Biodiversity 35
Biodiversity
Qts1. Biodiversity is described as -
(a) The range of different species in an environment
(b) The seasonal and daily changes in an environment
(c) The way species differ from one another
(d) The influence of physical factors on an environment
Ans. (a)
The diverse range of organisms (plants and animals) found in an ecosystem, is defined as biodiversity. The species are organized in different communities which are found in a particular ecosystem. Bio-diversity is denoted with (a) alfa- (B) beta and (y) gamma indicating different categories. This classification was advanced by Whittaker in 1960.
Qts2. The destruction of biodiversity is due to
(a) The lack of natural habitats of the organism
(b) Environmental pollution
(c) Destruction of forests
(d) All the above
Ans. (d)
The main cause of the loss of biodiversity is the influence of human beings on the world's ecosystem. The threats to biodiversity can be summarized in the following main points:
- Alteration and loss of the habitats
- Introduction of exotic species and genetically modified organisms
- Pollution
- Climate change
- Overexploitation of resources
3. The main reason for the decrease in biodiversity is.
(a) Habitat pollution
(b) Introduction of exotic species
(c) Over exploitation
(d) Natural habitat destruction
Ans. (d)
Natural habitat destruction is the main reason for the decrease in biodiversity as the transformation of the natural areas determines not only the loss of the plant species but also a decrease in the animal species associated with them.
4. Biodiversity has maximum danger from:
(a) Destruction of natural habitats and vegetation
(b) Improper agricultural operations
(c) Climate change
(d) Water pollution
Ans. (a)
Habitat loss is one of the biggest threats to biodiversity. Cutting of forests to create fields, filling in wetlands to build houses, and creating dams that change river flow, are all examples of habitat destruction. The process of genetic assimilation is one by which a phenotypic character, which initially is produced only in response to some environmental influence, becomes, through a process of selection, taken over by the genotype, so that it is formed even in the absence of the environmental influence.
5. Which one of the following is the most important factor responsible for the decline of biodiversity?
(a) Genetic assimilation
(b) Controlling assimilation
(c) Destruction of habitat
(d) Controlling pests
Ans. (c)
Habitat loss is one of the biggest threats to biodiversity. Cutting of forests to create fields, filling in wetlands to build houses, and creating dams that change river flow, are all examples of habitat destruction. The process of genetic assimilation is one by which a phenotypic character, which initially is produced only in response to some environmental influence, becomes, through a process of selection, taken over by the genotype, so that it is formed even in the absence of the environmental influence.
6. Which of the following can be threats to the biodiversity of a geographical area?
1. Global warming
2. Fragmentation of habitat
3. Invasion of alien species
4. Promotion of vegetarianism
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 2 and 3
(c) I and 4
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Ans. (a)
Global warming, fragmentation of habitat and invasion of alien species can be threats to the biodiversity of a geographical area while promotion of vegetarianism is not responsible for the same. Hence option (a) is the correct answer.
7. Which of the following can be threats to the biodiversity of a region?
1. Global Warming
2. Fragmentation of habitat
3. Invasion of alien species
4. Promotion of Vegetarianism
Select the correct answer using the code given below: Codes:
(a) (2) and (3) only
(b) (2), (3) and (4)
(c) (1), (2) and (3)
(d) (1) and (4)
Ans. (c)
Five main threats to biodiversity are commonly recognized, these are invasive alien species, climate change, nutrient loading and pollution, habitat change and overexploitation. Hence, option (c) is the correct answer.
8. Which one of the following strongly threatens biodiversity?
(a) Fragile ecosystem such as mangroves and wetlands.
(b) Inaccessible habitats in the Himalayas.
(c) Destruction of natural habitats and vegetation, and Jhum cultivation
(d) Creation of biosphere reserves
Ans. (c)
Some of the main threats to biodiversity are:
1. Human Activities and Loss of Habitat,
2. Deforestation,
3. Desertification,
4. Marine Environment,
5. Increasing Wildlife Trade and
6. Climate Change.
The current practice of shifting cultivation or Jhum cultivation in eastern and northeastern regions of India is an extravagant and unscientific form of land use. The effects of shifting cultivation are devastating and far-reaching in degrading the environment and ecology of these regions.
9. Consider the following regions:
1. Eastern Himalayas
2. Eastern Mediterranean region
3. North-western Australia
(a) I only
(b) 1 and 2
(c) 2 and 3
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Which of the above is/are Biodiversity Hotspot(s)?
Ans. (a)
Eastern Himalayas is a biodiversity hotspot and it is Mediterranean basin and Southwest Australia which are biodiversity hotspots. Hence only I is correct.
10. The 'Hotspot' of Biodiversity in India are:
(a) Western Himalayas and Eastern Ghat
(b) Western Himalayas and Sunderban
(c) Eastern Himalayas and the Western Ghats
(d) Eastern Himalayas and Silent Valley
Ans. (c)
According to Conservation International at present, there are 36 biodiversity rich areas in the world that have been qualified as hotspots, which represent just 2.5% of earth's land surface, but support over 50% of the world's endemic plant species, and nearly 43% of bird, mammal, reptile and amphibian species as endemics. India has four biodiversity hotspots namely Himalaya, Indo-Burma (Northeastern India and Andaman Islands), Sundalands (Nicobar Islands) and Western Ghats (and Sri Lanka).
11. Which of the following is considered a 'hot-spot' of biodiversity in India?
(a) Aravalli hills
(b) Indo-Gangetic plain
(c) Eastern Ghats
(d) Western Ghats
Ans. (d)
According to Conservation International at present, there are 36 biodiversity rich areas in the world that have been qualified as hotspots, which represent just 2.5% of earth's land surface, but support over 50% of the world's endemic plant species, and nearly 43% of bird, mammal, reptile and amphibian species as endemics. India has four biodiversity hotspots namely Himalaya, Indo-Burma (Northeastern India and Andaman Islands), Sundalands (Nicobar Islands) and Western Ghats (and Sri Lanka).
12. Consider the following statements:
1. Biodiversity hotspots are located only in tropical regions.
2. India has four biodiversity hotspots, ie, Eastern Himalayas, Western Himalayas, Western Ghats and Andaman and the Nicobar Islands.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) I only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) neither 1 nor 2
Ans. (d)
Hotspots are not only located in tropical regions but also in temperate regions (California Floristic Province, Japan). India has four bio-diversity hot spots- Eastern Himalayas, Western Ghats, Indo-Myanmar border and Sundaland. The Sundaland includes the Nicobar group of islands but does not includes the Andaman group of islands.
13. Which of the following is a biodiversity saturated area in India?
(a) Eastern Ghat
(b) Western Ghat
(c) Thar Desert
(d) The Bay of Bengal
Ans. (b)
India is a land of remarkable biodiversity. India inhabits 7.6 percent of all mammals, 12.6 percent of birds, 6.2 per cent of reptiles and 4.4 per cent of amphibians found in 18 megadiverse countries. Western Ghat is a biodiversity saturated area in the given options.
14. With reference to biodiversity, which of the following regions in India is regarded as 'HOTSPOT'?
(a) Andaman and Nicobar Island
(b) Gangetic Plain
(c) Central India
(d) None of the above
Ans. (a)
A biodiversity hotspot is a biogeographical region of the Earth which is extremely biologically diverse and also under severe threat due to habitat loss, climate change or extensive species loss. As a general rule, to be considered a biodiversity hotspot, a region must be biologically diverse, with a high proportion of endemic species which are not found anywhere else on Earth, and the security of the region must be threatened. So, hotspots are the richest and most threatened reservoirs of plant and animal life on Earth.
India has four bio-diversity hot spots -
Western Ghat, Eastern Himalaya, Indo-Myanmar border and Sundaland. Nicobar island is regarded as a part of the Sundaland bio-diversity area and Andaman group of Islands come under the Indo-Myanmar hotspot. Hence, the correct answer is option (a).
15. Which one of the following is not responsible for the extinction of a species?
(a) Broad niche
(b) Large body size
(c) Narrow niche
(d) Lack of genetic variability
Ans. (a)
In ecology, the term "niche" describes the role an organism plays in a community. A species' niche encompasses both the physical and environmental conditions it requires (like temperature or terrain) and the interactions it has with other species (like predation or competition). In general, species that have narrow or limited niches are considered to be specialist species. Koalas which feed only on leaves from eucalyptus trees in Australia, are an example of a specialist species. Species with broader niches, like coyotes or raccoons are considered generalists.
16. Which one of to the category of endangered species?
(a) Great Indian Bustard, Musk Deer, Red Panda and Asiatic Wild Ass
(b) Kashmir Stag, Cheetal, Blue Bull and Great Indian Bustard
(c) Snow Leopard, Swamp Deer, Rhesus Monkey and Saras (Crane)
(d) Lion-tailed Macaque, Blue Bull, Hanuman Langur and Cheetal
Ans. (a)
In June, 2012, IUCN released Red Data list of animals facing the danger of extinction. In which 15 species of India were listed in the most endangered category. In this list, Great Indian Bustard, Siberian Crane and Sociable Lapwing were listed in the most endangered category, Musk Deer in the vulnerable category while Wild Ass was listed in the near threatened category. The Red Panda was listed in the endangered category. Thus option (a) is the correct answer.
17. Which one of the following is not correctly matched?
(a) Golden Langur: Endangered
(b) Desert Cat : Endangered
(c) Hoolock Gibbon : Endangered
(d) Asiatic Wild Dog : Threatened
Ans. (b)
According to ENVIS Center for Faunal Diversity hosted by Zoological Survey of India sponsored by Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, below is the risk status of the animals given in the options.
Golden Langur: Endangered
Hoolock Gibbon : Endangered
Asiatic Wild Dog: Endangered
Desert Cat: Least Concern
There is no animal named Desert Cat listed in Red List of IUCN. Chinese Desert Cat are listed as a vulnerable category in Red List. Hence option (b) and (d) are not correctly matched. Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission considered (a) as the correct answer in its initially released answer key but in revised answer key this question was removed from assessment category.
17. While India's Human population is growing at an outstanding pace, the bird population is shrinking fastly mainly because:
1. There has been an abnormal increase in the number of hunters.
2. Bio-pesticides and organic manure are being used on a large scale.
3. There has been a large-scale reduction in the habitats of the birds.
4. There has been large-scale use of pesticides, chemical fertilizers and mosquito repellents.
Select your answer correctly using the code given below:
Codes:
(a) 1 and 2 are correct
(b) 2 and 3 are correct
(c) 3 and 4 are correct
(d) 1 and 4 are correct
Ans. (c)
India's human population is growing at an outstanding pace but the bird population is shrinking fast mainly because there has been a large-scale reduction in the habitats of the birds and there has been an excessive use of pesticides, chemical fertilizers and mosquito repellents. Pesticides like D.D.T. enters into the foodchain so that premature shells crack before time & their population decreases.
18. The most important strategy for the conservation biodiversity together with traditional human life is the establishment of- of
(a) Biosphere reserves
(b) Botanical Gardens
(c) National parks
(d) Wildlife Sanctuaries
Ans. (a)
The most important strategy for the conservation of biodiversity together with traditional human life is the establishment of biosphere reserves. A biosphere reserve is an integral part of the human system. In these areas, multifaceted development of ecosystem is given prominence.
The Indian Government has established 18 Biosphere Reserves in India, which protects larger areas of natural habitats. Twelve of the eighteen biosphere reserves are part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves, based on the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) programme list.
19. Which one of the following is an important strategy for the conservation of biodiversity?
(a) Biosphere Reserves
(b) Botanical Gardens
(c) National Parks
(d) Wild Life Sanctuaries
Ans. (a)
Establishment of the Biosphere Reserve is an important strategy for the conservation of Biodiversity. Biosphere Reserves are areas of terrestrial and coastal ecosystems promoting solutions to reconcile the conservation of biodiversity with its sustainable use. Notably, In-Situ and Ex-Situ techniques are adopted for the conservation of biodiversity.
20. Which one of the following is not a site for an in-situ method of conservation of flora?
(a) Biosphere Reserve
(b) Botanical Garden
(c) National Park
(d) Wildlife Sanctuary
Ans. (b)
For conservation of flora, Botanical Gardens do not come under in-situ method while Biosphere Reserves, National and Wild Life Sanctuaries fall under the in-situ method.
21. Which of the following gas is commonly used in Cryo- Bank for ex-situ conservation?
(a) Nitrogen
(b) Oxygen
(c) Carbon dioxide
(d) Methane
Ans. (a)
Ex-situ is the process of conserving components of biological diversity by restricting them to natural habitat and then managing them in a controlled or modified environment. There are two methods for Ex-situ conservation- The primary facilities that hold ex-situ conservation collections of plants and animals are aquaria, botanical gardens, and zoos.
The second method is the storage of seeds, pollen, tissue, or embryos in liquid nitrogen. This method can be used for virtually indefinite storage of materials without deterioration over a much greater period about all other methods of ex-situ conservation.
22. In which of the following ecosystems the species diversity is relatively higher?
(a) Deep sea
(b) Tropical rain forest
(c) Coral reefs
(d) Desert
Ans. (b & c)
Tropical rain forest on land and coral reefs in marine systems are among the most biologically diverse ecosystems on Earth. Hence, Uttar Pradesh Service Commission has considered both option (b) and option (c) as the correct answer.
23. The maximum biodiversity is found in:
(a) Tundra
(b) Coniferous forests
(c) Tropical rain forests
(d) Temperate forests
Ans. (c)
Bio-diversity refers to a variety of organism found in a particular geographical area. Utmost biodiversity is found in tropical rain forests among all ecosystems on the Earth. Tropical rain forest extends near the equator.
24. Which of the following is considered a "Hotsopt" of ABS biodiversity in India?
(a) Aravalli Hills
(b) Western Ghats
(c) Eastern Ghats
(d) Indo-Gangetic Plains
Ans. (b)
Biodiversity is a contraction of the term "biological diversity that refers to variety among and between living organisms Areas that have extremely rich and diverse flora and fauna and are under threat of getting endangered are called biodiversity 'Hotspot. Officially, four out of the 36 biodiversity Hotspots in the world are present in India: the Himalayas, the Western Ghats, the Indo-Burma region and the Sundaland. Hence option (b) is correct.
25. In which of the following types of forests maximum plant diversity is found?
(a) Tropical moist deciduous forests
(b) Sub-tropical mountain forests
(c) Temperate moist forests
(d) Tropical evergreen forests
Ans. (d)
Maximum plant diversity is found in tropical evergreen forests. The tropical evergreen forests usually occur in areas receiving more than 200 cm of rainfall and having a temperature of 15 to 30-degree Celsius. They occupy about seven percent of the earth's land surface and harbors more than half of the world's plants and animals.
26. The greatest diversity of animal and plant species occurs in:
(a) Temperate deciduous forests
(b) Tropical moist forests
(c) Heavily polluted rivers
(d) Deserts and Savanna
Ans. (b)
Maximum plant diversity is found in tropical evergreen forests. The tropical evergreen forests usually occur in areas receiving more than 200 cm of rainfall and having a temperature of 15 to 30-degree Celsius. They occupy about seven percent of the earth's land surface and harbors more than half of the world's plants and animals.
27. Which one of the following ecosystems has maximun plant biomass?
(a) Tropical deciduous forest
(b) Tropical rain forest
(c) Temperate deciduous forest
(d) Desert shrubs
Ans. (b)
Maximum plant diversity is found in tropical evergreen forests. The tropical evergreen forests usually occur in areas receiving more than 200 cm of rainfall and having a temperature of 15 to 30-degree Celsius. They occupy about seven percent of the earth's land surface and harbors more than half of the world's plants and animals.
28. Biodiversity changes occur:
(a) Increases towards the equator
(b) Decreases towards the equator
(c) Remains unchanged throughout the Earth
(d) Increases towards the poles
Ans. (a)
Biodiversity increases towards the equator. Biodiversity is not equal on earth. It varies greatly across the globe as well as within regions. Among other factors, the diversity of all living things (biota) depends on temperature, precipitation, altitude, soil, geography and the presence of other species.
29. The richest biodiversity is found in the:
(a) Silent Valley
(b) Kashmir Valley
(c) Valley of Flowers
(d) Surma Valley
Ans. (a)
The richest biodiversity is found in Silent Valley in Kerala. It is located in Palakkad District of Kerala, India. Silent Valley is rectangular, twelve kilometres from north to south and seven km. from east to west. It is located between 11°03' to 11°13' N (latitude) and 76°21' to 76°35' E (longitude). It is a part of the Western Ghats.
30. 'Silent Valley' is located in -
(a) Uttarakhand
(b) Kerala
(c) Arunachal Pradesh
(d) Jammu & Kashmir
Ans (b)
The richest biodiversity is found in Silent Valley in Kerala. It is located in Palakkad District of Kerala, India. Silent Valley is rectangular, twelve kilometres from north to south and seven km. from east to west. It is located between 11°03' to 11°13' N (latitude) and 76°21' to 76°35' E (longitude). It is a part of the Western Ghats.
31. 'Valley of Flowers' is situated in -
(a) Kerala
(b) Jammu & Kashmir
(c) Uttarakhand
(d) Himachal Pradesh
Ans. (c)
'Valley of Flowers' is situated in the Chamoli District of Uttarakhand
32. The Ramsar Convention was associated with the conservation of -
(a) Bio-fuels
(b) Forests
(c) Wetlands
(d) Drylands
Ans. (c)
The Ramsar Convention is associated with the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands. It is also known as the Convention on Wetlands. It was signed on 2 February, 1971 at Ramsar in Iran. That date is celebrated as World Wetland Day now.
33. Biosphere reserves are areas for conservation of-
(a) Grasslands
(b) Agriculture production
(c) Atmospheric balance
(d) Genetic Variation
Ans. (d)
A biosphere reserve is an ecosystem with plants and animals of unusual scientific and natural interest. It helps to protect genetic variations of different organisms and plants.
34. Which one of the following is the most effective factor of coral bleaching?
(a) Marine pollution
(b) Increase of salinity of seas
(c) Rise in normal temperature of sea-water
(d) the outbreak of diseases and epidemics
Ans. (c)
Warmer water temperatures can result in coral bleaching. When water is too hot, corals will expel the algae (zooxanthellae) living in their tissues causing the coral to turn completely white. This is called coral bleaching.
35. Which of the following is the most significant factor in coral bleaching?
(a) Mining of coral rocks
(b) Outbreak of coral diseases
(c) Siltation of seawater
(d) Global warming
Ans. (d)
Warmer water temperatures can result in coral bleaching. When water is too hot, corals will expel the algae (zooxanthellae) living in their tissues causing the coral to turn completely white. This is called coral bleaching.