Naan Mudhalvan & AICSCC
Vision 1000 Mission 100 (2.0)
UPSC Prelims 2026
Environment PYQ Theme:
Ecosystem Services & Biogeochemical cycles
- [Link]
Biogeochemical cycles
Consider the following: [2011]
1. Photosynthesis.
2. Respiration.
3. Decay of organic matter.
4. Volcanic action.
Which of the above add carbon dioxide to the carbon cycle on earth?
a) 1 and 4 only b) 2 and 3 only
c) 2, 3 and 4 only d) 1,2,3 and 4
Which of the following adds/add carbon dioxide to the carbon cycle on the
planet Earth? [2014]
1. Volcanic action
2. Respiration
3. Photosynthesis
4. Decay of organic matter
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
a) 1 and 3 only
b) 2 only
c) 1, 2 and 4 only
d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Which of the following adds/ adds nitrogen to the soil? [2013]
1. Excretion of Urea by animals
2. Burning of coal by man
3. Death of vegetation
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
a) 1 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2, and 3
Consider the following statements: [2019]
1. Agricultural soils release nitrogen oxides into the environment.
2. Cattle release ammonia into the environment.
3. Poultry industry releases reactive nitrogen compounds into the
environment.
Which of the statements given above is/arc correct?
a) 1 and 3 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 2 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Nitrogen cycle is one of the most important microorganisms-mediated
chemical reactions in aquatic and soil environments. In this context
consider the following statements: (CGS 2024)
1. Nitrogen fixation is the process of oxidising NH₃ to NO₃⁻.
2. Nitrification process causes reduction of NO₃ and NO₃⁻ to NO₂⁻, followed
by recycling of N₂ to the atmosphere.
3. Denitrification converts molecular N₂ into a fixed form as an organic
nitrogen.
How many of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1
(b) 2
(c) 3
(d) None
Rhizobium is a (CISF 2024)
(a) biopesticide
(b) biofertilizer
(c) bioherbicide
(d) mycoherbicide
In case of which one of the following biogeochemical cycles the
weathering of rocks is the main source of release of nutrient to enter
the cycle? [2021]
a) Carbon cycle
b) Nitrogen cycle
c) Phosphorus cycle
d) Sulphur cycle
Which one of the following biogeochemical cycles is sedimentary in
nature? (CGS 2025)
(a) Carbon cycle
(b) Nitrogen cycle
(c) Oxygen cycle
(d) Phosphorus cycle
Nitrogen fixation: There are two types of bacteria-
(i) Symbiotic bacteria e.g. Rhizobium in the root nodules of
leguminous plants.
(ii) Freeliving or symbiotic e.g. [Link] [Link]
[Link] can combine atmospheric or dissolved
nitrogen with hydrogen to form ammonia.
(b) Nitrification: It is a process by which ammonia is
converted into nitrates or nitrites by Nitrosomonas and
Nitrococcus bacteria respectively. Another soil bacteria
Nitrobacter can covert nitrate into nitrite.
(c) Assimilation: In this process nitrogen fixed by plants is
converted into organic molecules such as proteins, DNA, RNA
etc. These molecules make the plant and animal tissue.
(d) Ammonification : Living organisms produce nitrogenous
waste products such as urea and uric acid. These waste
products as well as dead remains of organisms are converted
back into inorganic ammonia by the bacteria. This process is
called ammonification. Ammonifying bacteria help in this
process.
(e) Denitrification: Conversion of nitrates back into gaseous
nitrogen is called denitrification. Denitrifying bacteria live
deep in soil near the water table as they like to live in oxygen
free medium. Denitrification is reverse of nitrogen fixation.
Ecosystem services
The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment describes the following major
categories of ecosystem services-provisioning, supporting, regulating,
preserving and cultural.: [2012]
Which one of the following is supporting service?
a) Production of food and water
b) Control of climate and disease
c) Nutrient cycling and crop pollination
d) Maintenance of diversity
Which of the following is/are the function(s) of environment ?
(CDS – 2022)
1. Supplying resources
2. Sustaining life
3. Providing aesthetic services
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) 1and 3 only
Which one of the following statements about ecosystems is not correct?
(CGS 2025)
(a) Ecosystems are not self-sustaining.
(b) Nutrient cycling supplies inorganic nutrients.
(c) Energy flows in ecosystems mostly rely on sunlight.
(d) Ecosystems support communities of organisms.
Mangroves & Coral reefs
Mangroves represent: (CGS 2024)
(a) Epiphytic vegetation
(b) Salt-tolerant vegetation
(c) Floodplain vegetation
(d) Playa vegetation
Assertion (A): Mangroves are very specialised forest ecosystems of
tropical and subtropical regions bordering certain sea coasts.:
Reason (R): They stabilise the shoreline and act as bulwark
against encroachments by sea.
In the context of the above two statements, which one of the
following is correct? [1996]
a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
b) Both A and R are true but R is not a correct explanation of A
c) A is true but R is false
d) A is false but R is true
The 2004 Tsunami made people realize that mangroves can serve as a
reliable safety hedge against coastal calamities. How do mangroves
function as a safety hedge? [2011]
a) The mangrove swamps separate the human settlements from the sea
by a wide zone in which people neither live nor venture out.
b) The mangroves provide both food and medicines which people are in
need of after any natural disaster.
c) The mangrove trees are tall with dense canopies and serve as an
excellent shelter during a cyclone or Tsunami.
d) The mangrove trees do not get uprooted by storms and tides because
of their extensive roots.
Match List I (Mangrove ) with List II (State) and select the correct answer
using the codes given below the lists: [2002]
List I (Mangrove) List II(State)
A. Achra Ratnagiri 1. Karnataka
B. Coondapur 2. Kerala
C. Pichavaram 3. Andhra Pradesh
D. Vembanad 4. Maharashtra
5. Tamil Nadu
Codes:
A BCD
a) 2 1 5 4 c) 2 5 3 4
b) 4 5 3 2 d) 4 1 5 2
The ability of corals to make their skeletons primarily depends on
which one of the following factors? (CGS 2025)
(a) Temperature
(b) pH
(c) CO₂ concentration
(d) Salt concentration
Which one of the following types of coral reefs are developed along the edges
of continental shelves and separated by lagoon? (CGS 2024)
(a) Patch reefs
(b) Fringing reefs
(c) Barrier reefs
(d) Atoll reefs
Which of the following statements regarding barrier islands is/are correct?
(CDS 2024)
1. These are small chain of sand islands that form offshore, far from the coast.
2. Lagoons or shallower marshes separate the barrier islands from the mainland.
3. Such locations are hazardous for settlements because they are easily swept
away by storms and hurricanes.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Which of the following factors are needed for the growth of corals?
(CAPF – 2022)
1. Freshwater
2. Clear shallow salt water
3. Plenty of sunlight for photosynthesis
4. Warm water between 23°C and 25°C
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
a) 1, 3 and 4 only
b) 2, 3 and 4 only
c) 1 and 2 only
d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
The largest coral reef in the world is found near the coast
of which one of the following countries? [2007]
a) Australia b) Cuba
c) Ghana d) Philippines
Consider the following statements: [2018]
1. Most of the world’s coral reefs are in tropical waters.
2. More than one-third of the world’s coral reefs are located in the
territories of Australia, Indonesia and Philippines.
3. Coral reefs host far a greater number of animal phyla than those
hosted by tropical rainforests.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Which of the following have coral reefs? [2014]
1. Andaman and Nicobar Islands
2. Gulf of Kachchh
3. Gulf of Mannar
4. Sunderbans
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
a) 1, 2 and 3 only
b) 2 and 4 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Which one of the following States/UTs has the largest area
under Coral Reefs in India? (CDS – 2022)
(a) Gujarat
(b) Tamil Nadu
(c) Andaman and Nicobar Islands
(d) Lakshadweep
• Fringing reefs are found in
Gulf of Mannar and Palk Bay.
• Platform reefs are seen along
the Gulf of Kachchh.
• Patchy reefs are present near
Ratnagiri and Malvan coasts.
• Fringing and barrier reefs are
found in Andaman and
Nicobar Islands.
• Atoll reefs are found in
Lakshadweep.
Over half of the world’s coral reefs are found within six countries:
Australia, Indonesia, Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Fiji and the Maldives.
In the context of ecosystem productivity, marine upwelling zones are
important as they increase the marine productivity by bringing the? [2011]
1. Decomposer microorganisms to the surface.
2. Nutrients to the surface.
3. Bottom-dwelling organisms to the surface.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1 and 2 b) 2 only
c) 2 and 3 d) 3 only
Which one of the following is the correct sequence of
ecosystems in the order of decreasing productivity? [2013]
a) Oceans, lakes, grasslands, mangroves
b) Mangroves, oceans, grasslands, lakes
c) Mangroves, grasslands, lakes, oceans
d) Oceans, mangroves, lakes, grasslands
If a tropical rain forest is removed, it does not regenerate quickly
as compared to a tropical deciduous forest. This is because?
[2011]
a) The soil of rain forest is deficient in nutrients.
b) Propagules of the trees in a rain forest have poor viability.
c) The rain forest species are slow-growing.
d) Exotic species invade the fertile soil of rain forest.
Which of the following statements about tropical rainforests are correct?
(CAPF– 2022)
1. The soils of tropical rainforests are quite infertile.
2. The vegetation is evergreen, enabling photosynthesis to take place year
around.
3. They have been described as 'deserts covered by trees'.
4. They are the most productive land-based ecosystem.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
a) 2 and 4 only
b) 1, 3 and 4 only
c) 1, 2 and 3 only
d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
The vegetation of savannah consists of grassland with scattered small trees, but
extensive areas have no trees. The forest development in such areas is generally
kept in check by one or more or a combination of some conditions. Which of the
following are such conditions? (2021)
1. Burrowing animals and termites
2. Fire
3. Grazing herbivores
4. Seasonal rainfall
5. Soil properties
Select the correct answer using the codes given below
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 4 and 5
(c) 2, 3 and 4
(d) 1, 3 and 5
“If rainforests and tropical’ forests are the lungs of the Earth, then
surely. ‘wetlands function as its kidneys.” Which one of the following
functions of wetlands best reflects the above statement? [2022]
a) The water cycle in wetlands involves surface runoff, subsoil
percolation and evaporation.
b) Algae form the nutrient base upon which fish, crustaceans, molluscs,
birds, reptiles and mammals thrive.
c) Wetlands play a vital role in maintaining sedimentation balance and
soil stabilization.
d) Aquatic plants absorb heavy metals and excess nutrients.
Which one among the following animal groups can regulate their body
temperatures regardless of their environment? (CISF 2025)
(a) Reptiles and mammals
(b) Mammals and birds
(c) Amphibians and reptiles
(d) Birds and amphibians
Which one of the following adaptive characteristics of the organism is
correct? (CDS 2025)
(a) Mammals in colder climates have shorter ears and limbs.
(b) In polar seas, seals tend to have thinner layers of fat below their
skin.
(c) Plants in deserts tend to have broader and elaborate leaves.
(d) In higher altitudes, the production of RBC in human body
decreases.
Consider the following: [2014]
1. Bats
2. Bears
3. Rodents
The phenomenon of hibernation can be observed in which of
the above kinds of animals?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) Hibernation cannot be observed in any of the Above
Which of the following leaf modifications occurs/occur in desert
areas to inhibit water loss? [2013]
1. Hard and waxy leaves
2. Tiny leaves or no leaves
3. Thorns instead of leaves
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Xerophytic plants adapt to the hot arid regions by (CDS 2025)
(a) developing thick cuticle on their leaf surfaces
(b) opening stomata only during the day
(c) having photosynthetic roots
(d) growing leaves only during the winter
Which one of the following is an insectivorous plant? [2008]
a) Passion flower plant
b) Pitcher plant
c) Night queen
d) Flame of the forest.
Some species of plants are insectivorous. Why? [2010]
a) Their growth in shady and dark places does not allow them to
undertake sufficient photosynthesis and thus they depend on
insects for nutrition.
b) They are adapted to grow in nitrogen deficient soils and thus
depend on insects for sufficient nitrogenous nutrition.
c) They can not synthesize certain vitamins themselves and depend
on the insects digested by them.
d) They have remained in that particular stage of evolution as living
fossils, a link between autotrophs and heterotrophs.
Plant Adaptations /
Hibernation Aestivation
Modifications
Winter dormancy to survive Summer dormancy to survive Structural & physiological changes
Meaning
cold and food scarcity heat and dryness to survive unfavourable conditions
Triggering Low temperature, reduced High temperature, drought, Cold, heat, drought, salinity,
condition food availability water scarcity waterlogging, seasonal stress
Endothermic animals Ectothermic animals
Type of organisms Plants
(warm blooded) (Cold blooded)
Main survival Resource conservation & stress
Energy conservation Water + energy conservation
purpose tolerance
Movement / No movement; survival through
Inactive, sheltered Inactive, often burrowed
activity form & function
Cactus (spines), deciduous trees
Examples Bear, bat, ground squirrel Frog, snail, lungfish (leaf fall), mangroves
(pneumatophores)
Why is a plant called Prosopis juliflora often mentioned in
news? [2018]
a) Its extract is widely used in cosmetics.
b) It tends to reduce the widely biodiversity in the area in
which it grows.
c) Its extract is used in the synthesis of pesticides.
d) None of the above
Which one of the following is an example of endemic plant
species of India? (CGS 2025)
(a) Prosopis juliflora
(b) Nepenthes khasiana
(c) Lantana camara
(d) Parthenium hysterophorus
Recently, there was a growing awareness in our country about
the importance of Himalayan nettle (Girardinia diversifolia)
because it is found to be a sustainable source of: [2019]
a) Anti-malarial drug
b) Biodiesel
c) Pulp for paper industry
d) Textile fibre
Which one of the following is used in preparing a natural
mosquito repellent? [2021]
a) Congress grass
b) Elephant grass
c) Lemon grass
d) Nut grass
With reference to “Gucchi” sometimes mentioned in the news, consider the
following statements: [2022]
1. It is a fungus.
2. It grows in some Himalayan forest areas.
3. It is commercially cultivated in the Himalayan foothills of north-eastern
India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 3 only
c) 1 and 2
d) 2 and 3
Consider the following statements: [2023]
1. Some mushrooms have medicinal properties.
2. Some mushrooms have psycho-active properties.
3. Some mushrooms have insecticidal properties.
4. Some mushrooms have bioluminescent properties.
How many of the above statements are correct?
a) Only one
b) Only two
c) Only three
d) All four
The Government of India encourages the cultivation of ‘sea buckthorn ‘.
What is the importance of this plant? [2012]
1. It helps in controlling soil erosion and in preventing desertification.
2. It is a rich source of biodiesel.
3. It has nutritional value and is well-adapted to live in cold areas of high
altitudes.
4. Its timber is of great commercial value.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1 Only b) 2, 3 & 4 Only
c) 1 & 3 Only d) 1, 2, 3 & 4
Which one among the following locations is also known for the
strange phenomenon of alleged bird suicides? (CGS 2025)
(a) Diphu
(b) Tura
(c) Jatinga
(d) Dirang