Set 5 | Important Biodiversity MCQs

Correct Answer is C.

• Afforestation of barren land typically leads to increased biodiversity by introducing vegetation and creating new habitats for various species.
• In contrast, activities like the expansion of roads, urbanization, and agricultural extension often lead to habitat destruction, fragmentation, and degradation, contributing to the loss of biodiversity. These activities can disrupt ecosystems, reduce natural habitats, and lead to the decline or extinction of species.

Correct Answer is D.

• 36th Constitutional Amendment Act of 1975 indeed made Sikkim a full-fledged state of India. Sikkim is renowned for its rich biodiversity and is considered a “botanist’s paradise” due to its unique location in the eastern Himalayas, which is a biodiversity hotspot. The region is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including rare and endangered species.
• The population of Sikkim is diverse, with major ethnic groups like the Lepchas (the indigenous people), Bhotias (of Tibetan origin), and Nepalis (migrants from Nepal), each contributing to the state’s cultural richness.

Correct Answer is A.

• The establishment of biosphere reserves is the most significant strategy for conserving biodiversity while preserving traditional human lifestyles. A biosphere reserve functions as an essential part of the human-environment system, with a focus on promoting the holistic development of ecosystems.
• The Indian government has designated 18 biosphere reserves across the country, which protect extensive areas of natural habitats. Of these, 12 are included in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves under UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) programme.

Correct Answer is A.

• The establishment of Biosphere Reserves is a key strategy for conserving biodiversity. These reserves are designated areas of terrestrial and coastal ecosystems that promote solutions to balance biodiversity conservation with its sustainable use. Importantly, both In-Situ and Ex-Situ conservation techniques are employed to protect and preserve biodiversity within these areas.

Correct Answer is B.

• Botanical gardens are not considered part of the in-situ conservation method for flora. In contrast, Biosphere Reserves, National Parks, and Wildlife Sanctuaries are examples of in-situ conservation, where species are preserved in their natural habitats.

Correct Answer is A.

Ex-situ conservation involves preserving components of biological diversity outside their natural habitats and managing them in a controlled or modified environment. There are two main methods for ex-situ conservation:

1. The primary method involves maintaining collections of plants and animals in facilities such as aquaria, botanical gardens, and zoos.
2. The second method involves storing seeds, pollen, tissues, or embryos in liquid nitrogen, allowing for virtually indefinite preservation without deterioration over extended periods. This method provides a long-term solution compared to other ex-situ conservation techniques.

Correct Answer is A.

• The greatest biodiversity is found in tropical rainforests, which are located between 23.5°N and 23.5°S. These regions provide ideal conditions for the growth and development of both flora and fauna, as they receive abundant rainfall and maintain high temperatures year-round. Due to these favorable conditions, tropical rainforests are often referred to as the “optimum biome.”

Correct Answer is B & C.

• Tropical rainforests on land and coral reefs in marine ecosystems are two of the most biologically diverse environments on Earth. As a result, the Uttar Pradesh Service Commission has accepted both option (b) and option (c) as correct answers for this question.

Correct Answer is B.

• Biodiversity, a contraction of “biological diversity,” refers to the variety of life forms, including the differences within and between species. Regions with exceptionally rich and diverse flora and fauna that are at risk of becoming endangered are known as biodiversity “hotspots.”
• India is home to four of the world’s 36 officially recognized biodiversity hotspots: the Himalayas, the Western Ghats, the Indo-Burma region, and the Sundaland. Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.

Correct Answer is D.

• The highest plant diversity is found in tropical evergreen forests, which thrive in regions receiving over 200 cm of annual rainfall and temperatures ranging from 15 to 30 degrees Celsius. These forests cover approximately seven percent of the Earth’s land surface and are home to more than half of the world’s plant and animal species, making them incredibly rich in biodiversity.