1. What is genetic diversity?
a) The variety of ecosystems within a region
b) The variety of genes within a species
c) The variety of species within an ecosystem
d) The variety of species across different regions
Answer: b) The variety of genes within a species
Explanation: Genetic diversity refers to the variety of genes present within a single species. It is crucial for the adaptation and survival of species in changing environments.
2. Which term describes the variety of ecosystems within a specific region?
a) Genetic diversity
b) Species diversity
c) Ecosystem diversity
d) Habitat diversity
Answer: c) Ecosystem diversity
Explanation: Ecosystem diversity refers to the variety of different ecosystems within a specific region, including forests, grasslands, wetlands, and marine environments.
3. India is considered a mega-diversity nation primarily due to its:
a) Large population size
b) High economic growth rate
c) Rich biodiversity
d) Technological advancements
Answer: c) Rich biodiversity
Explanation: India is considered a mega-diversity nation because of its exceptionally high levels of biodiversity, with a wide variety of species and ecosystems present within its borders.
4. The value of biodiversity includes all of the following EXCEPT:
a) Social value
b) Ethical value
c) Economic value
d) Political value
Answer: d) Political value
Explanation: The value of biodiversity encompasses social, ethical, economic, and aesthetic aspects but is not typically associated with political value.
5. Which of the following is NOT a threat to biodiversity?
a) Habitat loss
b) Pollution
c) Conservation efforts
d) Climate change
Answer: c) Conservation efforts
Explanation: Conservation efforts aim to protect biodiversity and mitigate threats to it, rather than being a threat themselves.
6. The conservation method that involves protecting species within their natural habitats is called:
a) In-situ conservation
b) Ex-situ conservation
c) Habitat conservation
d) Protected area conservation
Answer: a) In-situ conservation
Explanation: In-situ conservation involves protecting species within their natural habitats, such as national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves.
7. Which term describes species that are naturally found only in a specific geographical area?
a) Invasive species
b) Endemic species
c) Keystone species
d) Indicator species
Answer: b) Endemic species
Explanation: Endemic species are those that are naturally found only in a specific geographical area and are not found anywhere else in the world.
8. What is the primary cause of habitat loss?
a) Climate change
b) Pollution
c) Human activities
d) Natural disasters
Answer: c) Human activities
Explanation: Habitat loss is primarily caused by human activities such as deforestation, urbanization, and agriculture, which result in the destruction or degradation of natural habitats.
9. Which term refers to areas with exceptionally high levels of biodiversity and endemism?
a) Conservation areas
b) Biodiversity hotspots
c) Endangered zones
d) Protected regions
Answer: b) Biodiversity hotspots
Explanation: Biodiversity hotspots are areas with exceptionally high levels of biodiversity and endemism that are also under significant threat from human activities.
10. Which conservation method involves maintaining and breeding endangered species outside of their natural habitats?
a) In-situ conservation
b) Ex-situ conservation
c) Habitat restoration
d) Wildlife rehabilitation
Answer: b) Ex-situ conservation
Explanation: Ex-situ conservation involves maintaining and breeding endangered species outside of their natural habitats, often within zoos, botanical gardens, or captive breeding programs.
11. Which of the following is an example of productive use value of biodiversity?
a) Using plants for medicinal purposes
b) Enjoying the beauty of a forest
c) Engaging in ecotourism
d) Harvesting timber from forests
Answer: d) Harvesting timber from forests
Explanation: Productive use value of biodiversity refers to the direct economic benefits derived from utilizing biodiversity resources, such as harvesting timber for commercial purposes.
12. Which term describes the variety of different species within a given ecosystem?
a) Genetic diversity
b) Species diversity
c) Ecosystem diversity
d) Habitat diversity
Answer: b) Species diversity
Explanation: Species diversity refers to the variety of different species present within a given ecosystem or area.
13. What is the main cause of man-wildlife conflicts?
a) Climate change
b) Loss of habitat
c) Excessive hunting
d) Pollution
Answer: b) Loss of habitat
Explanation: Man-wildlife conflicts often arise due to the loss or degradation of natural habitats, which forces wildlife into closer proximity to human settlements, leading to conflicts.
14. Which term refers to the value of biodiversity in providing cultural and spiritual benefits?
a) Consumptive use value
b) Productive use value
c) Social value
d) Aesthetic value
Answer: c) Social value
Explanation: Social value of biodiversity refers to the cultural and spiritual benefits that biodiversity provides to societies, including traditional knowledge, cultural practices, and spiritual connections to nature.
15. Which of the following is NOT a biodiversity hotspot in India?
a) Western Ghats
b) Sundarbans
c) Eastern Himalayas
d) Thar Desert
Answer: d) Thar Desert
Explanation: The Thar Desert is not considered a biodiversity hotspot in India due to its arid conditions and relatively low species diversity compared to other regions.
16. Which conservation method focuses on restoring degraded ecosystems to their natural state?
a) In-situ conservation
b) Ex-situ conservation
c) Habitat restoration
d) Wildlife rehabilitation
Answer: c) Habitat restoration
Explanation: Habitat restoration involves activities aimed at returning degraded ecosystems to a more natural and functional state, often involving reforestation, wetland restoration, and invasive species removal.
17. What is the term for species that play a critical role in maintaining the structure and function of an ecosystem?
a) Invasive species
b) Endemic species
c) Keystone species
d) Indicator species
Answer: c) Keystone species
Explanation: Keystone species are species that play a disproportionately large role in maintaining the structure and function of an ecosystem, despite their low abundance or biomass.
18. Which of the following is a consumptive use value of biodiversity?
a) Bird-watching
b) Ecotourism
c) Harvesting medicinal plants
d) Enjoying the scenic beauty of a forest
Answer: c) Harvesting medicinal plants
Explanation: Consumptive use value of biodiversity involves directly using biodiversity resources for consumption purposes, such as harvesting medicinal plants for traditional medicine or pharmaceutical purposes.
19. What is the primary cause of poaching of wildlife?
a) Loss of habitat
b) Human-wildlife conflicts
c) Illegal trade
d) Climate change
Answer: c) Illegal trade
Explanation: Poaching of wildlife primarily occurs due to illegal trade driven by demand for wildlife products such as ivory, rhino horn, and exotic pets.
20. Which term describes the value of biodiversity in providing future options and opportunities for potential use?
a) Consumptive use value
b) Productive use value
c) Ethical value
d) Option value
Answer: d) Option value
Explanation: Option value of biodiversity refers to the value of maintaining biodiversity to preserve future options and opportunities for potential use, even if its current use is not immediately apparent.