Bio ethics — MCQs

All questions with answers and explanations

Read the full set here, or use the practice card above to test yourself one question at a time.

1. Bioethics in environmental law mainly deals with:

   • Taxation of biological products
   • Ethical limits on the use of living organisms and biological resources (correct answer)
   • The speed of plant growth
   • Zoning of industrial areas

   Explanation. Bioethics studies the moral questions that arise from using living organisms, now including biodiversity, genes, animals and ecosystems.

2. Which ethical principle is closest to the precautionary principle?

   • Autonomy
   • Non-maleficence (correct answer)
   • Beneficence
   • Justice

   Explanation. Non-maleficence (avoid avoidable harm) points the same way as precaution: do not delay protection merely for lack of full proof.

3. The view that nature has value mainly because it serves human needs is called:

   • Biocentric
   • Ecocentric
   • Anthropocentric (correct answer)
   • Utilitarian-free

   Explanation. The anthropocentric view treats nature's value as arising from human benefit.

4. The view that every living being has value of its own, whether or not it is useful to humans, is:

   • Anthropocentric
   • Biocentric (correct answer)
   • Commercial
   • Positivist

   Explanation. The biocentric view gives intrinsic value to each living being.

5. Taking biological resources or traditional knowledge without permission or fair sharing of benefits is called:

   • Bioremediation
   • Biopiracy (correct answer)
   • Biosafety
   • Biomagnification

   Explanation. Biopiracy is the unauthorised use of biological resources or traditional knowledge; benefit-sharing law responds to it.

6. Which Indian Act requires approval for commercial use of biological resources and sharing of benefits with local communities?

   • Indian Forest Act, 1927
   • Biological Diversity Act, 2002 (correct answer)
   • Water Act, 1974
   • Motor Vehicles Act, 1988

   Explanation. The Biological Diversity Act, 2002 regulates access to biological resources and mandates benefit sharing.

7. The Cartagena Protocol, 2000 deals with:

   • Ozone-depleting substances
   • Safety of cross-border movement of living modified organisms (correct answer)
   • Trade in endangered species
   • Wetland conservation

   Explanation. The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety sets procedures for transboundary movement of living modified organisms.

8. In India, clearance for genetically engineered organisms under the Environment (Protection) Rules, 1989 is given through:

   • Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (correct answer)
   • Election Commission
   • Competition Commission
   • Law Commission

   Explanation. The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) appraises and clears genetically engineered organisms.