Exams › NEET › Biology › Biodiversity and Conservation
108 questions with worked solutions.
Q1. Alexander Von Humboldt described for the first time:
Answer: Species-Area relationships
Alexander von Humboldt is credited with first describing the species–area relationship, the observation that species richness increases with the area sampled. This became a foundational idea in ecology and biogeography.
Q2. The species confined to a particular region and not found elsewhere is termed as
Answer: Endemic
An endemic species is one that occurs naturally in a particular region and is not found anywhere else. 'Alien' means non-native, 'rare' means low in number, and 'keystone' refers to a species with a disproportionately large ecological impact.
Q3. A species facing extremely high risk of extinction in the immediate future is called:
Answer: Critically endangered
A critically endangered species is one that faces an extremely high risk of extinction in the immediate future. 'Extinct' means the species is already gone, while 'vulnerable' indicates a lower risk level.
Answer: Alien species invasion
Clarias gariepinus is not native to the Yamuna; its introduction into the river makes it an alien species. The decline of native fishes due to this introduction is therefore an example of alien species invasion.
Q5. The largest tiger reserve in India is:
Answer: Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam
Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve is the largest tiger reserve in India by area. The other options are important reserves, but they are smaller in extent.
Q6. Which one of the following is not used for ex-situ plant conservation?
Answer: Shifting cultivation
Ex-situ plant conservation means protecting plants outside their natural environment, such as in seed banks, botanical gardens, and field gene banks. Shifting cultivation is a farming practice, not a conservation technique.
Q7. National Park associated with Rhinoceros is
Answer: Kaziranga
Kaziranga National Park in Assam is globally known for conserving the greater one-horned rhinoceros. The other options are associated with tigers, elephants, or alpine flora rather than rhinos.
Q8. Which of the following is the most important cause of animals and plants being driven to extinction?
Answer: Habitat loss and fragmentation
Habitat loss and fragmentation is the leading cause of extinction because it directly reduces the area, resources, and connectivity species need to maintain viable populations. When habitats are broken up, populations become smaller and more isolated, making them more vulnerable to inbreeding, predation, and local extinction.
Q9. The organization which publishes the Red List of species is:
Answer: IUCN
The IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) is the organization responsible for publishing the Red List of Threatened Species. It is the standard global reference for species conservation status.
Q10. Two geographical regions separated by high mountains are
Answer: Palaearctic and Oriental
The Palaearctic and Oriental realms are separated by the Himalayan mountain system and associated high ranges, which act as a strong geographic barrier. This limits the movement of species between temperate northern Asia and tropical South Asia.
Answer: Chiru
Shahtoosh is made from the fine underfur of the chiru, also called the Tibetan antelope. It is endangered and protected because of heavy poaching for this wool.
Q12. Which one of the following is an exotic Indian fish?
Answer: Cyprinus carpio
Cyprinus carpio is common carp, an exotic species introduced into India. The other options—Catla catla, Heteropneustes fossilis, and Labeo rohita—are native Indian fishes.
Q13. Crop plants grown in monoculture are
Answer: highly prone to pests
Monoculture means growing the same crop over a large area, so pests and diseases that specialize on that crop can spread rapidly. The lack of diversity removes natural barriers, making the crop highly vulnerable.
Q14. Which of the following crops have been brought to India from New world?
Answer: Cashewnut, potato, rubber
Cashewnut, potato, and rubber are all New World crops that were introduced to India from the Americas. Mango, tea, and coffee are Old World crops, so they do not fit.
Q15. Which statement is correct about centre of origin of plant?
Answer: Climatic conditions more favourable
A centre of origin is the geographic area where a plant species first developed, and it usually has environmental conditions that supported its evolution. Such regions are often climatically favorable for the wild ancestor, making option C correct.
Q16. Before European invader which vegetable was present in India?
Answer: Brinjal and Lady’s finger
Brinjal (eggplant) and lady’s finger (okra) were already present in India before European contact. Potato, tomato, and maize are New World crops that arrived later, so options containing them are not correct.
Q17. Which of the following has maximum genetic diversity in India?
Answer: Rice
Rice shows the greatest genetic diversity in India because it has been cultivated across a very wide range of environments, leading to many local varieties and landraces. This broad adaptation has preserved more variation than the other listed crops.
Q18. Crop plants grown in monoculture are highly prone to pests.
Answer: True
Monoculture means growing one crop species over a large area, which reduces biodiversity and makes it easier for pests and diseases to spread rapidly. Because the plants are similar and densely packed, a pest adapted to that crop can move through the field with little resistance.
Q19. One of the most important reasons why wild plants should thrive is that they are good sources of:
Answer: genes for resistance to disease and pests
Wild plants are crucial as they serve as reservoirs of genetic material, including genes that provide resistance to diseases and pests, which can be used in crop improvement programs.
Answer: Bioprospecting
Bioprospecting refers to the exploration of biodiversity at molecular, genetic, and species levels to discover and develop products of economic value, such as medicines or industrial enzymes.