Biodiversity

1. The term 'Biodiversity' was popularized by: (BPSC 64th Prelims)
   a) Charles Darwin
   b) Edward Wilson
   c) Rachel Carson
   d) Norman Myers
   Answer: b
   Explanation: Edward O. Wilson is known as the 'father of biodiversity' for popularizing the term.

2. Which one of the following is the most species-rich group in the animal kingdom? (UPSC Prelims 2020)
   a) Mammals
   b) Birds
   c) Fishes
   d) Insects
   Answer: d
   Explanation: Insects account for the highest number of known species among animals.

3. Which one of the following is not included in 'biodiversity hotspots'? (BPSC 66th Prelims)
   a) Indo-Burma
   b) Sundarbans
   c) Western Ghats
   d) Himalayas
   Answer: b
   Explanation: Though ecologically important, Sundarbans is not listed among the official biodiversity hotspots.

4. Biodiversity Act in India was enacted in the year: (BPSC 63rd Prelims)
   a) 1992
   b) 2000
   c) 2002
   d) 2005
   Answer: c
   Explanation: The Biological Diversity Act was passed in 2002 to conserve biodiversity in India.

5. Which Indian state has the maximum number of biodiversity hotspots? (BPSC 67th Prelims)
   a) Assam
   b) Kerala
   c) Arunachal Pradesh
   d) Tamil Nadu
   Answer: c
   Explanation: Arunachal Pradesh falls within two major biodiversity hotspots — the Himalayas and Indo-Burma.

6. Biosphere Reserve is meant for: (UPPSC 2020)
   a) Industrial use
   b) Habitat fragmentation
   c) Conservation of biodiversity
   d) Urbanization
   Answer: c
   Explanation: Biosphere reserves are designated areas for conserving ecosystems and biodiversity.

7. Which organization maintains the Red Data Book? (BPSC 65th Prelims)
   a) WWF
   b) UNEP
   c) IUCN
   d) FAO
   Answer: c
   Explanation: IUCN maintains the Red List of Threatened Species, also known as the Red Data Book.

8. Which of the following is not a type of biodiversity? (BPSC 62nd Prelims)
   a) Genetic
   b) Species
   c) Ecosystem
   d) Biomass
   Answer: d
   Explanation: Biomass is a measure of biological material, not a type of biodiversity.

9. In India, the National Biodiversity Authority is located in: (BPSC 66th Prelims)
   a) Delhi
   b) Mumbai
   c) Chennai
   d) Kolkata
   Answer: c
   Explanation: The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) is headquartered in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

10. Which of the following is a mega-diverse country? (UPSC Prelims 2018)
    a) Bangladesh
    b) Sri Lanka
    c) India
    d) Nepal
    Answer: c
    Explanation: India is among the 17 mega-diverse countries that harbor a large percentage of Earth’s species.

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NCERT-Based Questions (Q11–30)

1. Biodiversity refers to:
   a) Number of plants in a forest
   b) Number of species in a region
   c) Variety of life on Earth
   d) Number of animals in a zoo
   Answer: c
   Explanation: Biodiversity includes the variety of all life forms on Earth—plants, animals, and microorganisms.

2. Which of the following is the highest level of biodiversity?
   a) Genetic
   b) Species
   c) Ecosystem
   d) Population
   Answer: c
   Explanation: Ecosystem diversity includes genetic and species diversity and spans larger geographical areas.

3. Genetic diversity refers to:
   a) Differences among ecosystems
   b) Variation of habitats
   c) Variation in genes within species
   d) Different types of species
   Answer: c
   Explanation: Genetic diversity refers to variations in genes among individuals of a species.

4. The Western Ghats are rich in biodiversity because of:
   a) Cold climate
   b) Isolation
   c) Tropical climate and topography
   d) High population
   Answer: c
   Explanation: The tropical climate and varied topography make Western Ghats a biodiversity hotspot.

5. Species diversity increases as we move from:
   a) Equator to poles
   b) Poles to equator
   c) Mountains to plains
   d) Urban to rural
   Answer: b
   Explanation: Biodiversity increases near the equator due to favorable climate and resources.

6. Which of the following is an example of in-situ conservation?
   a) Botanical Garden
   b) Zoo
   c) Seed Bank
   d) Biosphere Reserve
   Answer: d
   Explanation: In-situ conservation means protecting species in their natural habitats like national parks and biosphere reserves.

7. Which of the following is an ex-situ conservation method?
   a) National Park
   b) Wildlife Sanctuary
   c) Seed Bank
   d) Biosphere Reserve
   Answer: c
   Explanation: Ex-situ conservation includes conserving components of biodiversity outside their natural habitat.

8. Species that are found only in a particular region are called:
   a) Endangered
   b) Keystone
   c) Exotic
   d) Endemic
   Answer: d
   Explanation: Endemic species are restricted to a specific geographical region.

9. Which of the following is an endemic species in India?
   a) Lion-tailed macaque
   b) Asiatic lion
   c) Royal Bengal tiger
   d) Leopard
   Answer: a
   Explanation: Lion-tailed macaque is found only in the Western Ghats.

10. Which is not an objective of biodiversity conservation?
    a) Preserving ecosystem functions
    b) Ensuring sustainable use
    c) Promoting habitat destruction
    d) Protecting species from extinction
    Answer: c
    Explanation: Conservation aims to prevent habitat destruction, not promote it.

11. Keystone species are important because:
    a) They are largest in size
    b) They are most numerous
    c) Their removal causes drastic ecosystem changes
    d) They are omnipresent
    Answer: c
    Explanation: Keystone species maintain the structure of ecosystems.

12. Threats to biodiversity include all EXCEPT:
    a) Habitat loss
    b) Climate change
    c) Afforestation
    d) Invasive species
    Answer: c
    Explanation: Afforestation increases biodiversity, not threatens it.

13. The term 'hotspot' in biodiversity refers to:
    a) Areas with high temperature
    b) Forest fires
    c) Areas rich in species under threat
    d) Volcanic zones
    Answer: c
    Explanation: Biodiversity hotspots are areas rich in species diversity and under significant threat.

14. The Amazon rainforest is an example of:
    a) Cold desert
    b) Tropical rainforest
    c) Deciduous forest
    d) Grassland
    Answer: b
    Explanation: Amazon is the largest tropical rainforest and one of the richest biodiversity regions.

15. Which country has the highest biodiversity?
    a) India
    b) Australia
    c) Brazil
    d) USA
    Answer: c
    Explanation: Brazil is considered the most biodiverse country, especially due to the Amazon.

16. Which is a Ramsar site in Bihar?
    a) Chilika Lake
    b) Kanwar Lake
    c) Keoladeo
    d) Loktak Lake
    Answer: b
    Explanation: Kanwar Lake (Begusarai) is a designated Ramsar wetland in Bihar.

17. Sacred groves are conserved due to:
    a) Cultural beliefs
    b) Government orders
    c) Economic reasons
    d) Tourism
    Answer: a
    Explanation: Sacred groves are patches of forest protected by communities due to cultural and religious beliefs.

18. Species richness refers to:
    a) Population of a species
    b) Number of individuals
    c) Number of species in an area
    d) Genetic variety
    Answer: c
    Explanation: Species richness measures the number of different species in a given area.

19. The term 'flora' refers to:
    a) Animal life
    b) Microorganisms
    c) Plant life
    d) Birds
    Answer: c
    Explanation: 'Flora' denotes plant species in a specific region.

20. Which is the largest biosphere reserve in India?
    a) Nilgiri
    b) Gulf of Mannar
    c) Sundarbans
    d) Rann of Kutch
    Answer: a
    Explanation: Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve is the largest and one of the oldest in India.

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Predicted/Reference Book-Based Questions (Q31–50)

1. Biodiversity loss affects:
   a) Oxygen levels only
   b) Only endangered species
   c) Ecosystem services
   d) Food prices only
   Answer: c
   Explanation: Biodiversity supports essential ecosystem services like pollination, nutrient cycling, and climate regulation.

2. Which species is considered a 'flagship species' for conservation?
   a) Elephant
   b) Grasshopper
   c) Cobra
   d) Peacock
   Answer: a
   Explanation: Flagship species like elephants represent ecosystems and attract public support for conservation.

3. Which is not a cause of biodiversity loss?
   a) Deforestation
   b) Overexploitation
   c) Conservation policies
   d) Climate change
   Answer: c
   Explanation: Conservation policies are implemented to prevent biodiversity loss.

4. The Red Data Book provides information on:
   a) Extinct languages
   b) Endangered species
   c) Forest cover
   d) Polluted rivers
   Answer: b
   Explanation: The Red Data Book by IUCN lists endangered and threatened species globally.

5. Which of the following ecosystems has the highest biodiversity?
   a) Coral reefs
   b) Deserts
   c) Tundra
   d) Alpine meadows
   Answer: a
   Explanation: Coral reefs are among the most diverse and productive ecosystems.

6. India's first biodiversity heritage site is:
   a) Agasthyamalai Hills
   b) Nallur Tamarind Grove
   c) Manas Wildlife Sanctuary
   d) Kanchenjunga Biosphere
   Answer: b
   Explanation: Nallur Tamarind Grove in Karnataka was declared India's first biodiversity heritage site.

7. What percent of world’s biodiversity is found in India?
   a) 2%
   b) 4%
   c) 8%
   d) 10%
   Answer: c
   Explanation: India has about 8% of the world’s known biodiversity.

8. Which of the following is an invasive alien species in India?
   a) Sal
   b) Eucalyptus
   c) Parthenium
   d) Banyan
   Answer: c
   Explanation: Parthenium is an invasive weed that disrupts native biodiversity.

9. Which international treaty is related to biodiversity conservation?
   a) Montreal Protocol
   b) Kyoto Protocol
   c) Cartagena Protocol
   d) CBD (Convention on Biological Diversity)
   Answer: d
   Explanation: CBD was signed at the 1992 Earth Summit to promote sustainable use and conservation of biodiversity.

10. The major reason for species extinction is:
    a) Soil erosion
    b) Habitat loss
    c) Air pollution
    d) Noise pollution
    Answer: b
    Explanation: Habitat destruction is the leading cause of biodiversity loss globally.

11. Which is not a wetland bird species?
    a) Painted Stork
    b) Spoonbill
    c) Pelican
    d) Hornbill
    Answer: d
    Explanation: Hornbills are forest birds, not typically associated with wetlands.

12. Which national park is known for high floral biodiversity?
    a) Valley of Flowers
    b) Ranthambore
    c) Gir
    d) Kanha
    Answer: a
    Explanation: Valley of Flowers in Uttarakhand is famed for its endemic alpine flora.

13. Threatened species are classified by IUCN into how many categories?
    a) 2
    b) 3
    c) 5
    d) 7
    Answer: b
    Explanation: The main IUCN threatened categories are: Vulnerable, Endangered, and Critically Endangered.

14. Which gas is responsible for coral bleaching?
    a) Nitrogen
    b) Methane
    c) Carbon dioxide
    d) Ozone
    Answer: c
    Explanation: CO₂ contributes to ocean warming, leading to coral bleaching and biodiversity loss.

15. Ramsar Convention is related to:
    a) Forest management
    b) Desertification
    c) Wetland conservation
    d) Wildlife protection
    Answer: c
    Explanation: Ramsar Convention is an international treaty for the conservation of wetlands.

16. How many biodiversity hotspots are there globally?
    a) 25
    b) 34
    c) 36
    d) 40
    Answer: c
    Explanation: As per the latest classification, there are 36 biodiversity hotspots globally.

17. Endangered species are:
    a) Extinct
    b) Not yet found
    c) At high risk of extinction
    d) Abundant
    Answer: c
    Explanation: Endangered species face a very high risk of extinction in the wild.

18. What is meant by ecosystem services?
    a) Services for ecology students
    b) Natural processes benefiting humans
    c) Man-made support systems
    d) None of the above
    Answer: b
    Explanation: Ecosystem services are natural benefits like pollination, climate regulation, and water purification.

19. Chipko Movement was aimed at:
    a) Urban development
    b) Forest conservation
    c) Mining
    d) Road construction
    Answer: b
    Explanation: Chipko was a forest conservation movement in the Himalayas in the 1970s.

20. Which of the following is a keystone species in tropical forests?
    a) Deer
    b) Ant
    c) Fig tree
    d) Snake
    Answer: c
    Explanation: Fig trees provide food to many species year-round and are keystone species in many tropical ecosystems.