[MISSION 2024] RTM(Revision through MCQs)- 6 September 2023

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• Benthic refers to the ecological region at the bottom of a body of water, such as the ocean or a lake. This region includes the sediment surface as well as the organisms that live on or in it. Benthic organisms can range from small bacteria and microorganisms to larger organisms like crabs, sea stars, and various species of fish. They play a crucial role in marine ecosystems by decomposing organic matter, recycling nutrients, and providing a food source for other organisms. Therefore, option B is the correct answer as it accurately defines the term “benthic” in marine ecology.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/09/06/sand-mining-irreversible-damage-to-ocean-benthic-life/

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• The removal of sand from the river bed increases the velocity of the flowing water, with the distorted flow-regime eventually eroding the river banks.
• Sand acts like a sponge, which helps in recharging the water table; its progressive depletion in the river is accompanied by declining water tables in the nearby areas.
• Depletion of sand in the stream bed causes the deepening of rivers and estuaries, and the enlargement of river mouths and coastal inlets. It leads to saline-water intrusion.
• Sand acts as an efficient filter for various pollutants and thus maintains the quality of water in rivers and other aquatic ecosystems.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/09/06/sand-mining-irreversible-damage-to-ocean-benthic-life/

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

• S1: This statement is incorrect. Invasive alien species are not native to the ecosystem they invade. They are species that have been introduced to a new ecosystem, often by human activities, and they can cause harm to the native species and the ecosystem.
• S2: This statement is correct. One of the defining characteristics of invasive alien species is their ability to outcompete native species for resources such as food, water, and habitat. This competitive advantage can lead to a decline in native species populations.
• S3:This statement is incorrect. While many invasive species are introduced to new ecosystems unintentionally, such as through shipping or trade, some are intentionally introduced for various purposes like agriculture or ornamental gardening.
• S4: This statement is incorrect. The impact of invasive alien species on ecosystems is almost always negative. They can disrupt ecological balances, displace native species, and reduce biodiversity. Their introduction is often associated with ecological and economic harm.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/09/06/threat-of-invasive-alien-species-ias/

Ans: (d)

Explanation:

• Enacted for the conservation of biological diversity and fair, equitable sharing of the monetary benefits from the commercial use of biological resources and traditional knowledge.
• The main intent of this legislation is to protect India’s rich biodiversity and associated knowledge against their use by foreign individuals.
• It seeks to check biopiracy, protect biological diversity and local growers through a three-tier structure of central and state boards and local committees.
• The Act provides for setting up of a National Biodiversity Authority (NBA), State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs) and Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) in local bodies.
• The NBA will enjoy the power of a civil court.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/09/06/threat-of-invasive-alien-species-ias/

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

• Convention on Biological Diversity is a legally binding treaty , which came as an outcome of the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro on 5 June 1992.
• The CBD Secretariat is based in Montreal, Canada and it operates under the United Nations Environment Programme.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/09/06/threat-of-invasive-alien-species-ias/

Ans: (c )

Explanation:

• At the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, world leaders agreed on a comprehensive strategy for “sustainable development” — meeting our needs while ensuring that we leave a healthy and viable world for future generations. One of the key agreements adopted at Rio was the Convention on Biological Diversity.
• The Convention on Biological Diversity is the international legal instrument for “the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources” that has been ratified by 196 nations.
• The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety to the Convention on Biological Diversity & the Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilization to the Convention on Biological Diversity read more>> https://www.cbd.int/

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/09/06/threat-of-invasive-alien-species-ias/

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

• Context: The “Gujarat Declaration,” released as the outcome of the first WHO Traditional Medicine Global Summit 2023, emphasizes the global commitment to harnessing the potential of traditional medicine for the betterment of health and well-being worldwide.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/09/06/gujarat-declaration/

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• The primary goal of the Dementia India Alliance (DIA) is to raise awareness about dementia and provide support to caregivers. DIA is a non-profit organization in India that works towards improving the lives of individuals affected by dementia. It focuses on increasing awareness about dementia as a public health concern and provides resources, education, and support to both caregivers and individuals living with dementia. While traditional Indian medicines and dietary aspects may be part of the holistic approach to dementia care, the core mission of DIA is centered around awareness and support, not promoting specific treatments or advocating for unrelated regulations like the use of electronic devices or specialized restaurants for dementia patients.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/09/06/dementia/

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• Context: In May 2020, scientists discovered unusual rocks containing distinctive greenish crystals in the Sahara Desert, which were identified as remnants from the early Solar System.
• These rocks are pieces of the meteorite known as Erg Chech 002, making it the oldest volcanic rock ever found, dating back approximately 4.56556 billion years.
• Volcanic rocks form from the solidification of magma.
• Volcanic rocks, also known as extrusive igneous rocks, are formed from the solidification of magma that erupts from volcanoes or cools and solidifies on the Earth’s surface. This process occurs relatively quickly, allowing for the formation of fine-grained rocks. The composition and color of volcanic rocks can vary widely, ranging from dark basalts to light-colored rhyolites and everything in between.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/09/06/sahara-space-rock/

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

• S2: This statement is true. Cartesian coordinates, developed by René Descartes, represent points in a two-dimensional space using ordered pairs (x, y), where ‘x’ represents the horizontal position (abscissa) and ‘y’ represents the vertical position (ordinate). This system is fundamental in mathematics and has wide-ranging real-world applications in fields such as physics, engineering, computer graphics, and geography.
• S1: This statement is incorrect. Cartesian coordinates are not named after Christopher Columbus. They are named after René Descartes, a French philosopher, mathematician, and scientist.
• S3: This statement is incorrect. Cartesian coordinates have numerous real-world applications, as mentioned above.
• S4: This statement is incorrect. While the concept of coordinates and geometry was studied in ancient Greece, the Cartesian coordinate system, as we know it today, was introduced by René Descartes in the 17th century.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/09/06/cartesian-coordinates/