Water Resources & Conservation MCQs

1. Removal of microorganisms from sewage water is by:

a) Filtration b) Sedimentation c) Disinfection d) Chlorination

Correct Answer: c) Disinfection

Explanation:
Disinfection is the process that specifically targets and removes microorganisms from water. While chlorination is one method of disinfection, disinfection is the broader correct term that includes other methods like UV treatment and ozonation.

2. Process of burning non-biodegradable solid waste:

a) Composting b) Incineration c) Landfilling d) Recycling

Correct Answer: b) Incineration

Explanation:
Incineration is the controlled combustion process used to burn non-biodegradable waste at high temperatures, reducing its volume and sometimes generating energy. It's particularly used for medical and hazardous wastes.

3. Deforestation is caused by:

a) Agricultural expansion b) Urbanization c) Mining activities d) All the above

Correct Answer: d) All the above

Explanation:
Deforestation results from multiple human activities including agricultural expansion (especially for cash crops), urban development, mining operations, infrastructure projects, and logging for timber.

4. "Elixir of life":

a) Air b) Water c) Soil d) Sunlight

Correct Answer: b) Water

Explanation:
Water is called the "elixir of life" because it's essential for all known forms of life. It regulates Earth's climate, shapes landscapes through erosion, and is crucial for biological functions in organisms.

5. Deforestation decreases:

a) Rainfall b) Temperature c) Humidity d) Wind speed

Correct Answer: a) Rainfall

Explanation:
Forests play a crucial role in the water cycle through transpiration and by creating conditions for cloud formation. Deforestation disrupts this cycle, often leading to reduced precipitation in the affected regions.

6. Volume of water on Earth:

a) 1.4 billion cu km b) 2.1 billion cu km c) 3.8 billion cu km d) 5.6 billion cu km

Correct Answer: a) 1.4 billion cu km

Explanation:
Earth contains about 1.4 billion cubic kilometers of water in all forms (oceans, ice caps, groundwater, lakes, rivers, atmosphere). About 97.5% of this is saline ocean water.

7. Earth's surface covered by water:

a) 71% b) 85% c) 92% d) 97%

Correct Answer: a) 71%

Explanation:
Approximately 71% of Earth's surface is covered by water, primarily oceans (about 96.5% of all Earth's water). The 97% figure refers to the percentage of Earth's water that is saline, not surface coverage.

8. Water needed by humans:

a) 1% b) 3% c) 5% d) 10%

Correct Answer: a) 1%

Explanation:
Only about 1% of Earth's total water is readily available for human use (freshwater in lakes, rivers, and shallow groundwater). Most water is either saline (oceans) or locked in ice caps and glaciers.

9. Botanical Survey of India location:

a) Delhi b) Mumbai c) Calcutta d) Chennai

Correct Answer: c) Calcutta

Explanation:
The Botanical Survey of India (BSI) is headquartered in Kolkata (Calcutta), West Bengal. It's the apex research organization under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change for plant taxonomic studies.

10. BSI established in:

a) 1857 b) 1875 c) 1890 d) 1910

Correct Answer: c) 1890

Explanation:
The Botanical Survey of India was established in 1890 to study the rich plant resources of British India. After independence, it was reorganized in 1954 with expanded objectives.

11. Water in plant/animal bodies:

a) 20-30% b) 40-50% c) 55-65% d) 65-75%

Correct Answer: d) 65-75%

Explanation:
Most living organisms are composed of 65-75% water. The human body is about 60% water, while some plants can be up to 90% water. Water is essential for biochemical reactions and nutrient transport.

12. Rain falling on the sea:

a) 50% b) 65% c) 77% d) 85%

Correct Answer: c) 77%

Explanation:
About 77% of global precipitation falls directly back into oceans. The remaining 23% falls on land, contributing to freshwater resources through rivers, lakes, and groundwater recharge.

13. Water vapor from sea surface:

a) 65% b) 72% c) 79% d) 84%

Correct Answer: d) 84%

Explanation:
Approximately 84% of water vapor in the atmosphere comes from evaporation from ocean surfaces. The remaining 16% comes from evapotranspiration from land surfaces and vegetation.

14. Most important natural resource:

a) Forests b) Minerals c) Fossil fuels d) Water resources

Correct Answer: d) Water resources

Explanation:
While all are important, water is the most critical natural resource as it's essential for all life forms and most human activities. Without water, other resources cannot be utilized effectively.

15. Water used for agriculture in India:

a) 65% b) 78% c) 85% d) 93%

Correct Answer: d) 93%

Explanation:
Agriculture consumes about 93% of India's freshwater resources, primarily for irrigation. This high usage is due to India's large agricultural sector and traditional flood irrigation methods.

16. First state for compulsory rainwater harvesting:

a) Tamil Nadu b) Maharashtra c) Rajasthan d) Karnataka

Correct Answer: a) Tamil Nadu

Explanation:
Tamil Nadu became the first Indian state to make rainwater harvesting compulsory in 2001 for all buildings to combat groundwater depletion. This pioneering move has been replicated by other states.

17. Rainwater is:

a) Saline water b) Potable water c) Hard water d) Mineral water

Correct Answer: b) Potable water

Explanation:
Rainwater is naturally soft and generally safe to drink (potable) when collected properly, though it should be filtered and treated if stored. It becomes contaminated when it interacts with surfaces or the atmosphere.

18. World Water Day:

a) March 21 b) March 22 c) April 22 d) June 5

Correct Answer: b) March 22

Explanation:
World Water Day is observed annually on March 22 to highlight the importance of freshwater and advocate for sustainable management of freshwater resources. It was established by the UN in 1993.

19. Water scarcity caused by:

a) Overuse b) Pollution c) Climate change d) Unequal access

Correct Answer: d) Unequal access

Explanation:
While all factors contribute, unequal access is the primary cause of water scarcity. Many regions have sufficient water but unequal distribution systems leave many without access, making it an economic and political issue.

20. Water is renewable because:

a) It's abundant b) It's recycled c) It's purified naturally d) Renewed via hydrological cycle

Correct Answer: d) Renewed via hydrological cycle

Explanation:
Water is considered a renewable resource because of the natural water cycle (evaporation, condensation, precipitation) that continuously replenishes freshwater supplies, though the rate of renewal varies by location.

1. Water Resources Basics

2. Water in Nature

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