Set 6 | Important Forest and Wildlife MCQs

Correct Answer is A.

• An increasing population leads to a higher demand for food, which in turn drives the conversion of forests into agricultural land. Demographic factors such as population growth, density, distribution, migration, and urbanization play a significant role in driving deforestation. Therefore, both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) provides an explanation for (A).

Correct Answer is C.

• The main cause for the forest loss is industrialization. Deforestation occurs due to the urbanization and empty land is being used for agriculture purpose.

Correct Answer is D.

This award recognizes contributions by educational and research institutions, forest and wildlife officers, and wildlife conservationists in the field of wildlife conservation.

• [A] Educational and Research Institutions:
  Educational and research institutions play a crucial role in advancing knowledge about wildlife and ecosystems. They conduct studies, provide training, and develop innovative conservation strategies that significantly impact wildlife preservation.
• [B] Forest and Wildlife Officers:
  Forest and wildlife officers are at the forefront of implementing conservation policies, protecting wildlife habitats, and combating illegal activities such as poaching and deforestation. Their dedication and on-ground efforts are vital for effective wildlife management.
• [C] Wildlife Conservationists:
  Wildlife conservationists, including activists, scientists, and organizations, contribute to protecting endangered species, raising awareness, and influencing policy changes. Their advocacy and hands-on efforts help safeguard biodiversity.
• [D] All the above:
  The award recognizes the collective efforts of all these groups—educational and research institutions, forest and wildlife officers, and individual conservationists. Each contributes uniquely to the shared goal of wildlife conservation, making this option the most comprehensive and accurate choice.

Correct Answer is C.

• [A] It was launched in 1991-92:
  This is correct. Project Elephant was launched by the Government of India in the year 1991-92 to ensure the conservation and protection of elephants and their habitats.
• [B] It addresses issues of man-animal conflict:
  This is correct. A significant objective of Project Elephant is to reduce human-elephant conflict by implementing measures to mitigate such conflicts and protect both humans and elephants.
• [C] The welfare of only wild elephants is taken care of:
  This is NOT correct. Project Elephant focuses on the welfare of both wild and captive elephants. It ensures proper care, management, and protection for all elephants, irrespective of their living conditions.
• [D] It was launched as a centrally sponsored scheme:
  This is correct. Project Elephant was initiated as a centrally sponsored scheme, meaning it is funded and supported by the central government with contributions from state governments.

Correct Answer is A.

The National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR) is a premier institute under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), established to safeguard India’s plant genetic wealth.

1. Headquarters:
   The NBPGR is located in New Delhi, serving as the central hub for coordinating activities related to the conservation, collection, characterization, evaluation, and utilization of plant genetic resources in India.
2. Historical Background:
   • Established initially as the National Bureau of Plant Introduction in 1976.
   • Renamed as the National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR) in January 1977 to expand its role in conserving genetic resources crucial for agriculture.
3. Primary Objectives:
   • Plant Genetic Resource Conservation: Safeguard seeds, genetic material, and germplasm that are critical for food security and agricultural resilience.
   • Crop Improvement: Facilitate the introduction and augmentation of plant germplasm for improving crop varieties.
   • Research and Development: Conduct research to identify valuable traits in plants that can enhance productivity, resistance to diseases, and adaptability to environmental changes.
4. Infrastructure:
   NBPGR has a National Genebank in New Delhi, which stores seeds, tissues, and other plant material under controlled conditions to ensure their longevity.
5. Regional Presence:
   In addition to its headquarters, NBPGR has 10 regional stations across India (e.g., Shimla, Jodhpur, Thrissur, Srinagar) to cater to the diverse agro-climatic zones and biodiversity hotspots.
6. Global Significance:
   NBPGR collaborates with international organizations like the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and Bioversity International to exchange knowledge and germplasm for global food security and biodiversity conservation

Correct Answer is B.

The National Research Centre for Agroforestry (NRCAF), also known as the ICAR-Central Agroforestry Research Institute (CAFRI), is located in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh. It was established in 1988 under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) to promote research and development in the field of agroforestry.

Objectives:

1. Research and Development:
   To develop sustainable agroforestry systems that enhance agricultural productivity, conserve natural resources, and provide livelihood security.
2. Policy Support:
   The institute provides scientific inputs for formulating agroforestry policies and frameworks at national and regional levels.
3. Capacity Building:
   Conducts training programs and workshops to equip farmers, scientists, and policymakers with knowledge and skills in agroforestry practices.
4. Environmental Conservation:
   Focuses on integrating trees with crops and livestock to combat soil erosion, improve soil fertility, and contribute to carbon sequestration.

Correct Answer is B.

Key Points:

• Tropical Moist Forests: Greatest biodiversity of plants and animals; warm, humid climate; e.g., Amazon Rainforest.
• Temperate Deciduous Forests: Moderate diversity; distinct seasons.
• Savanna: Lower diversity; grasslands with scattered trees.
• Temperate Grasslands: Least diversity; dominated by grasses.

Conclusion: Tropical moist forests have the highest species richness.

Correct Answer is A.

• Tropical moist deciduous forests are found in areas of moderate rainfall of 100 to 200 cm per annum. The trees of these forests drop their leaves for about 6-8 weeks during the spring and early summer when sufficient moisture for the leaves is not available.
• Teak trees are the most dominant species of trees found in these forests. Bamboos, Sal, Shisham, Sandalwood, Khair, Kusum, Arjun, Mulberry are some of the other commercially important species found here.

Correct Answer is D.

• The Amazon rainforest is often referred to as the “lungs of the planet” because it plays a crucial role in absorbing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen. It is one of the largest and most biodiverse rainforests in the world, located primarily in Brazil but extending into other countries in South America. The forest acts as a vital carbon sink, helping mitigate the impacts of climate change.

Correct Answer is D.

• Structural Adaptation is important to the plant’s survival in the desert. Wax coating on leaves prevents water loss through evaporation. Leaves are also smaller in desert plants further reducing the possibility for water loss. They have hard thick coatings and some are covered in prickly spines to prevent loss.