Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecosystems

UPSC Flashcards for Environment & Ecology Chapters 3 & 4 focusing on Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecosystems in a Question & Answer format.

Which species is commonly found in Coniferous forests and is known for its mineral-deficient soil habitat?

Red fox is commonly found in coniferous forests that are characterized by mineral-deficient podzol soils.

Which forest type in India is known for the tallest straight evergreen trees and extremely short dry season?

Tropical Wet Evergreen Forests found in Western Ghats, Nicobar and Andaman Islands.

What is the biome that occurs in high altitudes with vegetation like juniper and willow, and has reindeer and arctic hare as fauna?

Tundra biome characterized by permafrost, minimal tree growth, and animals adapted to extreme cold.

What are the significant outcomes of UNCCD COP-14 held in New Delhi in 2019?

Delhi Declaration, Peace Forest Initiative, Drought Toolbox, Roadmap for Great Green Wall, SDS Coalition, and 3S Initiative.

Name the coral reef restoration technique that uses low-voltage electricity to promote calcium carbonate formation.

Biorock Technology (also known as Mineral Accretion Technology).

What forest biome has the greatest biodiversity among terrestrial ecosystems and supports multiple canopy layers?

Tropical Rainforest Biome found near the equator with warm temperatures and high rainfall year-round.

Identify the biome where xerophytic plants dominate and animals are adapted for water conservation and temperature regulation.

Desert biome includes animals like the kangaroo rat and camel; plants like cactus and acacia.

Which Indian states have a significant presence of Tropical Moist Deciduous Forests and what is their major species composition?

Found in Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand; major species include Sal and Teak.

How does the Tundra biome differ from the Taiga biome in terms of vegetation and animal adaptations?

Tundra has permafrost and no trees; Taiga has conifers. Tundra animals adapt to freezing temps, while Taiga animals adapt to snow.

Which tree species are most commonly found in the Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests of India?

Teak, Sal, and Bamboo are dominant in Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests.

Name a keystone species of the Mangrove ecosystem in India and its ecological role.

Rhizophora stabilizes coastlines, prevents erosion, and provides habitat for marine organisms.

Which UN convention addresses desertification and what is its primary objective?

UNCCD United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification aims to reduce land degradation and promote sustainable land management.

Mention the criteria used to classify forests according to Champion and Seth Classification.

Classification is based on climatic factors like rainfall, temperature, altitude, and dominant species.

Which species is an indicator of healthy coral reef systems and why?

Butterflyfish its presence indicates coral health due to its coral-feeding habits.

Which international initiative aims to restore Africa's degraded landscapes by 2030?

The Great Green Wall Initiative aims to combat desertification and restore 100 million hectares.

What is the difference between Littoral and Limnetic zones in freshwater lakes?

Littoral zone: shallow, light-rich, supports plant growth; Limnetic zone: open water, supports plankton and fish.

Which lake zone is characterized by the presence of decomposers and less oxygen?

Profundal Zone located below the limnetic zone in deep lakes, receives no sunlight.

Define 'Euphotic Zone' in marine ecosystems and its significance.

Euphotic Zone: top layer of ocean (up to 200 m) where sunlight supports photosynthesis.

Name the process through which corals expel algae due to stress and its implications.

Coral bleaching caused by temperature rise; leads to reef degradation and biodiversity loss.

Which Indian coral island ecosystem was declared a biosphere reserve?

Lakshadweep Islands declared as a biosphere reserve for protecting marine biodiversity.

What are the three types of coral reefs and how do they differ structurally?

Fringing (attached to shore), Barrier (separated by lagoon), Atoll (ring-shaped around a lagoon).

Which Ramsar site is the largest freshwater lake in India and a vital bird habitat?

Kolleru Lake, Andhra Pradesh supports migratory birds and fisheries.

Which global protocol regulates activities in marine protected areas?

CBDs Aichi Biodiversity Targets and UNCLOS guidelines regulate marine protection efforts.

Explain the significance of Estuaries in aquatic ecosystems.

Estuaries are nutrient-rich zones where rivers meet the sea; support diverse flora and fauna.

Name one plant and one animal species found in Alpine forests of India.

Plant: Silver fir; Animal: Snow leopard.

Which initiative uses satellite data to monitor desertification globally?

UNCCDs Global Land Outlook uses satellite-based assessments for land degradation.

Which Indian states host large areas of Montane Temperate Forests?

Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Sikkim.

Which aquatic biome has the highest productivity and why?

Estuaries due to nutrient input from rivers and tidal mixing of water.

Mention one exotic invasive species affecting mangroves and its impact.

Acacia competes with native mangrove species and alters salinity balance.

What is the main abiotic factor determining zonation in marine ecosystems?

Light penetration (photic vs aphotic zones) defines ecological zones in oceans.

Which Indian mangrove forest is a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

Sundarbans known for Royal Bengal Tiger and rich mangrove diversity.

Which layer of the ocean supports bioluminescent organisms and why?

Mesopelagic zone (200-1000 m) minimal light triggers bioluminescence for survival.

Define 'Lentic' and 'Lotic' water ecosystems with examples.

Lentic: still water (lakes, ponds); Lotic: flowing water (rivers, streams).

Which ecosystem is referred to as the 'lungs of the planet' and why?

Tropical Rainforest absorbs CO2 and produces large oxygen volume.

Name the key output of the COP-14 UNCCD summit related to knowledge sharing.

Drought Toolbox platform for data, monitoring, and adaptation measures.

What causes zonation in lakes and how does it affect biodiversity?

Light, temperature, and oxygen gradients cause zones; each supports distinct species.

Which ecological succession type is most likely after coral bleaching?

Secondary succession coral regeneration after disturbance, often slow and fragile.

Which marine biome supports kelp forests and what species dominate it?

Temperate Coastal Marine biome dominated by kelp, sea otters, and fish.

What is the function of pneumatophores in mangrove plants?

Pneumatophores help in gaseous exchange in waterlogged, oxygen-poor soils.

Name a key migratory bird that uses Indian wetlands and its conservation status.

Siberian Crane Critically Endangered; migrates to Bharatpur sanctuary.

What is the role of the Limnetic Zone in freshwater productivity?

Supports phytoplankton and zooplankton; major contributor to oxygen and biomass.

What is the difference between Epilimnion and Hypolimnion in lakes?

Epilimnion: upper warm layer; Hypolimnion: lower cold, dense, less oxygenated layer.

Which act in India provides legal protection to coral reefs?

Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 Schedule I species include corals.

Which UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) specifically targets marine life?

SDG 14 Life Below Water.

Which Indian river delta has one of the most diverse mangrove forests?

Godavari-Krishna delta supports multiple mangrove species.

Which intergovernmental body declared 2021-2030 as the Decade on Ecosystem Restoration?

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

Which forest type acts as a natural carbon sink and how?

Tropical Rainforests absorb CO2 through dense vegetation and long life cycles.

Which protocol under CBD specifically addresses biodiversity in drylands?

The Aichi Target 15 focuses on ecosystem resilience and land restoration.

What is the function of the benthic zone in aquatic ecosystems?

Hosts decomposers; recycles nutrients and supports bottom-dwelling organisms.

Why is the Arctic tundra more vulnerable to climate change than deserts?

Permafrost melting releases greenhouse gases; species are less adaptable to temp shifts.