GK Questions with Answers - Environment

The environment is one of the most significant topics in general knowledge and is frequently covered in various competitive exams such as UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railways, Defence, and State PSCs. Understanding environmental concepts helps students stay aware of global issues like climate change, pollution, biodiversity, natural resources, and sustainable development. Questions related to the environment test not only your knowledge of nature and ecology but also your understanding of current environmental policies and international efforts to protect our planet.

In this article, we have compiled a set of Environment GK Questions with Answers designed to help students preparing for competitive exams. Each question is accompanied by a brief explanation to make learning easier and more meaningful. These multiple-choice questions (MCQs) cover important topics such as the ecosystem, renewable energy, environmental laws, conservation efforts, and global environmental summits. Practicing these questions will help you strengthen your environmental awareness and perform better in the general studies or general awareness sections of your exams.

GK Questions with Answers - Environment

1. Which is India's first marine biosphere reserve?

1. Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve
2. Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve
3. Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve
4. Nicobar Biosphere Reserve

Answer: B) Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve

Explanation: The Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve is India’s first marine biosphere reserve, located along the southeastern coast of Tamil Nadu between India and Sri Lanka. It was declared in 1989 and covers 10,500 sq.km, including 21 islands and adjoining coral reefs, seagrasses, and mangroves. Lies between Rameswaram and Tuticorin in Tamil Nadu.

2. Kaziranga National Park is famous for which animal?

1. Bengal Tiger
2. Asiatic Lion
3. One-horned Rhinoceros
4. Elephant

Answer: C) One-horned Rhinoceros

Explanation: Kaziranga National Park, located in Assam, is world-famous for being the home of the one-horned rhinoceros. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site (declared in 1985) and a major success story in wildlife conservation in India. Located in Assam on the banks of the Brahmaputra River. Also hosts tigers, elephants, wild buffaloes, and swamp deer (part of “Big Five” of Kaziranga).

3. Where are Olive Ridley turtles mainly found in India?

1. Sundarbans, West Bengal
2. Rann of Kutch, Gujarat
3. Gulf of Mannar, Tamil Nadu
4. Gahirmatha Beach, Odisha

Answer: D) Gahirmatha Beach, Odisha

Explanation: Gahirmatha Beach, located in Kendrapara district, Odisha, is the world’s largest nesting ground for Olive Ridley sea turtles. Every year, thousands of female turtles come to lay eggs during their mass nesting period known as “Arribada”. Olive Ridley turtles are classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN Red List. Protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

4. Which state of India is famous for Asiatic lions?

1. Rajasthan
2. Madhya Pradesh
3. Gujarat
4. Maharashtra

Answer: C) Gujarat

Explanation: Gujarat is the only home of the Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica), which lives in the Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary. This park is located in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat. Gir National Park is the only place in the world where Asiatic lions exist in the wild.

5. Which is the largest coral reef in India?

1. Gulf of Mannar Reef
2. Lakshadweep Reef
3. Rameswaram Reef
4. Andaman and Nicobar Islands Reef

Answer: B) Lakshadweep Reef

Explanation: The Lakshadweep Islands possess India’s largest coral reef system. These reefs are atolls, fringing reefs, and barrier reefs that protect the islands from sea erosion and serve as habitats for diverse marine life. Lakshadweep reefs cover an area of about 4,200 sq.km. Corals are sensitive to ocean temperature rise and pollution.

6. Which is the largest national park in India?

1. Jim Corbett National Park
2. Ranthambore National Park
3. Hemis National Park
4. Kanha National Park

Answer: C) Hemis National Park

Explanation: Hemis National Park, located in Ladakh, is the largest national park in India covering about 4,400 sq.km. It is also the highest-altitude national park in the world and famous for its snow leopards. Located in the eastern Ladakh region of the Himalayas. Home to endangered species like Snow Leopard, Tibetan Wolf, and Eurasian Brown Bear.

7. Which is the smallest national park in India?

1. South Button Island National Park
2. Valley of Flowers National Park
3. Keoladeo National Park
4. Balphakram National Park

Answer: A) South Button Island National Park

Explanation: The South Button Island National Park in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is the smallest national park in India, covering an area of 0.03 sq.km. Despite its small size, it hosts a variety of marine life. Famous for coral reefs, sea turtles, dolphins, and water birds. Forms part of the Rani Jhansi Marine National Park group.

8. Which state has the highest number of tiger reserves in India?

1. Karnataka
2. Maharashtra
3. Tamil Nadu
4. Madhya Pradesh

Answer: D) Madhya Pradesh

Explanation: Madhya Pradesh is known as the “Tiger State of India” for having the highest number of tiger reserves. As of 2025, it has 9 tiger reserves - Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Pench, Satpura, Panna, Sanjay-Dubri, Veerangana Rani Durgavati, Ratapani, and the newest, Madhav Tiger Reserve. Project Tiger was launched in 1973 for tiger conservation.

9. Which state in India has the highest forest area?

1. Andhra Pradesh
2. Madhya Pradesh
3. Arunachal Pradesh
4. Maharashtra

Answer: B) Madhya Pradesh

Explanation: According to the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023, Madhya Pradesh has the largest forest area in India — about 77,500 sq. km, accounting for around 25% of its total geographical area. Followed by Arunachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha. Major forest types: Tropical dry deciduous and moist deciduous forests.

10. Which state in India has the lowest forest area (in sq km)?

1. Punjab
2. Delhi
3. Haryana
4. Chandigarh

Answer: C) Haryana

Explanation: Haryana has the lowest forest area in India, with about 1,600 sq. km, which is only 3.6% of its geographical area. The national target under the National Forest Policy is 33% forest cover. Haryana has several reserved forests and wildlife sanctuaries like Kalesar National Park. Continuous efforts are being made for green cover increase under the Green Haryana Mission.