Environment & Ecology MCQ Questions 2026 – Topic-wise Practice for UPSC, SSC, Forest Services

What is the term used for the process of plants releasing nutrients into the environment?

Nutrient cycling

Nutrient release

Nutrient uptake

Nutrient storage

Easy

💡 Explanation

Nutrient cycling refers to the process by which plants release nutrients into the environment, often through decomposition or excretion.

Which of the following types of ecosystems is characterized by a lack of vegetation?

Flooded ecosystem

Desert ecosystem

Grassland ecosystem

Temperate deciduous forest

Medium

💡 Explanation

Desert ecosystems are characterized by a lack of vegetation, with limited plant growth due to extreme temperatures and low rainfall.

What is the term used for the amount of living matter in a given area?

Biodiversity

Species richness

Species evenness

Biological productivity

Easy

💡 Explanation

Biodiversity refers to the total amount of living matter in a given area, including the variety of species, genetic diversity, and ecosystem processes.

Which of the following pollutants is a major contributor to air pollution in India?

Sulfur dioxide

Nitrogen oxides

Carbon monoxide

Particulate matter

Medium

💡 Explanation

Particulate matter is a major contributor to air pollution in India, with significant impacts on human health and the environment.

What is the term used for the process of soil formation through the addition of organic matter?

Soil creep

Soil erosion

Soil formation

Soil enrichment

Easy

💡 Explanation

Soil enrichment refers to the process by which soil is formed through the addition of organic matter, such as decaying plants and animals.

Which of the following species is an example of a threatened species in the Himalayas?

Snow leopard

Red panda

Asiatic black bear

All of the above

Medium

💡 Explanation

The snow leopard, red panda, and Asiatic black bear are all threatened species in the Himalayas, with declining populations due to habitat loss and human-wildlife conflict.

What is the term used for the process of water being stored in plants?

Transpiration

Evaporation

Condensation

Precipitation

Easy

💡 Explanation

Transpiration refers to the process by which water is stored in plants, often through the absorption of water from the soil.

Which of the following types of ecosystems is characterized by a high level of human impact?

Tropical rainforest

Desert ecosystem

Grassland ecosystem

Urban ecosystem

Medium

💡 Explanation

Urban ecosystems are characterized by a high level of human impact, with significant impacts on the environment and human health.

What is the term used for the amount of waste that is recycled or reused?

Waste reduction

Waste management

Waste disposal

Waste recycling

Easy

💡 Explanation

Waste recycling refers to the process of reusing or recycling waste materials, which can help reduce waste disposal and environmental impacts.

Which of the following pollutants is a major contributor to water pollution in India?

Sulfur dioxide

Nitrogen oxides

Carbon monoxide

Industrial chemicals

Medium

💡 Explanation

Industrial chemicals are a major contributor to water pollution in India, with significant impacts on human health and the environment.

What is the term used for the process of plants releasing oxygen into the atmosphere?

Photosynthesis

Respiration

Decomposition

Fermentation

Easy

💡 Explanation

Photosynthesis refers to the process by which plants release oxygen into the atmosphere, often through the conversion of sunlight into chemical energy.

Which of the following types of ecosystems is characterized by a high level of species diversity?

Tropical rainforest

Desert ecosystem

Grassland ecosystem

Temperate deciduous forest

Medium

💡 Explanation

Tropical rainforests are characterized by a high level of species diversity, with a vast array of plant and animal species, including many that are found nowhere else on Earth.