International Green Warrior Olympiad Class 9 Sample Paper

Q.1

Wanda notices that even when her electronic devices are turned off, they still consume a small amount of energy in standby mode. This "phantom power drain" adds up over time, contributing to wasted energy and higher electricity bills.
What can Wanda do to reduce the phantom power drain in her home?

A. Unplug all her electronic devices when not in use.
B. Install smart power strips that automatically turn off unused devices.
C. Replace her old appliances with energy-efficient models.
D. Switch to a different electricity provider with lower rates.

Q.2

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.

Q.3

You're a wildlife conservationist working in the Himalayas, where a dwindling snow leopard population faces new challenges. Human encroachment has forced wolves into higher altitudes, overlapping with the leopards' territory, while climate change is shrinking their habitat due to melting glaciers.
You propose a conservation plan to address these challenges. Which of the following options is/are the effective and sustainable long-term solution(s), considering ecological balance and ethical implications?

1. Prioritise eliminating the wolf threat to restore the leopards' competitive advantage.
2. Lobby for stricter regulations on human activities near snow leopard habitat.
3. Invest in renewable energy sources to combat climate change.
4. Develop captive breeding programs to supplement dwindling wild populations.

Q.4

Consider the following statements and choose the correct option:

Statement 1: Groundwater is primarily recharged through precipitation that infiltrates into the soil.
Statement 2: Groundwater, once depleted, can be quickly replenished through human interventions like pumping water from surface reservoirs.

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.

A plastic net washes ashore on the Raja Ampat beach. Trace its potential journey through the marine ecosystem, describing the environmental and ecological consequences it could cause at each stage.

1. Entanglement for sea turtles, fish, and coral, leading to injuries and potential death.
2. Ingestion by marine life, mistaking it for food, causing blockages and internal damage.
3. Breakage into microplastics, accumulating in the food chain and harming higher predators.

Q.6

You are troubleshooting a high electricity bill and notice that even when all appliances are turned off, the energy meter is still registering a small amount of power usage. This phenomenon is known as a vampire load.

What is the main reason why vampire loads occur in most appliances?

Q.7

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.8

A family is considering purchasing a new microwave to replace their old one, aiming to reduce their energy consumption and contribute to sustainability. They are researching various models to ensure they choose an energy-efficient appliance.
In their evaluation of different microwave models for energy efficiency and sustainability, which factor would NOT typically be considered?

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

A farmer uses a private well to irrigate his crops. He notices that the well water has become increasingly salty over the past few years, affecting the growth and yield of his crops.
What could be the most likely reason for this increase in salinity?