Test your knowledge with UPSC-style Multiple-Choice Questions- MCQs Biodiversity Hotspots in India. Explore the Western Ghats, Eastern Himalayas, Indo-Burma, and Sundaland ecosystems. Master key concepts for UPSC exams with our interactive quiz. Prepare and succeed in your biodiversity conservation studies today.
MCQs Biodiversity Hotspots in India
Biodiversity Question 1:
The dodo was extinct due to
- Global environmental change
- Invasion of non-native species
- Over-exploitation of resources
- Pollution
Answer (Detailed Solution Below)
Option 2 : Invasion of non-native species
Biodiversity Question 1 Solution: The Dodo’s Extinction
The demise of the Dodo, a flightless bird native to the island of Mauritius, was a result of various factors. While it lacked natural predators in its habitat, the arrival of Portuguese and Dutch sailors proved fatal. Here’s the breakdown:
Causes of Extinction:
- Invasion of Non-Native Species: The introduction of new species by sailors disrupted the Dodo’s ecosystem.
- Overexploitation of Resources: The easy availability of Dodos made them a prime source of fresh meat, leading to overhunting.
- Pollution: As human settlements expanded, environmental pollution played a role in the bird’s decline.
- Global Environmental Change: Factors like global warming and rising sea levels contributed to the altered habitat.
Notable Facts:
- Dodos were vulnerable due to their nesting habits on the ground.
- Lack of natural predators made them fearless of humans.
- Initially discovered by sailors in the late 16th century.
- Overhunting for meat led to a rapid decline in the Dodo population.
- Human settlement expansion further diminished the bird’s natural habitat.
- The last known Dodo was killed in 1681, marking the extinction of this unique species.
Multiple-Choice Questions- MCQs Biodiversity Hotspots in India:
Biodiversity Question 2:
Consider the following statements regarding the ‘Gangetic Dolphin’ :
1. The Gangetic River Dolphin has been categorized as ‘endangered’ under the IUCN’s Red List.
2. It does not have a crystalline eye lens rendering it effectively blind.
3. Navigation and hunting are carried out using echolocation.
4. It has been recognized as India’s National Aquatic Animal.
Which of the above statements are correct?
- Only 1, 2 and 4
- Only 2, 3 and 4
- Only 1, 3 and 4
- More than one of the above
- None of the above
Answer (Detailed Solution Below)
Option 4 : More than one of the above
Biodiversity Question 2 Detailed Solution
Key Points:
- Gangetic River Dolphin:
- Conservation Status: Categorized as ‘endangered’ on the IUCN Red List.
- Habitat: Found in the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna and Karnaphuli-Sangu river systems of Nepal, India, and Bangladesh.
- Distinct Features: Lack of a crystalline eye lens, rendering it effectively blind; known as the Blind Dolphin.
- Behavior: Utilizes echolocation for navigation and hunting.
- National Recognition: Acknowledged as India’s National Aquatic Animal.
- Legal Protection: Listed in Schedule-I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act.
- International Recognition: Included in CITES Appendix I, signifying it as among the most endangered species.
Detailed Solution:
- The Gangetic River Dolphin is indeed categorized as ‘endangered’ on the IUCN Red List, emphasizing its vulnerable status.
- Its unique characteristics, such as being a fresh-water species and the utilization of echolocation for navigation and hunting, contribute to its distinctiveness.
- The Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna and Karnaphuli-Sangu river systems serve as the primary habitats for this species across Nepal, India, and Bangladesh.
- The absence of a crystalline eye lens, leading to its classification as the Blind Dolphin, is a noteworthy feature.
- The Gangetic River Dolphin holds national significance, being recognized as India’s National Aquatic Animal.
- Its legal protection is evident through its placement in Schedule-I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act.
- On the international stage, the Gangetic Dolphin’s critical status is further emphasized by its inclusion in CITES Appendix I.
Conclusion: Hence, all the provided statements about the Gangetic River Dolphin are accurate, reinforcing its endangered status and the importance of conservation efforts.
Multiple-Choice Questions- MCQs Biodiversity Hotspots in India:
Biodiversity Question 3:
Which of the following is not an endangered species?
- Indian Rhino
- Asiatic lion
- Peacock
- More than one of the above
- None of the above
Answer (Detailed Solution Below)
Option 3 : Peacock
Biodiversity Question 3 Detailed Solution
Key Points:
- Endangered Animals:
- Definition: Species in danger of extinction, at risk of vanishing in the near future.
- Monitoring: The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) compiles a Red List identifying endangered species.
- Protection: The National Wildlife Refuge System offers specific protections to animals on the Red List.
- Threats: Causes of endangerment include hunting, habitat loss, climate change, diseases, pollution, and natural disasters.
- Human Impact: Human activities, such as industrialization and deforestation, significantly contribute to the escalating rate of extinction.
- Conservation Initiatives: Numerous organizations and NGOs have initiated projects to rescue endangered wildlife, both by governmental and non-governmental entities.
Additional Information:
- Indian Rhino (Great One-Horned Rhinoceros): The largest of the rhino species.
- Asiatic Lion: A population of Panthera leo leo surviving in the wild exclusively in India.
- Great Indian Bustard: A bustard found on the Indian subcontinent.
- Examples of Endangered Species:
- Monarch Butterfly
- Javan Rhinoceros
- Lion-Tailed Monkey
- Leatherback Turtle
- Bluefin Tuna
- Lesser Florican
- Magellanic Penguin
- Mountain Gorilla
Detailed Solution:
- The term “endangered species” refers to those at risk of extinction due to various threats, including human-induced factors.
- The IUCN’s Red List serves as a vital tool in identifying and monitoring endangered species globally.
- The National Wildlife Refuge System provides specific protections for species listed on the Red List.
- Threats to these species are multifaceted, encompassing hunting, habitat loss, climate change, diseases, pollution, and natural disasters.
- Human activities, notably industrialization and deforestation, are accelerating the rate of extinction.
- Conservation efforts led by governmental and non-governmental organizations aim to rescue and protect endangered wildlife.
Conclusion: Considering these key points and additional information, the Peacock, as mentioned in the question, represents an example of an endangered species, highlighting the urgent need for conservation measures.
Multiple-Choice Questions- MCQs Biodiversity Hotspots in India:
Biodiversity Question 4:
What is the main cause for the extinction of some species in tropical forest?
- Deforestation
- Afforestation
- Pollution
- More than one of the above
- None of the above
Answer (Detailed Solution Below)
Option 1 : Deforestation
Biodiversity Question 4 Detailed Solution
Concept:
- Extinction: The complete loss of individuals of a species, resulting from the absence of food, shelter, and mating opportunities.
- Habitat Importance: Habitats provide essential elements for a species’ survival, including food, shelter, and mating grounds.
- Tropical Forests: Critical habitats for numerous tropical species, offering diverse resources for survival.
- Deforestation: Large-scale tree cutting that leads to the loss of habitat for animals in tropical forests.
- Consequences of Deforestation:
- Loss of food sources and shelter for animals.
- Difficulty in finding mating partners.
- Reduced reproduction, resulting in a decline in population numbers.
- Extinction: If habitat destruction persists without restoration, species face the risk of going extinct.
Additional Information:
- Afforestation: The process of planting forests in areas devoid of previous forest cover, aiming to restore lost habitats and biodiversity.
- Pollution: Introduction of harmful materials into the environment, potentially harming species living there.
- Soil Erosion: Removal of the top layer of soil by rain and wind, particularly impactful in the absence of vegetation.
Detailed Solution:
- Extinction Concept: Extinction occurs when the conditions necessary for a species’ survival, including food, shelter, and mating opportunities, are compromised.
- Habitat Significance: Habitats, such as tropical forests, play a crucial role by providing essential elements for species survival.
- Deforestation Impact: Large-scale deforestation disrupts these habitats, leading to the loss of food sources, shelter, and mating grounds for animals.
- Consequences of Deforestation:
- Animals struggle to find food and shelter.
- Difficulty in locating mating partners hampers reproduction.
- Reduced reproduction rates contribute to population decline.
- Extinction Risk: If habitat loss due to deforestation continues without restoration, species face the risk of extinction.
Additional Information:
- Afforestation: The practice of planting new forests to restore habitats and support biodiversity.
- Pollution: Harmful materials introduced into the environment, threatening the species that inhabit it.
- Soil Erosion: Removal of the fertile top layer of soil, often exacerbated by the absence of vegetation.
Conclusion: Understanding the intricate connections between habitat, deforestation, and extinction emphasizes the urgency of conservation efforts, including afforestation and pollution control, to preserve biodiversity and ecosystems.
Multiple-Choice Questions- MCQs Biodiversity Hotspots in India:
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) on India’s Biodiversity Hotspots:
MCQ Biodiversity Hotspots in India
1. What is a biodiversity hotspot?
- A. A region with low species diversity
- B. A region with high levels of biodiversity and under threat
- C. A region with no endemic species
- D. A region with moderate ecological balance
Answer: B. A region with high levels of biodiversity and under threat
2. Which of the following is an example of a terrestrial biodiversity hotspot in India?
- A. Great Barrier Reef
- B. Amazon Rainforest
- C. Western Ghats
- D. Galápagos Islands
Answer: C. Western Ghats
3. What types of biodiversity hotspots are recognized?
- A. Terrestrial only
- B. Marine only
- C. Both terrestrial and marine
- D. None of the above
Answer: C. Both terrestrial and marine
4. What is one characteristic of biodiversity hotspots?
- A. Low species diversity
- B. Low endemism
- C. High threat from human activities
- D. Limited conservation importance
Answer: C. High threat from human activities
5. Which region in India is known for its diverse marine ecosystems and is considered an area with significant marine biodiversity?
- A. Western Ghats
- B. Eastern Himalayas
- C. Sundaland
- D. Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Answer: D. Andaman and Nicobar Islands
6. Why are biodiversity hotspots important for conservation efforts?
- A. They have low ecological significance
- B. They contain a large percentage of the world’s known species
- C. They are unaffected by human activities
- D. They lack unique ecosystems
Answer: B. They contain a large percentage of the world’s known species
7. What are threats to biodiversity hotspots?
- A. Increased conservation efforts
- B. Habitat preservation
- C. Climate change and human activities
- D. Low species diversity
Answer: C. Climate change and human activities
8. How are conservation efforts prioritized in biodiversity hotspots?
- A. Randomly distributed efforts
- B. Based on political considerations
- C. Prioritizing habitat protection and addressing specific threats
- D. Focusing on non-endemic species
Answer: C. Prioritizing habitat protection and addressing specific threats
9. Can marine and terrestrial biodiversity hotspots be interconnected?
- A. No, they are entirely separate ecosystems
- B. Yes, they are often interconnected
- C. Interconnectedness has no impact on conservation
- D. Marine hotspots are more important than terrestrial ones
Answer: B. Yes, they are often interconnected
10. How can individuals contribute to the conservation of biodiversity hotspots?
- A. By supporting habitat destruction
- B. By promoting unsustainable practices
- C. By raising awareness and supporting conservation initiatives
- D. By ignoring the importance of biodiversity
Answer: C. By raising awareness and supporting conservation initiatives
Multiple-Choice Questions- MCQs Biodiversity Hotspots in India:
