General Science/Everyday Science MCQs
Topic Notes: General Science/Everyday Science
MCQs and preparation resources for competitive exams, covering important concepts, past papers, and detailed explanations.
Plato
- Biography: Ancient Greek philosopher (427–347 BCE), student of Socrates and teacher of Aristotle, founder of the Academy in Athens.
- Important Ideas:
- Theory of Forms
- Philosopher-King
- Ideal State
191
A cap-and-trade system reduces emissions by:
Answer:
Setting a total cap and allowing permit trading
The cap ensures environmental certainty; trading drives least-cost abatement. Firms that cut cheaply sell allowances to others. It harnesses market mechanisms.
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192
In Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), “baseline studies” aim to:
Answer:
Document pre-project environmental conditions
Baseline data provide the reference for impact prediction and monitoring. They cover air, water, soil, ecology, and socioeconomics. Good baselines improve significance judgments.
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193
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) often act by:
Answer:
Mimicking or blocking hormones
EDCs interfere with hormonal signaling, affecting growth, reproduction, and development. Examples include certain pesticides and plasticizers. Low-dose and mixture effects are concerns.
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194
The most effective way to reduce methane from landfills is:
Answer:
Landfill gas capture and energy recovery
Capturing methane prevents it from entering the atmosphere and provides usable energy. Source separation and organics diversion/composting further cut emissions. Flaring reduces GHG but wastes energy.
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195
The Air Quality Index (AQI) condenses pollutant data to communicate:
Answer:
Health risk levels
AQI translates concentrations of key pollutants into categories (e.g., good, moderate, unhealthy). It guides public health advisories. Pollutants often include PM₂.₅, PM₁₀, O₃, NO₂, SO₂, CO.
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196
A “no net loss” policy in wetlands usually requires:
Answer:
Compensatory mitigation/offsets
If impacts are unavoidable, developers must restore or create wetlands elsewhere. The aim is to maintain overall wetland function and area. Avoidance and minimization come first.
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197
The most energy-efficient lighting technology (typical baseline) is:
Answer:
LED
LEDs provide high lumens per watt and long life. They also offer dimming and instant-on capabilities. CFLs are more efficient than incandescent but contain mercury.
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198
Coral bleaching is primarily caused by:
Answer:
Elevated sea temperature
Heat stress causes corals to expel symbiotic zooxanthellae, turning white. Prolonged bleaching leads to mortality. Acidification and pollution compound the stress.
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199
A Ramsar site is designated for protection of:
Answer:
Wetlands
The Ramsar Convention focuses on the conservation and wise use of wetlands. Sites are recognized for ecological importance. Designation promotes international cooperation.
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200
“Blue carbon” refers to carbon stored in:
Answer:
Coastal ecosystems like mangroves
Mangroves, seagrasses, and salt marshes sequester large amounts of carbon in biomass and sediments. Protecting them prevents CO₂ release and supports biodiversity. They also buffer coasts from storms.
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