distribution
C) Broken-stick model
D) Lognormal with a long tail to the right
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Mature, stable ecosystems typically show a log-normal species abundance distribution, indicating efficient niche partitioning and community equilibrium.
Q3. The maximum species richness of trees in a tropical rainforest is usually found in which soil nutrient condition?
A) High nitrogen, high phosphorus
B) High nitrogen, low phosphorus
C) Low nitrogen, low phosphorus
D) Low nitrogen, high phosphorus
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Low N–Low P soils promote high diversity due to reduced competitive exclusion (Janzen–Connell hypothesis; Tropical Diversity Paradox).
Q4. Which of the following gases has the highest Global Warming Potential (GWP-100 years) as per IPCC Second Assessment Report (1995), still used in Montreal Protocol context?
A) CFC-12
B) SF₆
C) NF₃
D) HFC-23
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: SF₆ has a GWP ≈ 22,800, making it one of the most potent greenhouse gases ever measured.
Q5. In ecological succession, the ratio of respiration (R) to gross primary productivity (GPP):
A) Is always < 1 in early stages and approaches 1 at climax
B) Is always > 1 in early stages and approaches 1 at climax
C) Remains constant throughout
D) Is always = 1 at climax
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: In early succession, GPP > R, so R/GPP < 1. At climax community, production balances respiration → R/GPP ≈ 1.
