Preparing for the NEET exam, dive into our comprehensive set of 25 Multiple Choice Questions, each followed by detailed answers and explanations, encompassing a wide spectrum of topics – from the types and magnitude of biodiversity, its patterns and significance, to the multifaceted strategies for its conservation.
Learn these 25 most important multiple choice questions from the topic – Biodiversity and Conservation. These questions help in your NEET exam preparation.
1. What are the different levels at which Biodiversity is studied?
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Biodiversity is studied at genetic, species, and ecosystem levels, each offering unique insights into the variety of life on Earth.
2. Which country is the most biodiverse in the world?
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Brazil, home to the Amazon Rainforest, holds the title for the most biodiverse country due to its extensive variety of species and ecosystems.
3. What is the term for the decrease in biodiversity from the equator towards the poles?
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The Latitudinal Gradient describes the decrease in biodiversity observed as one moves from the equator towards the poles.
4. Which of the following is not a reason for the importance of biodiversity?
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While biodiversity is crucial for climate regulation, ecosystem services, and cultural value, pollution is a threat to biodiversity, not a reason for its importance.
5. What is the leading cause of loss of biodiversity?
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Habitat Destruction, primarily due to human activities, is the foremost cause of biodiversity loss.
6. What is conservation?
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Conservation encompasses the protection, management, and proper use of natural resources to prevent their depletion and ensure their sustainability for future generations. It involves a range of activities including, but not limited to, safeguarding habitats and biodiversity, controlling and eradicating invasive species, implementing sustainable resource management practices, and promoting environmental education and awareness. Conservation aims to balance the needs of humans with the maintenance of ecosystems and biodiversity, making option (d) "All of the above" the correct answer.
7. What is In Situ Conservation?
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In Situ Conservation refers to the protection of species in their natural habitat, preserving the natural conditions and interactions.
8. Which of the following is a method of Ex Situ Conservation?
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Zoos are facilities where species are protected outside their natural habitat, making them a form of Ex Situ Conservation.
9. What is the primary aim of a Botanical Garden?
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While Botanical Gardens serve multiple purposes, their primary aim is the conservation of plant diversity.
10. Why is biodiversity conservation important?
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Biodiversity conservation is vital for species survival, ecological balance, and sustainable resource utilization.
11. What is the focus of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)?
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The CBD is an international treaty aimed at the sustainable management and conservation of biological diversity.
12. What is a Biodiversity Hotspot?
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A Biodiversity Hotspot is characterized by high levels of endemism and significant threats to its biodiversity.
13. Which organization publishes the Red List of Threatened Species?
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The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) publishes the Red List, categorizing species based on their conservation status.
14. Which of the following represents a secondary succession?
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Secondary succession occurs in areas where a community that previously existed has been removed; it is typically faster than primary succession. Plant growth in abandoned agricultural land is an example of secondary succession.
15. Which of the following is not a biogeographical realm?
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Oceanic is not a biogeographical realm. The earth is divided into eight biogeographical realms, including Neotropical, Palearctic, and Antarctic, based on taxonomic similarities of the living organisms in them.
16. What is the most common reason for human-wildlife conflict?
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Human-wildlife conflict is most commonly due to habitat encroachment where humans and wildlife are competing for the same resources, often leading to negative interactions.
17. Which of the following is an example of a cultural ecosystem service?
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Cultural ecosystem services are non-material benefits people obtain from ecosystems, such as spiritual enrichment, cognitive development, reflection, recreation, and aesthetic experiences, including tourism.
18. What is the ultimate goal of biodiversity conservation?
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The ultimate goal of biodiversity conservation is to achieve sustainable utilization of biological resources, ensuring that the diversity of life continues to flourish, and future generations can enjoy and benefit from it.
19. Which of the following animals is almost extinct in India?
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The Cheetah is considered to be extinct in India. The last confirmed sighting of a cheetah in the wild in India was in 1952. There have been recent discussions and plans about reintroducing the cheetah to suitable habitats in India. The other animals listed – Wolf and Rhinoceros – are still found in India, though they are subject to conservation efforts due to declining populations. The Hippopotamus is not native to India and is found in Africa; however, it can be seen in zoos in India.
20. Which one of the following shows maximum genetic diversity in India?
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Rice (Oryza sativa) displays the maximum genetic diversity in India, as it is a staple food crop grown across diverse agro-climatic regions in the country. India is home to thousands of rice varieties and cultivars, each adapted to specific local conditions, showing variations in size, color, taste, and other traits. While mango, maize, and wheat also exhibit considerable genetic diversity in India, rice surpasses them in terms of the extent of diversity.
21. What is the most biodiverse zone in India?
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The Western Ghats is one of the most biodiverse zones in India. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the eight "hottest hotspots" of biological diversity in the world. The Western Ghats harbors a large number of endemic species, including at least 325 globally threatened species. It hosts a variety of ecosystems ranging from tropical wet evergreen forests to grasslands. In contrast, while the other regions like the Trans Himalayas, Gangetic Plains, and Central India also host diverse ecosystems and species, the level of biodiversity and endemism in the Western Ghats is exceptionally high.
22. What is included in ecological diversity?
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Ecological diversity is a broad term that encompasses several levels of biodiversity within a region or landscape.
23. How many plant species have been recorded from India?
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India is home to around 45,000 plant species, showcasing the country's rich biodiversity.
24. The maximum number of species have gone extinct from?
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Islands have experienced the highest number of species extinctions in comparison to mainland regions, oceans, and freshwater bodies. The unique and isolated ecosystems of islands often host species that have evolved in the absence of certain predators or competitors, which makes them particularly vulnerable to changes in their environment. The introduction of invasive species, habitat destruction, and human activities have been significant factors leading to the extinction of many island species. The limited geographical range and smaller population sizes of island species also contribute to their increased vulnerability to extinction.
25. Which part of the world has a high density of organisms?
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Tropical rainforests, typically located around the equator, have the highest density of organisms on Earth. These ecosystems are characterized by consistent warm temperatures, high rainfall, and high humidity throughout the year, providing ideal conditions for a wide variety of plant and animal species to thrive. The abundance of resources and diverse habitats found in tropical rainforests contribute to their unparalleled biodiversity and high density of organisms, much more than what is found in Arctic Tundra, Desert Biomes, or Temperate Grasslands.