Environment – GK Questions

Energy flow is always unidirectional and decreases at each trophic level due to the 10% law, making the energy pyramid always upright.

An ecosystem includes both biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) components interacting as a functional unit.

The pyramid of numbers can be inverted in some ecosystems, such as a tree supporting many insects and birds, where producers are fewer than consumers.

A typical food chain flows from producer (grass) to primary consumer (deer) to secondary consumer (wolf) and finally to decomposers (bacteria).

Established by the UN in 1973, World Environment Day is celebrated annually on June 5 to raise awareness of environmental issues.

Tree roots bind the soil and the canopy breaks the force of rain; removing trees exposes topsoil to wind and water erosion.

Natural gas is a fossil fuel that takes millions of years to form and depletes much faster than it can be naturally replenished.

Humus improves soil fertility, structure, and its ability to retain moisture and nutrients.

The 3 R's represent a hierarchy designed to minimize waste generation and maximize resource efficiency.

Electronic waste includes old computers, phones, and appliances, which often contain hazardous materials like lead and mercury.

Organic matter like cow dung is readily broken down by microorganisms into simpler, non-toxic substances.

Afforestation is the planting of trees in areas that have not recently been forested, whereas reforestation is replanting in depleted forests.

Smog is a portmanteau of 'smoke' and 'fog', describing severe air pollution that reduces visibility and harms respiratory health.

Vermicomposting uses various species of earthworms to create a heterogeneous mixture of decomposing vegetable waste and soil.

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) organizes the annual COP conferences to negotiate climate agreements.

Appiko (meaning 'hug' in Kannada) was inspired by Chipko and aimed to save the natural forests of the Western Ghats from clear-felling.

The movement successfully opposed a dam on the Kunthipuzha River that would have submerged the pristine Silent Valley evergreen forest.

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) is a statutory organization under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

Medha Patkar led the Narmada Bachao Andolan, protesting against the large dam projects across the Narmada river and displacement of tribals.

Villagers, particularly women, hugged trees to prevent contractors from cutting them down, making it a landmark eco-social movement.