Biodiversity MCQ Quiz - Objective Question with Answer for Biodiversity - Download Free PDF

Key Points

• Pitcher plants are carnivorous plants that trap and digest insects, including mosquitoes, as part of their nutrient acquisition process.
• The plant's specialized pitcher-shaped leaves contain a digestive fluid that breaks down the prey into usable nutrients.
• Pitcher plants are commonly found in nutrient-poor environments, such as bogs and marshes, where they rely on insects for supplementary nutrition.
• These plants use nectar, bright colors, and scents to lure mosquitoes and other insects into their trap.
• Species like Nepenthes and Sarracenia are well-known examples of pitcher plants capable of trapping mosquitoes.

Additional Information

• Carnivorous Plants:
  • These plants derive some or most of their nutrients from trapping and consuming animals, primarily insects.
  • Examples include Venus Flytrap, Sundew, Pitcher Plant, and Bladderwort.
  • They are typically found in habitats with low nutrient availability, such as acidic soils.
• Nepenthes:
  • A genus of tropical pitcher plants found in Southeast Asia, Madagascar, and Australia.
  • Known for producing large pitchers that trap insects and sometimes even small vertebrates.
  • The digestive fluid inside the pitcher contains enzymes and bacteria that help break down prey.
• Sarracenia:
  • A genus of pitcher plants native to North America, commonly referred to as "North American Pitcher Plants."
  • Sarracenia species use a combination of nectar, scent, and coloration to attract insects, including mosquitoes.
  • The plant's downward-facing hairs prevent trapped insects from escaping.

The correct answer is Biodiversity, Endemic species.

Key Points

• Biodiversity refers to the variety of living organisms, including plants, animals, and microorganisms, found in a specific area or ecosystem.
• Endemic species are species that are found exclusively in a particular geographical location and nowhere else in the world.
• Biodiversity is critical for maintaining ecosystem balance, resilience, and providing ecological services such as pollination, water purification, and climate regulation.
• Examples of endemic species in India include the Nilgiri Tahr and the Malabar Civet, which are restricted to specific regions of the country.

Additional Information

• Levels of Biodiversity:
  • Genetic Diversity: Variation within the genetic makeup of individuals within a species.
  • Species Diversity: The variety of species within a given ecosystem or region.
  • Ecosystem Diversity: The diversity of habitats, ecosystems, and ecological processes within a region.
• Importance of Endemic Species:
  • Endemic species play a significant role in the ecological balance of their unique habitats.
  • They often indicate the health of an ecosystem and are sensitive to environmental changes.
• Threats to Biodiversity:
  • Deforestation, habitat loss, pollution, and climate change are major factors impacting biodiversity.
  • Invasive species and overexploitation of resources also pose significant threats to both biodiversity and endemic species.
• Conservation Efforts:
  • Protected areas like national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves are established to safeguard biodiversity.
  • Programs such as the Global Biodiversity Framework and Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) aim to promote sustainable development while conserving biodiversity.

The correct answer is By enabling species to survive in different environments.

Key Points

• Adaptation allows species to thrive in various environmental conditions, which supports their survival and the overall health of ecosystems. (Source: National Geographic)
• By enabling species to survive, adaptation contributes to the maintenance of genetic diversity, which is crucial for resilience against environmental changes. (Source: World Wildlife Fund)
• Adaptations such as camouflage, mimicry, and behavioral changes help species avoid predators and find food, further aiding their survival. (Source: Smithsonian Institution)
• Adaptation helps in the establishment of stable populations, which are vital for ecosystem balance and biodiversity conservation. (Source: Conservation Biology Journal)

Additional Information

• Biodiversity
  • Biodiversity refers to the variety of life on Earth, including species, ecosystems, and genetic diversity. (Source: United Nations)
  • High biodiversity increases ecosystem productivity and stability. (Source: International Union for Conservation of Nature)
  • Conservation of biodiversity ensures the availability of resources for future generations. (Source: Environmental Protection Agency)
• Genetic Diversity
  • Genetic diversity within species is crucial for adaptability and survival. (Source: Nature Journal)
  • It helps populations resist diseases and respond to environmental changes. (Source: Genetic Society)
  • Loss of genetic diversity can lead to extinction. (Source: World Health Organization)
• Adaptation Mechanisms
  • Adaptation mechanisms include physiological, behavioral, and structural changes. (Source: Encyclopedia of Life)
  • Examples include changes in reproductive strategies, migration patterns, and physical traits. (Source: National Geographic)
  • These mechanisms help species cope with environmental stressors. (Source: Environmental Science Journal)
• Conservation Strategies
  • Conservation strategies include protected areas, wildlife corridors, and habitat restoration. (Source: World Wildlife Fund)
  • In-situ and ex-situ conservation methods are employed to preserve biodiversity. (Source: Conservation Biology Journal)
  • Community involvement and education are essential for effective conservation. (Source: United Nations)

The correct answer is Los Angeles Smog.

Key Points

• Photochemical Smog is also known as Los Angeles Smog.
• Photochemical Smog
  • Photochemical smog is a mixture of pollutants that are formed when nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) react to sunlight, creating a brown haze above cities.
  • It tends to occur more often in summer, because that is when we have the most sunlight.​
  • This type of Smog is observed in 1940s in Los Angeles.
  • It is also Known as Oxidising Smog.
    • Oxidation means addition of oxygen.
  • It causes irritation in the eyes.

The correct answer is Genetic, species and ecosystem

Explanation:

The three levels of biodiversity are widely recognized as:-

• Genetic Diversity: Refers to the variety of genetic information within and between populations of species. It includes the different genes and combinations of genes found within a species, which allows populations to adapt to changing environments and contributes to the overall resilience of species.
• Species Diversity: Refers to the variety of species within a habitat or a region. This includes the number of different species (species richness) and the relative abundance of each species (species evenness). High species diversity often indicates a healthy, resilient ecosystem.
• Ecosystem Diversity: Refers to the variety of ecosystems in a particular area. This includes the different habitats, biological communities, and ecological processes, as well as the variation within individual ecosystems.

Therefore, the correct answer is Genetic, species and ecosystem

The correct answer is Holstein-Friesian.

• Holstein-Friesian is the world's highest-producing dairy animal.
• They are also known as Holstein Cattle.
• They originated from Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, Austria, France,  Switzerland, and Belgium.
• They are a dual-purpose breed used for both dairy and meat.
• They have horns but as calves, they are dehorned.
• They have black and white patched coat and occasionally they can even have a red and white patched coat on their body.
• The gestation period is about nine and a half months.
• Gir cow species are found in India and used for dairy purposes.
• Red-Sindhi is found in India/Pakistan and is used for both dairy and meat purposes.
• Tharparkar cow species are found in India and Pakistan and are used for dairy purposes.

Image of Holstein-Friesian:

The correct answer is the Western Ghats.

Key Points

• There are  4 biodiversity hotspots: the Himalayas, the Western Ghats, the Indo-Burma region, and the Sundaland.
• These hotspots have numerous endemic species.
• The Western Ghats are present along the western edge of peninsular India and cover most of the deciduous forests and rain forests.
  • This region consists of 6000 plant species of which 3000 are endemic.
  • The vegetation in this region was spread over 190,000 km2 but has been now reduced to 43,000 km2.
  • The region is also known for 450 species of birds, 140 mammals, 260 reptiles, and 175 amphibians.

Additional Information 

• The Sundaland hotspot is located in South-East India (south of West Bengal, Bangladesh).
  • In the year 2013, the Sundaland was declared as a World Biosphere Reserve by the United Nations.
  • This region is famous for its rich terrestrial and marine ecosystem.
  • It is one of the biologically richest hotspots in the world which comprises 25,000 species of vascular plants, of which 15,000 are found only in this region.
• The Himalayas comprises North-East India, Bhutan, Central and Eastern parts of Nepal.
  • This region holds a record of having 163 endangered species which includes the Wild Asian Water Buffalo, One-horned Rhino, and as many as 10,000 plant species, of which 3160 are endemic.
  • This mountain range covers nearly 750,000 km2.
• The Indo-Burma Region is stretched over a distance of 2,373,000 km², this region spans over the North-eastern states, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, and the southern part of China.
  • In the last 12 years, 6 large mammal species have been discovered in this region: the Large-antlered Muntjac, the Annamite Muntjac, the Grey-shanked Douc, the Annamite Striped Rabbit, the Leaf Deer, and the Saola.
• Endangered Animal Species in India: The Royal Bengal Tiger, The Great Asiatic Lion, The Snow Leopard, The Pig Nosed Frog, The Pink Headed Duck.. 

The correct answer is option 4

Key Points

Concept:

• To protect our flora and fauna and their habitats, protected areas called sanctuaries, national parks and biosphere reserves have been earmarked.
• Plantation, cultivation, grazing, felling trees, hunting and poaching are prohibited there.

Explanation:

• A place where animals are protected in their natural habitat is called a Wildlife sanctuary.
• Wildlife sanctuaries provide protection and suitable living conditions to wild animals.
• Sanctuaries are places where killing (poaching) or capturing animals is strictly prohibited.
• Some of the threatened wild animals like blackbuck, white-eyed buck, elephant, golden cat, pink-headed duck, gharial, marsh crocodile, python, rhinoceros, etc. are protected and preserved in wildlife sanctuaries.
• National Park: Areas reserved for wildlife where they can freely use the habitats and natural resources.
• Biosphere Reserve: Large areas of protected land for conservation of wildlife, plant and animal resources and traditional life of the tribals living in the area.

Key Points

• Extinct species refer to those that have no living individual on Earth now.

• Extinction of a species can be caused by various natural and man-made reasons.

  • Invasion of non-native species - When new species are brought into their habitat from other external habitats.
  • Overexploitation of resources - When all the natural resources like food or water are exhausted due to overuse or over-crowding.
  • Pollution - Environmental pollution like air, water or soil pollution.
  • Global environment change - like global warming, rising of sea levels, etc.

Important Points

• Dodo was a flightless bird that lived on the island of Mauritius.
• It nested on the ground and were more vulnerable.
• It did not have any natural predator in its habitat, so it was not afraid of humans.
• When Portuguese and Dutch sailors landed on this island, the birds were discovered for the first time.
• They started killing these birds for its flesh.
• The sailors used them for food because they were easy source for fresh meat.
• The bird population started decreasing because of this.
• As human settlements increased, the bird's natural habitat was also lost.
• This led to the ultimate extinction of the bird.
• The last Dodo was killed in 1681.

Additional Information

• Some other animals that went extinct due to overexploitation are:
  • Quagga from South Africa
  • Stellar's Sea Cow from Russia
  • Thylacine from Australia

The correct answer is Western Ghats.

Key Points

Biodiversity hotspots:

• Biodiversity hotspots are regions with high species richness and a high degree of endemism.
• The British biologist Norman Myers coined the term “biodiversity hotspot” in 1988 as a biogeographic region characterized both by exceptional levels of plant endemism and by serious levels of habitat loss.
• Conservation International (CI) adopted Myers’ hotspots and in 1996, the organization made the decision to undertake a reassessment of the hotspots concept.
• According to CI, to qualify as a hotspot a region must meet two strict criteria:
  • It must contain at least 1,500 species of vascular plants (> 0.5% of the world’s total) as endemics – which is to say, it must have a high percentage of plant life found no where else on the planet. A hotspot, in other words, is irreplaceable.
  • It has to have lost at least 70% of its original habitat. (It must have 30% or less of its original natural vegetation). In other words, it must be threatened.

Important Points 

Biodiversity hotspots in India:

• Himalaya: Includes the entire Indian Himalayan region (and that falling in Pakistan, Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan, China, and Myanmar).
• Indo-Burma: Includes entire North-eastern India, except Assam and Andaman group of Islands (and Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and southern China)
• Western Ghats and Sri Lanka: Includes the entire Western Ghats (and Sri Lanka). Hence, option 1 is correct.
• Sundalands: Includes Nicobar group of Islands (and Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, and Philippines).

Concept:

• Biodiversity conservation refers to the protection, scientific management, and upliftment of the natural flora and fauna. It involves the conservation of various threatened plant and animal species.
• Biodiversity conservation can be done in two modes

1.  In-Situ: The conservation method to protect the entire ecosystem in which the species are protected in their natural habitat. Eg. national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, biosphere reserves &Sacred groves.
2.  Ex-Situ: The mode of conservation includes the protective maintenance of threatened species outside the areas where they naturally occur. Eg. botanical gardens, zoological gardens, gene banks, etc.

Explanation:

• Cryopreservation is an ex-situ conservation method to protect endangered species.
• Cryopreservation is the technique to preserve viable gametes for a long duration in extremely cold conditions (-196^oC). Gametes of the endangered species are stored in liquid nitrogen (-196^oC).
• At such low temperature, all the biological activities of tissues get ceased or stoped. Now, these tissues can be later used to create gene banks, and thus it helps in preserving the endangered species.
• Spermatazoa, oocytes, ovarian tissues can be cryopreserved.

Additional Information

• There are a total of 18 biosphere reserves in India Eg. Nilgiri biosphere reserve, Nanda biosphere reserve, Pachmarhi biosphere reserve
• There are 106 existing national parks in India covering an area of 40,564.00 km2. Some of the important National parks of India are Ranthambore National Park, Jim Corbett national park, Kaziranga national park
• There are about 567 Wildlife sanctuaries present in India.

The correct answer is Gandak river

Key Points

• The Gandak River in Bihar has become the second successful breeding site for gharials in India after the Chambal sanctuary.
• The survey found 217 gharials in the river, up from 30 in 2014.
• The Gandak River was identified as a nesting habitat of the critically endangered gharials for the first time in 2016.
• Since 2018, gharial nesting has become a permanent feature in the river in every nesting year and the river has become an important gharial population with breeding records.

Additional Information

Gandak river

• Gandak River originates from the north of Dhaulagiri in Tibet near Nepal and enters into the Indian Territory near Treveni town in Nepal.
• Gandak flows in a southern direction and forms a boundary between Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Gandak drains its water in West Champaran, East Champaran, Muzaffarpur, Gopalgunj, Siwan, Saran, and Vaishali districts of Bihar.
• It is the Triveni Canal that gets water from the Gandak River.

Punpun river

• Punpun River is a tributary of Ganga.
• It originates in the Palamu district of Jharkhand.
• The other main tributaries of the Ganga River are the Son River, Ghaghara River, Gomti River, and Yamuna River.
• River son joins at just above Patna.

Ajay river

• ​It originates in the Jamui district in Bihar.
• It flows through Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal.

Key Points

• Biodiversity conservation refers to the protection, scientific management, and upliftment of the natural flora and fauna. It involves the conservation of various threatened plant and animal species.
  • Biodiversity conservation can be done in two modes i.e. In-Situ and  Ex-Situ.
  • The mode of conservation which includes protective maintenance of threatened species outside the areas where they naturally occur is called as Ex-Situ Conservation.
  • In-Situ Conservation: The conservation method to protect the entire ecosystem in which the species are protected in their natural habitat.

Explanation:

• Located in the Golaghat and Nagaon district of Assam, Kaziranga National Park is the only natural habitat of the endangered one-horned rhinoceros.
• Today this park is home to around two-thirds of the world's great one-horned Indian rhinos.
• Regarded as one of the finest wildlife refuges in the world it was declared as a National Park in 1974, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985, a Tiger Reserve since 2007 with one of the highest density of tiger in the country, and an Important Bird Area by the Birdlife International.

Additional Information

The correct answer is All of the above.

Key Points Gangetic River Dolphin:

• The Gangetic River Dolphin has been categorized as ‘endangered’ under the IUCN’s Red List.
• The Gangetic Dolphin is a fresh-water species, and one of the few river dolphins found in the world. 
• It inhabits the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna and Karnaphuli-Sangu river systems of Nepal, India, and Bangladesh.
• It does not have a crystalline eye lens rendering it effectively blind. That is why known as Blind dolphin,
• Navigation and hunting are carried out using echolocation.
• It has been recognized as India’s National Aquatic Animal.
• It is placed in Schedule-I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act.
• It is listed on CITES Appendix I, which lists species that are the most endangered among CITES-listed animals and plants.

Hence all the statements are correct.

Key Points

• International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources or IUCN is the regulatory body that deals with biodiversity and the loss of biodiversity.
• The IUCN Red List makes an assessment of the status of biodiversity to show how vulnerable a species is to get extinct.
• Biodiversity is a dynamic environmental factor, which keeps changing with the environment and time.
• As new species may get added as a result of speciation, existing species may become extinct, leading to loss of biodiversity.
• Adverse human activities may increase the rate at which species become extinct, leading to mass extinctions.
• IUCN Red List helps to check this drastic loss of biodiversity by introducing conservation strategies for the species which are more likely to get extinct in the near future.

Important Points

• According to IUCN, about 40,000 species are facing the threat of extinction.
• Analysis has shown that extinctions are not random and some groups of organisms are more vulnerable than the others.
• The variation of animals facing extinction:
  • Amphibians - 40%
  • Sharks and Rays - 37%
  • Conifers - 34%
  • Coral Reefs - 33%
  • Mammals - 26%
  • Birds - 13%
• IUCN divides species into 9 categories:
  1. Not Evaluated
  2. Data Deficient
  3. Least Concern
  4. Near Threatened
  5. Vulnerable
  6. Endangered
  7. Critically Endangered
  8. Extinct in the Wild
  9. Extinct
• The "Endangered" and "Critically Endangered" categories include all the species that are currently facing the threat of extinction.

Therefore, the highest percentage of endangered species are of amphibians.