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END-SEMESTER EXAMINATION, 2023-24

B. Tech. (SEMESTER : 02)
CVL 103 : ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES
Time: 2 Hrs. Max. Marks: 100
Note: 1. All questions are compulsory.
2. Assume missing data suitably, if any.

1. What are the potential effects of land degradation on agricultural productivity?

(a) Increased crop yields and soil fertility
(b) Decreased soil erosion and water pollution
(c) Reduced crop yields and loss of soil fertility
(d) Enhanced biodiversity and ecosystem stability
2. Sustainable agriculture practices aim to:
(a) Maximize short-term crop yields at the expense of soil health
(b) Minimize the use of organic matter and compost
(c) Enhance long-term soil fertility and reduce environmental impact
(d) Promote the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers
3. Which of the following is an example of a sustainable agriculture practice that helps conserve
soil and maintain its health?
(a) Monoculture farming
(b) Excessive irrigation without soil conservation measures
(c) Crop rotation and no-till farming
(d) Overuse of synthetic pesticides
4. Which of the following is a common source of heavy metal pollution in soil?
(a) Pesticides (b) Synthetic fertilizers
(c) Industrial waste (d) Organic matter
5. Desertification is primarily caused by:
(a) Deforestation (b) Overgrazing
(c) Urbanization (d) Industrialization
6. Which of the following practices helps in preventing soil erosion?
(a) Monoculture farming (b) No-till farming
(c) Excessive tilling (d) Removing vegetation cover
7. Radioactive contaminants in soil, originating from nuclear accidents or waste disposal, can have
severe health effects on humans and ecosystems. What is one such effect?
(a) Increased agricultural productivity
(b) Improved soil stability and erosion control
(c) Radiation exposure, genetic mutations, and increased cancer risk
(d) Promotion of healthy soil microbial communities

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8. Which of the following is an example of biodegradable solid waste?
(a) Glass bottles (b) Plastic bags
(c) Food scraps (d) Metal cans
9. What category of solid waste includes discarded items like old furniture and appliances?
(a) Hazardous waste (b) Industrial waste
(c) Municipal solid waste (d) Agricultural waste
10. Which waste management system involves transporting waste materials to a landfill site and
burying them underground?
(a) Recycling (b) Incineration
(c) Landfilling (d) Composting
11. What emission control device is commonly used in vehicles to reduce the levels of nitrogen
oxides (NOx)?
(a) Catalytic converter (b) Scrubber
(c) Electrostatic precipitator (d) Baghouse filter
12. In industrial settings, what technology is frequently used to remove particulate matter (PM)
from flue gas emissions?
(a) Wet scrubber (b) Cyclone separator
(c) Electrostatic precipitator (d) Catalytic converter
13. Increasing the height of industrial stacks can have what effect on air pollution dispersion?
(a) Decrease in dispersion and increased pollution concentration at ground level
(b) Increase in dispersion and reduced pollution concentration at ground level
(c) No effect on dispersion or pollution concentration
(d) Decrease in dispersion and reduced pollution concentration at ground level
14. Why is soil considered one of the Earth's most valuable resources?
(a) Because it is the primary source of freshwater
(b) Because it is the primary source of energy production
(c) Because it serves as the foundation for buildings and infrastructure
(d) Because it supports plant growth and provides essential ecosystem services
15. Soil plays a critical role in the carbon cycle by acting as a reservoir for:
(a) Oxygen (b) Carbon dioxide
(c) Organic matter (d) Nitrogen
16. What is the primary factor contributing to the formation of soil?
(a) Air quality (b) Climate and weathering of rocks
(c) Soil erosion (d) Human activity
17. Which soil horizon consists of partially weathered rock and minerals?
(a) A horizon (b) B horizon
(c) C horizon (d) O horizon
18. Which soil horizon is often referred to as the "topsoil" and contains organic matter and minerals
that support plant growth?
(a) A horizon (b) B horizon
(c) C horizon (d) E horizon

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19. What is one of the primary human activities contributing to land degradation and soil erosion?
(a) Sustainable agriculture practices (b) Afforestation and reforestation
(c) Deforestation and overgrazing (d) Soil conservation measures
20. What are the potential effects of land degradation on agricultural productivity?
(a) Increased crop yields and soil fertility (b) Decreased soil erosion and water pollution
(c) Reduced crop yields and loss of soil fertility (d) Enhanced biodiversity and ecosystem
stability
21. Sustainable agriculture practices aim to:
(a) Maximize short-term crop yields at the expense of soil health
(b) Minimize the use of organic matter and compost
(c) Enhance long-term soil fertility and reduce environmental impact
(d) Promote the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers
22. Which of the following is an example of a sustainable agriculture practice that helps conserve
soil and maintain its health?
(a) Monoculture farming (b) Excessive irrigation without soil conservation
measures
(c) Crop rotation and no-till farming (d) Overuse of synthetic pesticides
23. What is a common source of heavy metal soil pollution that can result in adverse health effects
for humans and wildlife?
(a) Organic matter from plant residues (b) Fertilizer application
(c) Industrial discharge and mining activities (d) Earthworm activity
24. Soil pollution due to organic pollutants, such as pesticides and herbicides, can have what effect
on the environment?
(a) Enhanced soil fertility and crop growth
(b) Promotion of beneficial soil microorganisms
(c) Harmful impacts on non-target species and contamination of groundwater
(d) Reduction in soil erosion
25. Nutrient pollution in soil, often caused by excessive fertilizer use, can lead to:
(a) Increased crop yields and soil fertility
(b) Enhanced biodiversity in the soil ecosystem
(c) Water pollution and eutrophication of nearby water bodies
(d) Improved soil structure and aeration
26. Soil contamination by persistent organic pollutants (POPs), such as polychlorinated biphenyls
(PCBs) and dioxins, can result in:
(a) Improved soil microbial activity
(b) Enhanced water retention capacity in soil
(c) Long-term environmental persistence and adverse health effects
(d) Promotion of soil organic matter decomposition
27. Radioactive contaminants in soil, originating from nuclear accidents or waste disposal, can have
severe health effects on humans and ecosystems. What is one such effect?
(a) Increased agricultural productivity
(b) Improved soil stability and erosion control
(c) Radiation exposure, genetic mutations, and increased cancer risk

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 (d) Promotion of healthy soil microbial communities
28. Which of the following is an example of biodegradable solid waste?
(a) Glass bottles (b) Plastic bags
(c) Food scraps (d) Metal cans
29. What category of solid waste includes discarded items like old furniture and appliances?
(a) Hazardous waste (b) Industrial waste
(c) Municipal solid waste (d) Agricultural waste
30. Which waste management system involves transporting waste materials to a landfill site and
burying them underground?
(a) Recycling (c) Incineration
(c) Landfilling (d) Composting
31. What is the purpose of a waste-to-energy facility, such as an incinerator?
(a) To promote recycling efforts (b) To convert waste into electricity or heat
(c) To store waste temporarily (d) To separate recyclables from non-
recyclables
32. Which waste treatment method involves the decomposition of organic waste materials by
microorganisms into nutrient-rich soil-like material?
(a) Incineration (b) Landfilling
(c) Recycling (d) Composting
33. What does the acronym "WTE" typically stand for in waste management?
(a) Waste Transportation and Extraction (b) Waste Treatment and Elimination
(c) Waste-to-Energy (d) Waste Technical Equipment
34. Bio-medical waste includes materials generated from healthcare facilities. Which of the
following is an example of bio-medical waste?
(a) Glass containers (b) Paper towels
(c) Used syringes and needles (d) Plastic water bottles
35. Which of the following is a non-degradable waste material that poses significant environmental
challenges?
(a) Paper (b) Cardboard
(c) Styrofoam (polystyrene) (d) Organic matter
36. Hazardous wastes are materials that pose a risk to human health or the environment. What is an
example of a hazardous waste?
(a) Aluminum cans (b) Lead-acid batteries
(c) Cardboard boxes (d) Wood furniture
37. What term is commonly used to describe discarded electronic devices, such as computers and
smartphones?
(a) Plastic waste (b) E-waste
(c) Biodegradable waste (d) Non-degradable waste
38. What is one of the major environmental concerns associated with plastic waste in the oceans?
(a) Increased oxygen levels in aquatic ecosystems (b) Contamination of seafood with plastics
(c) Improved water quality in coastal regions (d) Promotion of marine biodiversity
39. Which of the following is considered a conventional source of energy?

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 (a) Biomass (b) Natural gas (c) Wind (d) Geothermal

40. Non-conventional energy sources are often characterized by their:

(a) Widespread use in traditional power plants (b) High environmental impact
(c) Limited availability (d) Emerging and innovative technologies
41. Fossil fuels, such as coal, petroleum, and natural gas, are examples of:
(a) Renewable energy sources (b) Non-renewable energy sources
(c) Conventional energy sources (d) Nuclear energy sources
42. Renewable energy sources are considered sustainable because they:
(a) Are abundant and available in large quantities
(b) Do not require any technology or infrastructure
(c) Have no impact on the environment
(d) Can be replenished naturally over time
43. Which fossil fuel is primarily composed of carbon and is often used for electricity generation
and industrial processes?
(a) Coal (b) Petroleum
(c) Natural gas (d) Uranium
44. In addition to being used as a fuel for transportation, petroleum is also a crucial raw material for
the production of:
(a) Plastics and synthetic materials (b) Renewable energy systems
(c) Pharmaceuticals (d) Construction materials
45. Solar energy is derived from the conversion of:
(a) Fossil fuels (b) Nuclear reactions
(c) Sunlight into electricity or heat (d) Geothermal heat
46. What technology is commonly used to harness wind energy and convert it into electricity?
(a) Solar panels (b) Wind turbines (c) Photovoltaic cells (d) Hydroelectric dams
47. What is the primary definition of minerals in the context of natural resources?
(a) Nutrient-rich substances found in fruits and vegetables
(b) Inorganic, naturally occurring substances with a specific chemical composition and
structure
(c) Artificial substances produced through chemical reactions
(d) Organic compounds derived from animals and plants
48. Why are minerals important for human health and well-being?
(a) They provide the primary source of energy in our diet.
(b) They support the growth and maintenance of body tissues.
(c) They are essential for photosynthesis in plants.
(d) They are primarily used for industrial purposes.
49. Which of the following is an example of a metallic mineral?
(a) Quartz (b) Gypsum
(c) Iron ore (d) Limestone
50. Non-metallic minerals are commonly used for:

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 (a) Generating electricity (b) Construction materials, like cement and
gypsum
(c) Manufacturing machinery and equipment (d) Jewelry and ornaments

51. What is a direct benefit of forests to human populations?

(a) Enhanced air pollution (b) Biodiversity conservation
(c) Provision of timber and wood products (d) Depletion of soil nutrients
52. What are indirect benefits of forests that contribute to climate regulation and carbon
sequestration?
(a) Release of greenhouse gases (b) Reduction of deforestation
(c) Oxygen production and carbon storage (d) Soil erosion and desertification
53. What are some of the causes of forest resource depletion?
(a) Reforestation efforts and sustainable logging practices
(b) Urbanization, agriculture expansion, and illegal logging
(c) Increased forest protection measures and wildlife conservation
(d) Enhanced soil fertility and nutrient cycling
54. What are the effects of excessive forest resource depletion?
(a) Increased forest cover and enhanced biodiversity
(c) Soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, and disruption of local ecosystems
(c) Promotion of ecotourism and conservation efforts
(d) Improved water quality and reduced flooding
55. What are the three main calorie providers in the human diet?
(a) Vitamins, minerals, and protein (b) Carbohydrates, proteins, and fats
(c) Fiber, water, and antioxidants (d) Dairy, fruits, and vegetables
56. The Green Revolution is associated with significant advancements in which aspect of
agriculture?
(a) Organic farming and sustainable agriculture practices
(b) Crop productivity, especially through the use of high-yielding varieties and modern
farming techniques
(c) Livestock breeding and animal husbandry
(d) Reducing the environmental impact of agriculture
57. How is biodiversity defined?
(a) The number of domesticated animal species
(b) The variety of life on Earth, including species diversity, genetic diversity, and ecosystem
diversity
(c) The total number of humans on the planet
(d) The area covered by protected national parks
58. What does the term "species diversity" refer to in the context of biodiversity?
(a) The variety of ecosystems in a region (b) The number of individuals within a
population
(c) The different species in a given area (d) The genetic variability within a species

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59. Which of the following is a major threat to biodiversity?
(a) Conservation efforts and habitat protection
(b) Habitat destruction, deforestation, and land degradation
(c) Promotion of ecotourism
(d) Marine protected areas

60. What does the term "overexploitation" refer to in the context of biodiversity threats?
(a) The excessive growth of endangered species
(b) The sustainable use of natural resources
(c) The excessive harvesting of species for commercial purposes
(d) The introduction of non-native species into ecosystems
61. What is the status of a species that no longer exists on Earth?
(a) Extinct (b) Endemic
(c) Endangered (d) Invasive
62. Endemic species are unique to a particular geographic area and are found nowhere else. Which
term best describes this uniqueness?
(a) Extinction (b) Endemism
(c) Invasiveness (d) Adaptation
63. What is the primary goal of conservation biology?
(a) To accelerate the rate of species extinction
(b) To preserve the genetic diversity of a single species
(c) To maintain and restore biodiversity for future generations
(d) To promote the use of genetic engineering in conservation efforts
64. What is one approach to biodiversity conservation that involves protecting a wide range of
habitats to preserve as many species as possible?
(a) Invasive species control (b) Ecotourism promotion
(c) Ecosystem-based conservation (d) Habitat fragmentation

65.
What is the primary greenhouse gas responsible for trapping heat in the Earth's atmosphere and
causing global warming?
(a) Oxygen (O2) (b) Carbon dioxide (CO2)
(c) Nitrogen (N2) (d) Methane (CH4)
66. The greenhouse effect occurs when certain gases in the atmosphere trap heat. Which of the
following best describes this process?
(a) It allows the escape of heat into space.
(b) It reflects incoming solar radiation back to space.
(c) It absorbs and re-emits infrared radiation, warming the planet.
(d) It creates a cooling effect by blocking sunlight.
67. Which atmospheric layer contains the ozone layer that protects living organisms from harmful
ultraviolet (UV) radiation?
(a) Troposphere (b) Stratosphere

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 (c) Mesosphere (d) Thermosphere
68. What is the primary consequence of ozone layer depletion for living organisms?
(a) Increased skin cancer and cataracts (b) Reduced oxygen levels in the atmosphere
(c) Enhanced plant growth (d) Lower global temperatures
69. What is a significant impact of climate change on ecosystems, particularly in polar regions?
(a) Increased biodiversity (b) Expanding polar ice caps
(c) Loss of habitat for Arctic species (d) Decreased precipitation
70. How does ocean acidification, a result of increased atmospheric CO2 levels, affect marine
ecosystems?
(a) It promotes the growth of coral reefs.
(b) It enhances fish populations.
(c) It negatively impacts marine organisms with calcium carbonate shells or skeletons.
(d) It improves water quality in coastal areas.
71. The Kyoto Protocol is an international agreement aimed at addressing:
(a) Ozone layer depletion (b) Climate change and greenhouse gas
emissions
(c) Global deforestation (d) Freshwater resource management
72. The Paris Agreement, adopted in 2015, focuses on what key aspect of climate change
mitigation?
(a) Limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels
(b) Increasing emissions of greenhouse gases to promote economic growth
(c) Expanding the use of fossil fuels
(d) Establishing a global carbon tax
73. Which of the following is one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) established by
the United Nations in 2015?
(a) Environmental Protection Plan (b) Global Security Initiative
(c) Sustainable Development Initiative (d) Gender Equality and Women Empowerment
74. What is the term used to describe the number of people that can be supported in a given area
considering the available resources and the way they are used?
(a) Carrying capacity (b) Fertility rate
(c) Demographic transition (d) Population density
75. Which of the following diseases is primarily caused by environmental factors such as air
pollution and water contamination?
(a) Malaria (b) Diabetes
(c) Asthma (d) Tuberculosis
76. What is the term used to describe the gradual increase in the Earth's average temperature due to
human activities, primarily the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation?
(a) Environmental degradation (b) Greenhouse effect
(c) Ozone depletion (d) Climate change
77. Which Sustainable Development Goal focuses on ensuring availability and sustainable
management of water and sanitation for all?
(a) SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation (b) SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

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 (c) SDG 13: Climate Action (d) SDG 14: Life Below Water
78. What is the term used to describe the phenomenon where the proportion of older individuals in
the population is increasing over time, often accompanied by a decrease in the proportion of
younger individuals?
(a) Demographic transition (b) Fertility rate
(c) Population aging (d) Carrying capacity
79. Which of the following factors contributes to the spread of infectious diseases such as
HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis in developing countries?
(a) Improved sanitation (b) Access to healthcare (c) Poverty (d) Education
80. What is the term used to describe the process of restoring an area to its original state after it has
been damaged or destroyed?
(a) Conservation (b) Preservation (c) Reclamation (d) Rehabilitation
81. Which of the following principles is NOT associated with sustainable development?
(a) Economic growth (b) Social progress
(c) Environmental protection (d) Resource depletion
82. What technology harnesses the energy of the sun to produce electricity?
(a) Geothermal power (b) Hydroelectric power (c) Solar power (d) Wind power
83. What does the triple bottom line in sustainable development refer to?
(a) Profit, people, and purpose
(b) Population growth, resource conservation, and technology
(c) Environment, economy, and society
(d) Governance, globalization, and growth
84. Which of the following is a renewable source of energy derived from organic matter such as
plant and animal waste?
(a) Nuclear energy (b) Fossil fuels (c) Biomass energy (d) Tidal energy
85. Which of the following is an example of a sustainable practice in agriculture?
(a) Intensive use of pesticides (b) Monoculture farming
(c) Crop rotation (d) Deforestation
86. What is the term used to describe the conversion of organic waste into biogas, which can be
used as a renewable energy source?
(a) Hydropower (b) Geothermal energy
(c) Biomass digestion (d) Wave energy
87. What is the concept of "reduce, reuse, and recycle" commonly associated with in the context of
sustainable development?
(a) Energy conservation (b) Waste management
(c) Water conservation (d) Biodiversity conservation
88. Which of the following energy sources converts the kinetic energy of the wind into electrical
power?
(a) Solar power (b) Tidal energy
(c) Geothermal power (d) Wind power
89. What is the primary source of pollutants in water bodies from industrial activities?
(a) Agricultural runoff (b) Oil spills

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 (c) Industrial discharge (d) Household sewage
90. Which of the following is a chemical often found in fertilizers and is a common pollutant in
water bodies due to agricultural runoff?
(a) Mercury (b) Lead
(c) Phosphorus (d) Sulfur
91. What is the term used to describe the excessive growth of algae in water bodies due to the
presence of high nutrient levels, leading to oxygen depletion and harming aquatic life?
(a) Eutrophication (b) Acidification
(c) Desalination (d) Sedimentation
92. Which of the following is a source of point pollution in water bodies?
(a) Urban runoff (b) Agricultural runoff
(c) Industrial discharge (d) Atmospheric deposition
93. What is the term used to describe the process of removing salt and other minerals from seawater
to make it suitable for drinking and irrigation purposes?
(a) Desalination (b) Distillation
(c) Filtration (d) Coagulation
94. Which of the following pathogens is commonly associated with waterborne diseases in
humans? (a) Molds (b) Bacteria
(c) Insects (d) Worms
95. What is the term used to describe the contamination of water bodies with toxic chemicals, often
resulting from industrial activities and improper waste disposal?
(a) Groundwater pollution (b) Surface water pollution
(c) Thermal pollution (d) Chemical pollution
96. What is the process of adding nutrients, mainly phosphorus and nitrogen, to a water body,
leading to the growth of algae and other aquatic plants, which can result in reduced oxygen
levels and harm aquatic life?
(a) Eutrophication (b) Acidification
(c) Desalination (d) Sedimentation
97. Which of the following gases is a major component of photochemical smog and is a result of
vehicle emissions and industrial activities?
(a) Nitrogen (b) Oxygen
(c) Sulfur dioxide (d) Ozone
98. What is the term used to describe the fine particles or liquid droplets suspended in the air, often
emitted from vehicles, industrial processes, and natural sources?
(a) Smog (b) Aerosols
(c) Ozone (d) Carbon monoxide
99. What is the primary source of indoor air pollution in many households, particularly in
developing countries?
(a) Outdoor industrial emissions (b) Tobacco smoke
(c) Agricultural activities (d) Radon gas
100. Which of the following is a greenhouse gas primarily emitted from the burning of fossil fuels
and is a significant contributor to global warming?
(a) Nitrous oxide (b) Carbon monoxide

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(c) Methane (d) Carbon dioxide

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