Salinization occurs when salts build up in soil or groundwater, often due to improper irrigation. It reduces soil fertility and crop yields. This problem is common in arid and semi-arid regions. ---

Crop rotation maintains soil fertility by alternating crops that use and replenish different nutrients. It also reduces pest and disease buildup. Other practices help agriculture but are less effective for long-term fertility. ---

Rodenticides are toxic compounds specifically designed to control rodent populations. They are widely used in agriculture and urban areas. Misuse, however, can harm non-target animals and ecosystems. ---

Deforestation reduces oxygen production because trees and plants perform photosynthesis. Forest loss also increases atmospheric carbon dioxide, worsening climate change. Thus, oxygen levels drop while greenhouse gases rise. ---

Endemic species are native to a specific region and not found naturally elsewhere. Their limited distribution makes them vulnerable to habitat loss and environmental changes. Protecting endemic species is crucial for biodiversity conservation. ---

Solar energy drives most natural processes on Earth, including photosynthesis, weather, and climate regulation. Other forms of energy, like chemical or electrical, are secondary or derived sources. Without solar radiation, life on Earth would not exist. ---

The hydrological cycle, or water cycle, links the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere. Water evaporates into the atmosphere, condenses into clouds, and precipitates back to the lithosphere and hydrosphere. This cycle maintains Earth’s water balance and supports ecosystems. ---

The troposphere is the lowest layer of Earth’s atmosphere, extending up to about 8–15 km. It contains most weather phenomena, clouds, and human activity. Its composition supports all forms of life. --- Excellent 👍 Thanks for sharing the next big block of MCQs. I’ll continue reworking them into the **same format** as before: clean statements, shuffled options, correct answers, and **3–5 sentence explanations**. Let’s pick up from **Q56 onward** so numbering flows consistently. ---

The Wildlife Protection Act was enacted in 1972 under Indira Gandhi’s leadership. It provides legal protection to species and habitats across India. The Act has been central to conservation policies. ---

The Salim Ali Centre in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, is a premier research institute for ornithology and natural history. Named after India’s famous “Birdman,” it promotes conservation and biodiversity research. ---