UPSC - 2022
The question asks for the best description of "greenwashing". This term refers to a specific marketing or public relations practice. We need to identify the option that accurately defines this practice, distinguishing it from other environmental issues or financial accounting practices.
Correct Option: A) Conveying a false impression that a company's products are eco-friendly and environmentally sound
This option accurately captures the essence of greenwashing, which is the deceptive marketing practice of promoting a product, service, or organizational goal as environmentally friendly when it is not, or is significantly less so than claimed.
The question asks to identify the common soil type found in boreal forests. This requires knowledge of different soil types and their geographical distribution, specifically linking soil characteristics to climatic and vegetation zones.
B) Podzols — Podzols are the characteristic soils of boreal forests (taiga). They are acidic, nutrient-poor soils formed under coniferous vegetation in cool, moist climates due to intense leaching.
The question asks to identify the temperate forest ecosystem with the highest biotic diversity. We need to compare the characteristics of different temperate forest types to determine which one supports the greatest variety of life.
Correct Option: C) Temperate Rain Forest — Temperate rainforests are characterized by high annual precipitation and mild temperatures, which create stable and moist conditions conducive to supporting a vast array of plant and animal species. This consistent moisture and lack of extreme seasonal changes allow for continuous growth and complex ecological interactions, leading to the highest biotic diversity among all temperate forest types.
The question asks to identify the dominant tree species in Tropical Moist Deciduous Forests of India. This requires knowledge of the characteristic flora associated with different forest types in India.
B) Sal is a dominant tree species in Tropical Moist Deciduous Forests of India. These forests are found in areas receiving rainfall between 100 and 200 cm annually. They cover a large part of India, including the northeastern states, parts of the Himalayas, and the Eastern Ghats. Sal is economically important and forms extensive stands in these regions.
The question asks to identify the protected area that serves as an important ecological link between the Eastern Ghats and the Western Ghats. This requires knowledge of the geographical location of these areas and their role in wildlife corridors.
A) Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve is located at the confluence of the Eastern and Western Ghats in Tamil Nadu. It is a critical wildlife corridor, especially for elephants and other large mammals, facilitating movement between the Biligirirangan Hills (part of the Eastern Ghats) and the Nilgiris (part of the Western Ghats). This makes it a vital ecological link.
The question asks about leaf modifications in desert plants to reduce water loss. Desert environments are characterized by scarcity of water, so plants in these regions (xerophytes) have evolved various adaptations to conserve water. We need to evaluate each given modification in this context.
All three modifications listed are effective strategies employed by desert plants to inhibit water loss.
D) 1, 2 and 3 — All three options (hard and waxy leaves, tiny leaves, and thorns instead of leaves) are valid adaptations found in desert plants to reduce water loss due to transpiration.