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All questions of Biodiversity and its Conservation for ACT Exam

The species becomes extinct most easily by:
  • a)
    Deforestation
  • b)
    Heavy rains
  • c)
    Urbanization
  • d)
    Sliding of hills
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Roshni Basak answered
Deforestation is the process of cutting down trees and clearing forests or woodlands, typically to make way for agricultural or urban development. This process has a significant impact on the environment and can result in the extinction of many species. The following are the reasons why deforestation is the main reason for species extinction:

1. Loss of habitat: Deforestation leads to the destruction of natural habitats of many species. Trees provide homes for animals, birds, and insects. When these habitats are destroyed, the animals are forced to migrate, which can lead to the extinction of the species.

2. Fragmentation of ecosystems: Deforestation fragments ecosystems, creating isolated pockets of habitat that are too small to sustain a viable population of many species. As a result, many species become extinct due to the lack of genetic diversity and the inability to find mates.

3. Climate change: Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and release oxygen. The destruction of forests leads to an increase in carbon dioxide levels, which contributes to climate change. Climate change can cause the extinction of many species that cannot adapt to the changing environment.

4. Hunting and poaching: Deforestation also leads to an increase in hunting and poaching activities, as many species are displaced from their natural habitats. This further increases the risk of extinction for many species.

In conclusion, deforestation is the main reason for species extinction as it leads to the loss of habitat, fragmentation of ecosystems, climate change, and an increase in hunting and poaching activities. It is, therefore, essential to implement measures to protect forests and prevent their destruction to conserve biodiversity and prevent the extinction of many species.

 Amongst the animal groups given below, which one has the highest percentage of endangered species?
  • a)
    Mammals
  • b)
    Insect
  • c)
    Amphibians
  • d)
    Reptiles
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Vijay Bansal answered
Presently, 12% all the birds species, 23% all mammals species, 31% all gymnosperms species and 32% all amphibian species in world face the threat of extinctions.

The active chemical drug reserpine is obtained form​
A: Datura                           
B: Rauwolfia                    
C: Atropa                           
D: Papaver
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Rohit Shah answered
Rauwolfia vomitoria is the source of active chemical drug reserpine, which is prescribed in hypertension and act as tranquilliser. 
Datura is a plant with hallucinogenic properties. Drug belladonna is obtained from Atropa belladonna and drug. Opium is obtained from Papaver somniferum. 

The main aim of plant conservation is -
  • a)
    To conserve the necessary ecological
    activities and life supporting systems
  • b)
    To conserve species diversity and range of
    genetic meterial
  • c)
    Both the above
  • d)
    None of the above
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Both are main aims of plant conversation as plant conservation is necessary to conserve the ecological activities and life supporting systems and to conserve species diversity and range of genetic material. Plants play an important role of photosynthesis thus acting as a producer and starting the food chain, also produces Carbon dioxide necessary for survival (ecological activities and life supporting systems). Most of the species are completely dependent upon plants for their life and it maintains the genetic pool. 
Therefore, the correct answer is option C.

Which of the following is thought to be an indicator of ecological balance
  • a)
     Deer
  • b)
    Black Buck
  • c)
    Elephant
  • d)
    Tiger
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Geetika Shah answered
Ecological balance is a term used to describe the equilibrium between living organisms such as human beings, plants, and animals as well as their environment. The tiger is a unique animal which plays a pivotal role in the health and diversity of an ecosystem. It is a top predator which is at the apex of the food chain and keeps the population of wild ungulates in check, thereby maintaining the balance between prey herbivores and the vegetation upon which they feed.According to the Global Tiger Initiative, tigers are indicators of the ecological wellness of planet earth. Being the dominant predators of the ecosystem, they ensure that the numbers of herbivores like deer are kept balanced.

Which of the following are also called lungs of our planet?
  • a)
    Himalayas
  • b)
    Amazonian rainforests
  • c)
    Mediterranean Basin
  • d)
    Western Ghats
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Amzonian rain forests are called as lungs of forest because it contains different kinds of vegetation that purify the atmosphere of the earth.

Red data books are produced by:
  • a)
    IUCN
  • b)
    WWF
  • c)
    IBWL
  • d)
    None of these
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Devika Pillai answered
Red data books are produced by IUCN, which stands for the International Union for Conservation of Nature. These books are a type of conservation tool used to identify and assess the conservation status of various species around the world.

The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species is the most well-known red data book produced by the organization. This list provides a comprehensive overview of the conservation status of tens of thousands of species, including mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, and plants.

The main purpose of red data books is to provide information on species that are at risk of extinction or are already extinct. This information can be used to inform conservation efforts, such as habitat preservation, captive breeding programs, and wildlife reintroduction programs.

Red data books typically include information on the following:

- The scientific name of the species
- The common name of the species
- The population size of the species
- The geographic range of the species
- The habitat of the species
- The reasons why the species is at risk of extinction
- The conservation measures that are being taken to protect the species

In addition to the IUCN Red List, other organizations also produce red data books that focus on specific regions or groups of species. For example, the European Red List is produced by the European Commission and includes information on the conservation status of European species.

Overall, red data books are an important conservation tool that helps to raise awareness about the plight of endangered species and inform conservation efforts around the world.

Which is not a reason of maximum diversity in tropics ?
  • a)
    Higher pest pressure
  • b)
    Evolutionary older zone
  • c)
     High rate of out crossing
  • d)
    Greater environmental variations
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Geetika Shah answered
Tropical latitudes receive more solar energy than temperate regions, which leads to high productivity and high species diversity.
Tropical regions have less seasonal variations and have a more or less constant environment. This promotes the niche specialization and thus, high species richness.
Temperate regions were subjected to glaciations during the ice age, while tropical regions remained undisturbed which led to an increase in the species diversity in this region.

If all the members of a host species die then all its unique parasites also die off, representing:
  • a)
    biological control
  • b)
    co-extinction
  • c)
    conservation
  • d)
    extinction
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Diya Datta answered
If all members fo a host species die the parasite that obtain their food from the particular host also die off due to lack of food. This represent co-existence of species.

Red data Book deals with:
  • a)
    Animals on verge of extinction
  • b)
    Plants showing photoperiodism
  • c)
    Endemic plant
  • d)
    Plants that are extinct
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Rohit Shah answered
Red Data Book is a state document established for documenting rare and endangered species of animals, plants and fungi, as well as some local subspecies (such as the Ladoga seal) that exist within the territory of the Russian Federation and its continental shelf and marine economic zone. The book has been adopted by Russia and all CIS states to enact a common agreement on rare and endangered species protection.

Select an incorrect statement w.r.t. biodiversity
  • a)
    Mountain peaks are more diverse than foot hills
  • b)
    Valley's are more diverse than mountain
    peaks
  • c)
    Shade sides are more diverse than sun
    sides of mountains
  • d)
    Western ghats are more diverse than
    eastern ghats
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Hansa Sharma answered
Valleys, shade sides of mountains and western ghats have more trees and water resources where more diverse fauna and flora may be present due to the availability of their life-sustaining resources compared with the others. Foothills, when compared with the mountain peak, are more diverse because mountain peaks are at higher altitude there is more sunlight, less water or we can say no water and also colder climate when compared to foothills so it will mostly be covered with either snow or there will exist a grassland.

How many hot spots cover India's high biodiversity regions ?
  • a)
    25
  • b)
    3
  • c)
    34
  • d)
    2
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Sunny Minnu answered
According to NCERT 1) Himalaya 2) Western ghats and Srilanka 3) Indoburma. But now it includes Sundaland which makes 4 hotspots.

Introducing exotic species into new areas will:
i) increase competition for food & space.
ii) introduce diseases
iii) improve habitat
iv) lead to extinction of native species
  • a)
    only iv is correct.
  • b)
    only ii, iii & iv are correct.
  • c)
    only i, ii & iv are correct.
  • d)
    all the above are correct.
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Geetika Shah answered
The impacts of introducing a non-native or invasive species to an ecosystem will vary depending on a number of factors.
In some instances, the introduced species may not survive. If there is no ecological niche for the species to fill or the species cannot adapt to fill a different ecological niche, the species will likely go extinct relatively quickly at the local level.
However, if the species is a generalist, or a species able to thrive in a variety of environments and consume many food sources, that species will likely do well. If the ecosystem has reached its stable state, this means that the invasive species will have to replace a native species. No two species can share the same ecological niche, thus one will be better adapted and survive. If the invasive species is better adapted, it will out compete the native species.
If the species reproduces quickly, it is also more likely to thrive in a new ecosystem. If it can reproduce and grow faster than its competitor, it will eventually out compete that species.
Typically, invasive species harm an ecosystem. For example, the Burmese python is found in the US but it isn't supposed to be here. These snakes were likely released by humans and were pets at one time. The environment is suitable for them and they have adapted to the area.
Introducing a new species can also introduce any diseases that species has. These new diseases can spread to other native species and negatively affect them.
Introducing exotic species into new areas will increase competition for food and space. Sometimes, exotic species brings disease along with them. Exotic species in new area do not lead to extinction of native species.

Species diversity in an ecosystem mainly depends on -
  • a)
    Light intensity
  • b)
    Rain fall
  • c)
    Temperature
  • d)
    Soil type
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Saad Maha answered
Species diversity
 is a measure of the 
diversity
 within an ecological community that incorporates both 
species
 richness (the number of 
species
 in a community) and the evenness of 
species
 abundances and it varies 
from region to region and 
mainly depends on rainfall apart from other other factors like temperature, light intensity etc. 

Find odd one out w.r.t. endangered plants
  • a)
    Berbesis nilghiriensis
  • b)
    Bentinckia nicobarica
  • c)
    Podophyllum
  • d)
    Nepenthes khasiana
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Maitri Chauhan answered
Berberis nilghiriensis is a plant species that is commonly known as the Nilgiri Barberry. The species is an endangered shrub that is confined only to the Nilgiris in Tamil Nadu, India. Hence. It is an endemic species.Bentinckia nicobarica is also known as the Bentinck palm. It is a plant species that bears flowers and is confined to Nicobar islands in the Bay of Bengal. Hence, it is an endemic species.Nepenthes khasiana is found in the Khasi Hills in India and is an endangered species of the pitcher plant belonging to the Nepenthes genus.
All three plant species are endemic, while the Podophyllum is a plant species that occur in the United States and Canada. One of its species is also found in the Himalayas. So, Podophyllum is not an endemic species.Therefore, Podophyllum is the odd one out.

A few years ago, the brown plant hopper (Nilaparvata lunges) threatened the cultivation of
  • a)
    Wheat
  • b)
    Rice
  • c)
    Maize
  • d)
    Millets
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Kaviya Lakshmi answered
The brown plant hopper is a sucking insect that, under heavy infestations, can cause the wilting and complete drying of rice plants.

Which of the following group of animal is the most vulnerable to extinction
  • a)
    Amphibia
  • b)
    Aves
  • c)
    Insect
  • d)
    Mammals
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Shubha Praveen answered
Yaa...see u should be more confident in ncert text ....bcz it is the direct line from the ncert...
so option 1 is correct..

Government of India has provided the private ownership rights in
  • a)
    A national park
  • b)
    A sancturay
  • c)
    A biosphere reserve
  • d)
    Zoo
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Lalit Yadav answered
Zoos are the artificial habitats of animals wherein animals are conserved for public view. Wildlife sanctuaries cover a large geographical area as compared to that of zoo. 
The Government of India has provided the private ownership rights in zoo as
the recent incident of a youth being killed by a white tiger at the Delhi zoo highlighted the need to restructure and revamp Indian zoological parks.

Which of the following group of plants is the most vulnerable to extinction
  • a)
    Angiosperm
  • b)
    Bryophytes
  • c)
    Gymnosperm
  • d)
    Pteridophyta
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

It is given in Ncert.. where
32 % of amphibians ,
31% gymnosperm,
23 % of mammal,
12 % of birds species are facing threat of extinction.

Which of the following exotic species has become menace to many water bodies in India ?
  • a)
     Lantana camara
  • b)
    Eichhornia crassipes
  • c)
    Panthenium hysterophorus
  • d)
    Eupatorium odoratum
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Raza Great answered
Eichhornia crassipes, commonly known as common water hyacinth, is an aquatic plant native to the Amazon basin, and is often a highly problematic invasive species outside its native range. It was introduced in Bengal in India because of its beautiful flowers and shapes of leaves, but turned out to be an invasive weed draining oxygen from the water bodies and resulted in death of many fish. Fish is a supplement food in Bengal, and because of the fish scarcity in Bengal caused by Eichhornia, the water hyacinth is also called "Terror of Bengal

Read the following text and answer the following question on the basis of the same:
Excessive exploitation of species, whether a plant or animal reduces the size of its population, so it becomes vulnerable to extinction. Such as Dodo and passenger pigeons have become extinct due to over exploitation by humans. Thus, the world is facing accelerated rates of species extinctions, largely due to human interference.
Assertion : Pollution reduces species biodiversity.
Reason : Spillover of oil in the sea causes the death of several marine animals.
  • a)
    Both assertion and reason are true and reason is the correct explanation of assertion.
  • b)
    Assertion is true but reason is false. 
  • c)
    Both assertion and reason are true but reason is not the correct explanation of assertion.
  • d)
    Both assertion and reason are false.
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Preeti Iyer answered
The assertion that "Pollution reduces species biodiversity" is true. Pollution can have numerous detrimental effects on ecosystems, leading to a decrease in species diversity. This happens through direct harm to organisms (such as toxicity leading to death or illness), habitat degradation, and indirect effects like altering food chains.
The reason given, "Spillover of oil in the sea causes the death of several marine animals," is also true. Oil spills are a form of pollution that has devastating effects on marine environments, harming or killing marine animals and birds, damaging ecosystems, and reducing biodiversity as a result.
However, while both the assertion and the reason are true, the reason provided is an example of how pollution can affect biodiversity but not the sole explanation for the assertion. Pollution encompasses a wide range of harmful substances and activities beyond just oil spills, including plastic pollution, chemical runoff, air pollution, and more, all of which can reduce species biodiversity.

Correct option is C. Both assertion and reason are true but reason is not the correct explanation of assertion.

In a wetland the primary factor controlling the environment and the associated plant and animal life will be:
  • a)
    water
  • b)
    temperature
  • c)
    soil
  • d)
    light
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Akshat Chavan answered
The area that is saturated with water is called wetland. In wetland the primary factor controlling the environment and the associated plant and animal life will be water.

Red data book is famous for -
  • a)
    Extinct plants and animals
  • b)
    Extinct plants only
  • c)
    Endangered plants and animals
  • d)
    Extinct animals only
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Raghav Bansal answered
The 'Red Data Book' is the state document which is established for documenting rare and endangered species of animals, plants and fungi as well as some local subspecies that exist within the territory of the state or country. This book provides essential information for studies and monitoring programmes on rare and endangered species and their habits. 

Biological diversity day is celebrated on
  • a)
    3rd December
  • b)
    22nd May
  • c)
    4th October
  • d)
    3rd October
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Gopikas S answered
The International Day for Biological Diversity (or World Biodiversity Day) is a United Nations–sanctioned international day for the promotion of biodiversity issues. It is currently held on May 22

Domesticated crop plants rarely become aggressive weeds, because
  • a)
    They are not grown in habitat favourable for rapid colonization
  • b)
    Their high seed production is not adaptive for an invading species
  • c)
    They possess traits with low survival value in wild
  • d)
    They are genetically uniform
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Ishani Das answered
Both domesticated crops and agricultural weeds have arisen from wild plants, but domesticated crops are different, as they are mostly human inventions selected for certain traits through thousands of years. We will first describe the crop domestication process and the evolution of agricultural weeds in general, contrasting “domestication” with “weediness” traits acquired during the dedomestication or ferality process, including a review of their genetic basis. Then for a select group of crop plants we will examine the degree of inferred domestication (ratio of domestic acquired to retained weediness traits).

Who proposed hotspot concept for region of high ecological diversity
  • a)
    IUCN
  • b)
    Mayer
  • c)
    Odum
  • d)
     Cormandii
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Megha Basu answered
Hotspot Concept Overview
The hotspot concept refers to regions of the world that are both rich in biodiversity and under significant threat from human activities. The idea was popularized by Norman Myers in 1988, but the specific reference to "Mayer" in your question likely points to a related concept or misattribution. Nonetheless, the foundational principles of biodiversity hotspots are crucial for conservation biology.
Key Features of Biodiversity Hotspots
  • High Ecological Diversity: Hotspots are characterized by a high number of endemic species, meaning these species are not found anywhere else on Earth.
  • Significant Threats: These regions are experiencing serious threats such as habitat destruction, climate change, and pollution, which necessitate urgent conservation efforts.
  • Conservation Prioritization: The identification of hotspots allows conservationists to prioritize areas that require immediate attention and resources to preserve biodiversity.

Importance of the Hotspot Concept
The hotspot concept is essential in guiding global conservation strategies. By focusing efforts on these regions, conservationists can effectively allocate limited resources to areas that harbor the greatest biodiversity and are most at risk.
Conclusion
While the mention of "Mayer" may be a misinterpretation, the hotspot framework developed by Myers provides a crucial strategy for understanding and conserving ecological diversity. It emphasizes the need for targeted conservation efforts in regions that are both rich in biodiversity and facing imminent threats.

Silent valley is a type of
  • a)
    Tropical forest
  • b)
    Temperate forest
  • c)
    Deciduous forest
  • d)
    All of the above
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

The Silent Valley, apart from being a veritable treasure trove of flora and fauna is also home to one of the oldest and the last stretch of tropical evergreen rainforests. Another peculiarity that makes it unique is the absence of cicadas. These insects that produce an incessant sound characteristic to any forest are absent. Their conspicuous absence makes the forest comparatively silent and hence the name Silent Valley.

Which of the following are parts of Biosphere reserves
  • a)
    Transition zone
  • b)
    Buffer zone
  • c)
    All of the above
  • d)
    Core cone
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Raza Great answered
Core, Buffer and Transition

To carry out the complementary activities of biodiversity conservation and sustainable use of natural resources, biosphere reserves are traditionally organized into three interrelated zones, known as the core area, the buffer zone, and a transition zone or 'area of cooperation

How many species of plants contribute to the traditional medicines used by native peoples around the world?
  • a)
    2,500
  • b)
    2,000
  • c)
    25,000
  • d)
    5,000
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

EduRev NEET answered
  • The species of plants contribute to the traditional medicines used by native peoples around the world are approximately 25,000.
  • Some examples of traditional plants used for medicinal purposes are ginger, garlic, chamomile, tulsi, etc.

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