Set 5 | Important Forest and Wildlife MCQs

Correct Answer is B.

1. [A] Stonefish:
   The stonefish is a venomous fish found in coastal areas of the Indo-Pacific region, including parts of India. While dangerous, it is not the largest fish in India. It gets its name because it blends in with the rocks and can be difficult to spot.
2. [B] Whale shark:
   The whale shark is the largest fish in the world. It can grow up to 40 feet (12 meters) or more in length and can weigh as much as 15-20 tons. Despite its size, it is a gentle filter feeder, primarily feeding on plankton, small fish, and squid. Whale sharks are found in the warm tropical waters of the Indian Ocean, including India’s coastal regions like Gujarat.
3. [C] Marlin:
   Marlins are large, predatory fish known for their long, slender bodies and sharp bills. They are found in the warmer waters of the Indian Ocean and are famous for being fast swimmers and strong fighters. However, marlins, while large, are not the largest fish in India. They typically range in size from 10 to 15 feet.
4. [D] Hilsa:
   The hilsa, also known as the Ilish, is a smaller fish famous in Indian cuisine, especially in Bengal. It is a significant part of the diet in the region but is far from being the largest fish. Hilsa typically grows to about 2-3 feet in length and is known for its delicate, flavorful meat.

Thus, [B] Whale shark is the largest fish in India, as it is the largest species of fish overall.

Correct Answer is B.

• The Giant Panda is the symbol of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), which was chosen because the species was endangered at the time of the organization’s founding in 1961, representing the need for wildlife conservation.
• The WWF’s logo features a simple black and white design of a panda, symbolizing the organization’s commitment to protecting endangered species and promoting biodiversity conservation.

Correct Answer is A.

Gavialis crocodilia, commonly known as the gharial, is a species of crocodilian found primarily in the Ganga river and its tributaries in India. The gharial is known for its long, narrow snout, which is adapted for catching fish. These reptiles are primarily found in riverine habitats with clear, fast-moving water. The Ganga river system is one of the key places where the gharial population exists, though they are also found in parts of other rivers in northern India and Nepal.

1. [B] Godavari:
   The Godavari river is one of the major rivers in India, but gharials are not found in large numbers here. They are primarily associated with the Ganga river system.
2. [C] Krishna:
   The Krishna river also flows through India, but gharials are not commonly found in its waters.
3. [D] Cauvery:
   The Cauvery river flows in southern India, but it is not a major habitat for gharials. The species is more closely associated with northern rivers like the Ganga.

So, the correct habitat for Gavialis crocodilia is the Ganga river.

Correct Answer is C.

• The species of crocodile found in India and Asian Elephant has been listed in the endangered list by International Union for Conversation of Nature.

Correct Answer is C.

• The Chipko movement was a non-violent environmental movement that began in India in the 1970s. The movement aimed to protect trees and forests from being cut down for commercial purposes.
• The name “Chipko” means “to hug” or “to embrace” in Hindi, which symbolized the act of villagers, particularly women, hugging trees to prevent loggers from cutting them down.
• The movement was especially prominent in the Himalayan region and played a significant role in raising awareness about deforestation and the importance of environmental conservation.

Correct Answer is C.

Sundarlal Bahuguna is widely considered the leader of the Chipko Movement. He was an environmentalist and social activist who played a pivotal role in the movement by advocating for the protection of forests in the Himalayan region of India. Bahuguna’s efforts helped raise awareness about the importance of forests and the devastating effects of deforestation. He was a key figure in organizing protests, including the famous act of hugging trees to prevent them from being felled by loggers.

Here’s a brief explanation of the other options:

1. [A] Medha Patekar:
   Medha Patekar is a well-known social activist who has been involved in various social movements, including the Narmada Bachao Andolan, but she was not a leader of the Chipko Movement.
2. [B] Baba Amte:
   Baba Amte was a prominent social activist known for his work with leprosy patients and his involvement in various social causes, but he was not associated with the Chipko Movement.
3. [D] Kiran Bedi:
   Kiran Bedi is a retired Indian Police Service officer and social activist, known for her contributions to policing and prison reforms, but she was not a leader of the Chipko Movement.

Thus, Sundarlal Bahuguna is considered the leader of the Chipko Movement.

Correct Answer is C.

• In 1974, the Forest Department auctioned approximately 680 hectares of forest in Raini Village of Joshimath. Then under the leadership of Gaura Devi, hundreds of women opposed the deforestation by sticking to the trees.

Correct Answer is *.

• World Wildlife Day is celebrated on March 3rd each year. This date was chosen by the United Nations to raise awareness about the importance of wildlife and the need for conservation.
• It also marks the adoption of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which occurred on March 3rd, 1973.

Correct Answer is B.

• The Environment (Protection) Act was passed by the Government of India in 1986. It was enacted to provide a framework for the protection and improvement of the environment. The Act empowers the government to take measures for the protection of the environment, including controlling pollution, regulating hazardous substances, and setting environmental standards.

Correct Answer is C.

• The pugmark technique is a method used to estimate the population of wild animals, particularly big cats like tigers. It involves tracking the footprints (pugmarks) left by animals in the wild to determine their numbers and monitor their movement in a given area. This technique is widely used for tiger population estimation in India.