International Green Warrior Olympiad Class 9 Previous Year Paper

Q.1

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.2

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.3

A family living in a region with abundant clean hydropower is considering replacing their ageing gas oven with a new electric model. However, they are concerned about the overall environmental impact of each option.
Analyse the following data table and choose the most likely outcome of switching to electric based on environmental considerations.

Q.4

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.5

Consider two restaurants: one follows a "zero food waste" policy, while the other does not. Which environmental impact is most likely to be affected by the "zero food waste" policy?

Q.6

A local environmental agency is tasked with evaluating the water quality of a river that runs through a town. The river serves as a primary source of drinking water, recreational activities, and supports aquatic life. Concerns have been raised about the river's health due to changes in its appearance and reports of fish mortality.
Please select the most appropriate answer that reflects the main categories relevant to evaluating the river's water quality.

Q.7

A city primarily using natural gas for domestic purposes experiences a sudden rise in respiratory ailments among its residents.
Which gas, released during incomplete combustion of natural gas, is a major concern for human health?

Q.8

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
What is a long-term challenge that the case study implies requires continuous global support to ensure the success of marine conservation in Raja Ampat?

Q.9

You are a technician working at a nuclear power plant. You are tasked with performing routine inspections of the plant's various components. To ensure your understanding, your supervisor provides you with a diagram of the plant layout and asks you to identify the labelled components.
Based on the diagram below, identify the main components of a nuclear power plant.

Q.10

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?