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Tag: Notes on UNIT 9 – People Development and Environment for UGC NET Paper 1

  • UGC NET – Paper-1-UNIT 9 – People, Development and Environment-MCQs

    (As per NTA UGC NET Paper 1 – Latest 2024–25 Pattern)

    Each question is concept-based, factual, and analytical — exactly as asked in the actual exam.

    🌿 Section A: Basics of Environment and Ecology (Q.1–10)

    Q1. The term “Ecology” was first coined by:
    A) Charles Darwin
    B) Ernst Haeckel
    C) E. P. Odum
    D) Linnaeus
    ✅ Answer: B
    Explanation: Ernst Haeckel coined ecology in 1869, meaning “study of organisms and their environment.”

    Q2. The branch of science dealing with relationships of organisms to their environment is:
    A) Biology
    B) Ecology
    C) Anthropology
    D) Geology
    ✅ Answer: B

    Q3. Which of the following correctly represents the order of ecological hierarchy?
    A) Species → Population → Community → Ecosystem → Biosphere
    B) Ecosystem → Community → Species → Biosphere
    C) Population → Ecosystem → Community → Biosphere
    D) Community → Species → Population → Ecosystem
    ✅ Answer: A

    Q4. The biotic components of an ecosystem include:
    A) Water, air, soil
    B) Producers, consumers, decomposers
    C) Sunlight, nutrients, temperature
    D) None of these
    ✅ Answer: B

    Q5. The “10% energy law” in ecology was proposed by:
    A) Charles Elton
    B) Lindeman
    C) Tansley
    D) Odum
    ✅ Answer: B
    Explanation: Lindeman proposed that only 10% of energy transfers to the next trophic level.

    Q6. An example of abiotic component of an ecosystem is:
    A) Fungi
    B) Air
    C) Fish
    D) Algae
    ✅ Answer: B

    Q7. The interrelated network of food chains is called:
    A) Food cycle
    B) Food pyramid
    C) Food web
    D) Ecological niche
    ✅ Answer: C

    Q8. Decomposers are vital because they:
    A) Capture solar energy
    B) Fix nitrogen
    C) Recycle nutrients
    D) Provide shelter
    ✅ Answer: C

    Q9. The term biome refers to:
    A) Natural species variation
    B) A large ecosystem characterized by climate and vegetation
    C) Single organism’s habitat
    D) Oceanic region only
    ✅ Answer: B

    Q10. The main energy source for Earth’s ecosystem is:
    A) Wind
    B) Sunlight
    C) Water
    D) Biomass
    ✅ Answer: B

    🏞️ Section B: Natural Resources and Sustainable Development (Q.11–20)

    Q11. Non-renewable resources are those which:
    A) Can be regenerated quickly
    B) Are available in unlimited quantity
    C) Cannot be replaced after use
    D) Are found only underwater
    ✅ Answer: C

    Q12. Which of the following is not a renewable resource?
    A) Solar energy
    B) Wind energy
    C) Petroleum
    D) Biomass
    ✅ Answer: C

    Q13. The Brundtland Report (1987) is titled:
    A) Our Common Planet
    B) Our Common Future
    C) Future of Development
    D) Sustainable Earth
    ✅ Answer: B

    Q14. The Brundtland Report introduced which key concept?
    A) Resource efficiency
    B) Sustainable development
    C) Global warming
    D) Green GDP
    ✅ Answer: B

    Q15. Agenda 21 was adopted in:
    A) Kyoto Conference
    B) Rio Earth Summit (1992)
    C) Paris Agreement (2015)
    D) Stockholm Conference (1972)
    ✅ Answer: B

    Q16. Which of the following is a renewable energy source?
    A) Coal
    B) Natural Gas
    C) Geothermal Energy
    D) Petroleum
    ✅ Answer: C

    Q17. The “Carrying Capacity” of the environment refers to:
    A) The total resources available
    B) The maximum population the environment can support
    C) Population density
    D) Productivity of land
    ✅ Answer: B

    Q18. The indicator combining life expectancy, literacy, and income is:
    A) GNP
    B) HDI
    C) ESI
    D) GDP
    ✅ Answer: B
    Explanation: Human Development Index = life expectancy + education + income.

    Q19. Green GDP measures:
    A) GDP adjusted for environmental degradation
    B) Total agricultural output
    C) GDP from renewable sources
    D) GDP at constant prices
    ✅ Answer: A

    Q20. Ecological Footprint measures:
    A) Human dependence on fossil fuels
    B) The impact of human demand on Earth’s ecosystems
    C) Pollution caused by industries
    D) Agricultural land area only
    ✅ Answer: B

    ☁️ Section C: Pollution and Climate Change (Q.21–30)

    Q21. Which gas is the major contributor to the greenhouse effect?
    A) Oxygen
    B) Carbon Dioxide
    C) Ozone
    D) Argon
    ✅ Answer: B

    Q22. Ozone layer is found in:
    A) Troposphere
    B) Stratosphere
    C) Mesosphere
    D) Ionosphere
    ✅ Answer: B

    Q23. The chief cause of ozone depletion is:
    A) CFCs
    B) Carbon dioxide
    C) Methane
    D) Sulphur dioxide
    ✅ Answer: A

    Q24. Acid rain mainly results from emissions of:
    A) CO₂ and O₃
    B) SO₂ and NOₓ
    C) CFCs and H₂S
    D) CO and HCl
    ✅ Answer: B

    Q25. Eutrophication is caused by excessive:
    A) Oxygen
    B) Nutrient discharge into water bodies
    C) Sedimentation
    D) Water temperature rise
    ✅ Answer: B

    Q26. “Silent Spring,” the famous book on pesticides and ecology, was written by:
    A) Rachel Carson
    B) E. P. Odum
    C) Charles Darwin
    D) M.S. Swaminathan
    ✅ Answer: A

    Q27. The Montreal Protocol deals with:
    A) Global warming
    B) Ozone layer protection
    C) Biodiversity conservation
    D) Desertification
    ✅ Answer: B

    Q28. The Kyoto Protocol (1997) was aimed at:
    A) Reducing GHG emissions
    B) Ending deforestation
    C) Stopping industrialization
    D) Managing biodiversity
    ✅ Answer: A

    Q29. Carbon Credit means:
    A) Tax for pollution
    B) Tradeable certificate for CO₂ reduction
    C) Subsidy for green technology
    D) None of these
    ✅ Answer: B

    Q30. The Paris Agreement (2015) aimed to limit global temperature rise to:
    A) Below 1°C
    B) Below 2°C
    C) Below 3°C
    D) Below 4°C
    ✅ Answer: B

    🌾 Section D: Biodiversity and Conservation (Q.31–40)

    Q31. India’s Biodiversity Hotspots include:
    A) Western Ghats, Indo-Burma, Himalayas, Sundarbans
    B) Himalayas, Indo-Burma, Western Ghats, Sundaland
    ✅ Answer: B

    Q32. Ex-situ conservation means:
    A) Conservation within natural habitat
    B) Conservation outside natural habitat
    C) In-field protection
    D) In-site reforestation
    ✅ Answer: B

    Q33. Which of the following is not an in-situ conservation area?
    A) National Park
    B) Wildlife Sanctuary
    C) Botanical Garden
    D) Biosphere Reserve
    ✅ Answer: C

    Q34. “Project Tiger” was launched in:
    A) 1970
    B) 1973
    C) 1980
    D) 1986
    ✅ Answer: B

    Q35. The number of Biosphere Reserves in India (as of 2024) is approximately:
    A) 10
    B) 18
    C) 20
    D) 25
    ✅ Answer: B

    Q36. Chipko Movement was associated with:
    A) River pollution
    B) Forest conservation
    C) Wildlife poaching
    D) Air quality
    ✅ Answer: B

    Q37. The Narmada Bachao Andolan was against:
    A) Chemical pollution
    B) Construction of big dams
    C) Urban waste
    D) Mining
    ✅ Answer: B

    Q38. The Silent Valley Movement took place in:
    A) Assam
    B) Kerala
    C) Gujarat
    D) Rajasthan
    ✅ Answer: B

    Q39. In which Indian state did the Appiko Movement start?
    A) Karnataka
    B) Uttarakhand
    C) Odisha
    D) Sikkim
    ✅ Answer: A

    Q40. The term “Biodiversity” was first used by:
    A) Walter Rosen
    B) E. O. Wilson
    C) Charles Darwin
    D) Paul Ehrlich
    ✅ Answer: A

    ⚙️ Section E: Policies, Acts, and Global Initiatives (Q.41–50)

    Q41. The first global conference on the human environment was held in:
    A) Paris, 2015
    B) Stockholm, 1972
    C) Rio, 1992
    D) New York, 1987
    ✅ Answer: B

    Q42. The Environment Protection Act (India) came into force in:
    A) 1974
    B) 1981
    C) 1986
    D) 1991
    ✅ Answer: C

    Q43. The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act was passed in:
    A) 1974
    B) 1981
    C) 1986
    D) 1995
    ✅ Answer: A

    Q44. The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act was enacted in:
    A) 1972
    B) 1981
    C) 1992
    D) 2001
    ✅ Answer: B

    Q45. The Wildlife Protection Act was introduced in:
    A) 1970
    B) 1972
    C) 1975
    D) 1980
    ✅ Answer: B

    Q46. National Green Tribunal (NGT) was established in:
    A) 2005
    B) 2008
    C) 2010
    D) 2015
    ✅ Answer: C

    Q47. The “Forest Conservation Act” (India) was passed in:
    A) 1980
    B) 1986
    C) 1992
    D) 2000
    ✅ Answer: A

    Q48. India’s nodal agency for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is:
    A) NITI Aayog
    B) MoEFCC
    C) Planning Commission
    D) UGC
    ✅ Answer: A

    Q49. The number of UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is:
    A) 8
    B) 15
    C) 17
    D) 20
    ✅ Answer: C

    Q50. “Earth Summit” refers to which major conference?
    A) Kyoto Protocol
    B) Rio de Janeiro, 1992
    C) Stockholm, 1972
    D) Paris, 2015
    ✅ Answer: B

  • UGC NET – Paper-1-UNIT 9 – People Development and Environment

    (As per NTA UGC NET Paper I Syllabus, 2024–25)

    🎯 1. Objective of the Unit

    This unit tests your awareness about:

    • Environment, ecology, and sustainable development

    • Human and natural interaction

    • Environmental issues, policies, and global initiatives

    • Impact of development on the environment

    • Renewable energy, climate change, and environmental ethics

    In short — “Human–Environment Relationship” and how development can be made sustainable.

    🌱 2. Key Concepts

    Concept Meaning
    Environment The sum of all external factors (biotic & abiotic) that affect living organisms.
    Ecology Study of relationship between living organisms and their surroundings.
    Ecosystem Functional unit consisting of living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) components.
    Biosphere Global ecosystem — sum total of all ecosystems on Earth.
    Biodiversity Variety of living organisms (genes, species, ecosystems).
    Sustainability Development that meets present needs without compromising future generations.

    🌳 3. Components of Environment

    (A) Natural Environment

    • Air (atmosphere)

    • Water (hydrosphere)

    • Land (lithosphere)

    • Living organisms (biosphere)

    (B) Human-made Environment

    • Cities, buildings, infrastructure, industries.

    (C) Social & Cultural Environment

    • Ethics, values, customs, beliefs, and institutions.

    🧬 4. Ecology and Ecosystem

    4.1 Levels of Ecological Organization:

    Individual → Population → Community → Ecosystem → Biome → Biosphere

    4.2 Components:

    • Abiotic: Light, temperature, soil, air, water

    • Biotic: Producers, consumers, decomposers

    4.3 Energy Flow:

    • Unidirectional — from sun → producer → consumer → decomposer.

    • Governed by 10% Energy Law (only 10% energy transfers to next trophic level).

    4.4 Food Chain & Food Web:

    • Food Chain: Linear sequence of energy transfer.

    • Food Web: Network of interconnected food chains.

    🌾 5. Natural Resources and Their Conservation

    Resource Type Examples Conservation Methods
    Renewable Solar, wind, water, biomass Sustainable use, technology improvement
    Non-Renewable Coal, petroleum, minerals Reduce, recycle, find alternatives
    Human Resources Knowledge, labor Education and skill development
    Biotic Forests, animals Afforestation, wildlife protection
    Abiotic Air, water, soil Pollution control, soil conservation

    🌍 6. Environmental Issues

    Issue Description Impact
    Deforestation Clearing forests for human use Loss of biodiversity, soil erosion
    Desertification Land degradation in arid areas Reduced productivity
    Pollution Contamination of air, water, soil Health hazards
    Climate Change Global temperature rise Sea-level rise, extreme weather
    Loss of Biodiversity Extinction of species Ecological imbalance
    Waste Disposal Improper waste management Groundwater contamination
    Urbanization Expansion of cities Resource depletion, congestion

    💨 7. Types of Pollution

    Type Main Cause Example / Effect
    Air Pollution Vehicles, industries Smog, respiratory diseases
    Water Pollution Sewage, industrial effluents Eutrophication, waterborne diseases
    Soil Pollution Pesticides, waste dumping Loss of fertility
    Noise Pollution Traffic, machinery Hearing loss, stress
    Thermal Pollution Hot water discharge from industries Affects aquatic life
    Nuclear Pollution Radiation leaks Genetic disorders

    🌦️ 8. Climate Change and Global Warming

    • Climate Change: Long-term alteration in temperature, rainfall, and weather patterns.

    • Global Warming: Rise in Earth’s average temperature due to greenhouse gases (GHGs).

    Major GHGs:

    1. Carbon dioxide (CO₂)

    2. Methane (CH₄)

    3. Nitrous oxide (N₂O)

    4. Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)

    5. Ozone (O₃)

    Effects:

    • Melting glaciers, rising sea levels

    • Extreme weather events

    • Crop pattern changes

    • Loss of biodiversity

    ⚡ 9. Renewable and Non-Renewable Energy Sources

    Source Type Example
    Renewable Reusable, eco-friendly Solar, wind, hydro, biomass, geothermal
    Non-Renewable Finite, polluting Coal, petroleum, natural gas, nuclear

    Government Initiatives (India)

    • National Solar Mission (2010) – Target 280 GW by 2030

    • Wind Energy Mission

    • National Hydrogen Mission (2021) – Green hydrogen production

    • International Solar Alliance (ISA) – India-led global initiative

    🏭 10. Sustainable Development

    Definition (Brundtland Commission, 1987):
    Development that meets present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own.

    Key Principles:

    • Conservation of resources

    • Environmental protection

    • Social equity and economic growth

    • Intergenerational responsibility

    Indicators of Sustainable Development:

    1. Human Development Index (HDI)

    2. Ecological Footprint

    3. Environmental Sustainability Index

    4. Green GDP

    🌏 11. Environmental Management and Protection

    Area Description
    Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Predicting impact of development projects before approval
    Environmental Education Promoting awareness and eco-friendly behavior
    Environmental Ethics Moral principles guiding human interaction with nature
    Eco-restoration Rebuilding degraded ecosystems

    🧾 12. Major International Environmental Conventions

    Convention / Summit Year Objective
    Stockholm Conference 1972 First global conference on environment
    Brundtland Report 1987 Concept of Sustainable Development
    Rio Earth Summit (UNCED) 1992 Agenda 21, Biodiversity Convention
    Kyoto Protocol 1997 Legally binding GHG reduction
    Montreal Protocol 1987 Control of ozone-depleting substances
    Paris Agreement 2015 Limit global warming below 2°C

    🇮🇳 13. Environmental Policies and Acts (India)

    Act / Policy Year Objective
    Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act 1974 Control of water pollution
    Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act 1981 Control of air pollution
    Environment Protection Act 1986 Umbrella law for environment
    Wildlife Protection Act 1972 Protection of wildlife and biodiversity
    Forest Conservation Act 1980 Prevent deforestation
    National Green Tribunal (NGT) 2010 Judicial body for environmental disputes

    💚 14. Biodiversity and Its Conservation

    Levels of Biodiversity:

    1. Genetic diversity – variation within species

    2. Species diversity – variety among species

    3. Ecosystem diversity – variety of habitats

    Conservation Approaches:

    Type Method Example
    In-situ Conservation in natural habitat National Parks, Sanctuaries
    Ex-situ Outside natural habitat Zoos, Seed banks, Botanical gardens

    🌿 15. Important Environmental Terms

    Term Meaning
    Carbon Footprint Total GHG emissions caused by an individual/activity
    Carbon Credit Tradable certificate representing 1 ton of CO₂ reduced
    Ozone Hole Depletion of ozone layer due to CFCs
    Acid Rain Rain with pH < 5.6 caused by SO₂ and NOx
    Eutrophication Nutrient enrichment of water bodies causing algal bloom
    Desertification Land degradation in arid regions
    Carrying Capacity Maximum population sustainable by environment
    Biomagnification Accumulation of toxins in food chain at higher levels

    ☀️ 16. Renewable Energy in India

    Source Capacity Trend Example Project
    Solar Rapid growth (ISA, Solar Mission) Pavagada Solar Park (Karnataka)
    Wind Coastal and desert regions Tamil Nadu, Gujarat
    Hydro Major renewable source Tehri Dam
    Biomass Rural energy Bagasse, crop residue
    Geothermal Under exploration Himalayas, Gujarat

    ♻️ 17. Environmental Movements in India

    Movement Leader Aim
    Chipko Movement Sunderlal Bahuguna Forest conservation
    Narmada Bachao Andolan Medha Patkar Against displacement due to dam
    Silent Valley Movement Kerala activists Save tropical forest
    Appiko Movement Karnataka Forest protection
    Save Ganga Movement Various NGOs River conservation

    🧩 18. Population and Environment

    • Population growth increases demand for resources.

    • Causes deforestation, urban congestion, pollution.

    • Education and family planning promote sustainable population growth.

    ⚙️ 19. Environmental Management Tools

    1. Environmental Audit

    2. Environmental Accounting

    3. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)

    4. Green Building Rating (LEED, GRIHA)

    5. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs, UN 2015–2030)

    🌏 20. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

    UN’s 17 Global Goals (2015–2030):

    • No Poverty, Zero Hunger, Good Health

    • Quality Education, Gender Equality

    • Clean Water & Sanitation, Affordable Energy

    • Climate Action, Life Below Water, Life on Land

    • Responsible Consumption, Peace & Justice, etc.

    India’s nodal agency: NITI Aayog

    ✅ 21. Quick Summary for Revision

    Theme Core Points
    Environment & Ecology Interaction of biotic and abiotic components
    Pollution Types Air, water, soil, noise, nuclear
    Climate Change Due to GHGs and human activity
    Energy Renewable vs Non-renewable
    Sustainable Development Balance of economic, social, environmental goals
    Conventions & Acts Stockholm, Rio, Paris; EPA 1986, Air/Water Acts
    Biodiversity In-situ & Ex-situ conservation
    Environmental Movements Chipko, Narmada Bachao
    SDGs 17 global goals by UN
    Indian Initiatives NGT, ISA, National Missions