Biodiversity Conservation Questions in English

(D) The correct answer is $D$.
The Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary,which is a well-known bird sanctuary in our country,is situated at Bharatpur in the state of Rajasthan.

(B) Offsite collections refer to the conservation of genetic resources outside their natural habitats. This approach is known as $Ex \text{ } situ$ conservation. Examples include botanical gardens, zoological parks, seed banks, and tissue culture repositories. In contrast, $In \text{ } situ$ conservation involves protecting species within their natural habitats, such as national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.

(B) Ex situ conservation refers to the conservation of components of biological diversity outside their natural habitats.
$A$. National parks are examples of in situ conservation, where organisms are protected within their natural environment.
$B$. Botanical gardens are examples of ex situ conservation.
$C$. Tissue culture is an ex situ technique used for the propagation and conservation of plant germplasm.
$D$. Cryopreservation is an ex situ method involving the storage of materials at very low temperatures (e.g., in liquid nitrogen at $-196^{\circ}C$).
Since options $B$, $C$, and $D$ are all ex situ methods, this question is likely intended to identify which is $NOT$, or it is a multiple-choice question where all but $A$ are correct. However, in standard biology contexts, all $B$, $C$, and $D$ are valid ex situ methods. If forced to choose the most distinct 'method' of conservation often cited in textbooks, $B$ is a classic example.

(C) Mangrove forests are salt-tolerant vegetation that grow in tropical and subtropical intertidal regions. In India,the largest area of mangrove forests is the Sundarbans,which is located in the state of West Bengal. These forests are essential for coastal protection and biodiversity.

(A) The $MAB$ programme stands for Man and the Biosphere programme.
It was formally launched by $UNESCO$ in $1971$.
It is an interdisciplinary programme of research and training that emphasizes an ecological approach to the study of the interrelationship between man and his environment.

(A) The Man and the Biosphere $(MAB)$ programme is an international biological programme of $UNESCO$ (United Nations Educational,Scientific and Cultural Organization).
This programme was initiated globally in $1971$.
In India,the Biosphere Reserve programme was officially introduced in $1986$ to conserve biodiversity and promote sustainable development.

(C) The conservation of wildlife is the most important step because it maintains the stability of the ecosystem in its natural form. The survival and future of the human population are fundamentally dependent on maintaining ecological balance,which is supported by the preservation of biodiversity and wildlife habitats.

(A) The best method to conserve the wild relatives of plants is $in-situ$ conservation, which involves protecting the species within their natural habitat. This allows the plants to continue their evolutionary process and adapt to environmental changes naturally. While $ex-situ$ methods like seed banks and cryopreservation are useful for long-term storage, $in-situ$ conservation is considered the most effective for maintaining genetic diversity and ecological interactions.

(A) The best method for the conservation of wild relatives of plants is $In-situ$ conservation,which involves protecting the species within their natural habitat. This allows the plants to continue their evolutionary processes and maintain their ecological interactions with other organisms. While $Ex-situ$ methods like seed banks and cryopreservation are useful,$In-situ$ conservation is considered the most effective for long-term survival and genetic diversity.

(B) Gene banks are facilities where plant materials (seeds,tissues,or gametes) are preserved for long-term use.
Since these materials are kept outside their natural habitats,this method is classified as $Ex-situ$ conservation.
$In-situ$ conservation involves protecting species within their natural environment,such as national parks or wildlife sanctuaries.
Therefore,a gene bank is a classic example of $Ex-situ$ conservation.

(D) Recalcitrant seeds are seeds that do not survive drying and freezing during ex-situ conservation. They are sensitive to desiccation and low temperatures. Examples of plants with recalcitrant seeds include rubber ($Hevea$ $brasiliensis$),oil palm ($Elaeis$ $guineensis$),tea ($Camellia$ $sinensis$),cocoa ($Theobroma$ $cacao$),and jackfruit ($Artocarpus$ $heterophyllus$). Therefore,all the given options are correct.

(C) gene bank is a type of biorepository that preserves genetic material.
In gene banks,genetic material is stored in the form of seeds,vegetative materials (like cuttings,tubers,or tissue cultures),and sometimes even as pollen or $DNA$ samples.
Therefore,both seeds and vegetative materials are used for the conservation of genetic diversity in gene banks.

(C) Cryopreservation is a technique used for the conservation of biodiversity,particularly for germplasm,seeds,and tissues.
It involves storing biological materials at extremely low temperatures,typically in liquid nitrogen at $-196^{\circ}C$.
At this temperature,metabolic activities of the cells are suspended,allowing the samples to be preserved for long periods without degradation.

(D) The Red Panda $(Ailurus fulgens)$ is currently classified as $Endangered$ on the $IUCN$ Red List of Threatened Species. This classification is due to a significant decline in its population caused by habitat loss,fragmentation,and poaching. Therefore,the correct option is $D$.

(C) The species that are at high risk of extinction in the near future are called endangered species.
$Bentinckia nicobarica$ (a palm species) and the Red Panda $(Ailurus fulgens)$ are both classified as endangered species native to India.
$Bentinckia nicobarica$ is endemic to the Nicobar Islands and is critically endangered, while the Red Panda is found in the Himalayan region and is also endangered due to habitat loss.

(C) The Earth Summit,also known as the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development $(UNCED)$,was held in Rio de Janeiro in $1992$.
This historic summit resulted in the signing of the Convention on Biological Diversity $(CBD)$,which aims to promote the conservation of biodiversity,the sustainable use of its components,and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from genetic resources.

(C) Ex-situ conservation involves the conservation of organisms outside their natural habitats.
$A$,$B$,and $D$ (National Parks,Wildlife Sanctuaries,and Sacred Groves) are examples of in-situ conservation,where species are protected within their natural ecosystems.
$C$ (Seed Bank) is an example of ex-situ conservation,where genetic material (seeds) is stored under controlled conditions outside the natural environment.

(C) The Indian rhinoceros $(Rhinoceros unicornis)$,also known as the greater one-horned rhinoceros,is native to the Indian subcontinent. Its primary natural habitat is found in the grasslands and forests of the Brahmaputra valley in the state of Assam,specifically within the Kaziranga National Park and Manas National Park.

(C) The Wildlife (Protection) Act was enacted by the Parliament of India in the year $1972$.
This act provides for the protection of wild animals,birds,and plants,and for matters connected therewith or ancillary or incidental thereto,with a view to ensuring the ecological and environmental security of the country.

(B) The correct answer is $B$.
$1$. Rann of Kutch is famous for the Indian Wild Ass (Equus hemionus khur).
$2$. Dachigam National Park is primarily known for the Hangul or Kashmir Stag (Cervus hanglu hanglu),not the Snow Leopard. Snow Leopards are typically found in high-altitude regions like Hemis National Park.
$3$. Sundarbans is the natural habitat of the Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris).
$4$. Periyar National Park is well-known for its population of Asian Elephants (Elephas maximus).

(A) The best method for the conservation of wild species is $In-situ$ conservation,which involves protecting the species within their natural habitat. By preserving the ecosystem where the species naturally occurs,we protect not only the species but also its interactions with other organisms and its evolutionary processes. Options $B$,$C$,and $D$ represent $Ex-situ$ conservation methods,which are useful but secondary to maintaining the natural environment.

(C) The Green Book is a publication that contains a list of rare and endangered plants found in botanical gardens. It serves as a record for conservation efforts regarding plant species that are under threat or have limited distribution.

(D) The $IUCN$ Red List classifies species based on their risk of extinction.
$1$. The Great Indian Bustard $(Ardeotis \text{ nigriceps})$ and the Indian Rhinoceros $(Rhinoceros \text{ unicornis})$ are critically endangered or endangered species.
$2$. The Asiatic Wild Ass $(Equus \text{ hemionus khur})$ is also listed as an endangered species.
$3$. The Blackbuck $(Antilope \text{ cervicapra})$ is a species that has faced significant population decline and is categorized as near-threatened or vulnerable in various regions, often grouped with endangered conservation concerns in general biology curricula.
Therefore, all the mentioned species are considered threatened or endangered in the context of biodiversity conservation.

(C) The conservation of biodiversity can be broadly classified into two types: $In-situ$ (on-site) and $Ex-situ$ (off-site) conservation.
$In-situ$ conservation involves protecting species within their natural habitats,such as national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.
$Ex-situ$ conservation involves placing threatened plants or animals in special settings like botanical gardens,zoological parks,seed banks,or tissue culture laboratories,where they are protected under controlled conditions.
Therefore,the method described in the question is $Ex-situ$ conservation.

(D) An endangered species is a species that is very likely to become extinct in the near future, either worldwide or in a particular political jurisdiction.
$1$. Garden lizard, Rhesus monkey, Indian peacock, and Carrot grass are not considered endangered species.
$2$. The Hornbill (a bird) and Indian Aconite (a medicinal plant, $Aconitum$ \text{ heterophyllum}) are categorized as endangered species due to habitat loss and over-exploitation.
Therefore, the correct pair is Hornbill and Indian Aconite.

(C) The most effective way to conserve plant diversity in an area is through $in-situ$ conservation, which involves protecting the entire ecosystem. Biosphere reserves are large protected areas designed to conserve the biodiversity of a specific region, including all its flora and fauna, by allowing them to thrive in their natural habitat. While seed banks, tissue culture, and botanical gardens are methods of $ex-situ$ conservation, they are less effective than $in-situ$ methods because they do not protect the species within their natural ecological context and evolutionary processes.

(D) $In-situ$ conservation refers to the protection of species in their natural habitat. Examples include Biosphere reserves,National parks,and Wildlife sanctuaries. Botanical gardens are examples of $Ex-situ$ conservation,where plants are maintained outside their natural habitat for research,education,and conservation purposes.

(C) Biodiversity hotspots are regions with high levels of species richness and a high degree of endemism that are also under threat.
In India,there are three recognized biodiversity hotspots:
$1$. The Western Ghats and Sri Lanka.
$2$. The Himalayas.
$3$. The Indo-Burma region.
Among the given options,the Western Ghats is one of the primary biodiversity hotspots in India.

(C) The $Red$ $Data$ $Book$ is a public document created for recording endangered and rare species of animals,plants,and fungi as well as some local subspecies that are present within a particular region. It is maintained by the $IUCN$ ($International$ $Union$ $for$ $Conservation$ of $Nature$). Therefore,it is famous for documenting threatened (endangered,vulnerable,or rare) plants and animals.

(D) The correct pair is $D$. Rhinoceros (One-horned rhinoceros) is famously protected in the Kaziranga National Park located in Assam,India.
- Wild ass is found in the Little Rann of Kutch,Gujarat,not Dudhwa.
- Great Indian Bustard is found in the Desert National Park,Rajasthan,not Keoladeo.
- Lions are found in the Gir National Park,Gujarat,not Corbett National Park (which is famous for Tigers).

(C) $Ex-situ$ conservation involves the protection of endangered species outside their natural habitats.
$Cryopreservation$ is a technique where gametes, seeds, or embryos are stored at extremely low temperatures (using liquid nitrogen at $-196^{\circ}C$) to maintain their viability for long periods.
Wildlife sanctuaries, biosphere reserves, and national parks are examples of $in-situ$ conservation, where species are protected within their natural habitats.

(A) The most effective way to conserve plant diversity is through $In-situ$ conservation,which involves protecting the entire ecosystem where the species naturally occur.
Creating a $Biosphere Reserve$ is a prime example of $In-situ$ conservation.
It provides a large protected area that allows for the natural evolution and adaptation of species within their habitat,unlike $Ex-situ$ methods like Botanical Gardens,seed banks,or tissue culture,which are artificial and limited in scope.

(A) $Gene \ bank$ is a type of biorepository that preserves genetic material. For plants, this is typically done by freezing cuttings from the plant or, more commonly, by stocking the seeds (seed bank). However, the term $Gene \ bank$ is the broader, more accurate scientific term used for the preservation of genetic material ($DNA$ or germplasm) of plants to maintain biodiversity and prevent extinction.

(C) The conservation of biodiversity, especially for endangered and threatened species, relies heavily on understanding their $ \text{geographical distribution} $. By mapping where these organisms live, scientists can identify critical habitats that need protection. While classification, nomenclature, and identification are essential for cataloging life, $ \text{geographical distribution} $ provides the spatial data necessary for effective conservation planning and management.

(B) $Gene \ bank$ is a type of biorepository that preserves genetic material. For plants,this could be by freezing cuttings from the plant,or stocking the seeds (e.g.,in a $Seed \ bank$). For animals,this involves the freezing of sperm and eggs in zoological freezers until further need. Thus,$Gene \ banks$ are specifically developed for the preservation of rare or endangered genetic material.

(A) $Gene \text{ } bank$ is a type of biorepository that preserves genetic material. For plants, this could be by freezing cuttings from the plant, or stocking the seeds (e.g., in a seed bank). For animals, this involves the freezing of sperm and eggs in zoological freezers until further need. It is specifically used for the conservation and preservation of rare or endangered genes to maintain biodiversity.

(B) germplasm bank is a type of gene bank that stores genetic material,such as seeds,pollen,or tissue cultures,to preserve genetic diversity.
Botanical gardens serve as ex-situ conservation sites where plant species are maintained.
By maintaining a germplasm bank within a botanical garden,scientists can preserve rare or unique genes from various plant species,ensuring that genetic diversity is protected against extinction or environmental changes.
Therefore,the primary purpose is the preservation of rare genes.

(A) $Sacred$ $Grove$ or a $Biosphere$ $Reserve$ is often the intended answer in this context,but among the given options,$Zoological$ $Parks$ (or $Zoos$) are institutions where animals are kept in protected environments to conserve biodiversity and educate the public about their natural heritage. However,in the context of $NCERT$ biology,$Sacred$ $Groves$ are specifically mentioned for cultural and biodiversity conservation. Given the options provided,$Zoological$ $Park$ is the most appropriate choice for ex-situ conservation.

(C) The Himalayan Zoological Park is a high-altitude zoo located in Gangtok,Sikkim,India. It is known for its conservation efforts for Himalayan species such as the red panda and the snow leopard.

(B) Conservation strategies are broadly classified into two types: $In-situ$ (on-site) and $Ex-situ$ (off-site) conservation.
$In-situ$ conservation involves protecting the entire ecosystem and its biodiversity within its natural habitat,such as National Parks,Wildlife Sanctuaries,and Biosphere Reserves.
$Ex-situ$ conservation involves placing threatened animals and plants in special settings outside their natural habitat for protection and breeding,such as Zoological Parks,Botanical Gardens,and Seed Banks.
Therefore,Zoological parks are a classic example of $Ex-situ$ conservation.

(C) The Safari Park,specifically the Lion Safari Park,is located in Sasan Gir,Gujarat. Sasan Gir is famous for being the only natural habitat of the Asiatic lion $(Panthera leo persica)$. It serves as a major wildlife sanctuary and national park dedicated to the conservation of these endangered big cats.

(A) Indroda Nature Park,often referred to as the 'Jurassic Park of India',is a large fossil park located in Gandhinagar,Gujarat. It is managed by the Gujarat Ecological Education and Research $(GEER)$ Foundation.

(D) The Arignar Anna Zoological Park,also known as the Vandalur Zoo,is a zoological garden located in Vandalur,a suburb in the southwestern part of Chennai,Tamil Nadu,India. It is one of the largest zoological parks in India.

(C) $Ex-situ$ conservation refers to the conservation of components of biological diversity outside their natural habitats.
Botanical gardens and zoological parks are classic examples of $Ex-situ$ conservation where threatened plants and animals are taken out of their natural habitat and placed in special settings where they can be protected and given special care.
Therefore,both botanical gardens and zoological parks serve the primary objective of $Ex-situ$ conservation.

(A) The $CZA$ stands for the Central Zoo Authority.
It is a statutory body under the Ministry of Environment,Forest and Climate Change,Government of India.
It was established in $1992$ under the Wildlife (Protection) Act,$1972$,to oversee the functioning of zoos in India and ensure high standards of animal welfare.

(B) The $CZA$ (Central Zoo Authority) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Environment,Forest and Climate Change,Government of India. It regulates zoos across the country,which include both government-run and private-managed zoological parks,ensuring they meet specific standards for animal welfare and conservation. Therefore,it oversees institutions under both management types.

(B) The famous parks and zoological gardens in Gujarat include $Indroda$ $Nature$ $Park$ (Gandhinagar),$Sakkarbaug$ $Zoological$ $Garden$ (Junagadh),and various $Safari$ $Parks$ (like the Devalia Safari Park). $Rani$ $Jijamata$ $Park$ (also known as Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Udyan) is located in Mumbai,Maharashtra,not in Gujarat. Therefore,it is the correct answer.

(C) $Ex-situ$ conservation involves the protection of endangered species outside their natural habitats.
Zoological parks are classic examples of $Ex-situ$ conservation where animals are kept in human-controlled environments for protection,breeding,and public education.
Botanical gardens are also $Ex-situ$ conservation sites,but they are specifically for plants,not animals.
Museums and ethnogalleries are for preservation of specimens or cultural artifacts,not for the conservation of living animals.

(D) $Ex situ$ conservation refers to the protection and preservation of rare or threatened species of plants and animals outside their natural habitats.
This method involves maintaining these species in controlled environments such as botanical gardens, zoological parks, wildlife safari parks, and gene banks.
In contrast, biodiversity hotspots, the Amazon rainforest, and the Himalayan region are examples of $in situ$ conservation, where species are protected within their natural ecosystems.

(D) : The $Core$ $zone$ or $Natural$ $zone$ of a biosphere reserve is an undisturbed and legally protected ecosystem.
No human activity is allowed in this zone.
Little human activity is allowed in the $buffer$ $zone$,whereas in the $transition$ $zone$,active cooperation exists between reserve management and local people for activities such as settlements and cropping.
The $restoration$ $zone$ is a degraded area selected for restoration to its near-natural form.