Environment, Ecology & Climate Change – Environmental Issues & Challenges
Assam Public Service Commission (APSC)
Combined Competitive Examination (CCE) – Preliminary Examination
General Studies Paper I (Objective, 200 Marks)
Topic: Environment, Ecology & Climate Change
Sub-Topic: Environmental Issues & Challenges
Environmental Issues & Challenges – Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) with Answers & Explanations
Q1. Environmental issues arise mainly due to:
A. Natural processes only
B. Human activities only
C. Interaction between human activities and nature
D. Astronomical factors
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Most environmental problems are caused by unsustainable human activities interacting with natural systems, such as industrialization and deforestation.
Q2. Global warming refers to:
A. Short-term climate variation
B. Increase in Earth’s average surface temperature
C. Ozone layer depletion
D. Acid rain formation
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Global warming is the long-term rise in Earth’s average temperature, mainly due to greenhouse gas emissions.
Q3. Which gas contributes most to the greenhouse effect?
A. Oxygen
B. Nitrogen
C. Carbon dioxide
D. Argon
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is the major anthropogenic greenhouse gas contributing to global warming.
Q4. Ozone layer depletion leads to increased:
A. Infrared radiation
B. Visible light
C. Ultraviolet radiation
D. X-rays
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Ozone depletion allows more harmful UV radiation to reach Earth’s surface.
Q5. Which human activity is the largest source of air pollution in cities?
A. Agriculture
B. Vehicular emissions
C. Mining
D. Fishing
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Vehicular emissions release particulate matter, NOx, CO, and hydrocarbons, major urban air pollutants.
Q6. Acid rain is mainly caused by emissions of:
A. Carbon monoxide and methane
B. Sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides
C. Ozone and oxygen
D. Ammonia and hydrogen
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
SO₂ and NOx react with water vapour to form sulphuric and nitric acids.
Q7. Which environmental issue is directly linked to excessive use of fertilizers?
A. Noise pollution
B. Water eutrophication
C. Soil erosion
D. Desertification
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Excess nutrients cause algal blooms, reducing oxygen levels in water bodies.
Q8. Noise pollution primarily affects:
A. Soil fertility
B. Aquatic ecosystems
C. Human health and wildlife behaviour
D. Climate patterns
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Noise pollution causes hearing loss, stress, sleep disorders, and disturbs wildlife.
Q9. Solid waste management is a challenge mainly due to:
A. Low population
B. High recycling rates
C. Rapid urbanization
D. Natural disasters
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Urbanization increases waste generation, stressing disposal systems.
Q10. Which of the following is a non-biodegradable waste?
A. Paper
B. Food waste
C. Plastic
D. Leaves
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Plastics do not decompose naturally and persist in the environment.
Q11. E-waste mainly contains:
A. Only organic materials
B. Heavy metals and toxic substances
C. Biodegradable waste
D. Agricultural residues
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
E-waste includes lead, mercury, cadmium, harmful to health and environment.
Q12. Climate change is best described as:
A. Local weather variation
B. Seasonal rainfall change
C. Long-term alteration in climate patterns
D. Natural disaster only
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Climate change involves long-term changes in temperature, rainfall, and extreme events.
Q13. Which phenomenon leads to rising sea levels?
A. Volcanic eruptions
B. Melting of glaciers and polar ice
C. Earthquakes
D. Soil erosion
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Global warming causes ice melt and thermal expansion of oceans.
Q14. Deforestation results in:
A. Increased rainfall
B. Loss of biodiversity
C. Lower carbon emissions
D. Reduced soil erosion
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Deforestation destroys habitats, leading to species loss and ecosystem imbalance.
Q15. Desertification refers to:
A. Expansion of deserts only
B. Degradation of fertile land into arid land
C. Soil enrichment
D. Urban land conversion
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Desertification reduces land productivity due to poor land management.
Q16. Which sector is a major contributor to water pollution?
A. Tourism
B. Agriculture
C. Education
D. Sports
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Agricultural runoff carries fertilizers and pesticides into water bodies.
Q17. The term “carbon footprint” refers to:
A. Forest cover area
B. Total greenhouse gas emissions by an activity
C. Soil carbon content
D. Oxygen consumption
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Carbon footprint measures CO₂ and other GHG emissions caused by individuals or activities.
Q18. Which environmental issue threatens coastal ecosystems?
A. Acid rain
B. Coral bleaching
C. Soil salinity
D. Noise pollution
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Rising sea temperature causes coral bleaching, damaging marine biodiversity.
Q19. Which renewable energy source reduces air pollution?
A. Coal
B. Petroleum
C. Solar energy
D. Natural gas
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Solar energy produces clean electricity without emissions.
Q20. Urban heat island effect is caused due to:
A. Forest cover
B. Concrete and asphalt surfaces
C. Rivers and lakes
D. Rural settlements
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Built-up areas absorb and retain heat, increasing urban temperatures.
Q21. Loss of wetlands leads to:
A. Flood control improvement
B. Increased biodiversity
C. Reduced water purification
D. Enhanced groundwater recharge
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Wetlands act as natural filters; their loss degrades water quality.
Q22. Which environmental challenge affects food security?
A. Ozone depletion
B. Climate change
C. Noise pollution
D. Light pollution
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Climate change impacts crop yield, rainfall patterns, and pest incidence.
Q23. Which practice helps in reducing waste generation?
A. Landfilling
B. Incineration
C. Reduce and reuse
D. Open dumping
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
The 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) minimize waste at source.
Q24. Overexploitation of natural resources leads to:
A. Sustainability
B. Resource depletion
C. Ecosystem restoration
D. Biodiversity gain
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Unsustainable use exhausts renewable and non-renewable resources.
Q25. Which environmental issue is caused by excessive groundwater extraction?
A. Flooding
B. Waterlogging
C. Land subsidence
D. Soil enrichment
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Over-extraction causes ground collapse and lowering of water table.
Q26. The main challenge in environmental governance is:
A. Lack of laws
B. Weak enforcement
C. Excessive awareness
D. Over-regulation
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Implementation and enforcement gaps reduce effectiveness of environmental laws.
Q27. Which sector contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions?
A. Healthcare
B. Transport
C. Education
D. Tourism
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Transport relies on fossil fuels, emitting CO₂ and other gases.
Q28. Which environmental issue is linked to excessive mining?
A. Coral bleaching
B. Soil erosion and water pollution
C. Ozone depletion
D. Acid rain only
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Mining causes land degradation, soil erosion, and water contamination.
Q29. Sustainable development aims to:
A. Maximize industrial output
B. Ignore environmental costs
C. Balance development and environmental protection
D. Prevent all resource use
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Sustainability ensures development without harming future generations.
Q30. Environmental challenges require solutions based on:
A. Economic growth alone
B. Technological measures only
C. Integrated and participatory approaches
D. Natural processes only
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Effective solutions need policy, technology, public participation, and awareness.
✅ APSC Prelims Smart Tip
For Environmental Issues & Challenges, focus on:
- Pollution types & causes
- Climate change impacts
- Resource depletion & waste management
- Sustainable development concepts
- Human–environment interactions
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