International Green Warrior Olympiad Class 9 Sample Paper

Q.1

In the dense, lush forests of the Amazon basin, researchers are studying the ecosystem's dynamics to understand its role in global environmental processes.
Which specific layer of the forest ecosystem plays a crucial role in regulating carbon levels and atmospheric moisture?

Q.2

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

Title: Forests as Crucial Carbon Capture Systems

Forests play a critical role in mitigating climate change by capturing and storing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Trees absorb carbon dioxide through photosynthesis and use it to grow. The carbon is then stored in the tree's biomass (wood, leaves, branches, and roots) and soil. Forests also help to regulate the climate by releasing water vapour into the atmosphere, which can form clouds and reflect sunlight back into space.
Trees are the most significant carbon sink in forests, storing carbon in their biomass. The amount of carbon stored in a tree depends on its species, size, and age. Young forests capture carbon rapidly due to the quick growth of trees. Middle-aged forests store relatively greater amounts of carbon as trees grow slower but sequester more carbon. Old-growth forests contain large trees that retain carbon for extended periods, albeit at a slower rate due to fewer trees overall.
Forest soils contain diverse forms of carbon influenced by soil type, vegetation, and geography. Soil properties, such as high organic content or frozen conditions, significantly impact carbon storage potential.
The carbon captured by forests is eventually returned to the atmosphere through processes like decomposition and respiration. Different forest types exhibit varying rates of carbon capture and release. Tropical forests capture carbon rapidly but can release it quickly too. In contrast, temperate forests offer a balanced solution.
Effective management strategies, such as forest preservation, sustainable forestry practices, forest expansion, and invasive species control, are crucial in optimising carbon sequestration potential while maintaining ecosystem balance.

Imagine conducting an experiment measuring carbon sequestration rates in four different forest types over the span of a year. Based on your understanding of the case study, which forest type would you expect to demonstrate the highest rate of carbon capture per unit area within a year?

Q.3

In a geologically active region, a community has installed a closed-loop geothermal energy system to harness the Earth's heat for heating purposes. The system has been operating efficiently, but during a particularly cold winter, the underground temperature experiences a significant decrease. What is the likely impact on the efficiency of the geothermal system?

Q.4

Blair, an environmentally conscious consumer, is shopping for groceries at a local store. She notices a food product with an eco-label that states "Organic" on the packaging. Curious about its meaning, she checks the information available to understand the significance of the label.

In the context of eco-labelling, what does the presence of an "Organic" label on a food product signify based on Emily's observation?

Q.5

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.6

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.7

You are considering upgrading your smartphone to the latest model. What factors should you consider to minimise the environmental impact of your decision?

A. The energy efficiency of the new model
B. The durability and longevity of the new model
C. The availability of recycling options for your old phone

Q.8

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.9

Ecological restoration is the process of assisting the recovery of an ecosystem that has been degraded, damaged, or destroyed. Which of the following is NOT a primary goal of ecological restoration?

Q.10

During a science fair, a student presented a project on the impact of wildfires on climate change. They highlighted that wildfires release vast amounts of carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide into the atmosphere as shown in the table given below.

What inference can be made from this presentation?

1. Wildfires can act as a positive feedback loop, contributing to further warming and potentially more frequent fires.
2. Wildfires are primarily responsible for the rising levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
3. All wildfires should be suppressed to prevent any carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide emissions.
4. The release of greenhouse gases from wildfires is balanced by the absorption of carbon dioxide by new plant growth.