Set 4 | Important Biodiversity MCQs

Correct Answer is A.

• In ecology, the term “niche” refers to the role an organism plays within a community. A species’ niche includes both the physical and environmental factors it depends on, such as temperature or habitat, as well as its interactions with other species, like competition or predation.
• Species with narrow or highly specific niches are known as specialists. For instance, koalas, which exclusively feed on eucalyptus leaves in Australia, are specialist species. In contrast, species with more flexible or wide-ranging niches, like coyotes and raccoons, are classified as generalists.

Correct Answer is B.

• India is targeting to achieve Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) by 2030. LDN signifies a transformative shift in land management policies and practices.
• This approach seeks to balance the anticipated loss of productive land with the restoration of degraded areas, offering a unique strategy for sustainable land use.

Correct Answer is B.

• The ‘Red Data Books,’ published by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN), include lists of plant and animal species that are threatened with extinction.

Correct Answer is B.

• The organization associated with the “Red Data Book” or “Red List” is the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The IUCN publishes the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, which provides comprehensive information on the global conservation status of plant and animal species.

Correct Answer is B.

• Endangered species are listed in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, which classifies species based on their risk of extinction, ranging from least concern to critically endangered.

Correct Answer is B.

• The ‘Red Data Book’ is concerned with documenting and listing species that are at risk of extinction. It provides comprehensive information on the conservation status of various species of plants, animals, and fungi, highlighting those that are classified as endangered, vulnerable, rare, or extinct. The aim is to promote awareness and conservation efforts to protect these threatened species.

Correct Answer is A.

• In June 2012, the IUCN released a Red Data List identifying animal species facing the threat of extinction. Among the 15 Indian species included in the most endangered category were the Great Indian Bustard, Siberian Crane, and Sociable Lapwing.
• The Musk Deer was classified as vulnerable, while the Wild Ass was listed as near threatened. Additionally, the Red Panda was placed in the endangered category.

Correct Answer is B.

• The Great Indian Bustard is a highly endangered species, facing the risk of extinction due to habitat loss, hunting, and human encroachment. Native to the Indian subcontinent, it is one of the heaviest flying birds and is currently listed as “Critically Endangered” on the IUCN Red List. Conservation efforts are underway to protect its remaining population and habitat.

Correct Answer is *.

According to the ENVIS Center for Faunal Diversity, hosted by the Zoological Survey of India and sponsored by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the following are the risk statuses of the animals:

• Golden Langur: Endangered
• Hoolock Gibbon: Endangered
• Asiatic Wild Dog: Endangered
• Desert Cat: Least Concern

However, there is no animal specifically named “Desert Cat” listed in the IUCN Red List. The Chinese Desert Cat is listed as vulnerable in the IUCN Red List. Thus, the options for Hoolock Gibbon and Desert Cat are incorrectly matched. Initially, the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission accepted option (a) as the correct answer in its preliminary key, but later removed this question from

Correct Answer is C.

• India’s human population is rapidly increasing, but the bird population is declining at an alarming rate. This is primarily due to a significant reduction in bird habitats, alongside the excessive use of pesticides, chemical fertilizers, and mosquito repellents.
• Pesticides like DDT enter the food chain, causing issues such as premature eggshell cracking, which ultimately leads to a decrease in bird populations.