UPSC Essentials brings to you its initiative of subject-wise quizzes. These quizzes are designed to help you revise some of the most important topics from the static part of the syllabus. Attempt today’s subject quiz on Environment, Geography, Science and Technology to check your progress. Come back tomorrow to solve the Economy Quiz.

Consider the following statements:

Statement 1: Over a third of the world’s tree species are threatened with extinction in the wild, surpassing the combined threat levels faced by birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians.

Statement 2: The primary threats include land clearing for agriculture, logging, pests, and diseases, which are especially prevalent in temperate regions.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

(a) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are correct and Statement 2 is the correct explanation for Statement 1.

(b) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are correct and Statement 2 is not the correct explanation for Statement 1.

(c) Statement 1 is correct but Statement 2 is incorrect.

(d) Statement 1 is incorrect but Statement 2 is correct.

Explanation

— A new global assessment reveals that over a third of the world’s tree species are threatened with extinction in the wild, surpassing the combined threat levels faced by birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

— Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) provided this disturbing update during the UN biodiversity summit, COP 16, in Cali, Colombia.

— More than 1,000 scientists contributed to the survey, which revealed that 38% of tree species are endangered.

— According to Emily Beech of BGCI, the biggest threat to trees around the world include land clearing for agriculture, logging, pests, and diseases, which are particularly prominent in temperate regions. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

— Iconic species such as magnolias, oaks, maples, and ebonies are among the most endangered, indicating a worldwide biodiversity catastrophe affecting entire ecosystems.

Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are correct and Statement 2 is the correct explanation for Statement 1.

Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer.

A deficiency of vitamin B9 can lead to:

1. Anaemia

2. Shortness of breath

3. Cardiovascular diseases and strokes

4. Digestive problems

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2, 3 and 4

(c) 1, 3 and 4

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Explanation

— A deficiency of vitamin B9 can lead to various health issues and complications.

— It is also known as folate or folic, this vitamin plays a pivotal role in DNA synthesis, cell division, and one’s entire well-being.

— It might result in weariness, irritation, and digestive issues. In addition, vitamin B9 promotes mood stability and cognitive performance.

— In severe situations, a vitamin B9 deficiency can cause anaemia, characterised by a decrease in red blood cells and symptoms such as shortness of breath and dizziness.

— Vitamin B9 is also required for the body’s ability to generate red blood cells and for normal neurological function. B9 deficiency is also linked to cardiovascular illnesses including strokes, which are known to increase mortality and morbidity rates.

Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer.

With reference to the gravitational waves, consider the following statements:

1. These are ‘ripples’ in space-time caused by some of the most violent and energetic processes in the Universe.

2. Gravitational waves are visible.

3. These waves travel much slower than the speed of light.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

Explanation

— The US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) unveiled a newly developed prototype of a telescope that can be used to study gravitational waves in outer space.

— The telescope was built as part of a collaborative mission with the European Space Agency known as Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA).

— The primary goal of the LISA mission is to research gravitational waves by launching three spacecraft into Earth’s orbit and arranging them in a triangle formation with 1.6 million miles on each side.

— Gravitational waves are ‘ripples’ in space-time created by some of the Universe’s most destructive and intense processes. Albert Einstein predicted the presence of gravitational waves in 1916 with his general theory of relativity. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

— A gravitational wave is an invisble (but exceedingly fast) ripple across space. Gravitational waves travel at the speed of light (186,000 miles/second). Hence, statements 2 and 3 are not correct.

Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer.

(Other Source: spaceplace.nasa.gov)

Recently, a 7.0-magnitude earthquake led to the eruptions of Shiveluch Volcano. It is located in:

(a) Japan

(b) Philippines

(c) Russia

(d) China

Explanation

— A 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula, prompting the eruption of Shiveluch, a highly active volcano in the region.

— The eruption released ash plumes that soared to an altitude of 5 kilometres, leading the Kamchatka Volcanic Eruption Response Team to issue a temporary “code red” warning for air traffic.

— According to the Russian Academy of Sciences, the Shiveluch volcano erupted after the earthquake struck, spewing a massive ash cloud that stretched over 490 kilometres (304 miles) in an easterly and southeasterly direction from the volcano.

Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer.

Consider the following statements about Miombo forests:

1. It is a biome that includes tropical and subtropical grasslands.

2. These forests are widespread in South America.

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

Explanation

— The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) have signed two agreements to conduct initiatives aimed at safeguarding the miombo forest and enabling trade along Mozambique’s border with Zimbabwe.

— The programs aim to promote sustainable development and cooperation between Mozambique and Zimbabwe by increasing food security, improving livelihoods, and building resilience to environmental and economic problems.

— The Miombo biome comprises tropical and subtropical grasslands, bushlands, and savannahs. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

— Miombo woodland is a huge African dryland forest ecosystem spanning almost 2.7 million square kilometres in southern Africa, encompassing Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.

Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer.

(Source: downtoearth.org.in)

Daily subject-wise quiz — Polity and Governance (Week 83)

Daily Subject-wise quiz — History, Culture, and Social Issues (Week 83)

Daily subject-wise quiz — Environment, Geography, Science and Technology (Week 82)

Daily subject-wise quiz — Economy (Week 82)

Daily subject-wise quiz – International Relations (Week 82)

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