International Green Warrior Olympiad Class 9 Previous Year Paper

Q.1

A group of students, with a keen interest in studying a wide array of plant and animal species in their natural habitat, is planning an educational expedition. They aim to explore a biome that offers the highest biodiversity for their research.
Which biome among the following options would provide the most diverse range of plant and animal species for the students to observe?

Q.2

You are an environmental scientist analysing water quality parameters from two different sources, Source A and Source B. These sources provide water to nearby ecosystems. Consider the following data table showing water quality parameters from two different sources. Based on this data, which of the statements is most likely true?
1. Higher nutrient levels in Source A suggest an increased likelihood of eutrophication.
2. Source B has higher Dissolved Oxygen and Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) than Source A, implying better water quality for the nearby ecosystems.
3. Lower Dissolve Oxygen levels in Source A indicate the potential for oxygen depletion due to increased organic matter decomposition.
D. Hypoxic and alkaline conditions in Source B can lead to the formation of algal blooms.

Q.3

Consider the following statements and choose the correct option:
1. Debris accumulation in oceans primarily consists of organic waste, which enhances marine biodiversity by providing habitats for various species.
2. Sustainable aquaculture involves utilising antibiotics to control diseases and enhance fish growth in farms.
3. Coastal development and shoreline alterations significantly impact marine habitats or disrupt the natural flow of sediments in coastal areas.
4. Overfishing contributes to the creation of dead zones due to the imbalance in marine ecosystems caused by the removal of certain fish species.

Q.4

A group of students studying ecology in a temperate forest notices a sharp decline in the local frog population. They discover that a new housing development has encroached upon a wetland area that was once home to a diverse array of amphibians.
What is the likely consequence of the wetland habitat loss on the surrounding forest ecosystem?

Q.5

You're at the supermarket deciding between locally-grown organic vegetables and conventionally-grown vegetables shipped from a distant country. Both cost the same. Considering climate change:

Q.6

A tropical country experiences frequent severe weather events, including but not limited to drought, hurricanes and cyclones, due to climate change. Its current reliance on large-scale hydropower plants makes it vulnerable to these extreme weather events.
Which of the following clean energy sources is most likely to be resilient to these climate impacts?

Q.7

A city is expanding its wastewater treatment infrastructure to improve the quality of treated water released into the environment. As part of this development, engineers and environmental experts are reviewing the different stages of wastewater treatment to ensure the most effective processing of sewage.
In the wastewater treatment process, which stage involves the breakdown of organic matter by microorganisms in the absence of oxygen?

Q.8

You live in a small town nestled near a bustling city. Your town council is considering a proposal to expand the city limits, potentially encroaching on your rural area. You're concerned about the potential impact on air quality and sustainability. The data regarding the levels of particulate matter over last few years was graphed.
Based on the information provided in the graph below and your concerns about sustainability, which statement best reflects the potential consequences of urban expansion on your town and its surrounding environment?

Q.9

Consider the case study given below and answer the following question:
Case Study: Protecting the Coral Reefs of Raja Ampat, Indonesia
Location: Raja Ampat, a stunning archipelago in Indonesia famed for its thriving coral reefs, biodiversity, and diving tourism.
Challenges:
-Overfishing: Unsustainable fishing practices, including blast fishing and cyanide fishing, have depleted fish stocks and damaged coral reefs.
-Pollution: Plastic pollution, agricultural runoff, and sedimentation from coastal development all threaten the delicate marine ecosystem.
-Climate Change: Rising ocean temperatures and acidification are bleaching and killing coral, the foundation of the reef ecosystem.
Initiatives:
-Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): Establishing and enforcing MPAs restricts harmful fishing practices and allows reefs to recover. Raja Ampat boasts one of the largest MPAs in Southeast Asia, covering over 1.5 million hectares.
-Community-Based Management: Local communities play a crucial role in protecting their reefs. The Coral Triangle Initiative focuses on empowering them through sustainable fishing practices and alternative livelihoods like ecotourism.
-Sustainable Aquaculture: Farming fish responsibly reduces pressure on wild stocks and provides alternative income for fishermen. Locally managed fish farms in Raja Ampat demonstrate successful alternatives to overfishing.
-Coral Restoration: Innovative techniques like coral nurseries and transplantation help regenerate damaged reefs and restore marine biodiversity.
Outcomes:
-Fish stocks are rebounding: The Raja Ampat MPA has shown a significant increase in fish biomass within its boundaries, demonstrating the effectiveness of protected areas.
-Improved water quality: Reduced pollution and sedimentation contribute to healthier corals and a more vibrant marine environment.
-Empowered communities: Local involvement in conservation fosters environmental stewardship and provides sustainable economic opportunities.
Raja Ampat serves as a beacon of hope in marine conservation, demonstrating the effectiveness of community-driven, multi-pronged approaches to protecting life below water. By tackling overfishing, pollution, and climate change, we can safeguard the future of these vital ecosystems and the communities that depend on them.
In the case study, it is mentioned that coral reefs confront challenges from pollution and climate change. How do these challenges interact to negatively affect Raja Ampat's coral reefs?
1. Pollution weakens coral reefs, making them more susceptible to bleaching and mortality as ocean temperatures rise.
2. Climate change alters ocean currents, causing an increased accumulation of pollutants near reefs, adding to their stress.
3. Pollution can harm reefs, but it doesn't significantly affect their vulnerability to climate change impacts.

Q.10

Your city is considering expanding its aquaculture industry to meet the growing demand for seafood. However, traditional aquaculture practices can contribute to water pollution and habitat degradation.
Which of the following approaches would be most sustainable for developing a responsible aquaculture industry?