Environment GK MCQ for Competitive Exams

Environment General Knowledge (GK) MCQ Questions for Competitive Exams.
Medium: English
Important Questions from previous year exam papers.

Question 1: What is the biotic component of the environment and ecology?

A) Soil
B) Water
C) Air
D) Vegetation

Answer
Answer: (D) Vegetation
Explanation: The biotic component of the environment and ecology refers to living elements, including vegetation, animals, and microorganisms.

Question 2: What is an example of a natural ecosystem?

A) Farmland
B) Dam
C) Lake
D) Park

Answer
Answer: (C) Lake
Explanation: Natural ecosystems exist without human intervention, such as lakes, forests, and rivers.

Question 3: What are herbivores called?

A) Producers
B) Primary consumers
C) Secondary consumers
D) Tertiary consumers

Answer
Answer: (B) Primary consumers
Explanation: Herbivores that consume plants are called primary consumers.

Question 4: What is the primary source of energy in an ecosystem?

A) Geothermal energy
B) Sun
C) Greenhouse gases
D) Moon

Answer
Answer: (B) Sun
Explanation: The primary source of energy in an ecosystem is the Sun, which provides energy to plants through photosynthesis.

Question 5: Which plant species is classified as endangered in India?

A) Mango
B) Sheesham
C) Teak
D) Sandalwood

Answer
Answer: (D) Sandalwood
Explanation: Due to the high demand for sandalwood and its oil, it has been classified as an endangered plant species.

Question 6: Where is Kaziranga National Park located?

A) Uttarakhand
B) Assam
C) Arunachal Pradesh
D) Nagaland

Answer
Answer: (B) Assam
Explanation: Kaziranga National Park is located in Assam and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its one-horned rhinoceroses.

Question 7: What is the major source of carbon dioxide emissions?

A) Fossil fuel combustion
B) Animal respiration
C) Volcanic activity
D) Marshlands

Answer
Answer: (A) Fossil fuel combustion
Explanation: The burning of fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide, which is a major contributor to air pollution and global warming.

Question 8: What is the major impact of deforestation?

A) Soil erosion
B) Weed control
C) Reduction in sunlight
D) Increase in grazing land

Answer
Answer: (A) Soil erosion
Explanation: Deforestation leads to increased soil erosion, reducing soil fertility and negatively affecting agriculture.

Question 9: What is a natural source of nitrous oxide gas?

A) Desert soils
B) Polar soils
C) Temperate soils
D) Tropical soils

Answer
Answer: (D) Tropical soils
Explanation: Tropical soils naturally emit nitrous oxide, which is a greenhouse gas.

Question 10: How do forests help control drought?

A) Forests prevent soil erosion.
B) Forests contribute to rainfall.
C) Forests contain many aquatic plants.
D) Forests act as water reservoirs.

Answer
Answer: (B) Forests contribute to rainfall.
Explanation: Forests influence local climate through evaporation and contribute to rainfall, helping to control drought.

Question 11: Which is the only carbon-neutral country in the world?

A) Sweden
B) New Zealand
C) Finland
D) Canada

Answer
Answer: (A) Sweden
Explanation: Sweden is recognized as the only carbon-neutral country due to its green energy sources and measures to reduce carbon emissions.

Question 12: The cause of global warming is:

A) Decrease in carbon dioxide
B) Increase in carbon dioxide
C) Increase in forests
D) None of these

Answer
Answer: (B) Increase in carbon dioxide
Explanation: The main cause of global warming is the rising levels of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

Question 13: Which greenhouse gas is produced by ruminant animals?

A) Carbon dioxide
B) Water vapor
C) Methane (CH4)
D) Nitrous oxide

Answer
Answer: (C) Methane (CH4)
Explanation: Ruminant animals produce methane gas during their digestive process, which is a greenhouse gas.

Question 14: Which pollutant gas is emitted by vehicles?

A) Hydrocarbons
B) Carbon dioxide
C) Carbon monoxide
D) Nitrogen oxides

Answer
Answer: (C) Carbon monoxide
Explanation: Carbon monoxide is a major pollutant gas emitted by vehicles, which is harmful to health.

Question 15: Air pollution can be reduced by:

A) Sunlight
B) Trees
C) Restricting loudspeakers
D) None of these

Answer
Answer: (B) Trees
Explanation: Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and release oxygen, helping to reduce air pollution.

Question 16: The “Harela Festival” celebrated in Uttarakhand is related to:

A) Water conservation
B) Tree plantation
C) Ozone protection
D) None of these

Answer
Answer: (B) Tree plantation
Explanation: The “Harela Festival” is celebrated in Uttarakhand as a symbol of tree plantation and environmental conservation.

Question 17: Which country experiences the most acid rain?

A) Japan
B) China
C) Norway
D) United States of America

Answer
Answer: (C) Norway
Explanation: Norway experiences the most acid rain due to high levels of sulfur and nitrogen oxides in the atmosphere from industrial activities.

Question 18: The ozone layer absorbs harmful rays known as:

A) Gamma rays
B) Ultraviolet rays
C) X-rays
D) None of these

Answer
Answer: (B) Ultraviolet rays
Explanation: The ozone layer absorbs ultraviolet rays, which can be harmful to living organisms.

Question 19: When is Earth Day celebrated?

A) March 22
B) April 22
C) June 5
D) August 15

Answer
Answer: (B) April 22
Explanation: Earth Day is celebrated on April 22 every year to raise awareness about environmental protection.

Question 20: When was the Environmental Protection Act implemented?

A) 1972
B) 1986
C) 1992
D) 2000

Answer
Answer: (B) 1986
Explanation: The Environmental Protection Act was implemented in India in 1986 to provide laws for the protection and improvement of the environment.

Question 21: Which pollutant causes damage to the ozone layer?

A) Carbon dioxide
B) Nitrous oxide
C) Chlorofluorocarbon (CFC)
D) Sulfur dioxide

Answer
Answer: C) Chlorofluorocarbon (CFC)
Explanation: CFCs damage the ozone layer, allowing harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun to reach the Earth.

Question 22: Which gas is not considered a greenhouse gas?

A) Carbon dioxide
B) Methane
C) Oxygen
D) Nitrous oxide

Answer
Answer: C) Oxygen
Explanation: Oxygen is not a greenhouse gas because it does not trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere.

Question 23: What is the largest source of plant life?

A) Desert
B) Ocean
C) Forest
D) Grassland

Answer
Answer: C) Forest
Explanation: Forests are the largest source of plant life on Earth and they produce a large amount of oxygen.

Question 24: What is natural vegetation?

A) Plants planted by humans
B) Naturally growing plants
C) Agricultural plants
D) Decorative plants

Answer
Answer: B) Naturally growing plants
Explanation: Natural vegetation consists of plants that grow naturally without human intervention.

Question 25: What does the Red Data Book provide information about?

A) New species of plants
B) Endangered and extinct species
C) Medicinal plants
D) Food plants

Answer
Answer:B) Endangered and extinct species
Explanation: The Red Data Book provides information about endangered and extinct species.

Question 26: Which process is not a part of the water cycle?

A) Evaporation
B) Condensation
C) Nitrification
D) Precipitation

Answer
Answer: C) Nitrification
Explanation: Nitrification is part of the nitrogen cycle, not the water cycle.

Question 27: Which instrument is not used for environmental studies?

A) Barometer
B) Seismograph
C) Hygrometer
D) Galvanometer

Answer
Answer: D) Galvanometer
Explanation: A galvanometer is used to measure electric current, which is not an environmental study tool.

Question 28: What is the most important role of biodiversity?

A) Energy production
B) Ecological balance
C) Industrial development
D) Urbanization

Answer
Answer: B) Ecological balance
Explanation: Biodiversity plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance.

Question 29: Which gas is most responsible for the greenhouse effect?

A) Oxygen
B) Nitrogen
C) Carbon dioxide
D) Helium

Answer
Answer: C) Carbon dioxide
Explanation: Carbon dioxide is the most prominent greenhouse gas and plays a significant role in the greenhouse effect.

Question 30: By which process does water vapor reach the atmosphere?

A) Condensation
B) Evaporation
C) Precipitation
D) Nitrification

Answer
Answer: B) Evaporation
Explanation: Water turns into vapor and reaches the atmosphere through the process of evaporation.

Question 31: Which fuel is less polluting?

A) Coal
B) Diesel
C) Natural Gas
D) Petrol

Answer
Answer: C) Natural Gas
Explanation: Natural gas is less polluting compared to coal and diesel.

Question 32: What does the term “carbon footprint” mean?

A) Carbon accumulation
B) Carbon production
C) Total greenhouse gas emissions produced by an individual or organization
D) Carbon usage

Answer
Answer: C) Total greenhouse gas emissions produced by an individual or organization
Explanation: The carbon footprint refers to the total greenhouse gas emissions produced by an individual or organization.

Question 33: Which element is most essential for life on Earth?

A) Carbon
B) Nitrogen
C) Water
D) Oxygen

Answer
Answer: C) Water
Explanation: Water is the most essential element for life on Earth as it is necessary for the survival of all living beings.

Question 34: Which process affects vegetation and drainage?

A) Erosion
B) Reforestation
C) Degradation
D) Afforestation

Answer
Answer: D) Afforestation
Explanation: Afforestation promotes the growth of vegetation and affects drainage.

Question 35: Which factor is not involved in natural disasters?

A) Earthquake
B) Flood
C) Cyclone
D) Afforestation

Answer
Answer: D) Afforestation
Explanation: Afforestation is not a natural disaster; it is an environmental conservation measure.

Question 36: Which gas is found in the highest amount in the atmosphere?

A) Oxygen
B) Nitrogen
C) Carbon Dioxide
D) Helium

Answer
Answer: B) Nitrogen
Explanation: Nitrogen is found in the highest quantity in the atmosphere, about 78%.

Question 37: Which gas is present in the smallest percentage in Earth’s atmosphere?

A) Nitrogen
B) Oxygen
C) Carbon Dioxide
D) Argon

Answer
Answer: C) Carbon Dioxide
Explanation: Carbon dioxide is present in the smallest percentage in the atmosphere, about 0.04%.

Question 38: Which environmental pollutant causes acid rain?

A) Carbon Monoxide
B) Sulfur Dioxide
C) Methane
D) Nitrogen

Answer
Answer: B) Sulfur Dioxide
Explanation: Sulfur dioxide and nitrous oxide cause acid rain, which harms the environment.

Question 39: Which process helps maintain environmental balance?

A) Urbanization
B) Industrialization
C) Reforestation
D) Afforestation

Answer
Answer: D) Afforestation
Explanation: Afforestation helps maintain environmental balance as it increases the number of forests.

Question 40: What is the main cause of climate change?

A) Solar activities
B) Natural disasters
C) Greenhouse gas emissions
D) The position of the moon

Answer
Answer: C) Greenhouse gas emissions
Explanation: The main cause of climate change is the emission of greenhouse gases, which increase Earth’s heat.

Question 41: Which process produces oxygen?

A) Respiration
B) Evaporation
C) Photosynthesis
D) Nitrification

Answer
Answer: C) Photosynthesis
Explanation: Plants produce oxygen during the process of photosynthesis.

Question 42: Which natural resource is not renewable?

A) Solar energy
B) Water energy
C) Coal
D) Wind energy

Answer
Answer: C) Coal
Explanation: Coal is a non-renewable resource because it takes millions of years to regenerate.

Question 43: Which organization works on issues related to climate change?

A) WHO
B) IMF
C) IPCC
D) UNESCO

Answer
Answer: C) IPCC
Explanation: The IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) works on issues related to climate change.

Question 44: Which process is not a part of the carbon cycle?

A) Respiration
B) Weathering
C) Combustion
D) Condensation

Answer
Answer: D) Condensation
Explanation: Condensation is a part of the water cycle, while respiration, weathering, and combustion are parts of the carbon cycle.

Question 45: Which process causes water pollution?

A) Erosion
B) Excessive use of fertilizers
C) Condensation
D) Afforestation

Answer
Answer: B) Excessive use of fertilizers
Explanation: Excessive use of fertilizers pollutes water sources and causes water pollution.

Question 46: Which waste is not recyclable?

A) Plastic
B) Paper
C) Glass
D) Organic waste

Answer
Answer: D) Organic waste
Explanation: Organic waste is not recyclable, but it can be decomposed through composting.

Question 47: Which process helps in preventing global warming?

A) Combustion
B) Industrialization
C) Afforestation
D) Urbanization

Answer
Answer: C) Afforestation
Explanation: Afforestation helps prevent global warming by reducing the level of carbon dioxide.

Question 48: Which gas causes the greenhouse effect in the atmosphere?

A) Oxygen
B) Nitrogen
C) Carbon dioxide
D) Helium

Answer
Answer: C) Carbon dioxide
Explanation: Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas that causes the greenhouse effect in the atmosphere.

Question 49: Which is a key component of the ecosystem?

A) Water
B) Atmosphere
C) Soil
D) All of the above

Answer
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Water, atmosphere, and soil are all key components of the ecosystem.

Question 50: Which process harms the environment?

A) Afforestation
B) Reforestation
C) Combustion
D) Water conservation

Answer
Answer: C) Combustion
Explanation: Combustion harms the environment by emitting harmful gases.

Question 51: What is the main cause of climate change?

A) Natural disasters
B) Emission of greenhouse gases
C) Solar activities
D) Moon’s position

Answer
Answer: B) Emission of greenhouse gases
Explanation: The emission of greenhouse gases is the primary cause of climate change.

Question 52: Which process helps in purifying the environment?

A) Urbanization
B) Industrialization
C) Reclamation
D) Afforestation

Answer
Answer: D) Afforestation
Explanation: Afforestation helps in purifying the environment by increasing the number of forests and purifying the air.

Question 53: What is the primary function of the ozone layer?

A) To heat the Earth
B) To absorb ultraviolet rays from the sun
C) To promote rainfall
D) To cool the atmosphere

Answer
Answer: B) To absorb ultraviolet rays from the sun
Explanation: The ozone layer absorbs harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun, ensuring the safety of life on Earth.

Question 54: Which gas damages the ozone layer?

A) Carbon dioxide
B) Methane
C) Nitrous oxide
D) Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)

Answer
Answer: D) Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
Explanation: CFCs damage the ozone layer, allowing ultraviolet rays to reach Earth.

Question 55: What is the full form of CNG?

A) Compound Natural Gas
B) Compressed Natural Gas
C) Complete Natural Gas
D) Natural Gas

Answer
Answer: B) Compressed Natural Gas

Question 56: Where is the National Environmental Research Institute located?

A) Bhopal
B) Lucknow
C) Nagpur (Maharashtra)
D) Delhi

Answer
Answer: C) Nagpur (Maharashtra)

Question 57: In which category do various types of fungi fall?

A) Producers
B) Consumers
C) Decomposers
D) Abiotic

Answer
Answer: C) Decomposers

Question 58: Which country has the highest biodiversity?

A) Germany
B) India
C) China
D) South Africa

Answer
Answer: B) India

Question 59: Which disease has increased due to ozone layer depletion and ozone holes?

A) Malaria
B) AIDS
C) Cholera
D) Skin cancer

Answer
Answer: D) Skin cancer

Question 60: Sound pollution is measured in:

A) Fathom
B) Decibels
C) Tons
D) Kilograms

Answer
Answer: B) Decibels

Question 61: The specific cultivation of fruits and vegetables is called _______.

A) Agriculture
B) Horticulture
C) Sericulture
D) Fish farming

Answer
Answer: B) Horticulture
Scroll to Top