Tag: science & technology

This question is poorly phrased and likely refers to a specific environmental report (like the IPCC) predicting mass extinctions by the year 2050. However, as a count of species, the number 2050 is contextually weak. Given the options, it refers to a timeline rather than a quantity.

Forests absorb CO2 through photosynthesis. When forest area is insufficient, CO2 accumulates in the atmosphere. This is the most direct causal link among options. Industries contribute CO2 but the question asks about mechanism of increase.

Carbon dioxide emissions are the primary driver of climate change, leading to increased ocean temperatures and more intense hurricanes. Warmer oceans provide more energy to tropical cyclones, increasing their severity.

Global warming causes thermal expansion of oceans and melting of ice sheets/glaciers, leading to rising sea levels. This is the most significant and widely documented parameter affected among the options.

Nitrous oxide (N2O) is emitted from agricultural activities, particularly synthetic fertilizers and manure management. It is a potent greenhouse gas with 300x the global warming potential of CO2. Pesticide industries also contribute to N2O emissions.

The Kyoto Protocol committed industrialized countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 5.2% below 1990 levels during the first commitment period (2008-2012). The value 0.052 represents 5.2%.

Forest fires are a natural cause of global warming. They release large amounts of CO2 and other greenhouse gases stored in trees and vegetation, and reduce future carbon absorption capacity. Unlike earthquakes or landslides, fires directly affect atmospheric composition.

The cheetah is the fastest land animal, capable of reaching speeds up to 70-75 mph (110-120 km/h) in short bursts. While horses are fast runners, tigers are powerful but not as fast as cheetahs, and elephants are much slower despite their size. Cheetahs are specifically adapted for speed with lightweight bodies and non-retractable claws for traction.

The spine-tailed swift (also called white-throated needletail) is considered the fastest bird in level flight, reaching speeds up to 170 km/h. While peregrine falcons are faster in diving, the spine-tailed swift holds the record for sustained horizontal flight speed among birds.

Kerala became the first state in India to establish a computerized panchayat system. The state has been a pioneer in e-governance and digital initiatives at the local government level, implementing computerization in panchayats (village councils) early on.