NEET Previous Year Questions (2016-2024): Biodiversity & Its Conservation | Biology Class 12 PDF Download

2024

Q1: List of endangered species was released by     (NEET 2024)
(a) GEAC
(b) WWF
(c) FOAM
(d) IUCN
Ans: (d)
The list of endangered species is officially released by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), which is specified as Option D.
The IUCN is an international organization dedicated to natural resource conservation. They are renowned for their comprehensive "Red List of Threatened Species," which assesses the conservation status of plant and animal species worldwide. This Red List is a critical indicator of the health of the world's biodiversity and provides information on the range, population size, habitat and ecology, use and/or trade, threats, and conservation actions that can help inform necessary conservation decisions.
Other options listed such as GEAC (Genetic Engineering Approval Committee), WWF (World Wildlife Fund), and FOAM are not primarily responsible for releasing lists of endangered species globally, although WWF does work extensively in wildlife conservation and might publish reports or statements regarding endangered species based on IUCN's Red List data.

Q2: Tropical regions show greatest level of species richness because    (NEET 2024)
A. Tropical latitudes have remained relatively undisturbed for millions of years, hence more time was available for species diversification.
B. Tropical environments are more seasonal.
C. More solar energy is available in tropics.
D. Constant environments promote niche specialization.
E. Tropical environments are constant and predictable.

Choose the correct answer from the options given below.
(a) A, C, D and E only
(b) A and B only
(c) A, B and E only
(d) A, B and D only
Ans: (a)
The correct answer is: Option A: A, C, D and E only
A. Tropical latitudes have remained relatively undisturbed for millions of years, hence more time was available for species diversification. This is a major factor contributing to species richness in the tropics. The absence of major geological events like glaciation has allowed for continuous evolution and diversification.
C. More solar energy is available in tropics. This leads to higher productivity, supporting a greater number of species.
D. Constant environments promote niche specialization. Stable conditions allow species to specialize and adapt to specific niches, leading to greater diversity.
E. Tropical environments are constant and predictable. This allows species to evolve specific adaptations to their environment, leading to further specialization and diversification.
Statement B is incorrect: Tropical environments are less seasonal, not more seasonal.

Q3: These are regarded as major causes of biodiversity loss:    (NEET 2024)
A. Over exploitation
B. Co-extinction
C. Mutation
D. Habitat loss and fragmentation
E. Migration
Choose the correct option:
(a) A, C and D only
(b) A, B, C and D only
(c) A, B and E only
(d) A, B and D only
Ans: (d)
The major causes of biodiversity loss primarily involve the negative impacts human activities have on ecosystems, with some of the most critical factors being:
Overexploitation: This refers to the unsustainable use of wildlife and plant species for food, medicine, or other human needs which leads to the reduction in numbers of these species to dangerously low levels.
Co-extinction: This occurs when the extinction of one species leads to the extinction of another species that depend on it for survival, such as a predator and its prey or a plant and its pollinator.
Habitat loss and fragmentation: This is the process whereby a large, continuous area of habitat is both reduced in area and divided into smaller, more isolated fragments due to activities like logging, agriculture, and urban development. This disrupts ecosystems and decreases the viability of populations.

Regarding the listed options:

• Mutation: While mutations (genetic changes) are not generally a direct cause of biodiversity loss, they can influence the adaptability and survival of species. However, they are not typically regarded as a major driver of biodiversity loss.
• Migration: Normal species migrations are natural phenomena and not a direct cause of biodiversity loss. Instead, barriers to migration created by human activities can contribute to biodiversity loss by preventing species from reaching essential habitats for their survival and reproduction.

Therefore, the correct option that lists recognized major causes of biodiversity loss is: Option D: A, B, and D only (Overexploitation, Co-extinction, and Habitat loss and fragmentation).

Q4: The type of conservation in which the threatened species are taken out from their natural habitat and placed in special setting where they can be protected and given special care is called    (NEET 2024)
(a) in-situ conservation
(b) Biodiversity conservation
(c) Semi-conservative method
(d) Sustainable development
Ans: (b)
Sol: The type of conservation in which threatened species are taken out from their natural habitat and placed in special setting where they can be protected and given special care is called ex-situ conservation which is a type of biodiversity conservation.

Q5: Match List I with List II       (NEET 2024)
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
(a) A-II, B-III, C-I, D-IV
(b) A-III, B-I, C-IV, D-II
(c) A-I, B-III, C-II, D-IV
(d) A-III, B-IV, C-II, D-I
Ans: (b)
Sol: To match the correct individual with their contribution or hypothesis, let's review each person listed along with the contributions mentioned:
Robert May is best known for his pioneering work in theoretical ecology, particularly in the areas of population dynamics and stability in ecological communities. However, none of the choices directly mention these specific contributions. Among the options, the closest (though indirect) could be his theoretical work that touch upon aspects like species diversity estimations.
Alexander von Humboldt, known for his extensive work in biogeography, made critical observations on the geographic distributions of species. His work best correlates with the "Species-Area relationship," which describes how the number of species increases with the area surveyed.
Paul Ehrlich is famous for his work on population studies and environmental issues facing humanity. His statement about the planet's carrying capacity and potential biodiversity loss is widely known. The "Global species diversity at about 7 million" might closely relate to his biodiversity and population studies, though it's not his primary known work.
David Tilman is well-acclaimed for his experimental work on biodiversity and ecosystem productivity. The "Long term ecosystem experiment using outdoor plots" directly correlates with his experimental approach to studying the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning using field experiments.

Given these associations:
A (Robert May) might best fit with "Global species diversity at about 7 million" (III) though it's a rough fit.
B (Alexander von Humboldt) correlating with "Species-Area relationship" (I) is a much clearer connection.
C (Paul Ehrlich) and the "Global species diversity at about 7 million" (II) matches if we consider his general scope in biodiversity and population dynamics.
D (David Tilman) with "Long term ecosystem experiment using out door plots" (II) is an exact match for his field of work.

Looking at the options provided,
Option B: A-III, B-I, C-IV, D-II
This option aligns correctly as per the reasoning.
Therefore, the correct answer is Option B.

2023

Q1: Among ‘The Evil Quartet’, which one is considered the most important cause driving extinction of species?        (NEET 2023)
(a) Habitat loss and fragmentation
(b) Over exploitation for economic gain
(c) Alien species invasions
(d) Co-extinctions
Ans: (a)
Option A : Habitat loss and fragmentation is considered the most important cause driving extinction of species among 'The Evil Quartet'.
The 'Evil Quartet' refers to the four major causes of biodiversity loss: habitat destruction and fragmentation, over-exploitation, pollution, and invasive species. Of these, habitat loss and fragmentation is generally considered the most significant cause, as it directly affects the availability of the resources and space that organisms need to survive. It can be caused by a variety of human activities, including deforestation, urbanization, and agriculture. This loss of habitat leads to smaller, more isolated populations, which are more vulnerable to other threats and have a higher risk of extinction.

Q2: The historic Convention on Biological Diversity, ‘The Earth Summit’ was held in Rio de Janeiro in the year        (NEET 2023)
(a) 1985
(b) 1992
(c) 1986
(d) 2002
Ans: (b)
The Earth Summit, formally known as the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), was indeed held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 1992. This meeting marked a significant step forward in global conservation efforts, leading to the establishment of the Convention on Biological Diversity, among other important agreements.

2022

Q1: The 5-C compound formed during TCA cycle is                       (NEET 2022 Phase 2)
(a) Fumaric acid
(b) α-ketoglutaric acid
(c) Oxalo succinic acid
(d) Succinic acid
Ans: (b)

• In TCA cycle, the intermediate which is a 5-C compound is α-ketoglutaric acid.
• Oxalo succinic acid is a 6-C compound, whereas succinic acid and fumaric are 4-C compounds.

Q2: The World Summit on sustainable development held in 2002 in Johannesburg, South Africa pledged for
(a) Collection and preservation of seeds of different genetic strains of commercially important plants.
(b) A significant reduction in the current rate of biodiversity loss.
(c) Declaration of more biodiversity hotspots.
(d) Increase in agricultural production.        (NEET 2022 Phase 2)
Ans: (b)
In the World Summit on sustainable development held in 2002 in Johannesburg, South Africa, 190 countries pledged their commitment to achieve by 2010, a significant reduction in the current rate of biodiversity loss at global, regional and local levels.

Q3: Match List - I with List - II :        (NEET 2022 Phase 2)

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
(a) (a)-(iii), (b)-(ii), (c)-(i), (d)-(iv)
(b) (a)-(ii), (b)-(iv), (c)-(iii), (d)-(i)
(c) (a)-(iii), (b)-(iv), (c)-(ii), (d)-(i)
(d) (a)-(ii), (b)-(iii), (c)-(iv), (d)-(i)
Ans: (d)
About 71% of total carbon is found dissolved in oceans.
Annual fixation of carbon through photosynthesis is 4 × 10¹³ kg.
PAR captured by plants is 2 to 10% of total sunlight.
Productivity of oceans is approximately 55 billion tons.

Q4: Match the List-I with List-II :       (NEET 2022 Phase 2)

Choose the correct answer from the options given below :
(a) (a) – (iv), (b) – (iii), (c) – (ii), (d) – (i)
(b) (a) – (iv), (b) – (iii), (c) – (i), (d) – (ii)
(c) (a) – (ii), (b) – (iv), (c) – (i), (d) – (iii)
(d) (a) – (iv), (b) – (i), (c) – (ii), (d) – (iii)
Ans: (b)

• Khasi Hills in Meghalaya are sacred groves. Zoological park is an ex-situ conservation strategy.
• Nile perch is an alien species.
• Amazon forest releases large quantity of O₂.

Q5: Frugivorous birds are found in large numbers in tropical forests mainly because of :     (NEET 2022 Phase 2)
(a) Temperature conducive for their breeding
(b) Lack of niche specialisation
(c) Higher annual rainfall
(d) Availability of fruits throughout the year
Ans: (d)
Frugivorous birds are fruit eating birds found in large number in tropical forest mainly because of availability of fruits throughout the year.

Q6: Panspermia, an idea that is still a favourite for some astronomers, means:     (NEET 2022 Phase 2)
(a) Transfer of spores as unit of life from other planets to Earth
(b) Creation of life from dead and decaying matter
(c) Creation of life from chemicals
(d) Origin of sperm in human testes
Ans: (a)

• Option (a) is the correct answer because some scientists believe that life came from outside. Early Greek thinkers thought units of life called spores were transferred to different planets including earth. This transfer of spores was termed Panspermia.
• Option (b) is not the correct answer because theory of spontaneous generation gave the idea for creation of life from dead and decaying matter.
• Option (c) is not the correct answer because creation of life from chemicals was the basis for chemical evolution.
• Option (d) is not the correct answer as formation of sperm in testes is known as spermatogenesis.

Q7: Western Ghats have a large number of plants and animal species that are not found anywhere else. Which of the following term is used to notify such species?
(a) Vulnerable species
(b) Threatened species
(c) Keystone species
(d) Endemic species     (NEET 2022 Phase 2)
Ans: (d)
Endemic species are those species which are confined to a particular area, such as, species found in Western Ghats are not found anywhere else.

Q8: Which of the following are true about the taxonomical aid 'key'?     (NEET 2022 Phase 2)
(a) Keys are based on the similarities and dissimilarities.
(b) Key is analytical in nature.
(c) Keys are based on the contrasting characters in pair called couplet.
(d) Same key can be used for all taxonomic categories.
(e) Each statement in the key is called Lead.
Choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:
(a) (a), (c), (d) and (e) only
(b) (a), (b) and (c) only
(c) (b), (c), and (d) only
(d) (a), (b), (c) and (e) only
Ans: (d)
Key is taxonomical aid used for identification of plants and animals based on the similarities and dissimilarities. The keys are based on the contrasting characters generally in a pair called couplet. Each statement in the key is called a lead. Separate taxonomic keys are required for each taxonomic category such as family, genus and species for identification purposes. Keys are generally analytical in nature.

Q9: Which of the following is not a method of ex situ conservation?       (NEET 2022 Phase 1)
(a) National Parks
(b) Micropropagation
(c) Cryopreservation
(d) In vitro fertilization
Ans: (a)

• In-situ conservation means on site conservation i.e. when we conserve and protect the whole ecosystem, its biodiversity at all levels is protected.
• National parks are type of in-situ conservation.
• Whereas, micropropagation, cryopreservation and in-vitro fertilization are methods of ex-situ conservation.

Q10: Habitat loss and fragmentation, over exploitation, alien species invasion and co-extinction are causes for :
(a) Population explosion
(b) Competition
(c) Biodiversity loss
(d) Natality       (NEET 2022 Phase 1)
Ans: (c)
Habitat loss and fragmentation, over exploitation, alien species invasion and co-extinction are causes for biodiversity loss.

Q11: In-situ conservation refers to :      (NEET 2022 Phase 1)
(a) Protect and conserve the whole ecosystem
(b) Conserve only high-risk species
(c) Conserve only endangered species
(d) Conserve only extinct species
Ans: (a)
When we conserve and protect the whole ecosystem, its biodiversity at all levels is protected. This is in-situ or on site conservation strategy.

2020

Q1: According to Robert May, the global species diversity is about       (NEET 2020)
(a) 50 million
(b) 7 million
(c) 1.5 million
(d) 20 million
Ans: (b)
Robert May estimated global species diversity at about 7 million. Although some extreme estimates range from 20 to 50 million.

Q2: Which of the following regions of the globe exhibits highest species diversity?       (NEET 2020)
(a) Amazon forests
(b) Madagascar
(c) Western Ghats of India
(d) Himalayas
Ans: (a)
The largely tropical Amazon rain forest in South America has the greatest biodiversity on earth.

2019

Q1: Which one of the following is not a method of in situ conservation of biodiversity?       (NEET 2019)
(a) Sacred grove
(b) Biosphere reserve
(c) Wildlife sanctuary
(d) Botanical garden
Ans: (d)
Botanical garden is a method of ex situ conservation of biodiversity. Ex situ conservation (off site) is the conservation of organisms outside their habitats. E.g. genetic resource centres, zoological parks, botanical gardens, gene banks, etc.

2018

Q1: Pollen grains can be stored for several years in liquid nitrogen having a temperature of       (NEET 2018)
(a) -120°C
(b) -80°C
(c) -196°C
(d) -160°C
Ans: (c)
Pollen grains can be stored for several years in liquid nitrogen at -196oC. This is also known as cryopreservation.

Q2: All of the following are included in lex-situ conservation’ except       (NEET 2018)
(a) Wildlife safari parks
(b) Sacred groves
(c) Botanical gardens
(d) Seed banks
Ans: (b)
Sacred groves come under in-situ conservation and represent the pristine forest patches around places of worship which are held in high esteem by tribal communities. Cutting of trees and branches is prohibited due to religious reasons. Wildlife safari parks, botanical gardens and seed blinks come under ex-situ conservation.

2017

Q1: Which one of the following is related to ex situ conservation of threatened animals and plants?       (NEET 2017)
(a) Biodiversity hotspots
(b) Amazon rainforest
(c) Himalayan region
(d) Wildlife safari parks
Ans: (d)
Ex-situ conservation is offsite strategy for conservation of biological diversity in zoological park and botanical gardens respectively.

Q2: The region of biosphere reserve which is legally protected and where no human activity is allowed is known as       (NEET 2017)
(a) Buffer zone
(b) Transition zone
(c) Restoration zone
(d) Core zone
Ans: (d)
Core zone or Natural zone area of a biosphere reserve is undisturbed and legally protected ecosystem. No human activity is allowed in this zone. Little human activity is allowed in the buffer zone whereas in transition zone, an active cooperation is present between reserve management and local people for activities like settlements, cropping, etc. Restoration region is degraded area which is selected for restoration to near natural form.

Q3: Alexander von Humboldt described for the first time       (NEET 2017)
(a) Laws of limiting factor
(b) Species area relationships
(c) Population growth equation
(d) Ecological biodiversity
Ans: (b)
Alexander Von Humboldt noticed that within a region species richness increases with the increase in area.

2016

Q1: How many hotspots of biodiversity’ in the world have been identified till date by Norman Myers?       (NEET 2016 Phase 2)
(a) 17
(b) 25
(c) 34
(d) 43
Ans: (c)
Biodiversity hotspots are a method to identify- those regions of the world where attention is needed to address biodiversity loss and to guide investments in conservation. The idea was first developed by Norman Myers in 1988 to identify tropical forests hotspots characterised both by exceptional levels of plant endemism and serious habitat loss which he then expanded to a more global scope. Currently, 34 biodiversity hotspots have been identified most of which occur in tropical forests.

Q2: Which of the following is correctly’ matched?        (NEET 2016 Phase 2)

Ans: c
Parthenium hysterophorus is commonly known as congress grass or carrot weed. It is herbaceous annual plant of Family Asteraceae. It is a deadly invasive, noxious weed infesting cropped and non-cropped areas. It rapidly colonises area replacing the native vegetation and causes a number of human health related problems such as skin allergy, rhinitis and eye irritations. Also, being toxic and unpalatable it causes fodder scarcity. Hence, it is considered a threat to the biodiversity.

Q3: Red list contains data or information on        (NEET 2016 Phase 2)
(a) All economically important plants
(b) Plants whose products are in international trade
(c) Threatened species
(d) Marine vertebrates only
Ans: (c)
A red data book or red list is a catalogue of taxa facing risk of extinction. Red data book or red list was initiated.in 1963.

Q4: Which of the following national parks is home to the famous musk deer or hangul?       (NEET 2016 Phase 2)
(a) Keibul Lamjao National Park, Manipur
(b) Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh
(c) Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary, Anmaehal Pradesh
(d) Dachigam National Park, Jammu and Kashmir
Ans: (d)
The Dachigam National Park, located in Jammu & Kashmir, is well-known for being the home to the famous musk deer, also known as hangul. This park is particularly important for the conservation of this endangered species.
Therefore, the correct answer is :
Option B : Dachigam National Park, Jammu & Kashmir
Dachigam National Park has been a significant protected area for the conservation of the musk deer, which is a species of high conservation value due to its limited distribution and threatened status.

Q5: Which is the national aquatic animal of India?         (NEET 2016 Phase 1)
(a) Blue whale
(b) Sea-horse
(c) Gangetie shark
(d) River dolphin
Ans: (d)
River Dolphin is the National Aquatic Animal of India. This mammal is also said to represent the purity of the holy Ganga as it can only survive in pure and fresh water. Platanista gangetica has a long pointed snout and also have visible teeth in both the upper and lower jaws.

Q6: Which of the following is the most important cause of animals and plants being driven to extinction?        (NEET 2016 Phase 1)
(a) Habitat loss and fragmentation
(b) Co-extinctions
(c) Over-exploitation
(d) Alien species invasion
Ans: (a)
The primary cause of human-induced extinction events is simply human overpopulation of planet Earth. The most important causal anthropogenic activities are habitat destruction and fragmentation.

2015

Q1: The species confined to a particular region and not found elsewhere is termed as:       (NEET 2015 / AIPMT 2015)
(a) Alien
(b) Endemic
(c) Rare
(d) Keystone
Ans: (b)
Endemic species is confined to a particular area due to special type of adaptation according to that region.

Q2:  In which of the following both pairs have correct combination:       (NEET 2015 / AIPMT 2015)
(a) In situ conservation : Cryopreservation Ex situ conservation : Wildlife Sanctuary
(b) In situ conservation : Seed Bank Ex situ conservation : National Park
(c) In situ conservation : Tissue culture Ex situ conservation : Sacred groves
(d) In situ conservation : National Park Ex situ conservation : Botanical Garden
Ans: (d) 
In situ (on site) conservation is conservation and protection of the whole ecosystem and its biodiversity at all levels, in order to protect the threatened species. Two in situ methods are being used to save biodiversity viz., hotspots and protected areas. Protected areas include national parks, sanctuaries, biosphere reserves and sacred groves. Ex situ (off site) conservation is conservation of selected rare plants/animals in places outside their natural homes. Ex situ conservation includes offsite collections, seed banks, gene banks, in vitro fertilization, cryopreservation techniques and tissue culture.

Q3: Cryopreservation of gametes of threatened species in viable and fertile condition can be referred to as       (NEET 2015 / AIPMT 2015 Cancelled Paper )
(a) Advanced exsitu conservation of biodiversity
(b) In situ conservation by sacred groves
(c) In situ cryo-conservation of biodiversity
(d) In situ conservation of biodiversity
Ans: (a)
In such type of conservation, the threatened animals and plants are taken out of their natural habitat and protected in special areas like zoological parks and wild life sanctuaries.

2014

Q1: An example of ex situ conservation is:       (NEET 2014)
(a) National Park
(b) Seed Bank
(c) Wildlife Sanctuary
(d) Sacred Grove
Ans: (b)
In Ex-situ conservation the threatened animals and plants are taken out of their natural habitat and are protected in special parks or areas like, Zoological parks, Wild life safari parks and Botanical gardens etc. The ex situ conservation also includes cryopreservation, fertilization of eggs in vitro and propagation of plants through ‘Tissue culture methods’, preservation of seeds through Seed banks.

Q2: A species facing extremely high risk of extinction in the immediate future is called:       (NEET 2014)
(a) Vulnerable
(b) Endemic
(c) Critically Endangered
(d) Extinct
Ans: (c)
Critically Endangered: The taxon facing very high risk of extinction in the wild can become extinct any moment in the immediate future, e.g. Sus savings (Pigmy Hog), Berberis nilghiriensis.

Q3: The organization which publishes the Red List of species is:       (NEET 2014)
(a) ICFRE
(b) IUCN
(c) UNEP
(d) WWF 
Ans: (b)
IUCN or WCN maintains a red data book which is a catalogue of threatened plants and animals facing risk of extinction. The IUCN red list (2004) documents the extinction of 784 species (including 338 vertebrates, 359 invertebrates and 87 plants) in the last 500 years.

Q4: Given below is the representation of the extent of global diversity of invertebrates. What groups the four portions (A-D) represent respectively?       (NEET 2014)

Ans: (d)
Arthropoda is the largest phylum of Animalia which includes insects. Over twothirds of all named species on earth are arthropods. They have organ system level of organisation. Mollusca is the second largest animal phylum. They are terrestrial or aquatic (marine or fresh).