In a forest ecosystem, if the population of herbivores suddenly increases, what would be the immediate consequence?
Answer: B
Increased herbivore population leads to higher consumption of plant material, resulting in decreased plant biomass.
Q.42Easy
Which of the following best describes the relationship between a tapeworm and its human host?
Answer: B
Tapeworm derives nutrition from host while causing harm, exemplifying parasitism.
Q.43Medium
According to the 10% law of energy transfer, if primary producers in an ecosystem contain 10,000 kcal of energy, how much energy would be available to secondary consumers?
Answer: B
Energy transfer: 10,000 kcal (producers) → 1,000 kcal (primary consumers) → 100 kcal (secondary consumers). Each trophic transfer retains ~10%.
Q.44Medium
Which succession type would occur on bare rock in the Western Ghats with no previous soil?
Answer: B
Primary succession occurs on bare substrate with no pre-existing soil. Lichens and mosses are pioneer species.
Q.45Medium
In India's Western Coastal regions, which of the following represents a keystone species in mangrove ecosystems?
Answer: A
Crabs in mangrove ecosystems regulate sediment composition and nutrient cycling, disproportionately affecting ecosystem structure.
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Q.46Medium
Which of the following is NOT a density-dependent factor affecting population growth?
Answer: C
Earthquakes are density-independent factors. Density-dependent factors (competition, parasitism, disease) increase with population density.
Q.47Easy
What is the primary reason for the formation of the ozone hole over Antarctica?
Answer: B
CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) release chlorine atoms that catalytically destroy ozone molecules in the stratosphere.
Q.48Easy
Which of the following adaptations would be most beneficial for desert animals in the Thar Desert?
Answer: B
Desert animals like jerboas exhibit nocturnal behavior and have efficient kidneys to conserve water, reducing evaporative loss.
Q.49Medium
In the carbon cycle, which process is primarily responsible for returning carbon dioxide to the atmosphere in terrestrial ecosystems?
Answer: D
Both cellular respiration by organisms and decomposition of dead organic matter release CO2 back into the atmosphere.
Q.50Easy
Which of the following would represent the highest biodiversity hotspot in India?
Answer: B
Western Ghats and Northeast India are recognized global biodiversity hotspots with high endemism and species richness.
Q.51Hard
In a pyramid of numbers, why would an inverted pyramid occur in certain ecosystems?
Answer: A
Inverted pyramids occur when individual organisms at lower trophic levels are larger (e.g., one tree supporting many insects).
Q.52Hard
Which of the following statements about ecological pyramids is correct?
Answer: D
Energy pyramids always show decreasing energy upward and cannot be inverted, making them the most reliable representation.
Q.53Medium
Which mechanism would best explain the survival of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in hospital environments?
Answer: B
Antibiotic-resistant strains survive and proliferate while susceptible strains are eliminated, exemplifying natural selection.
Q.54Medium
In India's Sundarbans, the Bengal tiger population is threatened primarily by habitat loss due to:
Answer: B
Sundarbans face threats from climate change-induced sea level rise and human encroachment, reducing tiger habitat.
Q.55Medium
Which of the following is an example of resource partitioning in nature?
Answer: B
Resource partitioning reduces competition by allowing species to utilize different niches (feeding at different heights).
Q.56Hard
Which of the following would be the most effective long-term solution for controlling invasive species in Indian wetlands?
Answer: B
Biological control using natural enemies provides sustainable, long-term management without ecological disruption.
Q.57Medium
Which of the following best explains the concept of ecological resilience?
Answer: B
Ecological resilience is the capacity to recover from disturbances and return to equilibrium state.
Q.58Hard
In the context of India's National Action Plan on Climate Change, which sector is projected to face the most severe water stress by 2050?
Answer: B
Agriculture accounts for ~70% of water use in India and will face severe stress due to changing precipitation patterns and increased evapotranspiration.
Q.59Easy
Which of the following organisms would have the shortest lifespan in a temperate forest ecosystem?
Answer: A
Decomposer bacteria have generation times measured in hours to days, making them have the shortest lifespan compared to other organisms in the ecosystem.
Q.60Medium
In the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot, what percentage of plant species are endemic to India?
Answer: B
The Western Ghats contains about 60% endemic plant species, making it one of India's most critical biodiversity areas.
