MCQs on Wetlands in India

1. Which of the following is NOT a type of wetland?
   a) Marsh
   b) Swamp
   c) Desert
   d) Estuary
   Answer: c) Desert
2. What is the primary function of wetlands in maintaining ecological balance?
   a) Providing recreational activities
   b) Flood control and water filtration
   c) Supporting industrial activities
   d) Agriculture production
   Answer: b) Flood control and water filtration
3. Which Indian state has the largest area of wetlands?
   a) Uttar Pradesh
   b) West Bengal
   c) Gujarat
   d) Kerala
   Answer: b) West Bengal
4. The Ramsar Convention aims to:
   a) Promote desert conservation
   b) Protect wetlands and their biodiversity
   c) Enhance agricultural productivity
   d) Encourage urban development
   Answer: b) Protect wetlands and their biodiversity
5. Which of the following is a significant wetland in India recognized under the Ramsar Convention?
   a) Chilika Lake
   b) Thar Desert
   c) Himalayan Rivers
   d) Sundarbans
   Answer: a) Chilika Lake
6. Wetlands contribute to carbon sequestration by:
   a) Absorbing CO2 through vegetation
   b) Releasing methane
   c) Reducing oxygen levels
   d) Filtering heavy metals
   Answer: a) Absorbing CO2 through vegetation
7. The primary threat to wetlands in India is:
   a) Tourism
   b) Urbanization and industrialization
   c) Conservation efforts
   d) Agricultural expansion
   Answer: b) Urbanization and industrialization
8. Which of the following birds is commonly found in Indian wetlands?
   a) Sparrow
   b) Flamingo
   c) Peacock
   d) Eagle
   Answer: b) Flamingo
9. The term “mangroves” refers to:
   a) Saltwater marshes
   b) Tropical coastal wetlands
   c) Freshwater lakes
   d) Inland bogs
   Answer: b) Tropical coastal wetlands
10. Which of the following wetland types is primarily formed by human activity?
    a) Natural lakes
    b) Marshes
    c) Reservoirs
    d) Bogs
    Answer: c) Reservoirs
11. Wetlands act as a natural filter for:
    a) Plastic waste
    b) Heavy metals and pollutants
    c) Pesticides only
    d) Airborne toxins
    Answer: b) Heavy metals and pollutants
12. The ecological significance of wetlands includes:
    a) Biodiversity support
    b) Flood regulation
    c) Water purification
    d) All of the above
    Answer: d) All of the above
13. Which river basin in India has significant wetland areas?
    a) Ganges
    b) Yamuna
    c) Godavari
    d) All of the above
    Answer: d) All of the above
14. What role do wetlands play in groundwater recharge?
    a) They have no impact
    b) They help in aquifer replenishment
    c) They deplete groundwater
    d) They only affect surface water
    Answer: b) They help in aquifer replenishment
15. Which wetland is known for its rich biodiversity and is home to several endemic species?
    a) Loktak Lake
    b) Keoladeo National Park
    c) Vembanad Lake
    d) All of the above
    Answer: d) All of the above
16. The “Bird Sanctuary” in the Keoladeo National Park is primarily located in which state?
    a) Rajasthan
    b) Uttar Pradesh
    c) Madhya Pradesh
    d) Gujarat
    Answer: a) Rajasthan
17. Which of the following is an indirect benefit provided by wetlands?
    a) Direct water supply
    b) Climate regulation
    c) Fishing opportunities
    d) Flood protection
    Answer: b) Climate regulation
18. Wetlands play a crucial role in supporting which of the following ecosystems?
    a) Terrestrial ecosystems
    b) Aquatic ecosystems
    c) Both a and b
    d) None of the above
    Answer: c) Both a and b
19. The presence of wetlands enhances soil fertility by:
    a) Reducing salinity
    b) Providing nutrients from decaying plant material
    c) Increasing acidity
    d) Limiting plant growth
    Answer: b) Providing nutrients from decaying plant material
20. Which of the following factors contributes to the degradation of wetlands in India?
    a) Climate change
    b) Invasive species
    c) Pollution
    d) All of the above
    Answer: d) All of the above
21. Which type of wetland is characterized by the dominance of herbaceous plants?
    a) Swamp
    b) Marsh
    c) Bog
    d) Fen
    Answer: b) Marsh
22. The loss of wetlands can lead to:
    a) Increased biodiversity
    b) Greater flood risks
    c) Improved water quality
    d) None of the above
    Answer: b) Greater flood risks
23. Which of the following practices can help in wetland conservation?
    a) Sustainable agriculture
    b) Urban development
    c) Industrial expansion
    d) Deforestation
    Answer: a) Sustainable agriculture
24. Wetlands are critical for which stage of the life cycle of many fish species?
    a) Spawning
    b) Growth
    c) Maturity
    d) Migration
    Answer: a) Spawning
25. Which wetland is famous for its floating phumdis?
    a) Chilika Lake
    b) Loktak Lake
    c) Vembanad Lake
    d) Wular Lake
    Answer: b) Loktak Lake
26. The primary source of pollution affecting Indian wetlands is:
    a) Industrial waste
    b) Agricultural runoff
    c) Urban sewage
    d) All of the above
    Answer: d) All of the above
27. Which of the following states has made efforts to restore its wetlands through community participation?
    a) Tamil Nadu
    b) Rajasthan
    c) Uttarakhand
    d) All of the above
    Answer: d) All of the above
28. Wetlands provide habitat for which type of fauna?
    a) Aquatic birds
    b) Terrestrial mammals
    c) Both a and b
    d) Only reptiles
    Answer: c) Both a and b
29. Which international body oversees the Ramsar Convention?
    a) United Nations
    b) World Wildlife Fund
    c) International Union for Conservation of Nature
    d) None of the above
    Answer: a) United Nations
30. The study of wetlands is important for:
    a) Understanding climate change impacts
    b) Biodiversity conservation
    c) Water resource management
    d) All of the above
    Answer: d) All of the above

These MCQs can help students prepare for the Civil Services Examination by testing their knowledge of wetlands and their ecological significance in India.