Important Biodiversity MCQs. Biodiversity plays a crucial role within the broader field of environment and ecology. It serves as a foundational concept for achieving success in competitive exams such as Civil Services, State exams, SSC, Railways, Banking, and more. Mastering these subjects offers a unique advantage, allowing you to gain invaluable insights into the country’s environmental legacy. With a focus on Environment, Biodiversity, and Ecology, this knowledge not only sharpens your competitive edge but also equips you to excel in these challenging exams.
MCQs on Ecology – Objective Questions and Answers
Q71. In which year ‘Biodiversity Act’ was passed in India? (Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2018)
[A] 2000
[B] 2002
[C] 2010
[D] 2017
View Explanation
Correct Answer is B.
The ‘Biodiversity Act’ was enacted in 2002 to ensure the conservation of biological diversity in India and to establish a framework for the equitable sharing of benefits derived from the use of traditional biological resources and knowledge.
Q72. National Biodiversity Authority of India was established in– (U.P.R.O./A.R.O. (Mains) 2014)
[A] 2003, in Chennai
[B] 2003, in Bengaluru
[C] 2003, in Hyderabad
[D] 2003, in Kerala
View Explanation
Correct Answer is A.
The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) was established in 2003 to oversee the implementation of India’s Biodiversity Act (2002). Headquartered in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, the NBA operates as a statutory autonomous body under the Ministry of Environment.
Q73. How does the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) help in protecting Indian agriculture? (I.A.S. (Pre) 2012)
NBAchecksthebiopiracyandprotectsindigenous and traditional genetic resources.
NBAdirectlymonitorsand supervises the scientific research on genetic modification of crop plants.
ApplicationforIntellectualPropertyRightsrelated to genetic/biological resources cannot be made without the approval of the NBA.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
[A] Only 1
[B] 2 and 3
[C] 1 and 3
[D] 1, 2 and 3
View Explanation
Correct Answer is C.
The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA), headquartered in Chennai, was established in 2003 to implement India’s Biological Diversity Act (2002).
The Act addresses the conservation and sustainable use of biological resources and related knowledge, providing a framework for access to these resources and equitable sharing of the benefits derived from their use.
It also governs the transfer of research outcomes and applications for Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) related to Indian biological resources.
Additionally, the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC), operating under the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, is tasked with overseeing and regulating scientific research on genetic modification of crops and other organisms.
Q74. Sea buckthorn has a huge global market potential. The berries of this plant are rich in vitamins and nutrients. Genghis Khan used them to improve the stamina of his troops. Russian cosmonauts used its oil to combat radiation. Where is this plant found in India? (U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2004)
[A] Nagaland
[B] Ladakh
[C] Kodaikanal
[D] Pondicherry
View Explanation
Correct Answer is B.
Sea buckthorn is a medicinal plant native to the Himalayan region, and India has significant potential for its fruit production and cultivation of diverse varieties.
Known for its health-promoting properties, sea buckthorn also plays a vital role in preventing soil erosion and aiding nitrogen fixation in cold and desert regions.
The fruits of sea buckthorn thrive in the cold deserts of Ladakh, Lahaul-Spiti in Himachal Pradesh, and parts of Arunachal Pradesh.
Q75. The Government of India encourages the cultivation of ‘sea buckthorn’. What is the importance of this plant? (I.A.S. (Pre) 2012)
It helps in controlling soil erosion and preventing desertification.
It is a rich source of biodiesel.
Ithasnutritionalvalueandiswell-adaptedtogrow in cold areas of high altitudes.
Its timber is of great commercial value.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[A] Only 1
[B] 2, 3, and 4
[C] 1 and 3
[D] 1, 2, 3 and 4
View Explanation
Correct Answer is C.
The sea buckthorn plant thrives in cold, dry climates, such as those found in parts of Ladakh. Its dense, bushy structure, characterized by a high concentration of branches, is effective in preventing soil erosion and promoting soil stabilization. The fruit of the sea buckthorn plant is also a valuable source of nutritious juice.
Q76. Given below are two statements, one labelled as Assertion (A) and other as the Reason (R). (U.P. R.O./A.R.O. (Mains) 2017)
Assertion (A) : The biosphere is an example of anopen system.
Reason (R) : There cannot be reinvestment of newsubstances in the biosphere but there is no restriction on the investment and exit of energy.
Select the correct answer using the codes below:
[A] Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is correct explanation of (A)
[B] Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)
[C] (A) is true but (R) is false
[D] (A) is false but (R) is true
View Explanation
Correct Answer is C.
The biosphere is an example of an open system, where the exchange of substances occurs continuously. Inputs and outputs of materials flow through the system, allowing for the reintegration of new substances into the biosphere.
Q77. Recently, which of the following drug has been reported as responsible for vulture death? (U.P.P.C.S. (Spl.) (Mains) 2008)
[A] Aspirin
[B] Chloroquine
[C] Diclofenac Sodium
[D] Penicillin
View Explanation
Correct Answer is C.
In May 2003, a scientist from the Peregrine Fund presented research confirming that vulture deaths were linked to the anti-inflammatory drug Diclofenac Sodium, which was found at high levels in the kidneys of affected vultures.
In January 2004, a joint study by the Peregrine Fund and the Ornithological Society of Pakistan further validated Diclofenac Sodium as the main cause of the vulture population decline.
This pivotal study led the Drug Controller General of India to ban the manufacturing of veterinary Diclofenac. The drug had a devastating impact, leading to the death of 85 million vultures across India, Nepal, and Pakistan over a span of 10 years. Nepal and Pakistan soon followed with similar bans.
Q78. Which pain killer given to cattle is responsible for the near extinction of vultures in India? (U.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 2018)
[A] Ibuprofen
[B] Acetaminophen
[C] Aspirin
[D] Diclofenac
View Explanation
Correct Answer is D.
The painkiller responsible for the near extinction of vultures in India is Diclofenac Sodium. It was used as an anti-inflammatory drug for cattle, but when vultures fed on the carcasses of animals treated with Diclofenac, it caused kidney failure and led to a massive decline in vulture populations.
Q79. The most important factor contributing to the loss of the vulture population in India is: (U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) (Re Exam) 2015)
[A] Viral infection
[B] Bacterial infection
[C] Administrating of painkillers to cattle
[D] Administrating of estrogen injection to cattle
View Explanation
Correct Answer is C.
The administration of painkillers to cattle is the primary reason for the drastic decline in India’s vulture population. Diclofenac, an anti-inflammatory painkiller, was widely used in India during the 1990s. However, it proved fatal to vultures, as they fed on the carcasses of treated cattle, leading to widespread vulture deaths.
Q80. Vultures which used to be very common in the Indian countryside some years ago are rarely seen now a days. This is attributed to: (I.A.S. (Pre) 2012)
[A] The destruction of their nesting sites by new invasive species
[B] A drug used by cattle owners for treating their diseased cattle
[C] Scarcity of food available to them
[D] A widespread, persistent and fatal disease among them
View Explanation
Correct Answer is B.
The sharp decline in the vulture population is primarily due to vultures ingesting Diclofenac from the carcasses of dead cattle left in open fields. Cattle owners used this drug to treat their sick animals, but Diclofenac is highly toxic to vultures. As a result, it has caused widespread deaths among vultures, drastically reducing their numbers.
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