APPSC Paper I · Paper I · Topic 7

7 APPSC Paper I Sustainable Development & Environment questions with answers

30 questions from APPSC Paper I Mock 1 with answers and APPSC EO Grade III 2026 Paper I question paper with answers. Try each one, then tap Show answer.

Previous-paper questions are as in the original paper. Medha AI wrote the answers and explanations.

7.1.1Ecology & biodiversityNotes

  1. Q1 Paper I Mock 1, Q102

    Match List I with List II:

    List I

    a. Calotropis

    b. Cuscuta

    c. Ophrys

    d. Bamboo

    List II

    I. Breeds only once in its lifetime

    II. Pollination through sexual deceit of a bee

    III. Produces poisonous cardiac glycosides

    IV. Parasitic plant without chlorophyll and leaves

    1. Aa-III, b-IV, c-II, d-I
    2. Ba-IV, b-III, c-II, d-I
    3. Ca-III, b-IV, c-I, d-II
    4. Da-III, b-II, c-IV, d-I
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer A. a-III, b-IV, c-II, d-I

    Calotropis makes cardiac glycosides, Cuscuta is a parasite without chlorophyll, Ophrys uses sexual deceit and bamboo breeds once.

    Source: NCERT Class 12 Biology p.210; NCERT Class 12 Biology p.208; NCERT Class 12 Biology p.214

  2. Q2 Paper I Mock 1, Q106

    For species–area relationships analysed over very large areas such as entire continents, the slope (Z) of the regression line is found to be in the range of:

    1. A0.1 to 0.2
    2. B0.01 to 0.05
    3. C0.6 to 1.2
    4. D2.0 to 3.0
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer C. 0.6 to 1.2

    Over entire continents the slope is much steeper, with Z between 0.6 and 1.2 (1.15 for fruit-eating birds and mammals of tropical forests), compared with 0.1 to 0.2 within a region.

    Source: NCERT Class 12 Biology ch.13 p.232

  3. Q3 Paper I Mock 1, Q110

    In the species-area relationship log S = log C + Z log A, the value of Z for most taxa within a region lies in the range of:

    1. A0.6 to 1.2
    2. B1.0 to 1.5
    3. C0.01 to 0.02
    4. D0.1 to 0.2
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer D. 0.1 to 0.2

    Within a region the slope Z lies between 0.1 and 0.2 regardless of the taxonomic group.

    Source: NCERT Class 12 Biology ch.13 p.232

  4. Q4 EO Grade III 2026 Paper I, Q26

    If we completely remove the decomposers from an ecosystem, their functioning will be adversely affected because

    1. AHerbivores will not receive solar energy
    2. BEnergy flow will be blocked
    3. CThe rate of decomposition will be very high
    4. DMineral movement will be blocked
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer D. Mineral movement will be blocked

    Decomposers return minerals from dead matter to the soil; without them nutrient cycling stops.

    Source: APPSC EO Grade III 2026 Paper I (Notification 10/2025), Q30, final key

  5. Q5 EO Grade III 2026 Paper I, Q34

    In which State of India Corbet National Park is located ?

    1. AAndhra Pradesh
    2. BUttarakhand
    3. CWest Bengal
    4. DMadhya Pradesh
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer B. Uttarakhand

    Jim Corbett National Park (1936), India's first national park, is in Nainital district, Uttarakhand.

    Source: APPSC EO Grade III 2026 Paper I (Notification 10/2025), Q38, final key

  6. Q6 EO Grade III 2026 Paper I, Q46

    Which of the following best explains the relationship between deforestation and biodiversity loss ?

    1. ADeforestation increases soil fertility and helps species diversity
    2. BDeforestation destroys natural habitats, leading to extinction of species and disruption of ecosystems
    3. CDeforestation allows migration of species to urban regions where biodiversity improves
    4. DDeforestation reduces carbon dioxide levels, protecting biodiversity
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer B. Deforestation destroys natural habitats, leading to extinction of species and disruption of ecosystems

    Clearing forests removes the habitats species depend on, so populations decline or go extinct and food webs and ecosystem functions break down.

    Source: APPSC EO Grade III 2026 Paper I (Notification 10/2025), Q51, final key

7.2.1Pollution & waste managementNotes

  1. Q7 Paper I Mock 1, Q103

    Match the following pollutants with their major source:

    List I

    a. Fly ash

    b. Methyl isocyanate

    c. Chlorofluorocarbons

    d. Peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN)

    List II

    I. Photochemical reactions of NOx and hydrocarbons in sunlight

    II. Coal-based thermal power plants

    III. Pesticide plant at Bhopal (1984 leak)

    IV. Refrigerators and aerosol sprays

    1. Aa-II, b-IV, c-III, d-I
    2. Ba-II, b-I, c-IV, d-III
    3. Ca-IV, b-III, c-II, d-I
    4. Da-II, b-III, c-IV, d-I
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer D. a-II, b-III, c-IV, d-I

    Fly ash - thermal power plants, methyl isocyanate - Bhopal pesticide plant, CFCs - refrigerators and aerosols, PAN - photochemical reactions.

    Source: AP SCERT Class 8 Biology Sem-2 ch.7 p.74; NCERT Class 11 Chemistry Unit 14

  2. Q8 Paper I Mock 1, Q107

    Match the following terms with their meaning:

    List I

    a. Leachate

    b. Refuse derived fuel

    c. Extended Producer Responsibility

    d. Bio-mining

    List II

    I. Liquid formed by water percolating through waste

    II. Producers manage their products after use

    III. Fuel from the combustible fraction of solid waste

    IV. Excavating and treating old dumpsite waste

    1. Aa-III, b-I, c-II, d-IV
    2. Ba-I, b-III, c-II, d-IV
    3. Ca-I, b-III, c-IV, d-II
    4. Da-I, b-II, c-III, d-IV
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer B. a-I, b-III, c-II, d-IV

    Leachate is liquid from waste, RDF is fuel from combustible waste, EPR makes producers responsible after use, and bio-mining treats legacy dumpsite waste.

    Source: SWM Rules 2016; SBM-U 2.0 guidelines

  3. Q9 Paper I Mock 1, Q111

    Bio-methanation of kitchen waste mainly produces

    1. AOzone
    2. BAmmonia
    3. CChlorofluorocarbons
    4. DBiogas rich in methane
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer D. Biogas rich in methane

    Bio-methanation (anaerobic digestion) yields methane-rich biogas and digested slurry used as manure.

    Source: SWM Rules 2016; standard text

  4. Q10 EO Grade III 2026 Paper I, Q30

    What is the objective of 'National River Conservation Plan' ?

    1. ATo improve the water quality of the river
    2. BTo improve the length of the river
    3. CTo improve the greenness of the river
    4. DTo improve the flow condition of the river
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer A. To improve the water quality of the river

    NRCP funds pollution abatement works (sewage interception, treatment) to improve river water quality.

    Source: APPSC EO Grade III 2026 Paper I (Notification 10/2025), Q34, final key

  5. Q11 EO Grade III 2026 Paper I, Q47

    How can improper waste management, especially biomedical and e-waste, indirectly contribute to deforestation and biodiversity loss ?

    1. ABy providing organic fertilizers that help forest regeneration
    2. BBy releasing toxic substances into soil and water, damaging ecosystems and forcing land-use changes like deforestation
    3. CBy reducing industrial pollution and improving ecosystem balance
    4. DBy increasing green cover through waste-to-energy plants in forests
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer B. By releasing toxic substances into soil and water, damaging ecosystems and forcing land-use changes like deforestation

    Biomedical and e-waste leach heavy metals and toxic chemicals into soil and water; this degrades habitats and pushes land-use change such as clearing land for new dumps.

    Source: APPSC EO Grade III 2026 Paper I (Notification 10/2025), Q52, final key

7.3.1Climate change, laws & institutionsNotes

  1. Q12 Paper I Mock 1, Q104

    Assertion (A): Thawing of permafrost can speed up global warming.

    Reason (R): Thawing permafrost releases stored carbon as carbon dioxide and methane.

    Choose the correct option.

    1. ABoth A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
    2. BBoth A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A
    3. CA is true but R is false
    4. DA is false but R is true
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer A. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A

    Permafrost holds large carbon stores; thawing releases CO2 and methane, a positive feedback.

    Source: IPCC AR6 WGI ch.5

  2. Q13 Paper I Mock 1, Q108

    Match the following COPs with their outcome:

    List I

    a. COP13, Bali

    b. COP16, Cancun

    c. COP19, Warsaw

    d. COP27, Sharm el-Sheikh

    List II

    I. Green Climate Fund established

    II. Agreement on a loss and damage fund

    III. Bali Action Plan

    IV. Warsaw International Mechanism for loss and damage

    1. Aa-I, b-III, c-IV, d-II
    2. Ba-III, b-I, c-II, d-IV
    3. Ca-III, b-I, c-IV, d-II
    4. Da-III, b-IV, c-I, d-II
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer C. a-III, b-I, c-IV, d-II

    Bali adopted the Bali Action Plan, Cancun set up the Green Climate Fund, Warsaw set up the WIM, and Sharm el-Sheikh agreed on a loss and damage fund.

    Source: UNFCCC decisions

  3. Q14 Paper I Mock 1, Q112

    Greenhouse gases warm the lower atmosphere mainly by absorbing

    1. Aultraviolet rays from the sun
    2. Blong-wave (infrared) radiation emitted by the earth
    3. CX-rays from outer space
    4. Dradio waves from the ionosphere
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer B. long-wave (infrared) radiation emitted by the earth

    GHGs let in short-wave solar radiation but absorb outgoing long-wave terrestrial radiation, warming the atmosphere.

    Source: NCERT Class 11 Physical Geography p.96 (file kegy2 p.106)

  4. Q15 EO Grade III 2026 Paper I, Q32

    During which year Wildlife Protection Act was implemented in India ?

    1. A1982
    2. B1972
    3. C1992
    4. D1962
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer B. 1972

    The Wildlife (Protection) Act was enacted in 1972.

    Source: APPSC EO Grade III 2026 Paper I (Notification 10/2025), Q36, final key

  5. Q16 EO Grade III 2026 Paper I, Q45

    The Paris Climate Agreement (2015) mainly aims to

    1. AStop all industrial activities worldwide
    2. BLimit global temperature rise to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels
    3. CPromote trade among developed nations
    4. DIncrease fossil fuel production for energy security
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer B. Limit global temperature rise to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels

    The Paris Agreement aims to hold warming well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and pursue 1.5°C.

    Source: APPSC EO Grade III 2026 Paper I (Notification 10/2025), Q50, final key

  6. Q17 EO Grade III 2026 Paper I, Q53

    Which of the following statements correctly explains the purpose of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 in India ?

    1. AIt was enacted to promote industrial growth without any environmental restrictions.
    2. BIt focuses only on the protection of wildlife species and national parks.
    3. CIt provides a framework for protecting and improving the environment and controlling all forms of pollution.
    4. DIt was introduced to regulate forest revenue and timber trade.
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer C. It provides a framework for protecting and improving the environment and controlling all forms of pollution.

    The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, passed after the Bhopal gas tragedy, is an umbrella law empowering the Centre to protect and improve the environment and prevent, control and abate pollution.

    Source: APPSC EO Grade III 2026 Paper I (Notification 10/2025), Q58, final key

7.4.1Sustainable development & green technologyNotes

  1. Q18 Paper I Mock 1, Q105

    Match the works or concepts in List I with their authors in List II.

    List I

    a. Ecological footprint

    b. Limits to Growth

    c. Our Common Future

    d. Small Is Beautiful

    List II

    I. E.F. Schumacher

    II. World Commission on Environment and Development

    III. Club of Rome

    IV. Mathis Wackernagel and William Rees

    1. Aa-III, b-IV, c-II, d-I
    2. Ba-IV, b-II, c-III, d-I
    3. Ca-IV, b-III, c-II, d-I
    4. Da-IV, b-III, c-I, d-II
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer C. a-IV, b-III, c-II, d-I

    Ecological footprint - Wackernagel and Rees; Limits to Growth - Club of Rome; Our Common Future - WCED (Brundtland Commission); Small Is Beautiful - E.F. Schumacher.

    Source: NCERT Class 12 Contemporary World Politics p.95-96; Wackernagel and Rees 1996

  2. Q19 Paper I Mock 1, Q109

    How many targets are there under the 17 Sustainable Development Goals?

    1. A126
    2. B169
    3. C192
    4. D231
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer B. 169

    The 17 SDGs have 169 targets.

    Source: UNGA Resolution A/RES/70/1 (2030 Agenda)

  3. Q20 Paper I Mock 1, Q113

    Which one of the following is NOT one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals?

    1. AZero hunger
    2. BReduced inequalities
    3. CLife on land
    4. DPopulation stabilisation
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer D. Population stabilisation

    Population stabilisation is not an SDG; Zero hunger (SDG 2), Reduced inequalities (SDG 10) and Life on land (SDG 15) are.

    Source: UNGA Resolution A/RES/70/1 (2030 Agenda)

  4. Q21 EO Grade III 2026 Paper I, Q41

    Which of these best describes the idea of sustainable development ?

    1. AA model for development that focuses on industry growth and using resources for short-term profit.
    2. BA idea first mentioned in the Brundtland Report in 1987, it is "development that meets the needs of the present generations without making it harder for future generations to meet their own needs".
    3. CA plan put forward at the Stockholm Conference in 1972 that was solely focused on protecting wildlife.
    4. DA plan from the UN to help poor countries become more globalized and open up their economies.
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer B. A idea first mentioned in the Brundtland Report in 1987, it is "development that meets the needs of the present generations without making it harder for future generations to meet their own needs".

    The Brundtland Report 'Our Common Future' (1987) defined sustainable development as meeting present needs without compromising future generations.

    Source: APPSC EO Grade III 2026 Paper I (Notification 10/2025), Q46, final key

  5. Q22 EO Grade III 2026 Paper I, Q42

    The three main pillars of sustainable development are

    1. APolitical, Cultural and Economic
    2. BEconomic, Environmental and Social
    3. CIndustrial, Agricultural and Educational
    4. DTechnological, Ecological and Financial
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer B. Economic, Environmental and Social

    Sustainable development rests on economic growth, environmental protection and social inclusion.

    Source: APPSC EO Grade III 2026 Paper I (Notification 10/2025), Q47, final key

  6. Q23 EO Grade III 2026 Paper I, Q43

    What does the Precautionary Principle mean in environmental protection ?

    1. AWe should act to protect the environment only after full scientific proof of damage
    2. BWe should take preventive action to protect the environment even if we are not completely sure of the harm
    3. CIndustries can pollute if it helps the economy grow
    4. DEnvironmental protection is needed only when people complain
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer B. We should take preventive action to protect the environment even if we are not completely sure of the harm

    The precautionary principle (Rio Principle 15) says lack of full scientific certainty must not delay measures to prevent serious environmental harm.

    Source: APPSC EO Grade III 2026 Paper I (Notification 10/2025), Q48, final key

  7. Q24 EO Grade III 2026 Paper I, Q44

    The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the UN wants to

    1. ATrade around the world only
    2. BGet rid of poverty, take care of the environment and make sure everyone has peace and plenty
    3. CBoost industry growth without caring about the environment
    4. DOnly help wealthy countries
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer B. Get rid of poverty, take care of the environment and make sure everyone has peace and plenty

    The 17 SDGs (2015, Agenda 2030) aim to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure peace and prosperity for all.

    Source: APPSC EO Grade III 2026 Paper I (Notification 10/2025), Q49, final key

  8. Q25 EO Grade III 2026 Paper I, Q48

    What is the main goal of sustainable agriculture ?

    1. ATo increase crop yield using more chemical fertilizers and pesticides
    2. BTo clear forests for more agricultural land
    3. CTo produce food while protecting the environment and conserving resources for the future
    4. DTo depend only on imported food for national needs
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer C. To produce food while protecting the environment and conserving resources for the future

    Sustainable agriculture aims to meet today's food needs without degrading soil, water and biodiversity, so future generations can also produce food.

    Source: APPSC EO Grade III 2026 Paper I (Notification 10/2025), Q53, final key

  9. Q26 EO Grade III 2026 Paper I, Q49

    Which of the following is an example of renewable energy used in the energy transition ?

    1. ACoal energy
    2. BDiesel-based power
    3. CNuclear fission energy
    4. DSolar and Wind energy
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer D. Solar and Wind energy

    Solar and wind are replenished naturally and are the main renewable sources replacing fossil fuels in the energy transition.

    Source: APPSC EO Grade III 2026 Paper I (Notification 10/2025), Q54, final key

  10. Q27 EO Grade III 2026 Paper I, Q50

    Which of the following best describes the role of biotechnology in environmental sustainability ?

    1. AUsing genetically modified microbes and plants to reduce pollution and conserve natural resources
    2. BIncreasing the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides
    3. CPromoting deforestation for industrial development
    4. DProducing more non-biodegradable plastics
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer A. Using genetically modified microbes and plants to reduce pollution and conserve natural resources

    Environmental biotechnology uses engineered microbes and plants for bioremediation, biofertilizers and biodegradable products, cutting pollution and saving resources.

    Source: APPSC EO Grade III 2026 Paper I (Notification 10/2025), Q55, final key

  11. Q28 EO Grade III 2026 Paper I, Q51

    What is the main difference between Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA) ?

    1. AEIA focuses only on product design, while LCA focuses on project location
    2. BEIA and LCA both focus only on air pollution levels
    3. CEIA evaluates environmental impacts before a project starts, while LCA assesses impacts throughout the entire life of a product or process
    4. DEIA is used for agricultural projects only, while LCA is used for industrial projects only
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer C. EIA evaluates environmental impacts before a project starts, while LCA assesses impacts throughout the entire life of a product or process

    EIA is a pre-project appraisal of a proposed project's likely effects at a site; LCA traces a product's or process's impacts from raw material extraction to disposal ('cradle to grave').

    Source: APPSC EO Grade III 2026 Paper I (Notification 10/2025), Q56, final key

  12. Q29 EO Grade III 2026 Paper I, Q52

    How do Green Chemistry and Cleaner Production Technologies support the goals of EIA and LCA ?

    1. ABy promoting the use of hazardous chemicals for faster production
    2. BBy ignoring product life-cycle impacts and focusing only on profit
    3. CBy encouraging disposal of industrial waste into nearby water bodies
    4. DBy reducing waste generation, minimizing pollution and ensuring sustainability throughout a product's life cycle
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer D. By reducing waste generation, minimizing pollution and ensuring sustainability throughout a product's life cycle

    Green chemistry and cleaner production prevent waste and pollution at source, lowering the impacts that EIA and LCA measure across a product's life.

    Source: APPSC EO Grade III 2026 Paper I (Notification 10/2025), Q57, final key

  13. Q30 EO Grade III 2026 Paper I, Q54

    How can Artificial Intelligence (AI), Quantum Computing and Data Science together improve environmental monitoring and management ?

    1. ABy ignoring environmental data and focusing only on industrial profits
    2. BBy analysing large datasets to predict pollution levels, optimize resource use and simulate complex climate models
    3. CBy replacing traditional environmental policies with computer automation
    4. DBy promoting random deforestation to test satellite imagery accuracy
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer B. By analysing large datasets to predict pollution levels, optimize resource use and simulate complex climate models

    These tools process huge sensor and satellite datasets, forecast pollution, optimise resource use and run complex climate simulations that support policy.

    Source: APPSC EO Grade III 2026 Paper I (Notification 10/2025), Q59, final key

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