Top 100 Environment & Ecology MCQ Questions with Answers
The 100 most important Environment & Ecology questions — pulled from our full bank of 800 Environment & Ecology questions, ranked by how frequently they're asked in real exams. Answers and explanations are shown directly below each question.
1.Who popularized the term 'biodiversity' to describe the combined diversity at all levels of biological organization?
medium- A.Edward Wilson✓ Correct Answer
- B.Alexander von Humboldt
- C.Robert May
- D.Paul Ehrlich
Explanation: NCERT Class 12 Biology Chapter 15 states: 'Biodiversity is the term popularised by the sociobiologist Edward Wilson to describe the combined diversity at all the levels of biological organisation.'
Practice more on this topic →2.Who introduced the concept of 'Biodiversity Hotspots' in 1988 as a way to identify priority areas for conservation?
medium- A.Edward Wilson
- B.Norman Myers✓ Correct Answer
- C.Robert May
- D.Paul Ehrlich
Explanation: The concept of biodiversity hotspots was developed by British ecologist Norman Myers in 1988. He defined them as areas characterized by high levels of plant endemism and high levels of habitat loss.
Practice more on this topic →3.Which of the following is considered the most important cause driving animal and plant species to extinction?
medium- A.Over-exploitation
- B.Habitat loss and fragmentation✓ Correct Answer
- C.Alien species invasion
- D.Co-extinctions
Explanation: NCERT Class 12 Biology Chapter 15 states: 'Habitat loss and fragmentation is the most important cause driving animals and plants to extinction.' The classic example is the destruction of tropical rainforests, which once covered 14% of the Earth's land but now cover less than 6%.
Practice more on this topic →4.Conserving an endangered animal or plant species by protecting its entire natural habitat is referred to as:
medium- A.Ex-situ conservation
- B.In-situ (On-site) conservation✓ Correct Answer
- C.Off-site preservation
- D.Cryopreservation
Explanation: NCERT Class 12 Biology Chapter 15 states: 'When we conserve and protect the whole ecosystem, its biodiversity at all levels is protected - we save the forest to save the tiger. This approach is called in-situ (on-site) conservation.'
Practice more on this topic →5.Conserving an endangered animal or plant species by removing it from its threatened natural habitat and placing it under human care is known as:
medium- A.In-situ conservation
- B.Ex-situ (Off-site) conservation✓ Correct Answer
- C.On-site preservation
- D.Ecological restoration
Explanation: NCERT Class 12 Biology Chapter 15 states: 'Ex-situ (off-site) conservation – In this approach, threatened animals and plants are taken out from their natural habitat and placed in special setting where they can be protected and given special care.' Examples include zoological parks, botanical gardens and safari parks.
Practice more on this topic →6.The medicinal plant Rauwolfia vomitoria growing in different Himalayan ranges shows variation in the potency and concentration of the active chemical 'reserpine'. This is an example of:
medium- A.Species diversity
- B.Genetic diversity✓ Correct Answer
- C.Ecological diversity
- D.Alpha diversity
Explanation: NCERT Class 12 Biology Chapter 15 explains: 'A single species might show high diversity at the genetic level over its distributional range. The genetic variation shown by the medicinal plant Rauwolfia vomitoria... is an example of genetic diversity.' India also has >50,000 genetically different strains of rice.
Practice more on this topic →7.What are the two primary criteria used for designating a region as a biodiversity hotspot?
medium- A.High agricultural productivity and low human population
- B.High levels of species richness and high degree of endemism, under severe threat of habitat loss✓ Correct Answer
- C.Extreme cold temperatures and absence of insect species
- D.High density of freshwater lakes and low soil acidity
Explanation: To qualify as a biodiversity hotspot, a region must meet two strict criteria: (1) It must contain at least 1,500 species of vascular plants as endemics (>0.5% of the world's total); (2) It must have lost at least 70% of its original primary vegetation (high degree of threat).
Practice more on this topic →8.The 'Amazon Rainforest', often called the 'lungs of the planet', is being cut and cleared primarily for which purpose?
medium- A.Mining coal reserves
- B.Cultivating soya beans or converting to grasslands for raising beef cattle✓ Correct Answer
- C.Establishing heavy industries
- D.Planting coniferous pine forests
Explanation: NCERT notes that the Amazon rainforest is being cut and cleared for cultivating soya beans or for conversion to grasslands for raising beef cattle, leading to massive habitat loss for millions of species.
Practice more on this topic →9.Which of the following zones of a Biosphere Reserve is legally protected and completely free from any human interference?
medium- A.Buffer Zone
- B.Core Zone✓ Correct Answer
- C.Transition Zone
- D.Restoration Zone
Explanation: A Biosphere Reserve is divided into three zones: (1) Core Zone: The innermost legally protected area where no human activity is allowed. (2) Buffer Zone: Surrounds core, used for limited research and education. (3) Transition Zone: Outer zone where settlements, farming, and community cooperation are permitted.
Practice more on this topic →10.Which of the following is an example of an ex-situ conservation method for plants?
medium- A.National Park
- B.Botanical Garden✓ Correct Answer
- C.Biosphere Reserve
- D.Sacred Grove
Explanation: As per NCERT, while Biosphere Reserves, National Parks, and Sacred Groves are in-situ strategies, Botanical Gardens are ex-situ facilities designed to grow and conserve rare or threatened plant species outside their natural habitats.
Practice more on this topic →11.The Western Ghats have a greater amphibian species diversity than the Eastern Ghats. This is an example of which level of biodiversity?
medium- A.Genetic diversity
- B.Species diversity✓ Correct Answer
- C.Ecological diversity
- D.Ecosystem diversity
Explanation: Species diversity refers to the variety of species within a region. As noted in NCERT, the fact that Western Ghats have more amphibian species than Eastern Ghats is a classic example of species diversity (diversity at the species level).
Practice more on this topic →12.How many biodiversity hotspots were initially identified globally, and how many are recognized today?
medium- A.Initially 12, currently 25
- B.Initially 25, currently 36✓ Correct Answer
- C.Initially 5, currently 12
- D.Initially 50, currently 100
Explanation: NCERT Class 12 Biology Chapter 15 states: 'Initially 25 biodiversity hotspots were identified but subsequently nine more have been added to the list, bringing the total number of biodiversity hotspots in the world to 34.' Currently, with recent additions (like the North American Coastal Plain), 36 hotspots are recognized globally.
Practice more on this topic →13.The introduction of which predatory fish into Lake Victoria in East Africa led to the extinction of an ecologically unique assemblage of more than 200 species of cichlid fish?
medium- A.African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus)
- B.Nile Perch (Lates niloticus)✓ Correct Answer
- C.Garnet Fish
- D.Catla Catla
Explanation: NCERT explicitly documents: 'The Nile perch introduced into Lake Victoria in East Africa led eventually to the extinction of an ecologically unique assemblage of more than 200 species of cichlid fish in the lake.' This is a classic example of alien species invasion.
Practice more on this topic →14.How many Biosphere Reserves, National Parks, and Wildlife Sanctuaries were historically designated in India as per NCERT Class 12 Biology baseline?
medium- A.14 Biosphere Reserves, 90 National Parks, and 448 Wildlife Sanctuaries✓ Correct Answer
- B.18 Biosphere Reserves, 106 National Parks, and 567 Wildlife Sanctuaries
- C.10 Biosphere Reserves, 50 National Parks, and 200 Wildlife Sanctuaries
- D.5 Biosphere Reserves, 20 National Parks, and 100 Wildlife Sanctuaries
Explanation: NCERT Class 12 Biology, Chapter 15 explicitly states: 'In India, ecologically unique and biodiversity-rich regions are legally protected as biosphere reserves, national parks and sanctuaries. India now has 14 biosphere reserves, 90 national parks and 448 wildlife sanctuaries.' (Note: Current administrative numbers are higher, but this is the NCERT baseline).
Practice more on this topic →15.Modern ex-situ conservation includes preserving gametes of threatened species in viable and fertile conditions for long periods using liquid nitrogen at -196°C. This technique is called:
medium- A.In vitro fertilization
- B.Cryopreservation✓ Correct Answer
- C.Tissue culture
- D.Stratification
Explanation: NCERT Class 12 Biology states: 'Now gametes of threatened species can be preserved in viable and fertile conditions for long periods using cryopreservation techniques.' This is typically done at -196°C in liquid nitrogen.
Practice more on this topic →16.India, with its deserts, rainforests, mangroves, coral reefs, wetlands, estuaries, and alpine meadows, has greater ecosystem diversity than a Scandinavian country like Norway. This represents:
medium- A.Genetic diversity
- B.Species diversity
- C.Ecological diversity✓ Correct Answer
- D.Alpha diversity
Explanation: Ecological diversity refers to the diversity at the ecosystem level. Because India has a wide range of biomes/ecosystems compared to Norway, it has much higher ecological diversity (NCERT Chapter 15).
Practice more on this topic →17.All the biodiversity hotspots in the world put together cover what percentage of the Earth's land area?
medium- A.Less than 2 percent✓ Correct Answer
- B.Approximately 10 percent
- C.Around 25 percent
- D.Exactly 50 percent
Explanation: NCERT Class 12 Biology emphasizes: 'Although all the biodiversity hotspots put together cover less than 2 per cent of the earth's land area, the number of species they collectively harbour is extremely high...'
Practice more on this topic →18.Which of the following is NOT an invasive alien weed species threatening native biodiversity in India?
medium- A.Parthenium (Carrot grass)
- B.Lantana camara
- C.Sandalwood (Santalum album)✓ Correct Answer
- D.Eichhornia crassipes (Water Hyacinth)
Explanation: NCERT Class 12 Biology mentions Parthenium (carrot grass), Lantana, and Eichhornia (water hyacinth) as invasive alien weeds that have caused environmental damage and threat to native species in India. Sandalwood is a native, valuable parasitic timber tree of India, not an invasive weed.
Practice more on this topic →19.Which of the following is the first National Park established in India, initially known as Hailey National Park?
medium- A.Kaziranga National Park
- B.Jim Corbett National Park✓ Correct Answer
- C.Gir National Park
- D.Kanha National Park
Explanation: Jim Corbett National Park, located in Uttarakhand, was established in 1936 as Hailey National Park to protect the endangered Bengal tiger. It is India's oldest national park.
Practice more on this topic →20.Which historic international convention on Biological Diversity (The Earth Summit) was held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 1992?
medium- A.Montreux Convention
- B.Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)✓ Correct Answer
- C.Nagoya Protocol
- D.Kyoto Protocol
Explanation: NCERT Class 12 Biology Chapter 15 states: 'The historic Convention on Biological Diversity ("The Earth Summit") held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992, called upon all nations to take appropriate measures for conservation of biodiversity and sustainable utilisation of its benefits.'
Practice more on this topic →21.According to Robert May's global estimates, what is the total number of species on Earth?
medium- A.1.5 million
- B.7 million✓ Correct Answer
- C.20 to 50 million
- D.100 million
Explanation: NCERT Class 12 Biology states: 'A more conservative and scientifically sound estimate made by Robert May places the global species diversity at about 7 million.' In contrast, only slightly more than 1.5 million species have been actually recorded/named so far.
Practice more on this topic →22.Strict protection of the world's biodiversity hotspots is estimated to reduce the ongoing mass extinction rate by almost:
medium- A.10 percent
- B.30 percent✓ Correct Answer
- C.70 percent
- D.95 percent
Explanation: NCERT Chapter 15 states that strict protection of these hotspots could reduce the ongoing mass extinction rate by almost 30 per cent, making them high-priority areas for global conservation budgets.
Practice more on this topic →23.The illegal introduction of which African fish for aquaculture purposes in India poses a threat to indigenous catfishes in our rivers?
medium- A.Nile Perch
- B.Clarias gariepinus✓ Correct Answer
- C.Labeo rohita
- D.Gambusia affinis
Explanation: NCERT Chapter 15 states: 'The recent illegal introduction of the African catfish Clarias gariepinus for aquaculture purposes is posing a threat to the indigenous catfishes in our rivers.'
Practice more on this topic →24.What is the primary difference between a National Park and a Wildlife Sanctuary in India?
medium- A.National Parks are run by private companies, while sanctuaries are government-run.
- B.Human activities like grazing and timber collection are completely prohibited in National Parks, whereas limited human activities may be allowed in Sanctuaries.✓ Correct Answer
- C.Sanctuaries protect only plants, whereas National Parks protect only animals.
- D.There is no legal difference between them.
Explanation: National Parks have a higher degree of protection. No human activities (grazing, timber harvesting, cultivation, private land rights) are allowed in National Parks. In contrast, in Wildlife Sanctuaries, limited human activities like collecting minor forest products or grazing may be permitted by the Chief Wildlife Warden as long as they do not interfere with wildlife conservation.
Practice more on this topic →25.The World Summit on Sustainable Development, where 190 countries pledged to achieve a significant reduction in the rate of biodiversity loss by 2010, was held in 2002 in:
medium- A.Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- B.Johannesburg, South Africa✓ Correct Answer
- C.Nagoya, Japan
- D.Stockholm, Sweden
Explanation: NCERT Chapter 15 documents: 'In a follow-up, the World Summit on Sustainable Development held in 2002 in Johannesburg, South Africa, 190 countries pledged their commitment to achieve by 2010, a significant reduction in the current rate of biodiversity loss...'
Practice more on this topic →26.Of all the recorded species on Earth, more than 70 percent are:
medium- A.Plants (including fungi and algae)
- B.Animals✓ Correct Answer
- C.Bacteria
- D.Viruses
Explanation: NCERT Chapter 15 notes: 'Of all the species recorded, more than 70 per cent are animals, while plants (including algae, fungi, bryophytes, gymnosperms and angiosperms) comprise no more than 22 per cent of the total.'
Practice more on this topic →27.Which of the following regions covering parts of India is officially designated as a global biodiversity hotspot?
medium- A.Gangetic Plains
- B.Western Ghats and Sri Lanka✓ Correct Answer
- C.Deccan Plateau scrub forests
- D.Thar Desert
Explanation: NCERT Class 12 Biology notes: 'Three of these hotspots – Western Ghats and Sri Lanka, Indo-Burma and Himalaya – cover our country's exceptionally high biodiversity regions.'
Practice more on this topic →28.When a host fish species becomes extinct, its unique set of parasites also faces extinction. This phenomenon is called:
medium- A.Over-exploitation
- B.Co-extinction✓ Correct Answer
- C.Alien invasion
- D.Mutualistic exclusion
Explanation: NCERT states: 'When a species becomes extinct, the plant and animal species associated with it in an obligatory way also become extinct. When a host fish species becomes extinct, its unique assemblage of parasites also meets the same fate. Another example is co-evolved plant-pollinator mutualism.'
Practice more on this topic →29.Which of the following was the first Biosphere Reserve established in India in 1986 under the UNESCO Man and Biosphere (MAB) program?
medium- A.Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve
- B.Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve✓ Correct Answer
- C.Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve
- D.Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve
Explanation: The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, spanning parts of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka in the Western Ghats, was the first biosphere reserve established in India in September 1986.
Practice more on this topic →30.Which international agreement regulates the international trade of specimens of wild animals and plants to ensure it does not threaten their survival in the wild?
medium- A.Ramsar Convention
- B.CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species)✓ Correct Answer
- C.Basel Convention
- D.Cartagena Protocol
Explanation: CITES is an international agreement between governments drafted in 1963 and entered into force in 1975. Its goal is to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival, protecting thousands of species from over-exploitation.
Practice more on this topic →31.Which taxonomic group is the most species-rich among animals, making up about 70 percent of all animal species?
medium- A.Mollusks
- B.Insects✓ Correct Answer
- C.Fishes
- D.Birds
Explanation: NCERT states: 'Among animals, insects are the most species-rich taxonomic group, making up more than 70 per cent of the total. That means, out of every 10 animals on this planet, 7 are insects.'
Practice more on this topic →32.Which endemic primate species, characterized by a silver-white mane surrounding its face, is highly endangered and restricted to the Western Ghats hotspot?
medium- A.Nilgiri Tahr
- B.Lion-tailed Macaque (Macaca silenus)✓ Correct Answer
- C.Golden Langur
- D.Gibbon
Explanation: The Lion-tailed Macaque is a key endemic species of the Western Ghats rain forest. It is arboreal, feeding on fruits and seeds, and is threatened by habitat fragmentation due to tea and coffee plantations.
Practice more on this topic →33.Which of the following causes of species extinction is represented by the passenger pigeon and Steller's sea cow?
medium- A.Habitat fragmentation
- B.Over-exploitation by humans✓ Correct Answer
- C.Co-extinction
- D.Invasive species out-competing them
Explanation: NCERT Class 12 Biology explains: 'Humans have always depended on nature for food and shelter, but when "need" turns to "greed", it leads to over-exploitation of natural resources. Many species extinctions in the last 500 years (Steller's sea cow, passenger pigeon) were due to over-exploitation by humans.'
Practice more on this topic →34.UNESCO's 'Man and the Biosphere' (MAB) Programme, which initiated the global network of Biosphere Reserves, was launched in which year?
medium- A.1968
- B.1971✓ Correct Answer
- C.1986
- D.1992
Explanation: UNESCO's MAB Programme was launched in 1971. It is an intergovernmental scientific program aiming to establish a scientific basis for the improvement of relationships between people and their environments.
Practice more on this topic →35.The Nagoya Protocol (2010) is a supplementary agreement to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) that primarily deals with:
medium- A.Biosafety of living modified organisms
- B.Access to genetic resources and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from their utilization (ABS)✓ Correct Answer
- C.Phasing out ozone-depleting substances
- D.Reducing carbon emissions globally
Explanation: The Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) was adopted in 2010 in Nagoya, Japan. It establishes a clear legal framework for how researchers and companies can access genetic resources and share the benefits arising from their use with the provider countries.
Practice more on this topic →36.Which of the following plant/microbial groups has a global species count that is higher than the combined species count of fishes, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals?
medium- A.Algae
- B.Fungi✓ Correct Answer
- C.Mosses
- D.Ferns
Explanation: NCERT Class 12 Biology explicitly highlights: 'It should be noted that the number of fungi species in the world is more than the combined total of the species of fishes, amphibians, reptiles and mammals.'
Practice more on this topic →37.The Nicobar Islands of India form a part of which larger global biodiversity hotspot?
medium- A.Himalaya Hotspot
- B.Sundaland✓ Correct Answer
- C.Western Ghats
- D.Indo-Burma
Explanation: The Nicobar Islands are geographically part of the Sundaland hotspot, which covers Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, and western Indonesia. The Andaman Islands, on the other hand, are grouped under the Indo-Burma hotspot.
Practice more on this topic →38.According to the IUCN Red List (2004), how many species have documented extinctions in the last 500 years?
medium- A.784 species✓ Correct Answer
- B.1.5 million species
- C.7 million species
- D.10,000 species
Explanation: NCERT Chapter 15 states: 'The IUCN Red List (2004) documents the extinction of 784 species (including 338 vertebrates, 359 invertebrates and 87 plants) in the last 500 years.'
Practice more on this topic →39.Which of the following in-situ conservation areas of Madhya Pradesh is famous for protecting the endangered Swamp Deer (Barasingha), saved through successful conservation?
medium- A.Bandhavgarh National Park
- B.Kanha National Park✓ Correct Answer
- C.Panna National Park
- D.Satpura National Park
Explanation: Kanha National Park is famous for saving the Central Indian Swamp Deer (Barasingha, Rucervus duvaucelii branderi) from near extinction. It is also well known for its tiger population.
Practice more on this topic →40.Which of the following protocols under the CBD regulates the biosafety of transboundary movements of living modified organisms (LMOs) resulting from biotechnology?
medium- A.Nagoya Protocol
- B.Cartagena Protocol✓ Correct Answer
- C.Kyoto Protocol
- D.Montreal Protocol
Explanation: The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety was adopted in 2000 and entered into force in 2003. It is an international agreement which aims to ensure the safe handling, transport, and use of living modified organisms (LMOs) resulting from modern biotechnology that may have adverse effects on biological diversity.
Practice more on this topic →41.India has only 2.4 percent of the world's land area, but its share of the global species diversity is an impressive:
medium- A.2.4%
- B.8.1%✓ Correct Answer
- C.15%
- D.22%
Explanation: NCERT Chapter 15 states: 'India has only 2.4 per cent of the world's land area, its share of the global species diversity is an impressive 8.1 per cent. This makes our country one of the 12 mega diversity countries of the world.'
Practice more on this topic →42.Which of the following is a primary reason why the Western Ghats are designated as a hotspot, despite covering a relatively small land area?
medium- A.Presence of large coal reserves.
- B.Extremely high concentration of endemic species, especially amphibians and woody plants, facing high habitat loss.✓ Correct Answer
- C.High frequency of monsoonal floods.
- D.Absence of human settlements.
Explanation: The Western Ghats harbor a massive portion of India's endemic amphibians (such as the purple frog) and endemic plants. Because of rapid urbanization, agriculture, and mining, more than 70% of its original evergreen forest cover has been cleared, meeting the criteria for a hotspot.
Practice more on this topic →43.Which recent historical animal, endemic to Mauritius, went extinct due to overhunting and habitat changes introduced by humans?
medium- A.Quagga
- B.Dodo✓ Correct Answer
- C.Thylacine
- D.Steller's Sea Cow
Explanation: NCERT Chapter 15 lists several examples of recent extinctions: the Dodo (Mauritius), Quagga (Africa), Thylacine (Australia), Steller's Sea Cow (Russia), and three subspecies of tiger (Bali, Javan, Caspian).
Practice more on this topic →44.In India, the Sarguja, Chanda, and Bastar areas of Madhya Pradesh/Chhattisgarh are famous examples of which in-situ conservation tradition?
medium- A.Biosphere reserves under UNESCO
- B.Sacred Groves✓ Correct Answer
- C.National Parks and sanctuaries
- D.Botanical gardens
Explanation: NCERT Class 12 Biology mentions: 'Sacred groves are found in Khasi and Jaintia Hills in Meghalaya, Aravalli Hills of Rajasthan, Western Ghat regions of Karnataka and Maharashtra and the Sarguja, Chanda and Bastar areas of Madhya Pradesh.'
Practice more on this topic →45.Plant tissues and cells can be grown in sterile nutrient media under controlled conditions to regenerate whole plants. This ex-situ method is called:
medium- A.Cryopreservation
- B.Micropropagation (Tissue culture)✓ Correct Answer
- C.Seed banking
- D.In vitro fertilization
Explanation: NCERT Class 12 Biology states that tissue culture and micropropagation techniques are used for ex-situ conservation. Plant tissues/cells are cultured in vitro, allowing the rapid propagation of rare or endangered plants from small explants.
Practice more on this topic →46.As we move from the equator towards the poles, the species diversity generally:
medium- A.Increases
- B.Decreases✓ Correct Answer
- C.Remains constant
- D.First decreases then increases
Explanation: NCERT states: 'In general, species diversity decreases as we move away from the equator towards the poles.' Tropics (latitudinal range of 23.5° N to 23.5° S) harbor more species than temperate or polar areas.
Practice more on this topic →47.In Norman Myers' analysis, how many hotspots (including Western Ghats-Sri Lanka) were designated as the 'Hottest Hotspots' due to extreme threat and concentrations of endemics?
medium- A.Only 1
- B.8✓ Correct Answer
- C.15
- D.25
Explanation: Myers identified 8 'hottest hotspots' based on five factors (endemic plants, endemic vertebrates, species/area ratios, and habitat loss). The Western Ghats / Sri Lanka region is listed as one of these 8 critical areas.
Practice more on this topic →48.The current rate of species extinction is estimated to be 100 to 1,000 times faster than pre-human times. This ongoing mass extinction is termed as the:
medium- A.Third Extinction
- B.Sixth Extinction✓ Correct Answer
- C.Permian Extinction
- D.Cretaceous Extinction
Explanation: NCERT states that Earth has experienced five episodes of mass extinction in its history. The current species loss represents the Sixth Extinction episode. The key difference is that the current rate is 100 to 1000 times faster, and human activities are responsible.
Practice more on this topic →49.Which Biosphere Reserve in India is famous for its unique mangrove ecosystem and is also a Tiger Reserve?
medium- A.Manas Biosphere Reserve
- B.Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve✓ Correct Answer
- C.Similipal Biosphere Reserve
- D.Nokrek Biosphere Reserve
Explanation: The Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve in West Bengal is the largest deltaic mangrove forest in the world and serves as a crucial habitat for the Bengal Tiger. It is a National Park, Tiger Reserve, and Biosphere Reserve (NCERT Geography).
Practice more on this topic →50.The 'Aichi Biodiversity Targets', a set of 20 ambitious targets to safeguard global biodiversity, were adopted under which international treaty?
medium- A.UNFCCC
- B.Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)✓ Correct Answer
- C.Ramsar Convention
- D.Stockholm Convention
Explanation: The Aichi Biodiversity Targets were adopted at the tenth conference of the parties (COP 10) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) held in Aichi Prefecture, Nagoya, Japan, in 2010. They served as the global framework for biodiversity conservation from 2011 to 2020.
Practice more on this topic →51.Which of the following is a key reason why tropical regions have higher species diversity than temperate regions?
medium- A.Frequent glaciations in the past in tropical areas.
- B.Tropics have remained relatively undisturbed for millions of years, allowing long evolutionary time for speciation.✓ Correct Answer
- C.Tropical environments are highly seasonal and unpredictable.
- D.Less solar energy is available in the tropics.
Explanation: NCERT outlines three reasons for tropical diversity: (1) Speciation is a function of time; tropics remained undisturbed unlike temperate regions which had frequent glaciations. (2) Tropical environments are less seasonal, more constant and predictable. (3) There is more solar energy available, contributing to higher productivity.
Practice more on this topic →52.Which of the following endemic wild goats is restricted to the high-altitude grasslands of the Western Ghats (specifically Nilgiri Hills) and is the state animal of Tamil Nadu?
medium- A.Himalayan Ibex
- B.Nilgiri Tahr (Nilgiritragus hylocrius)✓ Correct Answer
- C.Markhor
- D.Chiru (Tibetan Antelope)
Explanation: The Nilgiri Tahr is an endangered wild ungulate endemic to the montane grasslands and shola mosaics of the Western Ghats. It is threatened by habitat loss and poaching.
Practice more on this topic →53.Which of the following major taxonomic groups appears to be the most vulnerable to extinction globally, with 32 percent of its species threatened?
medium- A.Gymnosperms
- B.Amphibians✓ Correct Answer
- C.Mammals
- D.Birds
Explanation: NCERT Class 12 Biology explicitly notes: 'Globally, 12 per cent of all bird species, 23 per cent of all mammal species, 32 per cent of all amphibian species and 31 per cent of all gymnosperm species in the world face the threat of extinction.' Thus, amphibians are the most vulnerable.
Practice more on this topic →54.Which of the following is NOT an in-situ conservation strategy?
medium- A.Biosphere Reserve
- B.Botanical Garden✓ Correct Answer
- C.National Park
- D.Wildlife Sanctuary
Explanation: NCERT Chapter 15 divides conservation strategies into In-situ (National Parks, Biosphere Reserves, Sanctuaries, Sacred Groves) and Ex-situ (Botanical Gardens, Zoological Parks, Wildlife Safari Parks, Gene Banks). Botanical gardens conserve plants outside their natural habitats, making them ex-situ.
Practice more on this topic →55.Which of the following is a key advantage of ex-situ conservation over in-situ conservation?
medium- A.It allows natural ecological succession and evolution to continue.
- B.It provides total protection from predators, diseases, and environmental catastrophes in a controlled setting.✓ Correct Answer
- C.It is much cheaper to implement.
- D.It covers millions of species at the same time.
Explanation: Ex-situ conservation allows direct human control. In facilities like gene banks or zoos, endangered species are isolated from immediate threats like poachers, predators, food scarcity, and natural epidemics, ensuring their survival and propagation.
Practice more on this topic →56.Who proposed the species-area relationship, showing that species richness increases with explored area but only up to a limit?
medium- A.Edward Wilson
- B.Alexander von Humboldt✓ Correct Answer
- C.Robert May
- D.David Tilman
Explanation: NCERT Class 12 Biology states: 'During his pioneering and extensive explorations in the wilderness of South American jungles, the great German naturalist and geographer Alexander von Humboldt observed that within a region species richness increased with increasing explored area, but only up to a limit.'
Practice more on this topic →57.Which marine regions, recognized as the marine counterparts of terrestrial biodiversity hotspots, are identified by Mission Blue for conservation?
medium- A.Marine sanctuaries
- B.Hope Spots✓ Correct Answer
- C.Salt flats
- D.Coral coves
Explanation: Hope Spots are special places in the ocean that are critical to the health of the marine environment. Coined by oceanographer Sylvia Earle (Mission Blue), they are the marine equivalents of biodiversity hotspots.
Practice more on this topic →58.What is the collective term used for the four major human-caused drivers of biodiversity loss (Habitat loss, Over-exploitation, Alien invasion, Co-extinctions)?
medium- A.The Deadly Trio
- B.The Evil Quartet✓ Correct Answer
- C.The Extinction Matrix
- D.The Bio-Threats
Explanation: In NCERT Chapter 15, the four major causes of biodiversity loss are dramatically referred to as 'The Evil Quartet': (1) Habitat loss and fragmentation, (2) Over-exploitation, (3) Alien species invasions, and (4) Co-extinctions.
Practice more on this topic →59.The concept of 'Project Tiger', one of India's most successful in-situ species recovery programs, was launched in which year?
medium- A.1972
- B.1973✓ Correct Answer
- C.1986
- D.1992
Explanation: Project Tiger was launched by the Government of India on April 1, 1973, from Jim Corbett National Park. It aims to ensure a viable population of Bengal tigers in their natural habitats.
Practice more on this topic →60.In which of the following facilities are the seeds of different genetic strains of commercially important or threatened crops stored in viable states for long periods?
medium- A.Wildlife Safari Parks
- B.Seed Banks / Gene Banks✓ Correct Answer
- C.Zoological Gardens
- D.Sacred Groves
Explanation: NCERT Class 12 Biology states that seeds of different genetic strains of commercially important crops can be kept for long periods in seed banks. These are kept at low temperatures and low humidity to maintain viability.
Practice more on this topic →61.On a logarithmic scale, the species-area relationship is a straight line described by which equation?
medium- A.log S = log C + Z log A✓ Correct Answer
- B.log A = log C + Z log S
- C.S = C A^Z
- D.log S = log Z + C log A
Explanation: As per NCERT, the species-area relationship is represented by the formula: S = CA^Z. On a logarithmic scale, this relationship is linear and expressed as: log S = log C + Z log A, where S = Species richness, A = Area, Z = slope of the line (regression coefficient), and C = Y-intercept.
Practice more on this topic →62.What is the primary ecological difference between a biodiversity 'hotspot' and a biodiversity 'coldspot'?
medium- A.Coldspots have no living organisms.
- B.Coldspots have lower species richness but may contain highly unique, evolutionary distinct lineages.✓ Correct Answer
- C.Hotspots occur only in cold climates.
- D.Coldspots are protected, while hotspots are not.
Explanation: A coldspot is an area that lacks high species richness (the criteria for a hotspot) but holds high conservation value because it supports rare, evolutionary unique species or ecosystem processes that are not found anywhere else.
Practice more on this topic →63.Which organization maintains the 'Red List' of threatened and endangered species globally, serving as the authority on biodiversity conservation status?
medium- A.UNEP
- B.IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature)✓ Correct Answer
- C.WWF
- D.CITES
Explanation: The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) compiles and publishes the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, which is the world's most comprehensive inventory of the global conservation status of biological species.
Practice more on this topic →64.Which of the following National Parks is situated in the Western Ghats (Kerala) and is famous for protecting the unique evergreen rainforest habitat and Lion-tailed Macaque?
medium- A.Periyar National Park
- B.Silent Valley National Park✓ Correct Answer
- C.Eravikulam National Park
- D.Bandipur National Park
Explanation: Silent Valley National Park is located in the Nilgiri Hills, Palakkad district, Kerala. It is one of the last undisturbed tracts of South Western Ghats mountain rain forests and is home to the endangered Lion-tailed Macaque.
Practice more on this topic →65.Which global agreement, adopted in 2022 to replace the Aichi Targets, sets the goal to protect 30 percent of the Earth's land and oceans by 2030 ('30x30' goal)?
medium- A.Nagoya Accord
- B.Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF)✓ Correct Answer
- C.Paris Agreement
- D.Stockholm Declaration
Explanation: The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) was adopted during COP15 of the CBD in December 2022. It contains 4 global goals and 23 targets for 2030, including the historic Target 3 to protect 30% of degraded terrestrial, inland water, and coastal/marine ecosystems.
Practice more on this topic →66.For small to normal-sized areas, the value of the slope of the line (Z, regression coefficient) in the species-area relationship is typically in the range of:
medium- A.0.6 to 1.2
- B.0.1 to 0.2✓ Correct Answer
- C.1.5 to 2.0
- D.0.01 to 0.05
Explanation: NCERT Class 12 Biology states: 'Ecologists have discovered that the value of Z lies in the range of 0.1 to 0.2, regardless of the taxonomic group or the region...'. However, if we analyze the relationship in very large areas like entire continents, the slope of the line is much steeper (0.6 to 1.2).
Practice more on this topic →67.The Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot covers which part of India?
medium- A.The entire Indo-Gangetic plain
- B.North-Eastern India (except Assam valley) and Andaman Islands✓ Correct Answer
- C.The desert of Rajasthan
- D.The Malabar coast
Explanation: The Indo-Burma hotspot extends over Eastern Bangladesh, North-Eastern India (south of the Brahmaputra River, excluding the plain of Assam), Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam.
Practice more on this topic →68.The Jhum cultivation (slash and burn agriculture) practiced in North-Eastern states of India has primarily contributed to which threat to biodiversity?
medium- A.Co-extinction
- B.Deforestation and habitat fragmentation✓ Correct Answer
- C.Alien species invasion
- D.Biomagnification
Explanation: Jhum cultivation involves clearing forest tracts by cutting and burning trees for farming. In recent decades, due to increased population, the fallow cycle has shortened, preventing forest recovery and leading to widespread deforestation and habitat fragmentation (NCERT Class 12 Biology, Chapter 16).
Practice more on this topic →69.Project Elephant, a major in-situ conservation initiative of the Government of India to protect wild Asiatic elephants, was launched in which year?
medium- A.1973
- B.1986
- C.1992✓ Correct Answer
- D.2000
Explanation: Project Elephant was launched in February 1992 by the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India, to provide financial and technical support to major elephant-bearing states in the country.
Practice more on this topic →70.Which of the following in-situ and ex-situ pairings is correct?
medium- A.In-situ: Zoological Park; Ex-situ: National Park
- B.In-situ: Biosphere Reserve; Ex-situ: Seed Bank✓ Correct Answer
- C.In-situ: Botanical Garden; Ex-situ: Sacred Grove
- D.In-situ: Cryopreservation; Ex-situ: Wildlife Sanctuary
Explanation: Biosphere reserve is an in-situ strategy (conserves species within their natural environment). Seed bank is an ex-situ strategy (conserves seeds outside their natural environment).
Practice more on this topic →71.For frugivorous (fruit-eating) birds and mammals in the tropical forests of different continents, the slope of the species-area relationship (Z) is found to be:
medium- A.0.15
- B.1.15✓ Correct Answer
- C.0.25
- D.2.15
Explanation: NCERT Class 12 Biology Chapter 15 explicitly notes: 'For example, for frugivorous (fruit-eating) birds and mammals in the tropical forests of different continents, the slope is found to be 1.15.' This is much steeper than the normal 0.1-0.2 range.
Practice more on this topic →72.Which of the following plants, endemic to the Western Ghats montane grasslands, blooms once every 12 years, turning the hills blue?
medium- A.Rhododendron
- B.Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana)✓ Correct Answer
- C.Pitcher Plant
- D.Sandalwood
Explanation: Neelakurinji is a shrub endemic to the shola forests and grasslands of the Western Ghats (Nilgiri Hills, meaning Blue Mountains, are named after it). It exhibits gregarious flowering once in 12 years (NCERT Class 12 Biology, Chapter 1).
Practice more on this topic →73.Which category under the IUCN Red List describes a species that has been completely cleared from its natural habitat but survives in botanical gardens, zoos, or breeding facilities?
medium- A.Extinct
- B.Extinct in the Wild (EW)✓ Correct Answer
- C.Critically Endangered (CR)
- D.Endangered (EN)
Explanation: A species is categorized as 'Extinct in the Wild' (EW) when it is known only to survive in captivity, cultivation, or as a naturalized population well outside its past historic range, meaning it no longer exists in its wild native habitats.
Practice more on this topic →74.Which of the following in-situ protected areas in Assam is famous for harboring the world's largest population of the Great Indian One-horned Rhinoceros?
medium- A.Manas National Park
- B.Kaziranga National Park✓ Correct Answer
- C.Dibru-Saikhowa National Park
- D.Orang National Park
Explanation: Kaziranga National Park in Assam is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that hosts two-thirds of the world's great one-horned rhinoceroses. It is a highly successful in-situ conservation area.
Practice more on this topic →75.What is the primary role of CITES Appendices (Appendix I, II, and III)?
medium- A.To list plants that can be grown in botanical gardens.
- B.To categorize species according to the level of threat they face from international trade, regulating trade permits accordingly.✓ Correct Answer
- C.To list countries that do not protect forests.
- D.To categorize different types of soils.
Explanation: CITES lists species in three Appendices. Appendix I includes species threatened with extinction; commercial trade in them is prohibited. Appendix II includes species not threatened with extinction but in which trade must be controlled. Appendix III contains species protected in at least one country that has asked CITES for assistance.
Practice more on this topic →76.Based on David Tilman's long-term ecosystem experiments using outdoor plots, which of the following statements is true?
medium- A.Plots with fewer species showed less year-to-year variation in total biomass.
- B.Plots with more species showed less year-to-year variation in total biomass and increased productivity.✓ Correct Answer
- C.प्रजाति समृद्धि का पारिस्थितिकी तंत्र की स्थिरता पर कोई प्रभाव नहीं पड़ा।
- D.जैसे-जैसे प्रजाति समृद्धि बढ़ती है, उत्पादकता घटती जाती है।
Explanation: David Tilman's experiments showed that plots with more species showed less year-to-year variation in total biomass. He also showed that in his experiments, increased diversity contributed to higher productivity, link species richness directly to ecosystem stability (NCERT).
Practice more on this topic →77.The Himalayas biodiversity hotspot is characterized by which of the following conservation values?
medium- A.Absence of vascular plants.
- B.An exceptionally high diversity of alpine flora, medicinal herbs, and endemic birds.✓ Correct Answer
- C.High density of coral reefs.
- D.Having no threat from human activities.
Explanation: The Himalayas hotspot spans Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bhutan, and China. It has exceptional vertical zonation of forest types and holds thousands of endemic plants (such as orchids and rhododendrons) and threatened fauna (like the Snow Leopard and Red Panda).
Practice more on this topic →78.Why does habitat fragmentation (dividing large habitats into small patches) affect mammals and birds more severely than many other animals?
medium- A.Because they do not reproduce.
- B.Because they require large territories to forage and have migratory habits that are disrupted.✓ Correct Answer
- C.Because they are primary producers.
- D.Because they are cold-blooded.
Explanation: NCERT Class 12 Biology notes: 'When large habitats are broken up into small fragments due to various human activities, mammals and birds requiring large territories and certain animals with migratory habits are badly affected, leading to population declines.'
Practice more on this topic →79.The outer zone of a Biosphere Reserve, where local human settlements are allowed to farm, graze livestock, and co-manage resources with authorities, is the:
medium- A.Buffer Zone
- B.Transition Zone (Manipulation zone)✓ Correct Answer
- C.Core Zone
- D.Restricted Zone
Explanation: The transition zone (or manipulation zone) is the outermost part of a Biosphere Reserve. It is an area of co-operation where human activities such as settlements, agriculture, managed forests, and recreation are carried out in harmony with conservation goals.
Practice more on this topic →80.The Botanical Survey of India (BSI) and Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) assist in ex-situ conservation primarily by:
medium- A.Running commercial agricultural farms.
- B.Surveying, documenting, and maintaining taxonomic records and botanical/zoological collections of Indian flora and fauna.✓ Correct Answer
- C.Enforcing police laws in forests.
- D.Constructing dams in rivers.
Explanation: BSI (established in 1890) and ZSI (established in 1916) are the premier government organizations under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. They survey, document, and research the floristic and faunal resources of India, identifying species needing urgent in-situ or ex-situ intervention.
Practice more on this topic →81.The 'Rivet Popper Hypothesis', comparing species in an ecosystem to rivets in an airplane, was proposed by:
medium- A.Paul Ehrlich✓ Correct Answer
- B.Edward Wilson
- C.Robert May
- D.David Tilman
Explanation: Stanford ecologist Paul Ehrlich proposed the 'Rivet Popper Hypothesis'. He compared the ecosystem to an airplane and the species to rivets holding the plane together. Popping rivets (extinctions) eventually threatens the flight safety (ecosystem stability), especially if key rivets on the wings (keystone species) are removed (NCERT).
Practice more on this topic →82.Sacred groves in India, such as those in Meghalaya or Rajasthan, act as important refugia in hotspots because they:
medium- A.Are used for commercial logging.
- B.Serve as the last remaining patches of pristine forest where rare and threatened plants are protected by local beliefs.✓ Correct Answer
- C.Are artificial crop fields.
- D.Do not contain any endemic species.
Explanation: NCERT Class 12 Biology states that in Meghalaya (Khasi and Jaintia Hills), sacred groves are the last refuges for a large number of rare and threatened plants. Local cultural taboos forbid anyone from cutting trees or harming wildlife in these areas.
Practice more on this topic →83.The introduction of the Nile Perch in Lake Victoria represents a threat to biodiversity because the alien species:
medium- A.Brought new diseases to the lake.
- B.Out-competed native fish by over-exploiting food resources and preying directly upon them.✓ Correct Answer
- C.Polluted the water chemically.
- D.Interbred with native cichlid fishes.
Explanation: As an apex predator introduced into a system with no natural controls, the Nile Perch fed heavily on cichlid fish. Lacking defenses, more than 200 species of native cichlid fish were driven to extinction.
Practice more on this topic →84.Which of the following categories of protected areas was introduced in India's Wildlife Protection Act through the 2002 amendment, allowing local communities to co-manage habitats without losing traditional rights?
medium- A.National Parks and sanctuaries
- B.Conservation Reserves and Community Reserves✓ Correct Answer
- C.Biosphere Reserves
- D.Sacred Groves
Explanation: The Wildlife Protection Amendment Act, 2002, introduced two new categories of protected areas: Conservation Reserves (on government-owned land adjacent to national parks/sanctuaries) and Community Reserves (on private or community lands) to involve local communities in in-situ conservation.
Practice more on this topic →85.Which of the following statement is true regarding the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)?
medium- A.It was signed in 1971 in Ramsar.
- B.It has three main goals: conservation of biodiversity, sustainable use of its components, and fair sharing of benefits from genetic resources.✓ Correct Answer
- C.It deals only with carbon emissions.
- D.India is not a party to the CBD.
Explanation: The CBD (opened for signature at the 1992 Earth Summit) is a legally binding treaty. Its three main goals are: (1) Conservation of biological diversity, (2) Sustainable use of its components, and (3) Fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources.
Practice more on this topic →86.The species diversity within a specific local community or habitat is referred to as:
medium- A.Alpha diversity✓ Correct Answer
- B.Beta diversity
- C.Gamma diversity
- D.Delta diversity
Explanation: Whittaker defined three scales of diversity: Alpha diversity is the species diversity within a particular local habitat or ecosystem. Beta diversity is the difference in species diversity between ecosystems. Gamma diversity is the total species diversity over an entire geographic region.
Practice more on this topic →87.How many mega-diversity countries, which collectively contain a major portion of the Earth's species, are recognized globally?
medium- A.5
- B.12✓ Correct Answer
- C.25
- D.50
Explanation: India is one of the 12 mega-diversity countries in the world (as listed in NCERT). These countries (including Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, China, etc.) are located mostly in the tropics and contain the highest densities of global species.
Practice more on this topic →88.Which of the following is a classic example of co-extinctions involving obligate plant-pollinator mutualism?
medium- A.Nile perch eating cichlids
- B.The co-extinction of a specific fig species and its obligate pollinator wasp species✓ Correct Answer
- C.Water hyacinth choking a pond
- D.Passenger pigeon extinction
Explanation: In obligate mutualisms (like fig-wasp or yucca-pronuba moth), neither partner can survive or reproduce without the other. If the specific wasp pollinator is lost, the fig plant cannot reproduce and will eventually face extinction, and vice-versa (NCERT Chapter 13 & 15).
Practice more on this topic →89.The Great Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps), a critically endangered bird species, is conserved in-situ primarily in which protected area in India?
medium- A.Desert National Park, Rajasthan✓ Correct Answer
- B.Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand
- C.Keoladeo Ghana National Park, Rajasthan
- D.Gir National Park, Gujarat
Explanation: The Great Indian Bustard is a large, ground-dwelling bird. Its largest remaining population is conserved in-situ within the Desert National Park near Jaisalmer/Barmer in Rajasthan, which protects its grassland-desert scrub habitat.
Practice more on this topic →90.Wildlife Safari Parks are considered ex-situ conservation because:
medium- A.Animals are completely free and hunt in their native ecosystems.
- B.They are human-created enclosed areas where threatened animals are kept outside their natural range under veterinary care and public education.✓ Correct Answer
- C.They do not contain any trees.
- D.They are run without government permissions.
Explanation: NCERT Chapter 15 groups Wildlife Safari Parks under ex-situ conservation. Even though animals roam in larger enclosures than traditional cage zoos, they are still kept in artificial settings outside their native wild habitats, under human management.
Practice more on this topic →91.Which of the following levels of biodiversity is also referred to as genetic diversity?
medium- A.Diversity within a species (intraspecific diversity)✓ Correct Answer
- B.Diversity between different species (interspecific diversity)
- C.Diversity at the ecosystem level
- D.Diversity across different continents
Explanation: Genetic diversity represents the variations at the genetic level (DNA sequence, genes) within individuals of a single species (intraspecific level), which allows them to adapt to environmental changes.
Practice more on this topic →92.Which of the following is a major threat causing degradation to the Himalayas biodiversity hotspot?
medium- A.Complete lack of tourism
- B.Unplanned infrastructure development, road construction, and tourism-related pollution✓ Correct Answer
- C.Decreasing atmospheric temperatures
- D.Excessive growth of coniferous trees
Explanation: The Himalayas hotspot faces severe ecological stress due to deforestation, shifting cultivation (Jhum), soil erosion, and construction of large dams and roads in ecologically fragile terrains, compounded by climate change melting glaciers.
Practice more on this topic →93.The passenger pigeon (Ectopistes migratorius), which once numbered in billions in North America, went extinct in 1914 due to:
medium- A.Invasive plant weeds
- B.Severe overhunting and commercial exploitation by humans✓ Correct Answer
- C.Co-extinction with forest trees
- D.A virus epidemic
Explanation: The passenger pigeon was hunted for food and sport on a massive commercial scale in the 19th century. This extreme over-exploitation, combined with deforestation clearing their nesting grounds, caused their rapid decline and ultimate extinction in 1914.
Practice more on this topic →94.Under the Indian Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, which schedule originally provided absolute protection to endangered fauna (like Tiger, Lion-tailed Macaque, and Rhinoceros), carrying the harshest penalties?
medium- A.Schedule I✓ Correct Answer
- B.Schedule V
- C.Schedule VI
- D.Schedule IV
Explanation: Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, lists endangered species that need rigorous protection. Offenses against these species attract the maximum penalties and prison sentences.
Practice more on this topic →95.The Bonn Convention (1979) is an international treaty that primarily aims to conserve:
medium- A.Ozone layer
- B.Migratory species of wild animals across their entire range (CMS)✓ Correct Answer
- C.Hazardous wastes transboundary movements
- D.Global forest biomass
Explanation: The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (also known as the Bonn Convention or CMS) aims to conserve terrestrial, marine, and avian migratory species throughout their range. It was signed in Bonn, Germany in 1979.
Practice more on this topic →96.An organism that is found only in a specific geographic area and nowhere else in the world is said to be:
medium- A.Invasive
- B.Endemic✓ Correct Answer
- C.Exotic
- D.Cosmopolitan
Explanation: NCERT Class 12 Biology, Chapter 15 defines endemic species as those species that are confined to a specific region and not found anywhere else. For example, Western Ghats has many endemic amphibian species.
Practice more on this topic →97.Endemic species are highly vulnerable to extinction because they:
medium- A.Are found globally in all biomes.
- B.Are restricted to a narrow geographic range and cannot be found elsewhere.✓ Correct Answer
- C.Reproduce faster than other species.
- D.Feed only on decomposers.
Explanation: Endemic species have restricted distributions. If their specific habitat is destroyed (e.g. clearing a patch in Western Ghats), the entire species can go extinct immediately because there are no wild populations anywhere else in the world.
Practice more on this topic →98.When did the first IUCN Red Data Book get published, establishing a systematic tracking of global biodiversity threats?
medium- A.1948
- B.1964✓ Correct Answer
- C.1992
- D.2004
Explanation: The IUCN Red Data Book was first published in 1964. It is compiled by the IUCN and provides comprehensive data on the conservation status of plants and animals globally.
Practice more on this topic →99.Which of the following Biosphere Reserves in India is located in the Eastern Himalayas, famous for its red pandas and pitcher plants?
medium- A.Nilgiri
- B.Nokrek (Meghalaya)✓ Correct Answer
- C.Pachmarhi
- D.Great Nicobar
Explanation: Nokrek Biosphere Reserve is located in the Garo Hills of Meghalaya. It is a hotspot of citrus genetic diversity and provides a key habitat for the endangered Red Panda and insectivorous Nepenthes khasiana (pitcher plant).
Practice more on this topic →100.Which of the following is a limitation of cryopreservation as a conservation strategy?
medium- A.It cannot store animal gametes.
- B.It requires continuous technical maintenance, specialized equipment, and does not allow species to evolve in response to changing natural habitats.✓ Correct Answer
- C.Seeds stored will rot within days.
- D.It can only be performed in tropical rainforests.
Explanation: While cryopreservation is excellent for preventing immediate extinction of genes, it is highly resource-intensive and technically challenging. Furthermore, because organisms are kept frozen, they are removed from natural natural selection pressures and cannot evolve to adapt to environmental changes like global warming.
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