International Green Warrior Olympiad Class 11 Sample Paper

Q.1

A community living in a desert region relies on a shallow aquifer for their water supply. However, the water level in the aquifer has been steadily declining due to over-extraction. The community is concerned about the potential consequences of this trend.

A. What are the two most likely consequences of the declining water table in the community's aquifer?
B. What steps could they take to address this issue?

Q.2

A community in an arid region has implemented a rainwater harvesting system to collect and store rainwater for various uses. The community relies heavily on this system as their primary source of water. However, due to climate change, the rainfall patterns have become unpredictable. The graph below shows the rainfall pattern over the past 8 years.
Which factor is most likely to limit the effectiveness of the rainwater harvesting system in this scenario?

A. Inadequate storage capacity hindering collection during periods of heavy rainfall
B. Minimising the environmental impact of excessive runoff during heavy rainfall periods.
C. Unpredictable collection amounts resulting in insufficient water supply during dry spells.
D. Contamination risks associated with pollutants present in the collected rainwater.

Q.3

A city planner is tasked with designing a new neighbourhood that is projected to face more frequent and severe heat waves due to climate change. The planner aims to incorporate design features that will effectively mitigate the impacts of these heat waves.
Which of the following design features would be most effective in mitigating the impacts of heatwaves in this neighbourhood in the context of climate change?

1. Incorporating green spaces, parks, and tree-lined streets to provide shade and cooling.
2. Installing more air conditioners to combat the heat waves.
3. Extensive use of glass facades to reflect sunlight away from buildings.

Q.4

You are a farmer in a region with a temperate climate. You have been farming for over 20 years and have a good understanding of the growing cycles of your crops that have a narrow range of temperature tolerance. You have been keeping detailed records of your annual average temperature for the past decade. The graph below shows a clear trend in temperature change.
Based on your knowledge of agriculture and environmental science, which of the following is the most likely impact of the observed temperature increase on your crops?

A. Increased crop resilience and improved harvests.
B. Reduced yield and delayed harvest
C. Increased susceptibility to pests and diseases
D. Optimal conditions for crop pollination and seed germination.

Q.5

A large oil spill from a tanker accident devastates a coastal ecosystem. Oil slicks coat beaches and contaminate the water, impacting birds, fish, and other wildlife.
In addition to immediate cleanup efforts, what long-term environmental impacts should be monitored and addressed following this disaster?

1. The potential for oil residue to persist and enter the food chain
2. The disruption of coastal habitats and sensitive ecosystems
3. The economic and social impacts on fishing communities and tourism industries

Q.6

Consider the case study given below and answer the following question:

Case Study: Rejuvenating the Red Desert

The once fertile plains of the Red Desert now lie barren and parched. Decades of unsustainable agricultural practices, deforestation, and overgrazing have stripped the land of its topsoil, leaving behind a landscape of eroded gullies and windblown sand. The local community, dependent on the land for their livelihood, faces diminishing harvests and increasing dust storms.

The Challenge: Restoring the Red Desert requires a multi-faceted approach that addresses both the physical and social dimensions of land degradation. The key challenges include:

-Soil erosion and nutrient depletion: Restoring soil fertility is crucial for supporting plant growth.
-Water scarcity: The arid climate presents a significant challenge for plant growth. Implementing water harvesting systems like rainwater cisterns and promoting drought-resistant crops can optimise water use.
-Loss of biodiversity: Restoring native plant and animal populations is essential for creating a healthy and resilient ecosystem. This can involve assisted regeneration, seed dispersal, and creating wildlife corridors.
- Community engagement: Sustainable land management requires the active participation of the local community. Building trust, providing training, and ensuring equitable access to resources are crucial for long-term success.

The Outcome: Over time, the Red Desert undergoes a remarkable transformation. Eroded gullies are filled with fertile soil, native plants flourish, and animal populations return. The community experiences increased food security and improved livelihoods, thanks to sustainable farming practices and diversified income sources. The success of the program serves as a model for other communities facing land degradation, demonstrating the power of collaboration and knowledge-based solutions in restoring lost ecosystems and building a sustainable future.

Which of the following statement(s) describes the relationship between deforestation and soil erosion in the Red Desert?

1. Deforestation disrupts the water cycle, reducing rainfall and increasing soil dryness, indirectly leading to erosion.
2. Deforestation directly causes soil erosion by exposing soil to wind and rain.
3. Deforestation increases rainfall, leading to flash floods and soil washout.

Q.7

In a bid to minimise electronic waste, a tech company developed a device that allows consumers to upgrade their devices' internal components rather than replacing the entire unit. This initiative primarily addresses which principle of sustainable waste management?

Q.8

In a scenario where a factory discharges untreated industrial wastewater containing high levels of heavy metals into a nearby river, what long-term impact would this have on the aquatic ecosystem?

Q.9

In a biodiversity conservation project, two strategies were implemented to protect endangered species: Strategy A focused on captive breeding programs, while Strategy B emphasised habitat restoration and protection. Which strategy is more likely to result in the long-term conservation of endangered species?

Q.10

Researchers conducted an experiment to evaluate the impact of controlled burning on grassland ecosystems. The results indicate an increase in plant diversity post-burn.
What is the likely reason for this observation?