Q1. Which of the following biological interactions represent ‘mutualism’?
- Mycorrhizae: Association between fungi and roots of higher plants.
- Lichens: Symbiotic relationship between fungi and photosynthetic algae.
- Pollination: Interaction between mustard flowers and honeybees.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) 1 and 3 only
Correct Answer: (c) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation:
- Mycorrhizae: This is a mutualistic association where fungi enhance the absorption of phosphorus and water for the plant, while the plant provides energy-rich carbohydrates to the fungi.
- Lichens: These represent a relationship between a phycobiont (algae/cyanobacteria) and a mycobiont (fungi). The algae synthesize food via photosynthesis, while the fungi provide protection and mineral absorption.
- Pollination: This is often a facultative mutualism where the pollinator gets food in the form of nectar/pollen, and the plant achieves reproduction through pollen transfer. This is distinct from obligate mutualism like the co-evolution of Fig tree and Wasp.
Q2. Which one of the following statements correctly describes an adaptive characteristic of organisms?
(a) Mammals in colder climates generally have shorter ears and limbs.
(b) In polar seas, aquatic mammals have thinner fat layers to regulate temperature.
(c) Desert plants have broad leaves to maximize sunlight absorption.
(d) At higher altitudes, the body compensates for low oxygen by decreasing RBC production.
Correct Answer: (a)
Explanation:
- Allen’s Rule: Mammals from colder climates evolve shorter ears and limbs to minimize heat loss by reducing surface area.
- Polar Adaptations: Aquatic mammals like seals have a thick layer of fat (blubber) acting as an insulator.
- Desert Adaptations: Plants have reduced leaves/spines and a thick waxy cuticle to minimize transpiration.
- Altitude Adaptation: Body compensates low oxygen by increasing RBC production and breathing rate.
Q3. Xerophytic plants adapt to hot and arid environments by:
(a) Developing a thick cuticle on leaf surfaces.
(b) Keeping stomata open during the day to facilitate cooling.
(c) Having photosynthetic roots to replace leaves.
(d) Shedding leaves only during the monsoon season.
Correct Answer: (a)
Explanation:
- Water Conservation: Xerophytes develop a thick, waxy cuticle to reduce water loss.
- Stomatal Behavior: Use CAM pathway (Crassulacean Acid Metabolism) → stomata closed during day, open at night.
- Morphological Changes: In Opuntia, leaves → spines (reduce transpiration), stem → phylloclade (photosynthesis + water storage).
Q4. The headquarters of the Govind Ballabh Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment (GBPNIHE) is located at:
(a) Leh
(b) Gangtok
(c) Almora
(d) Itanagar
Correct Answer: (c)
Explanation:
The institute is headquartered at Almora (Uttarakhand). Established in 1988, it serves as a nodal agency for the National Mission on Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem (NMSHE) under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC). It has regional units in Leh, Gangtok, and Itanagar, but central administration remains in Almora.
Q5. Which international agreement was signed in 1987 to regulate the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances?
(a) Kyoto Protocol
(b) Montreal Protocol
(c) Nagoya Protocol
(d) Cartagena Protocol
Correct Answer: (b)
Explanation:
- Montreal Protocol (1987): Targets Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) like CFCs; considered the most successful environmental treaty. Kigali Amendment (2016) → phase-down of HFCs.
- Kyoto Protocol (1997): Under UNFCCC, focuses on GHG emission reduction.
- Nagoya Protocol (2010): Under CBD, deals with Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS).
- Cartagena Protocol (2000): Under CBD, focuses on biosafety and LMOs (Living Modified Organisms).
