Environment & Ecology MCQs

The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) was established in 2003 to implement India’s Biological Diversity Act (2002) and is headquartered in Chennai.

India's updated NBSAP is aligned with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) adopted at COP15.

Corals have a mutualistic relationship with microscopic algae called zooxanthellae, which live inside their tissues and provide food through photosynthesis.

The primary cause of coral bleaching is the rise in sea surface temperatures due to global warming, which causes corals to expel the symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae).

Major coral reef areas in India include the Gulf of Mannar, Lakshadweep, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and the Gulf of Kutch. Chilika Lake is a brackish water lagoon.

Excessive nutrient runoff (eutrophication) from land-based sources like agriculture can fuel algal blooms that smother corals and increase their susceptibility to bleaching and disease.

Coral reefs provide essential habitats and food for a vast array of marine life. Bleaching leads to the degradation and death of reefs, resulting in a loss of biodiversity and impacting fisheries.

Elevated sea surface temperatures cause corals to expel the symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae) living in their tissues, leading to bleaching. This is a major consequence of climate change.

Creating functional green corridors requires coordinated efforts involving land-use planning, infrastructure modification, community engagement, and policy support from various stakeholders.

Habitat fragmentation caused by roads, railways, and other infrastructure projects is a significant threat to elephant populations, isolating herds and increasing the risk of accidents and conflict. The initiative aims to mitigate this.