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
Q81. A tree species in Mauritius failed to reproduce because of the extinction of a fruit-eating bird. Which one of the following was that bird ? (I.A.S. (Pre) 1998)
[A] Dove
[B] Dodo
[C] Condor
[D] Skua
View Explanation
Correct Answer is B.
The dodo was a large, flightless bird with short, stumpy legs and a prominent hooked beak. Native to the Indian Ocean island of Mauritius, the dodo became extinct by the end of the 17th century. It played a crucial role in the pollination and propagation of the Tambalacoque tree, also known as the “dodo tree.”
Q82. Consider the following pairs: (I.A.S. (Pre) 2019)
Wildlife
Found In
1. Blue-finned Mahseer
Cauvery River
2. Irrawaddy Dolphin
Chambal River
3. Rusty-spotted Cat
Eastern Ghats
Whichofthepairsgivenabovearecorrectlymatched?
[A] 1 and 2 only
[B] 2 and 3 only
[C] 1 and 3 only
[D] 1, 2 and 3
View Explanation
Correct Answer is C.
The Blue-finned Mahseer is naturally found in the Cauvery River, while the Irrawaddy Dolphin inhabits sea coasts, estuaries, and rivers in parts of the Bay of Bengal and Southeast Asia, including Chilika Lake. The Gangetic Dolphin can be found in the Chambal River, and the Rusty Spotted Cat is native to the Eastern Ghats.
Q83. Due to some reasons, if there is a huge fall in the population of species of butterflies, what could be its likely consequence/consequences? (I.A.S. (Pre) 2017)
Pollination of some plants could be adversely affected.
There could be a drastic increase in the fungal infections of some cultivated plants.
It could lead to a fall in the population of some species of wasps, spiders and birds.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
[A] 1 only
[B] 2 and 3 only
[C] 1 and 3 only
[D] 1, 2 and 3
View Explanation
Correct Answer is C.
Butterflies play a crucial role in pollinating many flowering plants, and their declining numbers could negatively impact plant pollination. As a lower member of the food chain, butterflies serve as prey for various species, including spiders, birds, and snakes. A decline in their population can, therefore, disrupt the food chain, affecting these predators and the ecosystem as a whole.
Q84. In the context of Indian wildlife, the flying fox is a: (I.A.S. (Pre) 2009)
[A] Bat
[B] Kite
[C] Stork
[D] Vulture
View Explanation
Correct Answer is A.
The Indian flying fox (Pteropus giganteus), also known as the greater Indian fruit bat, is a species of bat belonging to the family Pteropodidae. It is native to several countries, including Bangladesh, China, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
Q85. The marine animal called dugong which is vulnerable to extinction is a/an: (I.A.S. (Pre) 2009)
[A] Amphibian
[B] Bony fish
[C] Shark
[D] Mammal
View Explanation
Correct Answer is D.
The dugong is a medium-sized marine mammal that is classified as vulnerable to extinction. It primarily inhabits coastal waters and relies on seagrass for its diet, making it susceptible to habitat loss and other environmental threats.
Q86. Concerning ‘dugong’, a mammal found in India, which of the following statements is/are correct? (I.A.S. (Pre) 2015)
It is a herbivorous marine animal.
It is found along the entire coast of India.
It is given legal protection under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
[A] 1 and 2
[B] 2 only
[C] 1 and 3
[D] 3 only
View Explanation
Correct Answer is C.
The dugong, also known as the “Sea Cow,” is primarily found in regions such as Eastern Africa, South Asia, and Australia. In India, dugongs are commonly found in the Gulf of Mannar and Palk Bay.
They feed on seagrass and inhabit seagrass beds in sheltered waters, lagoons, and bays. The dugong is granted legal protection under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, reflecting its vulnerable status.
Q87. Three of the following criteria have contributed to the recognition of Western Ghats, Sri Lanka and Indo- Burma regions as hotspots of biodiversity: (I.A.S. (Pre) 2011)
Species richness
Vegetation density
Endemism
Ethno-botanical importance
Threat perception
Adaptation of flora and fauna to warm and humid conditions
Which three of the above are correct criteria in this context?
[A] 1, 2 and 6
[B] 2, 4 and 6
[C] 1, 3 and 5
[D] 3, 4 and 6
View Explanation
Correct Answer is C.
The criteria for recognizing regions as biodiversity hotspots include species richness, endemism, and threat perception. These factors have led to the designation of the Western Ghats, Sri Lanka, and Indo-Burma regions as biodiversity hotspots due to their unique ecosystems and high levels of species diversity under significant threat.
Q88. Given below are two statements, one labelled as Assertion (A) and other as the Reason (R). (U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2019)
Assertion (A) : Maximum number of the speciesof butterflies are found in tropical countries.
[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 A.
It is widely accepted that climate factors play a crucial role in regulating the life cycle of most insect species, including butterflies. Temperature, in particular, is a key factor influencing their daily activities such as flight, foraging, and movement.
Since butterflies cannot tolerate low temperatures, the majority of butterfly species are found in tropical countries, where warmer climates are more favorable for their survival and activity.
Q89. Concerning an organization known as ‘Bird Life International’ which of the following statements is/ are correct? (I.A.S. (Pre) 2015)
It is a Global Partnership of Conservation Organizations.
The concept of ‘biodiversity hotspots’ originated from this organization.
Itidentifiesthesitesreferredtoas‘ImportantBird and Biodiversity Areas’.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
[A] 1 only
[B] 2 and 3 only
[C] 1 and 3 only
[D] 1, 2 and 3
View Explanation
Correct Answer is C.
BirdLife International is a global partnership of non-governmental conservation organizations focused on protecting birds, their habitats, and global biodiversity. It is the world’s largest conservation partnership, with 115 partner organizations.
BirdLife International identifies Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs) and has so far recognized over 13,000 such areas. The concept of biodiversity hotspots was introduced by British environmentalist Norman Myers. Therefore, statement 2 is incorrect, while statements 1 and 3 are correct.
Q90. Which one of the following statements is correct? (I.A.S. (Pre) 2005)
[A] The First Meeting of the Parties (MOP 1) to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety was held in the Philippines in the year 2004.
[B] India is not a signatory to the Biosafety Protocol/ Convention on Biological Diversity.
[C] The Biosafety Protocol deals with genetically modified organisms.
[D] The United States of America is a member of the Biosafety Protocol/ Convention on Biological Diversity
View Explanation
Correct Answer is C.
The First Meeting of the Parties (MOP 1) to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety took place from 23-27 February 2004 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, making statement (a) incorrect. India signed the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, part of the Convention on Biological Diversity, on 23 January 2001, so statement (b) is also incorrect.
The Protocol aims to protect both biological diversity and human health from potential risks posed by organisms modified through biotechnology, making statement (c) correct. The United States of America is not a party to the Cartagena Protocol or the Convention on Biological Diversity, making statement (d) incorrect.
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