Introduction to Environmental Science & Agroecology
1. What is the main focus of the course “Environmental Science and Agro-Ecology”?
A) Studying the impact of climate change on agriculture
B) Understanding the interactions between human population and the environment
C) Analyzing the biodiversity in agricultural ecosystems
D) Exploring the relationship between clothing and the environment
Correct Answer: B
2. Which of the following is NOT a part of the three principles of nature’s survival?
A) Reliance on solar energy
B) Chemical cycling
C) Biodiversity
D) Fossil fuel consumption
Correct Answer: D
3. What is the study of relationships between living organisms and their environment called?
A) Environmental science
B) Ecology
C) Environmentalism
D) Biodiversity
Correct Answer: B
4. Which branch of environmental science focuses on the study of environmental problems caused by pollution?
A) Biology
B) Chemistry
C) Ecology
D) Geology
Correct Answer: B
5. What is the goal of Agroecology as a science?
A) Developing sustainable agricultural systems
B) Achieving maximum crop yield through genetic modification
C) Eliminating all pest populations in agriculture
D) Understanding the effects of sand mining on river regions
Correct Answer: A
6. Which of the following is NOT an approach of Agroecology?
A) Ecosystem agroecology
B) Holon agroecology
C) Biological agroecology
D) Agronomic agroecology
Correct Answer: C
7. What is the main objective of environmental education?
A) Developing sustainable agricultural systems
B) Raising awareness about environmental problems
C) Training individuals to manage ecosystems
D) Promoting fossil fuel consumption
Correct Answer: B
8. What does ecology study in relation to the environment?
A) Interactions between living and non-living components
B) Solutions to environmental problems
C) Impact of climate change on agriculture
D) Pollution and its effects on human health
Correct Answer: A
9. What is the study of the “house/environment” in which we live called?
A) Environmental science
B) Ecology
C) Agroecology
D) Anthropology
Correct Answer: B
10. Which branch of Agroecology involves the use of genetically modified organisms and artificially selected crops?
A) Ecosystem agroecology
B) Agronomic agroecology
C) Ecological political economy
D) Holon agroecology
Correct Answer: B
11. What are the three principles of nature’s survival in environmental science?
A) Biodiversity, Chemical cycling, and Solar energy reliance
B) Environmentalism, Sustainability, and Genetic resistance
C) Reliance on solar energy, Biodiversity, and Chemical cycling
D) Urbanization, Global change, and Climate effects on agriculture
Correct Answer: C
12. Which term refers to the external conditions that affect living organisms?
A) Biodiversity
B) Ecology
C) Environment
D) Sustainability
Correct Answer: C
13. What does Environmentalism represent?
A) The scientific understanding of environmental issues
B) The study of relationships between living organisms and their environment
C) A social movement dedicated to protecting the natural world
D) The principles of sustainable agriculture in Agroecology
Correct Answer: C
14. What is the main goal of the “Integrated Assessment of Multifunctional Agricultural Systems” in Agroecology?
A) Developing sustainable agricultural systems
B) Maximizing crop yield through advanced techniques
C) Understanding the interactions between humans and the environment
D) Focusing on the multifunctionality of agricultural systems
Correct Answer: D
15. What is the difference between Autoecology and Synecology in ecological studies?
A) Autoecology focuses on individual species, while Synecology studies plant communities.
B) Autoecology is about animal species, while Synecology studies plant species.
C) Autoecology studies individual species in isolation, while Synecology studies interactions within plant communities.
D) Autoecology focuses on non-living components, while Synecology studies living organisms.
Correct Answer: C
16. Which method can be used to propagate public awareness about environmental problems?
A) Applying genetically modified organisms
B) Creating awareness through entertainment like folk songs and documentaries
C) Exclusively relying on print media for information dissemination
D) Implementing political changes to promote environmentalism
Correct Answer: B
17. What is the main focus of Ecosystem Agroecology?
A) Maximizing crop yield through advanced techniques
B) Studying the interactions between crops and pests
C) Analyzing the impact of urbanization on agricultural ecosystems
D) Exploring the interactions between crops and weed
Correct Answer: B
18. What does the term “Environment vs ES” refer to?
A) The difference between environmental science and environmental studies
B) The comparison of natural resources with pollution in the environment
C) The relationship between living and non-living components in the environment
D) The distinction between environmental issues and environmental education
Correct Answer: A
19. Which branch of environmental science focuses on the study of soil and the environment?
A) Biology
B) Chemistry
C) Geology
D) Ecology
Correct Answer: C
20. What is the primary objective of “Inclusive Agroecology”?
A) Exploring the interactions between crops and pests
B) Studying agricultural endeavors and their adaptation to change
C) Applying ecological principles to design and manage agroecosystems
D) Understanding the role of humans as governing forces in ecosystems
Correct Answer: D
21. What are the three major components of human-environment interaction in history?
A) Clothing, Food, Shelter
B) Livelihood, Recreation, Shelter
C) Agriculture, Technology, Urbanization
D) Biodiversity, Sustainability, Conservation
Correct Answer: A
22. What is the primary focus of “Ecological Political Economy” in Agroecology?
A) Achieving self-sufficient and sustaining agriculture
B) Studying the population dynamics of agricultural ecosystems
C) Bringing radical changes in the political economy to promote sustainability
D) Analyzing the impact of climate change on agricultural practices
Correct Answer: C
23. Which term refers to the biotic and abiotic factors that surround us and influence our survival?
A) Environmental science
B) Ecology
C) Environment
D) Agroecology
Correct Answer: C
24. What is the goal of Agro-Population Ecology?
A) Understanding the interactions between human population and the environment
B) Analyzing the impact of pollution on crop production
C) Studying the dynamics of agricultural ecosystems
D) Applying population ecology principles to agriculture
Correct Answer: A
25. Which approach of Agroecology involves adjusting agricultural endeavors to various contexts and conflicts?
A) Ecosystem agroecology
B) Holon agroecology
C) Agronomic agroecology
D) Inclusive agroecology
Correct Answer: B
26. What is the study of how physical and biological processes maintain life and how humans affect nature called?
A) Environmental science
B) Ecology
C) Environmentalism
D) Sustainability
Correct Answer: A
27. What does “Inclusive Agroecology” consider humans to be in relation to other organisms?
A) Primary governing force for organisms
B) Passive observers in agricultural systems
C) Potential threats to biodiversity
D) Insignificant elements in ecological systems
Correct Answer: A
28. What is the primary focus of “Ecosystem Agroecology” in Agroecology?
A) Analyzing the impact of climate change on agriculture
B) Studying interactions between crops and pests, animals, and diseases
C) Exploring the dynamics of agricultural ecosystems
D) Applying ecological principles to design sustainable agricultural systems
Correct Answer: B
29. What does the term “Environment vs ES” aim to differentiate between?
A) Biotic and abiotic factors in the environment
B) Living and non-living things in the environment
C) Environmental science and environmental studies
D) Natural resources and pollution in the environment
Correct Answer: C
30. What is the primary goal of Agroecology as a science?
A) Developing sustainable agricultural systems
B) Achieving maximum crop yield through genetic modification
C) Eliminating all pest populations in agriculture
D) Understanding the effects of sand mining on river regions
Correct Answer: A
31. What does the term “Environmental Science” represent?
A) The scientific understanding of environmental issues
B) The study of relationships between living organisms and their environment
C) A social movement dedicated to protecting the natural world
D) The principles of sustainable agriculture in Agroecology
Correct Answer: A
Farmhouse Ecology:
1. Farmhouse Ecology is the study of:
A) Farmhouse design and architecture
B) Interrelation and interaction among components in a farmhouse
C) Human activities for food production
D) Genetic resources of animals in a farmhouse
Correct Answer: B
2. What does the term “Ecology” refer to?
A) Study of components in a farmhouse
B) Human activities for food production
C) Interrelation and interaction among biotic & abiotic components
D) Types of farming systems in Nepal
Correct Answer: C
3. Which farming system is popular in Bari land in Nepal?
A) Sedentary peasant farming
B) Shifting cultivation
C) Capitalistic farming
D) Maize-based cropping pattern
Correct Answer: D
4. What is the main focus of “Analyzing crops” in Farmhouse Ecology?
A) Studying the impact of pests on crops
B) Analyzing the interlinkages of crops and farmers
C) Identifying various agricultural activities in the farmhouse
D) Understanding the diversity of agricultural species and genetic resources
Correct Answer: D
5. What is the primary purpose of a home garden in a Nepalese farming system?
A) Increase the income of the farmers
B) Provide a space for recreational activities
C) Improve self-reliance and access to fresh food
D) Promote modern agricultural practices
Correct Answer: C
6. Which of the following is NOT a component of a typical Nepali home garden?
A) Fish pond
B) Bee hives
C) Dairy cattle
D) Large-scale farmland
Correct Answer: D
7. Which farming practice is followed by large farms or estates with the use of sophisticated technologies?
A) Shifting cultivation
B) Sedentary peasant farming
C) Capitalistic farming
D) Organic farming
Correct Answer: C
8. What are the three major components of human-environment interaction in history?
A) Clothing, Food, Shelter
B) Livelihood, Recreation, Shelter
C) Agriculture, Technology, Urbanization
D) Biodiversity, Sustainability, Conservation
Correct Answer: A
9. What is the primary goal of Agroecology as a science?
A) Developing sustainable agricultural systems
B) Achieving maximum crop yield through genetic modification
C) Eliminating all pest populations in agriculture
D) Understanding the effects of sand mining on river regions
Correct Answer: A
10. What are the major components of a typical Nepali home garden?
A) Large-scale farmland and tea estates
B) Fruits, vegetables, dairy cattle, and fish pond
C) Multiple species of animals and insects
D) Wheat, rice, and maize crops
Correct Answer: B
11. Which farming system is often referred to as the “bread basket” of Nepal?
A) Shifting cultivation
B) Terai farming system
C) Hill farming system
D) Sedentary peasant farming
Correct Answer: B
12. What is the primary purpose of “Analyzing animals” in Farmhouse Ecology?
A) Studying the interactions between animals and crops
B) Understanding the diversity of animals in a farmhouse
C) Identifying various activities of animals in a farmhouse
D) Analyzing the impact of climate change on animals
Correct Answer: B
13. What is the study of interrelation and interaction among components in a farmhouse called?
A) Farmhouse architecture
B) Ecological agriculture
C) Farmhouse ecology
D) Human activities for food production
Correct Answer: C
14. Which of the following is NOT a type of farming system in Nepal?
A) Shifting cultivation
B) Terai farming system
C) Urbanization farming system
D) Hill farming system
Correct Answer: C
15. What is the primary focus of “Analyzing farmers’ activities” in Farmhouse Ecology?
A) Understanding the diversity of crops grown by farmers
B) Studying the interactions between farmers and animals
C) Analyzing the roles and activities of farmers in a farmhouse
D) Identifying the major pests affecting farmers’ crops
Correct Answer: C
16. What is the primary goal of “Understanding Farm Components” in Farmhouse Ecology?
A) Analyzing the interlinkages of components in a farmhouse
B) Studying the architecture and design of a farmhouse
C) Understanding the various components present in a home garden
D) Identifying the different types of farming systems in Nepal
Correct Answer: C
17. Which perspective in Farmhouse Ecology focuses on physiology, genetics, and microbiology of crops and animals?
A) Ecological perspectives
B) Biological perspectives
C) Social perspectives
D) Technical perspectives
Correct Answer: B
Agroecosystem:
1. Which of the following is NOT a component of an ecosystem?
A) Landscape
B) Geology
C) Agriculture
D) Microclimate
Correct Answer: C
2. The concept of ecosystem was first put forth by:
A) B. Bose
B) Odum
C) A. G. Tansley
D) G. Hawth
Correct Answer: C
3. The primary source of energy for any ecosystem is:
A) Soil
B) Water
C) Sunlight
D) Wind
Correct Answer: C
4. What are the four categories of basic structural components in ecosystems according to Odum?
A) Producers, consumers, decomposers, and geology
B) Abiotic components, producers, consumers, and decomposers
C) Landscape, microclimate, energy flows, and biogeochemical cycles
D) Solar energy, water, carbon dioxide, and oxygen
Correct Answer: B
5. In which process do green plants use water and carbon dioxide to store the sun’s energy in glucose?
A) Cellular respiration
B) Chemosynthesis
C) Decomposition
D) Photosynthesis
Correct Answer: D
6. What is the role of decomposers in an ecosystem?
A) Absorbing sunlight for energy
B) Breaking down complex organic matter into simpler compounds
C) Capturing energy from the bonds of inorganic molecules
D) Producing glucose through photosynthesis
Correct Answer: B
7. Which trophic level includes organisms that eat both plants and animals?
A) Producers
B) Herbivores
C) Omnivores
D) Decomposers
Correct Answer: C
8. What is the primary purpose of a food web?
A) Represent the flow of energy in an ecosystem
B) Show the complex interactions within an ecosystem
C) Display the number of organisms at each trophic level
D) Indicate the biomass of organisms at each trophic level
Correct Answer: B
9. Which ecological pyramid shows the number of organisms at each trophic level?
A) Pyramid of Energy
B) Pyramid of Biomass
C) Pyramid of Numbers
D) Pyramid of Nutrients
Correct Answer: C
10. What is the approximate energy transfer efficiency between successive trophic levels in an ecosystem?
A) 10%
B) 25%
C) 50%
D) 100%
Correct Answer: A
11. Which component of an ecosystem is responsible for capturing solar energy and transforming it into organic, stored energy for use by living organisms?
A) Consumers
B) Decomposers
C) Producers
D) Detritivores
Correct Answer: C
12. What is the primary role of scavengers in an ecosystem?
A) Break down complex organic matter into simpler compounds
B) Feed on the tissue of dead organisms
C) Absorb inorganic molecules to capture energy
D) Convert sunlight into usable energy
Correct Answer: B
13. Which of the following represents a correct food chain in an ecosystem?
A) Plants → Decomposers → Herbivores → Carnivores
B) Decomposers → Plants → Carnivores → Herbivores
C) Producers → Herbivores → Carnivores → Decomposers
D) Herbivores → Carnivores → Decomposers → Producers
Correct Answer: C
14. What is the term used to describe the total mass of organic matter at each trophic level in an ecosystem?
A) Biomass
B) Energy
C) Production
D) Trophic level
Correct Answer: A
15. The process in which producers use sunlight to convert water and carbon dioxide into glucose is called:
A) Photosynthesis
B) Cellular respiration
C) Chemosynthesis
D) Decomposition
Correct Answer: A
16. Which of the following is NOT a method to represent energy moving through ecosystems?
A) Food chains
B) Food webs
C) Energy pyramids
D) Energy flows
Correct Answer: D
Environmental Issues:
1. What are the effects of environmental issues on the biosphere?
a) Damage to infrastructure
b) Damage to human health by specific chemical substances
c) Damage to economic growth
d) Damage to political stability
Correct answer: b)
2. What are the four basic causes of environmental problems, as identified by experts?
a) Population growth, deforestation, industrialization, poverty
b) Pollution, climate change, poverty, urbanization
c) Population growth, unsustainable resource use, poverty, excluding environmental costs from market prices
d) Overconsumption, lack of education, natural disasters, overpopulation
Correct answer: c)
3. Which type of pollution is caused by waste matter or surplus energy introduced by humans into the environment?
a) Noise pollution
b) Air pollution
c) Water pollution
d) Land pollution
Correct answer: b)
4. What is the term used to describe the process by which rain or snow moves through the ground, picking up pollutants as it moves towards a major body of water?
a) Runoff
b) Leaching
c) Erosion
d) Non-point source pollution
Correct answer: d)
5. What are the criteria air pollutants that contribute to air pollution?
a) Nitrogen Dioxide, Ozone, Carbon Monoxide, Lead
b) Oxygen, Methane, Carbon Dioxide, Nitrous Oxide
c) Sulphur Dioxide, Radon, Nitrogen Dioxide, Ozone
d) Carbon Dioxide, Water Vapor, Methane, Nitrogen Dioxide
Correct answer: a)
6. What is the greenhouse gas responsible for the “greenhouse effect” that causes global warming?
a) Carbon Monoxide
b) Ozone
c) Nitrogen Dioxide
d) Carbon Dioxide
Correct answer: d)
7. What is the primary cause of urbanization in less developed countries (LDCs)?
a) Industrial growth
b) Immigration from other countries
c) Rapid population growth without proportional industrialization
d) Migration from rural areas
Correct answer: c)
8. Which of the following is NOT a source of waste?
a) Agriculture
b) Fisheries
c) Factories
d) Transportation
Correct answer: d)
9. What is the term used for substances or objects that are disposed of or intended to be disposed of by the provisions of the law?
a) Biodegradable waste
b) Non-hazardous waste
c) Recyclable waste
d) Hazardous waste
Correct answer: d)
10. What is the primary greenhouse gas emitted from the decomposition of organic wastes in landfills and the raising of livestock?
a) Carbon Monoxide
b) Nitrous Oxide
c) Methane
d) Ozone
Correct answer: c)
11. What should be done to manage waste more effectively?
a) Increase waste generation
b) Encourage single-use products
c) Implement recycling programs
d) Ignore waste segregation
Correct answer: c)
12. How can waste be managed wisely to reduce its effects on health and the environment?
a) Increase waste production
b) Encourage hazardous waste disposal
c) Practice waste reduction and recycling
d) Use non-biodegradable materials
Correct answer: c)
13. What is the term used for substances that are safe to use commercially, industrially, agriculturally, or economically?
a) Recyclable wastes
b) Non-hazardous wastes
c) Hazardous wastes
d) Biodegradable wastes
Correct answer: b)
14. What is the most effective method to prevent waste?
a) Incineration
b) Composting
c) Segregation at source
d) Landfilling
Correct answer: c)
15. What can be a problem with persistent elements and compounds like organohalides in aquatic systems?
a) Biomagnification
b) Greenhouse effect
c) Acid rain
d) Ozone depletion
Correct answer: a)
16. Which of the following is a renewable resource?
a) Fossil fuels
b) Nuclear energy
c) Solar energy
d) Natural gas
Correct answer: c)
17. What is the term used for the process in which rural populations move to urban areas?
a) Industrialization
b) Urbanization
c) Deforestation
d) Migration
Correct answer: b)
18. What is the primary constituent of urban smog?
a) Nitrogen Dioxide
b) Sulfur Dioxide
c) Ozone
d) Carbon Monoxide
Correct answer: c)
19. What are the four main causes of land pollution?
a) Overpopulation, deforestation, industrial waste, urbanization
b) Agriculture, domestic waste, deforestation, industrial waste
c) Construction, agriculture, domestic waste, industrial waste
d) Deforestation, urbanization, industrial waste, domestic waste
Correct answer: c)
20. Which of the following is a type of non-point source pollution?
a) Factories discharging waste directly into rivers
b) Agricultural runoff carrying fertilizers and pesticides into nearby water bodies
c) Sewage treatment plants releasing treated water into oceans
d) Industrial smokestacks emitting pollutants into the atmosphere
Correct answer: b)
21. What is the primary effect of biomagnification in aquatic systems?
a) Respiratory disorders in humans
b) Genetic pollution
c) Damage to visual quality
d) Accumulation of toxic products in higher consumers in food chains
Correct answer: d)
22. Which of the following is NOT a potential consequence of air pollution?
a) Acid rain formation
b) Global warming
c) Damage to leaves of crop plants and trees
d) Genetic pollution by exotic species
Correct answer: d)
23. What is the term used to describe waste matter or surplus energy introduced by humans into the environment, causing damage to man and his environment?
a) Pollution
b) Contamination
c) Degradation
d) Erosion
Correct answer: a)
24. What are the effects of visual quality damage caused by environmental issues?
a) Respiratory disorders
b) Genetic pollution
c) Damage to vegetation and animals
d) Smoke, fumes, dust, noise, and waste
Correct answer: d)
25. What is the term used for a large range of sources that contribute to water pollution and are ambiguously defined and harder to control?
a) Point sources
b) Direct sources
c) Non-point sources
d) Industrial sources
Correct answer: c)
26. What is the primary source of water pollution known as a point source?
a) Runoff from agricultural fields
b) Waste products from factories
c) Air pollutants getting washed or deposited to earth
d) Stormwater drainage from streets
Correct answer: b)
27. Which of the following is a harmful effect of pesticides on the environment?
a) Biomagnification
b) Acid rain formation
c) Global warming
d) Genetic pollution by exotic species
Correct answer: a)
28. What is the term used for a process in which waste matter is broken down by soil microflora, recycling pesticide residues into harmless and useful elements?
a) Bioaccumulation
b) Biodegradation
c) Biomagnification
d) Bioconversion
Correct answer: b)
29. Which of the following is NOT a hazardous waste management method?
a) Recycling
b) Incineration
c) Landfilling
d) Composting
Correct answer: d)
30. What is the term used for the cumulative buildup of toxic elements or compounds in the body of an organism, often seen in raptors and higher aquatic predators?
a) Bioconversion
b) Biodegradation
c) Bioaccumulation
d) Biomagnification
Correct answer: c)
31. Which of the following is NOT a major cause of water pollution?
a) Nutrient overloading
b) Pathogens
c) Genetic pollution
d) Toxic metals
Correct answer: c)
32. What is the primary criterion air pollutant responsible for acid rain formation when combined with nitrogen oxides?
a) Carbon dioxide (CO2)
b) Nitrogen dioxide (NO2)
c) Sulfur dioxide (SO2)
d) Ozone (O3)
Correct answer: c)
33. What is the term used for the process of increasing the concentration of toxic products in higher consumers in food chains, often seen as a problem in raptors and higher aquatic predators?
a) Bioconversion
b) Biomagnification
c) Biodegradation
d) Bioaccumulation
Correct answer: b)
34. Which type of pollution is caused by waste products from sewage systems, power plants, and oil wells, among others?
a) Air pollution
b) Water pollution
c) Land pollution
d) Noise pollution
Correct answer: b)
35. What is the term used for substances that are slow to develop resistance to pesticides and are desirable characteristics in a pesticide?
a) Persistent compounds
b) Bio accumulative substances
c) Target pests
d) Non-target pests
Correct answer: c)