Environment Technology are important part of environment and its syllabus. Previous Year Question (PYQ) papers are invaluable resources for aspirants preparing for competitive exams like the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examinations. In this article we present important PYQ on Environment Technology.
PYQ on Environment Technology
Q- “Biorock technology” is talked about in which one of the following situations? (2022)
(a) Restoration of damaged coral reefs
(b) Development of building materials using plant residues
(c) Identification of areas for exploration/extraction of shale gas
(d) Providing salt licks for wild animals in forests/protected areas
Answer- Option A
EXPLANATION
Biorock technology is an inventive method designed for the production of natural building materials underwater. This unique process facilitates the survival and restoration of various marine ecosystems, including coral reefs, seagrass beds, salt marshes, mangroves, and oyster reefs, which are often subjected to damage from factors such as excessive nutrients, climate change, and physical destruction. By enhancing settlement, growth, survival, and resilience to environmental stresses such as high temperatures and pollution, Biorock technology offers significant benefits to marine organisms.
Q- The “Miyawaki method” is well known for the: (2022)
(a) Promotion of commercial farming in arid and semi-arid areas
(d). Harvesting wind energy on coastal areas and on sea surfaces
(b) Development of gardens genetically modified flora using
(d) Creation of mini forests in urban areas
Answer- Option C
EXPLANATION
The Miyawaki forestation technique, developed by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki in the 1970s, offers a distinctive approach to establishing urban forests. This method involves densely planting young native plant species, including trees, shrubs, and grasses, in close proximity to one another to revitalize degraded lands. With saplings competing for light, they experience rapid growth. By utilizing a diverse selection of native trees and replicating the various vegetation layers typical of mature forests, Miyawaki effectively accelerates the natural process of ecological succession, transforming degraded areas into thriving forests.
Q- With reference to carbon nanotubes, consider the following statements: (2020)
- They can be used as carriers of drugs and antigens in the human body.
- They can be made into artificial blood capillaries for an injured part of human body.
- They can be used in biochemical sensors.
- Carbon nanotubes are biodegradable.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2, 3 and 4 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer- Option D
EXPLANATION
Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are cylindrical molecules composed of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal pattern, formed by rolling up either a single graphene sheet (known as single-walled carbon nanotubes, SWCNTs) or multiple graphene sheets (known as multiwalled carbon nanotubes, MWCNTs). This structural perspective portrays CNTs as derived from wrapped graphene sheets. Initially believed to be resistant to chemical damage due to their rigid and pristine structure, CNTs were later discovered to undergo biodegradation facilitated by enzymes like peroxidase. Therefore, option 4 is accurate. NASA has showcased the utilization of carbon nanotube arrays as biosensors, validating option 3.
CNTs exhibit distinctive chemical and biological characteristics, featuring a substantial surface area enabling the attachment of various biological substances. Moreover, CNTs possess the capability to permeate cell membranes, capillaries, and accumulate within cells and tissues.
The advancement of technology is anticipated to leverage these blood-compatible nanomaterials in the development of nanodevices for biomedical purposes. These applications include the creation of artificial implants such as structural tissue replacements like artificial blood vessels, and functional devices like drug delivery systems. Therefore, statements 1 and 2 are correct.
Q- Consider the following activities: (2020)
- Spraying pesticides on a crop field
- Inspecting the craters of active volcanoes
- Collecting breath samples from spouting whales for DNA analysis
At the present level of technology, which of the above activities can be successfully carried out by using drones?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer- Option D
EXPLANATION
While drones can be employed for tasks such as spraying pesticides on crop fields, the Ministry of Agriculture in India clarified that no approval has been granted by the Central Insecticides Board (CIB) for this purpose. Nonetheless, many farmers in Southern India have been utilizing drones for pesticide spraying.
Furthermore, researchers from the Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) in Germany utilized drones equipped with visual and thermal cameras to conduct a study on the active Santa Maria volcano in Guatemala in May 2020. Additionally, scientists at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution employed an unmanned aerial vehicle (drone) to collect breath samples from humpback whales in the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary off the coast of Massachusetts in 2015.
Also read about UPSC PYQ on Biodiversity and Ecology.