Environment, Biodiversity & Sustainable Development – NDA Geography PYQs

Question 1 [NDA tested via CDS]
Which one of the following is a major environmental issue in eastern Canada?
(a) Acid precipitation
(b) Groundwater depletion
(c) Land degradation
(d) Desertification

Answer: (a) Acid precipitation
Industrial emissions in both eastern USA and Canada release sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides. Prevailing westerly winds carry this pollution into eastern Canada, where it falls as acid rain — damaging forests and acidifying lakes.

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Question 2 [NDA tested via CDS]
Which one of the following is NOT a reason for decrease in biodiversity?
(a) Large-scale deforestation
(b) Exploitation of forest produce
(c) Maintaining sacred groves
(d) Encroachment in forest areas

Answer: (c) Maintaining sacred groves
Sacred groves actually help preserve biodiversity — they are community-protected forest patches providing refuges for wild species. Deforestation, exploitation, and encroachment directly destroy habitats and reduce biodiversity.

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Question 3 [NDA tested via CDS]
Which one of the following is NOT a cause of depletion in groundwater?
(a) Afforestation
(b) Loss of forests
(c) Excessive pumping of groundwater
(d) Construction of large-scale concrete buildings

Answer: (a) Afforestation
Afforestation (planting trees) helps groundwater recharge — tree roots allow rainwater to penetrate soil and replenish underground aquifers. Loss of forests, excessive pumping, and concrete construction all reduce groundwater by removing the surface area available for water infiltration.