Q1. Which of the following is a major difference between a lake and a wetland?
- Lakes are wind regulated, wetlands are thermally regulated
- Wetlands are always deeper than lakes
- Macrophytes dominate in wetlands, phytoplankton in lakes
- Wetlands do not support biodiversity
Correct Option: 3. Macrophytes dominate in wetlands, phytoplankton in lakes
Explanation: In lakes, the primary producers are phytoplankton due to open water and light. Wetlands, being shallow and nutrient-rich, are dominated by macrophytes (large aquatic plants).
Q2. Which Indian program integrates the conservation efforts for both lakes and wetlands?
- CWCM
- NLCP
- NWCP
- NPCA
Correct Option: 4. NPCA (National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems)
Explanation: Launched in 2015, NPCA is a merged scheme of NLCP and NWCP, covering both lakes and wetlands under one umbrella.
Q3. What is the primary objective of the National Wetland Conservation Programme (NWCP)?
- Develop lakes for tourism
- Convert agricultural lands into wetlands
- Prevent degradation and promote wise use of wetlands
- Drain wetlands to reduce disease vectors
Correct Option: 3. Prevent degradation and promote wise use of wetlands
Explanation: NWCP aims to conserve wetlands by preventing their degradation and promoting their wise use for biodiversity and community benefit.
Q4. According to the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017, which of the following is excluded from the definition of wetlands?
- Mangroves
- Paddy fields
- Natural lakes
- Floodplains
Correct Option: 2. Paddy fields
Explanation: The 2017 Rules exclude paddy fields, aquaculture ponds, drinking water tanks, and other man-made water bodies from the legal definition of wetlands.
Q5. What is the dominant food pathway in lake ecosystems?
- Detritus pathway
- Microbial loop
- Grazing pathway
- Parasitic pathway
Correct Option: 3. Grazing pathway
Explanation: Lakes primarily follow a grazing pathway, where energy is transferred from phytoplankton to herbivores and then to higher-level consumers.