Biodiversity Conservation Questions in English

(A) Protected areas,such as national parks,wildlife sanctuaries,and biosphere reserves,are established to protect animals and plants in their natural habitats. This approach of conserving biodiversity within its natural ecosystem is known as $In-situ$ conservation.

(A) The Indian lion (Asiatic lion) is the most important protected species in Gir National Park,located in the state of Gujarat,India. It is the only natural habitat for the Asiatic lion in the world.

(B) In a national park,all private ownership rights are prohibited. However,in a wildlife sanctuary,the Chief Wildlife Warden may grant limited private rights to individuals,such as the right to harvest certain forest products or grazing rights,provided it does not interfere with the conservation of wildlife. Therefore,the Government of India allows for certain private ownership rights in a sanctuary.

(A) $Biosphere reserve$ is a large protected area designed to conserve the biodiversity of a specific region. Unlike $National Parks$ or $Sanctuaries$, $Biosphere reserves$ are unique because they allow for the sustainable use of resources and specifically include the protection of the traditional lifestyles of tribal communities living within the area.

(C) Biodiversity hot spots are regions with high levels of species richness and high degree of endemism,which are under constant threat of habitat loss. The criteria for identifying a hot spot include:
$1$. Presence of a large number of endemic species.
$2$. High degree of habitat destruction.
$3$. High degree of exploitation.
Having a traditional strategy for the protection of biodiversity is a conservation approach used in areas like sacred groves or biosphere reserves,but it is not a criterion for defining a biodiversity hot spot.

(B) According to the data provided in the $NCERT$ textbook for biodiversity conservation in India,the correct match is Wildlife sanctuaries - $448$. National parks are $90$,Biosphere reserves are $14$,and Zoological parks are not specifically categorized in this list.

(D) Ex-situ conservation involves placing threatened animals and plants in special settings where they can be protected and given special care, such as $\text{Botanical gardens}$, $\text{Zoological parks}$, and $\text{Wildlife safari parks}$.
$\text{Sacred groves}$ are examples of in-situ conservation, where entire ecosystems are protected in their natural habitats by local communities due to religious or cultural beliefs.

(D) National Parks are strictly protected areas where human activities are highly restricted. Cultivation of land is not permitted,they are meant for the protection of both flora and fauna,and forest products are not harvested. However,grazing is strictly prohibited in National Parks,making it the odd one out.

(B) The statement in option $B$ is incorrect because biosphere reserves are distinct protected areas designated by $UNESCO$ and are not necessarily notified as National Parks. While a biosphere reserve may contain a National Park or Wildlife Sanctuary within its core area,the entire biosphere reserve itself is not synonymous with a National Park. Options $A$,$C$,and $D$ are correct descriptions of the functions and zoning of biosphere reserves.

(D) $Singhori$ sanctuary is not a bird sanctuary. It is a wildlife sanctuary located in the Raisen district of Madhya Pradesh, primarily known for its population of tigers, leopards, and other mammals. In contrast, $Ranganathittu$ is a famous bird sanctuary in Karnataka, $Ghana$ (Keoladeo) is a renowned bird sanctuary in Rajasthan, and $Govind$ $Sagar$ is also recognized for its avian diversity.

(C) Conservation of plant diversity is primarily considered a genetic necessity. This is because plant diversity serves as a vast reservoir of genetic material,which is essential for the survival,adaptation,and evolution of species. Maintaining this diversity ensures that we preserve various alleles and traits that may be crucial for future breeding programs,disease resistance,and adapting to changing environmental conditions.

(A) In-situ conservation refers to the protection of species in their natural habitat. The one-horned rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) is primarily conserved in its natural habitat at Kaziranga National Park,located in Jorhat,Assam.

$ (A) $ $In-situ$ conservation refers to the protection of plants and animals within their natural habitats.
Pristine forests and sacred groves are classic examples of $in-situ$ conservation strategies.
In sacred groves, the entire forest is protected by local communities, ensuring that the biota (flora and fauna) remains safe and undisturbed in its natural environment.
Therefore, both the Assertion and the Reason are correct, and the Reason provides a valid explanation for the Assertion.

(C) The Assertion is incorrect because Biosphere reserves are a type of $in-situ$ conservation strategy, not $ex-situ$. $In-situ$ conservation involves protecting species in their natural habitats.
The Reason is correct because the transition zone of a biosphere reserve is the outermost part where human activities such as cropping, grazing, and human settlements are permitted.
Therefore, the correct choice is that the Assertion is incorrect, but the Reason is correct.

(N/A) Ex-situ conservation is the process of protecting an endangered species,variety,or breed of plant or animal by removing it from its unsafe or threatened natural habitat and placing it under the care of humans. Examples include botanical gardens,zoological parks,seed banks,and cryopreservation.

(N/A) In-situ conservation is the process of protecting an endangered plant or animal species in its natural habitat,either by protecting or cleaning up the habitat itself,or by defending the species from predators. Examples include National Parks,Wildlife Sanctuaries,and Biosphere Reserves.

(N/A) Cryopreservation is a method of conservation where reproductive units of plants and reproductive cells of animals are stored at extremely low temperatures. Specifically,this involves preserving biological material at $-196^{\circ} C$ using liquid nitrogen. This process halts metabolic activities,allowing for long-term storage of genetic resources.

(B) The full form of $IUCN$ is $International \ Union \ for \ Conservation \ of \ Nature \ and \ Natural \ Resources$.
It is an international organization working in the field of nature conservation and sustainable use of natural resources.

(A) The full form of $MAB$ is $Man$ $and$ $Biosphere$ $Programme$.
It is an intergovernmental scientific programme launched by $UNESCO$ in $1971$ to establish a scientific basis for the improvement of relationships between people and their environments.

(C) In the year $1731$,Amrita Devi Bishnoi,along with $363$ other people,sacrificed their lives in Khejarli village near Jodhpur,Rajasthan,to protect Khejri trees from being cut down by the King's soldiers. This event is a historic example of people's participation in forest conservation.

(A) Ex situ conservation involves the conservation of organisms outside their natural habitats.
$A$. National Parks are a form of in situ conservation, where organisms are protected within their natural habitats.
$B$. Micropropagation is an ex situ method involving the rapid multiplication of plants in a laboratory setting.
$C$. Cryopreservation is an ex situ method where gametes or tissues are stored at extremely low temperatures ($-196^{\circ}C$ in liquid nitrogen).
$D$. In vitro fertilization is an ex situ technique used to assist reproduction outside the living organism.
Therefore, National Parks is the correct answer as it is an in situ conservation method.

(D) In-situ conservation,also known as 'on-site' conservation,is the process of protecting an endangered plant or animal species in its natural habitat.
This approach involves protecting and conserving the entire ecosystem,including the species' natural environment,to ensure their survival and evolutionary processes.
Examples include National Parks,Wildlife Sanctuaries,and Biosphere Reserves.

(A) Keoladeo National Park,formerly known as the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary,is located in the state of Rajasthan,India. It is a famous avifauna sanctuary that hosts thousands of birds,especially during the winter season.

(D) Biodiversity hotspots are regions with very high levels of species richness and high degree of endemism.
Although these hotspots cover less than $2\%$ of the Earth's land area,the number of species they collectively harbor is extremely high.
Strict protection of these hotspots could reduce the ongoing mass extinction rate by almost $30\%$.

(A) According to the $NCERT$ textbook data for in-situ conservation in India:
$1$. Biosphere Reserves $(P)$ are $14$ in number.
$2$. National Parks $(Q)$ are $90$ in number.
$3$. Wildlife Sanctuaries $(R)$ are $448$ in number.
Therefore, the correct matching is $(P-I), (Q-III), (R-II)$.

(D) Sacred groves are forest fragments of varying sizes that are communally protected,which usually have a significant religious connotation for the protecting community.
$1$. Khasi and Jaintia Hills are located in Meghalaya $(P-II)$.
$2$. Western Ghat regions of India include sacred groves in Karnataka and Maharashtra $(Q-III)$.
$3$. Surguja,Chanda,and Bastar areas are located in Madhya Pradesh $(R-I)$.
$4$. Aravalli Hills are located in Rajasthan $(S-IV)$.
Therefore,the correct matching is $(P-II), (Q-III), (R-I), (S-IV)$.

(B) Sacred groves are tracts of forest trees that are set aside and have been protected by tribal communities due to religious beliefs. In India,sacred groves are found in several regions. Specifically,the sacred groves of Khasi and Jaintia Hills in Meghalaya are the last refuges for a large number of rare and threatened plants. Therefore,the correct option is $B$.

(B) $Ex-situ$ conservation refers to the conservation of components of biological diversity outside their natural habitats.
$Botanical$ gardens, $wildlife$ safari parks, and $zoological$ parks are all examples of $ex-situ$ conservation where organisms are kept in human-managed environments.
$National$ parks are examples of $in-situ$ conservation, where species are protected within their natural habitats.

(A) The Historic Convention on Biological Diversity,also known as the Earth Summit,was held in Rio de Janeiro in $1992$.
This summit focused on the conservation of biological diversity and the sustainable use of its components.
Therefore,the correct option is $A$.

(D) The $World\,Summit$ on Sustainable Development was held in $2002$ in Johannesburg,South Africa.
In this summit,$190$ countries pledged their commitment to achieve a significant reduction in the current rate of biodiversity loss at global,regional,and local levels by $2010$.
Therefore,all the given statements are correct.

(C) The list of endangered species,known as the Red Data Book,is published and maintained by the $IUCN$ (International Union for Conservation of Nature). This organization tracks the conservation status of various species globally to help in biodiversity conservation efforts.

(A) The type of conservation in which threatened species are taken out from their natural habitat and placed in a special setting where they can be protected and given special care is called $Ex-situ$ conservation.
$Ex-situ$ conservation is a strategy for biodiversity conservation where organisms are maintained outside their natural habitats,such as in zoological parks,botanical gardens,and wildlife safari parks.

(C) $Ex-situ$ conservation refers to the conservation of components of biological diversity outside their natural habitats. In this method, threatened animals and plants are taken out from their natural habitat and placed in special settings where they can be protected and given special care. Examples include $Zoos$, $Botanical$ $gardens$, $Wildlife$ $safari$ $parks$, and $Seed$ $banks$. In contrast, $National$ $parks$, $Wildlife$ $sanctuaries$, and $Protected$ $areas$ are examples of $in-situ$ conservation, where organisms are protected within their natural habitats.

(A) $1$. Sacred groves are areas of religious importance where nature is protected. In India,the Khasi and Jaintia hills in Meghalaya are famous examples of sacred groves. This is a correct match.
$2$. Seed banks are a form of Ex-situ conservation,not In-situ. Therefore,option $B$ is incorrect.
$3$. Biosphere reserves are a form of In-situ conservation,where the entire ecosystem is protected. Therefore,option $C$ is incorrect.
$4$. Lantana camara is an invasive exotic species,but Mangifera indica (Mango) is a native species of India. Therefore,option $D$ is incorrect.

(B) Ex-situ conservation involves the protection of endangered species outside their natural habitats.
$A$,$C$,and $D$ (Zoological parks,Wildlife safari parks,and Botanical gardens) are all examples of ex-situ conservation where organisms are maintained in artificial environments.
$B$ (National park) is an example of in-situ conservation,where species are protected within their natural habitats.
Therefore,the correct answer is $B$.

(B) Ex-situ conservation involves the conservation of organisms outside their natural habitats.
Wildlife safari parks,botanical gardens,and seed banks are all examples of ex-situ conservation methods where species are maintained in artificial conditions.
Sacred groves are areas of forest protected by local communities based on religious or cultural beliefs,which are considered a form of 'in-situ' conservation because the organisms are protected within their natural habitat.
Therefore,the correct answer is $B$.

(A) Sacred groves are tracts of forest which are regenerated around places of worship and are held in high esteem by tribal communities.
According to the $NCERT$ textbook,sacred groves in India are found in:
$1$. Khasi and Jaintia Hills in Meghalaya $(D)$.
$2$. Aravalli Hills of Rajasthan $(A)$.
$3$. Western Ghat regions of Karnataka and Maharashtra.
$4$. Sarguja,Chanda,and Bastar areas of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh $(B)$.
Mudumalai Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu $(C)$ is a protected area (Wildlife Sanctuary/National Park) and is not specifically categorized as a sacred grove in the context of the $NCERT$ curriculum.
Therefore,the place where sacred groves are not found is $C$ only.

(C) Ex-situ conservation involves the protection of endangered species outside their natural habitats.
$A.$ Zoological parks are places where animals are kept in captivity for conservation and education,which is an ex-situ method.
$B.$ Wildlife safari parks are also managed areas where animals are kept outside their natural range,representing ex-situ conservation.
$C.$ Cryopreservation involves storing gametes or embryos at extremely low temperatures,which is a modern ex-situ technique.
$D.$ Biodiversity hotspots are areas with high levels of species richness that are under threat; protecting them in their natural habitat is in-situ conservation.
$E.$ Sacred groves are tracts of forest dedicated to deities or ancestral spirits,which is a traditional in-situ conservation method.
Therefore,$A, B,$ and $C$ represent ex-situ conservation.

(A) In-situ conservation involves protecting the species in their natural habitat. Examples include $(i)$ Sacred groves,$(ii)$ Hot spots,$(iii)$ National parks,and $(vi)$ Biosphere reserves.
Ex-situ conservation involves protecting the species outside their natural habitat. Examples include $(iv)$ Wildlife safari parks and $(v)$ Seed banks.
Evaluating the statements:
$(a)$ $i, ii, iii, vi$ are examples of in-situ conservation. This is correct.
$(b)$ $iv, v$ are examples of ex-situ conservation. This is correct.
$(c)$ $ii, iv, v$ are examples of ex-situ conservation. This is incorrect because $(ii)$ is in-situ.
$(d)$ $i, ii, iii, iv, vi$ are examples of in-situ conservation. This is incorrect because $(iv)$ is ex-situ.
Therefore,both $(a)$ and $(b)$ are correct.

(B) The correct matching is as follows:
$A$. Over-exploitation: The passenger pigeon $(ii)$ is a classic example of a species driven to extinction due to human over-exploitation.
$B$. Ex-situ conservation: Botanical gardens $(iii)$ are places where plants are grown outside their natural habitats for conservation purposes.
$C$. Alien species invasions: The introduction of the Nile perch $(iv)$ into Lake Victoria in East Africa led to the extinction of more than $200$ species of cichlid fish.
$D$. In-situ conservation: Sacred groves $(i)$ are tracts of forest which are set aside,and all the trees and wildlife within are venerated and given total protection.
Therefore,the correct sequence is $A-ii, B-iii, C-iv, D-i$.

(B) The Government of Maharashtra has adopted the $Miyawaki$ method for tree plantation. This method was developed by the Japanese botanist $Akira$ $Miyawaki$. It involves planting two to four different types of indigenous trees per square meter. This technique helps in creating dense,multi-layered forests in a very short period,which grow much faster than traditional plantations and support higher biodiversity.

(D) The Biological Diversity Act,$2002$ in India establishes a three-tier structure to regulate the access and utilization of biological resources:
$1$. National Biodiversity Authority $(NBA)$ at the national level.
$2$. State Biodiversity Boards $(SBBs)$ at the state level.
$3$. Biodiversity Management Committees $(BMCs)$ at the local level.
$IUCN$ (International Union for Conservation of Nature) is an international organization focused on nature conservation and sustainable use of natural resources,but it is not part of the Indian statutory three-tier system for approving commercial utilization of biological resources.

(C) In many cultures,certain tracts of forest were set aside and all the trees and wildlife within were venerated and given total protection. These are known as sacred groves.
Sacred groves in India are found in:
$1$. Khasi and Jaintia Hills in Meghalaya.
$2$. Aravalli Hills of Rajasthan.
$3$. Western Ghat regions of Karnataka and Maharashtra.
$4$. Sarguja,Chanda and Bastar areas of Madhya Pradesh.
Therefore,statements $i, ii, iii$ and $iv$ are correct examples of sacred groves in India.

(B) In many cultures, tracts of forest were set aside, and all the trees and wildlife within were given total protection. These are known as $Sacred groves$. In India, these $Sacred groves$ are found in $Khasi$ and $Jaintia$ Hills in $Meghalaya$, $Aravalli$ Hills of $Rajasthan$, $Western Ghat$ regions of $Karnataka$ and $Maharashtra$, and the $Sarguja$, $Chanda$, and $Bastar$ areas of $Madhya Pradesh$.

(D) The Biological Diversity Act is an Act of the Parliament of India which was enacted in the year $2002$. This act was established to provide for the conservation of biological diversity,sustainable use of its components,and fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the use of biological resources,knowledge,and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.

(A) The $IUCN$ ($International$ $Union$ $for$ $Conservation$ of $Nature$) maintains the Red Data Book,which is a comprehensive inventory of the global conservation status of biological species.
Its primary purpose is to document and provide information on species that are facing a high risk of global extinction.
This helps in monitoring the status of biodiversity and implementing effective conservation strategies for threatened plant and animal species.

(B) In situ conservation involves protecting species in their natural habitats.
$B$ (National park),$E$ (Sacred groves),$F$ (Wildlife sanctuaries),and $G$ (Biosphere reserve) are examples of in situ conservation.
$A$ (Botanical garden),$C$ (Seed bank),and $D$ (Zoological park) are examples of ex situ conservation,where organisms are protected outside their natural habitats.
Therefore,the correct option is $B, E, F, G$.

(D) The conservation of biodiversity is categorized into three main arguments:
$1$. $Narrowly \text{ utilitarian}$: Based on direct economic benefits like food,fiber,firewood,and medicines.
$2$. $Broadly \text{ utilitarian}$: Based on ecosystem services like oxygen production,pollination,and climate regulation.
$3$. $Ethical$: Based on the belief that every species has an intrinsic value and a right to exist,regardless of its economic utility to humans.
Since the statement emphasizes the 'right to survive' regardless of economic use,it falls under the $Ethical$ argument.

(A) In situ conservation involves protecting species within their natural habitats. Wildlife sanctuaries,national parks,and biosphere reserves are examples of in situ conservation. Zoological parks are examples of ex situ conservation,where endangered species are protected outside their natural habitats in human-managed environments.

(B) Ex situ conservation involves the conservation of organisms outside their natural habitats. Examples include zoological parks,botanical gardens,and culture collections.
National parks are examples of in situ conservation,where species are protected within their natural habitats.