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1.

What is common to the following plants: Nepenthes Psilotum, Rauwolfia and Aconitum ?A. All are ornamental plants.B. All are phylogenic link species.C. All are prone to over exploitation.D. All are exclusively present in the Eastern Himalayas.

Answer» Correct Answer - C
Nepenthes, Psilotum, Rauwolfia and Aconitum have their medicinal or ornamental. Hence, they are prone to over exploitation.
Discussion
2.

For frugivorous birds and mammals in the tropical forests of different continents the slope is found to beA. 0.6B. 1.3C. 1.15D. 1.7

Answer» Correct Answer - C
The slope of the line is much steeper if we analyse the species-area relationships among very large areas like the entire continents. For example, for fruit-eating (frugivorous) birds and mammals in the tropical forests of different contries, the slope is found to be 1.15.
Discussion
3.

First biosphere reserve was established in 1986 atA. NilgiriB. Nanda DeviC. Rann of KutchD. Sunderbans

Answer» Correct Answer - A
Biosphere reserves are multipurpose protected areas which are meant for preserving genetic in representative ecosystem of various natural biomes and unique biological communities by protection wild populations traditional lifestyle of tribals and domesticated plant`//` animal genetic resources. The first biosphere reserve in India was establishes at Nilgiri in 1986. Today it is one of the world heritages sites.
Discussion
4.

Biosphere reserves differ from national parks and wildlife sanctuaries because in the formerA. human beings are not allowed to enterB. people are integral part of the systemC. plants are paid greater attention than the animalsD. living organisms are brought from all over the world and preserved for posterity.

Answer» Correct Answer - B
Biosphere reserves have a core zone (no human activity), a buffer zone (limited human activity) and a transition zone (participation of local for activities like settlements, cropping, recreation, forestry, etc).
Discussion
5.

Read the given statements and select the correct option regarding this. (i) Ecosystem services provided by nature to human beings such as oxygen for respiration, asesthetic value, etc. (ii) Direct economic benefits derived from nature by human beings such as food, medicine, etc. (iii) Every species has an intrinsic value, even if it is not of any economic use to us. With respect to above give codes (i), (ii) and (iii) choose the correct option.A. `{:("Narrowly utilitarian","Broadly utilitarian","Ethical",),((iii),(ii),(i),):}`B. `{:("Narrowly utilitarian","Broadly utilitarian","Ethical",),((ii),(i),(iii),):}`C. `{:("Narrowly utilitarian","Broadly utilitarian","Ethical",),((i),(ii),(iii),):}`D. `{:("Narrowly utilitarian","Broadly utilitarian","Ethical",),((ii),(iii),(i),):}`

Answer» Correct Answer - B
Discussion
6.

One of the ex situ conservation methods for endangered species isA. wildlife sanctuariesB. biosphere reservesC. cryopreservationD. national parks.

Answer» Correct Answer - C
Discussion
7.

Select the correct option regarding sacred forests or groves.A. These are forest patches which are held in high esteem by tribal communities.B. Rare endemic species can be found flourishing in these areas.C. These are found in several parts of India.D. All of these

Answer» Correct Answer - D
Discussion
8.

Sacred groves are found in Khasi and Jaintia hills of `ul(i)`, Aravalli hills of `ul(ii)`, Western Ghat regions of `ul(iii)`.A. `{:((i),(ii),(iii),),("Meghalaya","Rajasthan","Karnataka and Maharashtra",):}`B. `{:((i),(ii),(iii),),("Meghalaya and Maharashtra","Rajasthan","Madhya Pradesh",):}`C. `{:((i),(ii),(iii),),("Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra","Rajasthan","Meghalaya",):}`D. `{:((i),(ii),(iii),),("Rajasthan","Meghalaya","Karnataka and Maharashtra",):}`

Answer» Correct Answer - A
Discussion
9.

Nanda Devi biosphere reserve is found inA. UttaranchalB. AssamC. Himachal PardeshD. Andhra Pradesh

Answer» Correct Answer - A
Discussion
10.

Match column I with column II and select the correct option from the given codes. `{:(,"Column I",,"Column II"),(A.,"Rhinoceros",(i),"High endemism"),(B.,"In situ conservation",(ii),"Off site conservation"),(C.,"Ex situ conservation",(iii),"On site conservation"),(D.,"Hotspots",(iv),"Kaziranga"):}`A. A-(iv), B-(iii), C-(ii), D-(i)B. A-(iv), B-(i), C-(ii), D-(iii)C. A-(iv), B-(ii), C-(iii), D-(i)D. A-(iv), B-(i), C-(iii), D-(ii)

Answer» Correct Answer - A
Discussion
11.

______is the exploration of molecular, genetic and species-level diversity for gaining the products of economic importance.A. ExploitationB. BioprospectingC. Co-extinctionD. Patenting

Answer» Correct Answer - B
Bioprospecting is the exploration of molecular, genetic and species level-diversity for gaining the products of economic imporatance. It comes under narrowly utilitarian category.
Discussion
12.

The exotic species, which when introduced in India became notorious weed, isA. Lantana camaraB. Eicchornia crassipesC. Parthenium hysterophorusD. all of these

Answer» Correct Answer - D
Lantana, Eichhornia and Parthenium are all exotic species, which had been introduced in India. Lantana camara has replaced many species in forests of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. Eichhornia (Water hyacinth) has clogged water bodies including wetlands resulting in death of servral aquatic plants and animals. Parthenium has pushed out several herbs and shrubs from open places in the plains.
Discussion
13.

An exotic species that is introduced to a new area, spreads rapidly and eliminates native species is calledA. immigrant speciesB. invasive speciesC. destructive speciesD. none of these

Answer» Correct Answer - B
Non-native or exotic species are often uses. They introduced inadvertently for their econimic and other uses. They often becomes invasive and drive away the local species. These species are considered to be second major cause of extinction of species are considered to be second major cause of extinction of species. Such invasive exotic species have proved harmful to both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems e.g., Lantana, Eichhornia and African catfish.
Discussion
14.

The extinction of passenger pigeon was due toA. increased number of predatory birdsB. over exploitation by humansC. non-availability of the foodD. bird flu virus infection.

Answer» Correct Answer - B
Passenger pigeons (Ectopistes migratorious) were once one of the most abudant birds on our planet, living in United States. Buthunting on a very massive scale as well as deforestation, lead to their extinction. Many crue ways were used for their hunting. The last individual of this species died in 1914 in Cincinnati Zoo.
Discussion
15.

A critically endangered animal isA. passenger pigeonB. dodoC. great Indian bustardD. zebu

Answer» Correct Answer - C
Passenger pigeon and Dodo are extinct birds. Zedu is name of a cattle which is not endangered. The Great Indian Bustard is critically endanger as per IUCN.
Discussion
16.

Which of the following statements describe natural extinction ? (i) Extinctions abetted by human activities (ii) Slow replacement of existing species (iii) Also known as background extinction (iv) A small population is most likely to be extinctA. (i) and (ii)B. (i), (ii) and (iii)C. (ii), (iii) and (iv)D. (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv)

Answer» Correct Answer - C
Natural or background extinction is a slow process of replacement of existing species with the better adapted species due to alternate evolution, changes in environmental conditions, predators and diseases. A small population due to inbreeding depression (reduces genetic variability) and normal population fluctuations during unfavourable periods like drought, harsh winter or severe summer.
Discussion
17.

Read the given statement and select the correct option. Statement 1: Tropical rainforests are disappearing fastly from developing countries such as Indai. Statement 2 : No value is attached to these forests because these are poor in biodiversity.A. Both statement 1 and 2 are correctB. Statement 1 is correct but statement 2 is incorrectC. Statement 1 is incorrect but statement 2 is correct.D. Both statement 1 and 2 are incorrect.

Answer» Correct Answer - B
Tropical rainforests are disappearing fastly from India due to deforestation, habitat loss and fragmentation. These forests are of extreme value since they contain the maximum biodiversity.
Discussion
18.

The term 'the evil quartet' is related with four major causes ofA. forest lossB. population explosionC. air pollutionD. biodiversity losses

Answer» Correct Answer - D
There are four major causes of biodiversity losses which are collectively called as-the evil quartet. These are habitat loss and fragmentation, over-exploitation, alien species invasion and co-extinctions.
Discussion
19.

What is common to the techniques (i) in vitro fertilisation, (ii) Cryopreservation and (iii) tissue culture?A. All are in situ conservation methods.B. All are ex situ conservation methods.C. All require ultra modern equipment and large space.D. All are methods of conservation of extinct organisms.

Answer» Correct Answer - B
Conservation of biodiversity can be broadly classified into two : In situ (on-site) an ex situ (off site). In situ is the preferred method to maintain species of wild animals in their habitats. This approach helps in conservation of total ecosystem. Ex situ approaches include consevation of those organisms, whose species may become extinct or decline habitat. This includes seed banks, cryopreservation, tissue culture, in vitro fertilisation, etc.
Discussion
20.

The active chemical drug reserpine is obtained fromA. DaturaB. RauwolfiaC. AltropaD. Papaver

Answer» Correct Answer - B
Reserpine is an indole alkaloid molecule that has been used as an antihypertensive drug, i.e., drug to lower blood pressure. It can be isolated from the dried roots of Rauwolfia serpentina (Sarpagandha).
Discussion
21.

The historic convention on Biological Diversity held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992 is known asA. CITES ConventionB. The Earth SummitC. C-16 SummitD. MAB Programme.

Answer» Correct Answer - B
Earth Summit at Rio de Janeiro (1992), Brazil, promoted Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) which was signed by 152 nations. Its recommendations came into effect on `29^(th)` Dec. 1993. India became a party to this Convention on Biologically Diversity in May, 1994.
Discussion
22.

Species diversity______as we move away from the _______towards_____.A. decreases, equator, polesB. increases, equator, polesC. decreases, poles, equatorD. none of these

Answer» Correct Answer - A
The biodiversity shows a latitudinal and altitudinal gradients. The species diversity decreases as we move away from the equator towards the poles with very few exceptions, tropics harbour more species than temperature or polar areas.
Discussion
23.

Which of the below mentioned regions exhibit less seasonal variations ?A. TropicsB. TemperatesC. AlpinesD. Both (a) and (b)

Answer» Correct Answer - A
There are no unfavourable seasons in tropics. Continued favourable environment has helped tropical organisms to gain more niche specialisation and increased diversity. Hence, tropics exhibit lesser seasonal variations.
Discussion
24.

Which of the following is a reason for the greater biological diversity of tropical regions ?A. Tropical latitudes have remained almost undisturbed for millions of years.B. Tropical environments are less seasonal, relatively more constant and predictable.C. More solar energy is available in the tropics, resulting in high productivity.D. All of these

Answer» Correct Answer - D
Higher diversity in tropical areas is because of various factors. (i) Speciation is a function of time. Temperature areas have undergone frequent glaciation in the past. It killed most of the species. No such disturbance occurred in tropics where species continued to flourish and evolve undistubed for millions of years. (ii) There are no unfavourable seasons in tropics. Continued favourable environment has helped tropical oraganisms to gain more niche specialisation and increased diversity. (iii) More solar energy is available in tropics. This promotes higher productivity and increased biodiversity. (iv) Resource availability is higher in tropics. (v) There is reduced competition in tropics due to favourable environment. (vi) Rate of extinction is low in tropics.
Discussion
25.

Tropics (`23.5^(@)N` to `23.5^(@)S`) have________species as compared to temeprature or polar regions.A. lessB. equalC. moreD. none of these

Answer» Correct Answer - C
Biodiversity is affected by latitudinal gradients.
Tropics `(23.5^(@)N` to `23.5^(@)S)` have more species than temperature or polar regions. For example, Columbia located near the equator has `1400` species of birds, while New York `(41^(@)N)` has 105 species and Greenland `(71^(@)N)` has only `56` species.
Discussion
26.

What is common to Lantana, Eichhornia and Africa catfish?A. All are endangered species of India.B. All are keystone species.C. All are mammals found in India.D. All are species are neither threatened nor indigenous species of India.

Answer» Correct Answer - D
Lantana, Eichhornia and Africa catfish are exotic species. Non-native or exotic species are often introduced inadvertently for their economic and other uses. They often become invasive and drive away the focal species. These species are considered to be second major cause of extinction of spcies. Exotic species have proved harmful to both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.
Discussion
27.

Bali, Javan Caspian areA. species of tigerB. species of CheetahC. subspecies of cheetahD. subspecies of tiger

Answer» Correct Answer - D
Bali, Javan and Caspian are the three subspecies of tiger.
Discussion
28.

Select the correct term for the following definitions (I,ii,iii,iv). (i) The taxon is liable to become extinct if not allowed to realise its full biotic potential by providing protection from exotic species/human exploitation/habitat deterioration/depletion of food. (ii) The taxon is facing a high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future due to decreasein its habitat, excessive predation or poaching. (iii) They are species with naturally small populations, either localised or thinly scattered, which are always at risk from pests/pathogens/predators/exotic species.A. `{:((i),(ii),(iii),(iv),),("Threatened","Extinct","Endangered","Rare",):}`B. `{:((i),(ii),(iii),(iv),),("Endangered","Extinct","Threatened","Rare",):}`C. `{:((i),(ii),(iii),(iv),),("Extinct","Rare","Threatened","Endangered",):}`D. `{:((i),(ii),(iii),(iv),),("Threatened","Extinct","Rare","Endangered",):}`

Answer» Correct Answer - A
Discussion
29.

Red Data Book deals withA. organisms on the verge of extinctionB. endemic plantsC. oragnisms showing photoperiodismD. organisms that are extinct

Answer» Correct Answer - A
Red Data book is a catalogue of taxa facing risk of extinction. It is maintained by IUCN.
Discussion
30.

How many species are documented to be extinct in last 500 years by IUCN Red List, 2004?A. 2000B. 87C. 567D. 784

Answer» Correct Answer - D
The IUCN Red List, 2004 documents the extiction of 784 species including 338 vertebrates, 359 invertebrates and 87 plant in the last 500 years.
Discussion
31.

Character of a stable community is that itA. should not show too much variations in year-to-year productivityB. must be resistant to occasional natural or man-made disturbancesC. should be resistant to invasions by alien speciesD. all of these

Answer» Correct Answer - D
A stable community is self-perpetuating and final biotic community that is in perfect harmony with the physical environment. It does not show much of changes and is usually resilient to natural or man made disturbances. It is also resistant to invasion by alien species.
Discussion
32.

Oragnisation responsible for maintaining Red Data Book isA. IUCNB. WWFC. CITESD. IBWL

Answer» Correct Answer - A
IUCN is International Union of Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, which is now called world conservation Union (WCU). It has its headquarters at Morges, Switzerland. It maintains a Red Data Book or Red List which is a catalogue of taxa facing risk of extinction.
Discussion
33.

Keystone species deserve protection because theseA. are capable of surviving in harsh environmental conditionsB. indicate presence of certain minerals in the soilC. have become rare due to overexploitationD. play an important role in supporting other species.

Answer» Correct Answer - D
Keystone species are those which have significant and disproportionately large influence on the community structure and characteristics. It has often considerably low abundance and biomass as compared to dominant species. Removal of such species causes serious disruption in structure and function of community.
Discussion
34.

Biodiversity loss occurs due to (i) habitat loss and fragmentation (ii) co-extinction (iii) over-exploitation (iv) alien species invasion.A. (i) and (ii)B. (i), (ii) and (iii)C. (ii), (iii) and (iv)D. (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv)

Answer» Correct Answer - D
Discussion