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Ecology & Biodiversity — UPSC Prelims Science & Environment previous year questions — page 4

137 solved previous year questions on Ecology & Biodiversity, papers from 1992 to 2022, drawn from State PCS, UPPCS, UPSC CSE Prelims. Each carries the printed answer key and the explanation from the source compilation.

1. #121Practice set
   With reference to 'National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTC consider the following statements: 1. It is a statutory authority. 2. It is responsible for country level assessment of the status of tiger and its habitat. 3. is one of the initiatives of the NTCA.How many of the statements given above are correct?
   • AOnly one
   • BOnly two
   • CAll three
   • DNone
   Answer: (C) All three
   Explanation

   Option c is the correct 1 correct: The National Tiger (NTCA) is a statutory body under the Environment, Forests and Climate Change enabling provisions of the Wildlife 1972, as amended in 2006, for strengthen pg 2 is correct: The NTCA conducts a country level assessment of the status of tigers, co-predators, habitat once every four years, using the Tiger methodology. The four-year tiger census by NTCA and the Wildlife Institute of Indfa (WII), with state forest 3 is correct: is one of the the NTCA. (Monitoring System Intensive Protection and Ecological Status) platform where modern technology is used to patrolling, assess ecological status and conflict in and around tiger reserves. Global Positioning System (GPS), General Packet (GPRS), and remote sensing, to collect the field t i c ! i? Important Tips Project Tiger was launched by the Indira Gandhi government in 1973 from the Jim Corbett

2. #122Practice set
   In the context of Tiger Census 2022, consider the following statements: 1. The national tiger census is conducted after every ten years. 2. The current tiger population in India has slightly decreased from the previous tiger census. 3. As per the census, out of five tiger-bearing habitats, Central Indian Highlands Eastern Ghats Landscape has largest tiger population in India.How many of the statements given above are correct?
   • AOnly one
   • BOnly two
   • CAll three
   • DNone
   Answer: (A) Only one
   Explanation

   Option a is the correct answer. Statement 1 is incorrect. The national tiger census once every four years. The Nationwide was earlier held in 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022. Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) censuses in partnership with state forest NGOs, and the Wildlife Institute of India Census is conducted every 5 years and every 3 2 is incorrect. According to the fifth cycle of India Tiger Estimation (2022) released April 9, tiger population in India grew by 200 from 2018 The number of tigers in India was 3,167 in 2022, 2,967 in 3 is correct. As tigers inhabit diverse a vast geographical expanse in India, census the tiger-bearing habitats into five based on biogeography and interconnectivity habitats: 1) Shivalik-Gangetic plains, 2) Central Eastern Ghats, Ghats, 4) North Eastern Brahmaputra Flood Plains, and 5) the highest number (1,161) of tigers were photographed Central Indian Hi

3. #123Practice set
   Consider the following statements with reference to the Biodiversity Hotspots: 1. To be declared as biodiversity hotspot, a region must show no species endemism. 2. All the Hotspot regions of the world are confined within the tropics. 3. The list of biodiversity hotspot is prepared 4. The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) provides grants to protect the biodiversity hotspots.How many of the statements given above are correct?
   • AOnly one
   • BOnly two
   • COnly three
   • DAll four llllt
   Answer: (A) Only one
   Explanation

   Option a is the correct 1 is incorrect: As per Conservation qualify as a Biodiversity Hotspot, a region must strict criteria: Species Endemism: It must contain at least 1500 species of vascular plants as endemics. Degree of threat: It must have or less of its original natural vegetation. In other words, it must b.e 2 is incorrect: A Biodiversity Hotspot is region with significant levels of is threatened by human habitation. These are the world and not just confined to 3 is incorrect: The list of Biodiversity prepared by Conservation International (a nonprofit environmental organisation). After adopting Myer's concept of Biodiversity hotspots, it of a list of Biodiversity Hotspots, since 4 is correct: The Critical Ecosystem ( CEPF) is an alliance of leading conservation provides grants to non-profit and that are working to protect the and improve human well-being. Important Tips Biodivers

4. #124Practice set
   Consider the following statements, regarding the Biological Diversity Act, 2002: 1. It makes provisions for fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the use of biological resources. 2. It envisages Biodiversity Management Committees (BMC) at the local level to regulate access to the biological resources.Which of the statements given above is/are incorrect?
   • A1 only
   • B2 only
   • CBoth 1 and 2
   • DNeither 1 nor 2
   Answer: (D) Neither 1 nor 2
   Explanation

   Option d is the correct I is correct. The Biological Diversity Act, for Fair and equitable sharing of the out of the use of biological resources, knowledge matters connected therewith or incidental 2 is correct. The Act envisages a to regulate access to the biological resources. National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) at central level State Biodiversity Boards (SBB) at state level. Biodiversity Management Committees (BMC) at the local level. Important Tips The Biological Diversity Act, 2002 provides for

5. #125Practice set
   Consider the following statements: 1. United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) proclaimed 2021-2030 as the Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. 2. It will be implemented by United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
   • A1 only
   • B2 only
   • CBoth 1 and 2
   • DNeither 1 nor 2
   Answer: (C) Both 1 and 2
   Explanation

   Option c is the correct 1 is correct: The United Nations declared 2021 - 2030 the UN Decade on It aims to scale up the restoration of destroyed ecosystems as a proven measure to fight crisis and enhance food security, water supply 2 is correct: UN Environment and FAO will implementation

6. #126Practice set
   Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the Coalition Against Wildlife Trafficking (CAWT)? 1. Membership of CAWT is open to NGOs and corporations. 2. CAWT was established by United Kingdom. 3. The CAWT organisation is not directly involved in any enforcement activities.Select the correct answer using the code given below
   • A1 only
   • B1 and 2 only
   • C2 and 3 only
   • D1 and 3 only
   Answer: (B) 1 and 2 only
   Explanation

   Option b is the correct National Park is a national park of in the Umaria district of Madhya National Park resides. on the extreme of Madhya Pradesh and the northern the Satpura mountain ranges. Due to the climatic zone, the park has been characterized winters summers and rains and the definitely makes the whole environment lusher was declared a national park in 1968 and Reserve in 1993. This Park has a large biodiversity. of the tiger population at Bandhavgarh (8 tigers is one of the highest known in India. Important Tips The Keibul Lamjao National Park is a national park iri the Bishnupur district of the state of Manipur in India. It is' the only floating park in the world, located in North East India, and an integral part of Loktak Lake. The national park is characterized by floating decomposed plant material locally called phumdi. It was created in 1966 as a wildlife sanctuary to pre

7. #127Practice set
   Consider the following statements with respect to: 1. The program works to stop the trade in wild animals and plants for the conservation of wildlife. 2. This is a joint conservation programme of IUCN and WWF.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
   • A1 only
   • B2 only
   • CBoth 1 and 2
   • DNeither 1 nor 2
   Answer: (B) 2 only
   Explanation

   Option b is the correct 1 is incorrect. The program works to not stop) the trade in wild animals and plants sustainable level without damaging the integrity 2 is correct,, the wildlife network, is a joint of WWF It is an International non-governmental in 1976 with headquarters at Cambridge, Solution: Option dis the correct 1 is incorrect: As per the criteria fol' Wetlands of National Importance, a site which rare or unique example of natural or wetland can be selected. Ex - Harike is a manmade wetland which came into existence in 1952 after of barrage near the confluence of Sutlej 2 is correct: Montreux Record is a register sites where adverse changes in ecological occurred, are occurring, or are likely to occur are in need of priority conservation attention. It as part of Ramsar List. Currently India has in Montreux i.e., Keoladeo National Park 3 is correct: For the first time in 2018 r

8. #128Practice set
   Consider the following: 1. Montreux Record is a register of wetland sites where changes in ecological character have occurred due to human interference. 2. Montreux Record is maintained as part of Ramsar List. 3. Chilika Lake and Keoladeo National Park are two wetland sites in India that are currently included in the Montreux record.How many of the above statements are correct?
   • AOnly one
   • BOnly two
   • CAll three
   • DNone
   Answer: (B) Only two
   Explanation

   Option bis the correct l is correct: The Montreux Record is a wetland sites on the List of Wetlands of where changes in ecological character are occurring, or are likely to occur as a technological developments, pollution or other 2 is correct: Montreux record is the principal the Convention and is maintained as part of the 3 is incorrect: Keoladeo National Park, Loktak Lake, Manipur have been included in in 1990 and in 1993 respectively. Chilika Lake, in Montreux Record in 1993 has been removed 2002

9. #129Practice set
   Consider the following statements regarding Asian Waterbird Census: 1. It is conducted annually by the World Wide Fund for Nature. 2. It aims to monitor on an annual basis the status and condition of wetlands.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
   • A1 only
   • B2 only
   • CBoth 1 and 2
   • DNeither 1 nor 2
   Answer: (B) 2 only
   Explanation

   Option b is the correct 1 is incorrect. Asian Waterbird Census started in the year 1987. It is an annual event in of volunteers across Asia and Australasia in the wetlands of their country. This event by Wetlands International and forms global waterbird monitoring programme called Waterbird Census India, the AWC is annually coordinated by the history Society (BNHS) and Wetlands is not conducted by the World Wide Fund for 2 is correct. Objectives of the Census: To obtain information on an annual basis of waterbird populations at wetlands in the region during the non breeding period of most species (January), as a basis for evaluation of sites and monitoring of populations. To monitor on an annual basis the status and condition of wetlands. To encourage greater interest in waterbirds and wetlands amongst citizen

10. #130Practice set
    With reference to the 'ecosystem approach' as per Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), consider the following statements: 1. Ecosystem approach was adopted for the first-time in the Conference of the Parties (COP) 2021 held at Kunming, China. 2. The ecosystem approach excludes human beings for the integrated study and management of land, water and living resources.Which of the given above is/are correct?
    • A1 only
    • B2 only
    • CBoth 1 and 2
    • DNeither 1 nor 2
    Answer: (D) Neither 1 nor 2
    Explanation

    Option d is the correct ecosystem approach is a strategy for the of land, water and living resources conservation and sustainable use in an 1 is incorrect. At its second meeting, held Jakarta, November 1995, the Conference of the of the Convention on Biological Diversity the ecosystem approach as the primary action under the Convention, and subsequently to the ecosystem approach in the elaboration of the various thematic and work programmes under the 2 is incorrect. An ecosystem approach is the application of appropriate scientific on levels of biological organization. the essential structure, processes, interactions among organisms and their environment. that humans, with their cultural diversity, integral component of many ecosystems

11. #131Full-length test
    "This National Park resides on the northern edges of the Satpura mountain ranges. Due to the tropical monsoon climatic zone, the park has been characterized by well-defined winters, summers and rains. The density of the tiger population here is one of the highest known in India?' lllr { } Identify the National Park with the help of above given information and select the correct answer
    • AKeibul Lamjao National Park
    • BBandhavgarh National Park
    • CRemis National Park
    • DBandipur National Park
    Answer: (B) Bandhavgarh National Park
    Explanation

    Option b is the correct a is incorrect. The Keibul Lamjao National a national park in the Bishnupur district of the state in b is correct. Bandhavgarh National located in the Umaria district of Madhya National Park resides on the border of Madhya Pradesh and the of the Satpura mountain ranges. Due to the climatic zone, the park has been characterized winters summers and rains and the definitely makes the whole environment lusher unabridged. The density of the tiger population (8 tigers per is one of the highest India { c is incorrect. Remis National Park is a high altitude national park in Ladakh, India. Globally famous snow d is incorrect. Bandipur National in 1974 as a tiger reserve under Project Tiger, national park located in Karnataka

12. #132Full-length test
    With respect to invasive alien species, which of the following statements is incorrect?
    • AA non-native species becomes invasive when it threatens local biodiversity
    • BThey can lead to both increase and decrease in species richness in the host region
    • CIn India Myna is an invasive alien species
    • DNearly of species in Indian flora are invasive alien species
    Answer: (D) Nearly of species in Indian flora are invasive alien species
    Explanation

    Option d is the correct answer. Statement a is correct. Alien species are those which occur outside their natural range. When they threaten native plants and animals or other aspects of biodiversity, they are called invasive species. Statement b is correct. An invasion can lead to an increase in species richness, as invasive species are added to the existing species pool. On the other hand, it also leads to extinction of native species resulting in decrease of spedes richness. Statement c is correct. Some of the invasive fauna found in India are: crazy ant, giant African snail, myna, goldfish, donkey, house gecko, etc. Statement d is incorrect. About of species in Indian flora are alien, of which are invasive Important Tips How invasive species affect biodiversity?

13. #133Full-length test
    Which of the following statements best describes "gamma diversity"?
    • AIt refers to diversity within a particular ecosystem
    • BIt is the comparison of diversity between ecosystems
    • CIt is a measure of the overall diversity for different ecosystems within the region
    • DIt is a measure of the proportion of species at the given site
    Answer: (C) It is a measure of the overall diversity for different ecosystems within the region
    Explanation

    Option c is the correct diversity: It refers to diversity within a Diversity: It is comparison of diversity Diversity: It is a measure of the overall diversity different ecosystem within the Evenness: It is a measure of the proportion of the given site

14. #134Full-length test
    Which one the following agencies is entrusted with the task of preparing 'People's Biodiversity Register' in consultation with the local people in India?
    • ANational Biodiversity Authority (NBA)
    • BGram Sabha in coordination with Zilla Parishad
    • CBiodiversity management committees (BMC)
    • DDistrict Collectorate
    Answer: (C) Biodiversity management committees (BMC)
    Explanation

    Option c is the correct Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) bodies that are formed by the local bodies Diversity Act The BMC consists of a chairperson nominated by local bodies, including 113rd

15. #135Full-length test
    Consider the following with reference to Elepharitlleserves in India: 1. has.lh,e highest Elephant India. '2. Eastern, Pooars Elephant. Reserve is hi t,he of Assam Jhey are sidered as sensitive areas' under the Environmental (Protection) Act 1986. How many of the above giv.en statements are correct?
    • AOnly one
    • BOnly two
    • CAll three
    • DNone
    Answer: (D) None
    Explanation

    Option d is the correct 1 is incorrect: The 33 elephant reserves in together cover a total area of nearly 80,000 sq km. and Assam have the highest number of with five each in both the states followed in Kerala, three in Odisha, two each in Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Nagaland Bengal, and one each in Andhra Pradesh, and 2 is incorrect: Eastern Dooars Elephant situated in the state of West Bengal and not the state 3 is incorrect: Unlike the Protected habitats are not secure and their land can diverted. Elephant reserves or corridors are not the WLPA or (as eco-sensitive zones) under Protection Act. Important Tips Elephants have the longest gestation period of any mammal-22 months. Elephant herds have complex social structures, are led by matriarchs. Asian Elephants: There are three subspecies of Asian elephants which are the Indian, Sumatran, and Sri { } There are around 28,000

16. #136Full-length test
    With respect to biodiversity of desert ecosystem, which of the following species can be naturally found in a desert?
    • APorcupine, puffins, sal, spruce
    • BGreat horn bill, gaboon viper, epiphytical orchids, ferns
    • CCaribou, musk ox, lichens, birch
    • DKangaroo rat, coyote, mosses, agave
    Answer: (D) Kangaroo rat, coyote, mosses, agave
    Explanation

    Option d is the correct a is incorrect. These species are unique to (and not to a desert ecosystem). Puffins live in b is incorrect. Species like ferns and are characteristic feature of a rain forest not a desert c is incorrect. Caribou and musk ox are in tundra biomes (and not in a desert d is correct. Kangaroo rat, coyote, mosses, are found in desert ecosystem and has adapted to environmental conditions

17. #137Full-length test
    Consider the following pairs: 1. Tso Kar First Ramsar site in wetland Bihar Complex 2. Kabartal Important breeding Wetland area in India for. Black necked Crane 3. Sur Sarovar Human-made reservoirHow many pairs given above are cbrrectly matched?
    • AOnly one
    • BOnly two
    • CAll three
    • DNone
    Answer: (A) Only one
    Explanation

    Option a is the correct l is incorrectly matched. Tso Kar wetland acts as an important stopover ground for migratory the Central Asian Flyway and is one of the breeding areas in India for the 2 is incorrectly matched. Kabartal Wetland in district has been recognised as a wetland importance - the first such wetland in to be recognized under the Ramsar 3 is correctly matched. Sur Sarovar, also known Lake, is a human-made reservoir, It was to supply water to the city of Agra in summer, soon became an important and rich ecosystem

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