Biodiversity and Wild Life Conservation Questions in English

(B) Endemic species are those plants or animals that are found exclusively in a particular geographic region and are not naturally found anywhere else in the world. Therefore,they are restricted to a certain area.

(C) The Earth Summit,held in $1992$ in Rio de Janeiro,Brazil,is officially known as the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development $(UNCED)$.
It was a landmark international conference aimed at addressing urgent problems of environmental protection and socio-economic development.
The primary focus of the summit was the conservation of the environment and the promotion of sustainable development globally.

(B) The concept of limiting family size to two children is primarily aimed at population control. By stabilizing the human population,the pressure on natural resources is reduced,which directly contributes to maintaining ecological balance and stabilizing the ecosystem. Excessive population growth leads to over-exploitation of resources,which disrupts the stability of natural ecosystems.

(D) The correct answer is $D$. $Rauwolffia$ $serpentina$ (commonly known as Sarpagandha) is a medicinal plant that has been classified as an endangered species due to over-exploitation for its medicinal properties and habitat loss.
$Lycopersicum$ (Tomato),$Dalbergia$ (Rosewood),and $Cedrus$ (Cedar) are not classified as endangered in the same context as $Rauwolffia$.

(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 serves as a comprehensive inventory of the conservation status of biological species.

(B) World Wildlife Week is celebrated annually across India from $1^{st}$ to $7^{th}$ October. The primary objective of this week is to raise awareness about the conservation and protection of wildlife species.

(B) The $Bishnoi$ community in India is well-known for its deep commitment to nature and wildlife conservation.
They consider the $Blackbuck$ $(Antilope \text{ cervicapra})$ to be a sacred animal and have historically protected it from hunting and poaching, particularly in the states of Rajasthan and Haryana.

(C) The correct answer is $C$. Habitat destruction is considered the most significant and dangerous threat to wildlife. This is because a natural habitat provides the essential resources,such as food,shelter,and a suitable environment,required for the survival and reproduction of wild species. When these habitats are destroyed,species lose their homes and resources,leading to a rapid decline in their populations and,ultimately,extinction.

(C) National Park is a protected area established by the government to conserve the entire ecosystem.
This includes the protection of both flora (plants) and fauna (animals) within their natural habitat.
Therefore,both $(a)$ and $(b)$ are preserved in a National Park.

(B) $Nepenthes$ (pitcher plant) is a genus of carnivorous plants. Many species within this genus, such as $Nepenthes$ $\text{khasiana}$, are listed as endangered due to habitat loss and over-collection. Eucalyptus, Ceratophyllum, and Delonix are not typically classified as endangered in the same context.

(B) The correct answer is $B$.
Gene banks are specialized facilities where germplasm,including seeds,pollen,or tissue cultures of endangered plant species,is stored under controlled conditions to preserve genetic diversity.
In India,the $NBPGR$ (National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources),located in New Delhi,serves as the primary institution for maintaining gene banks of various crop species and wild relatives.

(D) The correct answer is $D$. The $IUCN$ (International Union for Conservation of Nature) maintains the Red Data Book. This document serves as a comprehensive inventory of the global conservation status of biological species,specifically listing endangered species of plants and animals.

(C) The Royal Botanic Gardens,Kew,located in London,is world-renowned for being one of the largest and most significant botanical gardens. It houses the world's largest collection of living plants and a massive herbarium containing millions of preserved plant specimens. Among the given options,it is most famously recognized as a major botanical garden.

(D) Endemic species are those species of plants and animals that are found exclusively in a particular geographical region and are not found anywhere else in the world.
Sympatric species are those that live in the same geographic area.
Allopatric species are those that live in different geographic areas.
Sibling species are species that are morphologically similar but reproductively isolated.
Therefore,the correct option is $D$.

(D) The concept of $Biosphere$ reserves represents a modern and holistic approach to conservation.
Unlike traditional protected areas, $Biosphere$ reserves are large, multi-purpose protected areas that aim to conserve biodiversity while also promoting sustainable development and research.
They are divided into three zones: the core zone (strictly protected), the buffer zone (limited human activity), and the transition zone (sustainable human activity), allowing for a balance between human needs and nature conservation.

(B) The transition zone between $2$ communities or habitats (e.g.,forest and grassland) is called an ecotone.
The phenomenon where there is an increased number of species and higher population density in the ecotone region compared to the adjacent communities is known as the edge effect.
The species that are found more abundantly in these transition zones are called edge species.

(D) The Biological Diversity Act of India was enacted by the Parliament in $2002$.
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.

(C) The Western Ghats are recognized as one of the world's eight 'hottest hotspots' of biological diversity. They cover about $4\%$ of India's land area but harbor an exceptionally high level of species richness and endemism,particularly among amphibians,reptiles,and flowering plants. Therefore,the Western Ghats is the most biodiversity-rich zone in India.

(D) The Environment Protection Act was enacted by the Parliament of India in the year $1986$. This act was passed in the wake of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy to provide for the protection and improvement of the environment and for matters connected therewith.

(C) The correct answer is $(c)$.
Cryopreservation is an ex-situ conservation method where biological materials such as tissue cultures, embryos, animal cells/tissues, and spermatozoa are preserved at $-196^{\circ}C$ using liquid nitrogen $(N_2)$.
Ex-situ conservation refers to the conservation of organisms outside their natural habitats.
Other examples of ex-situ conservation include botanical gardens, zoological parks, wildlife safari parks, and gene banks.
Wildlife sanctuaries, biosphere reserves, and national parks are examples of in-situ conservation methods.

(A) The introduction of high-yielding varieties (HYVs) has led to the widespread adoption of a limited number of genetically uniform crop strains.
This practice replaces the traditional,diverse landraces and local varieties that were naturally adapted to various environmental conditions.
As a result,the genetic diversity within agricultural crops is significantly reduced,making the entire crop population more vulnerable to pests,diseases,and changing environmental conditions.

(A) Wildlife refers to all living organisms (flora and fauna) that exist in their natural habitats and are not domesticated,cultivated,or tamed by humans.
Therefore,it encompasses all biota excluding humans,domestic animals,and cultivated crops.

(C) is the correct answer.
Wildlife is protected in its natural habitat, which is known as $in-situ$ conservation.
However, when plants or animals are protected outside their natural habitats in areas such as zoos, botanical gardens, or seed banks, it is known as $ex-situ$ conservation.
Botanical gardens play a crucial role in $ex-situ$ conservation by preserving germ plasm of rare and threatened plant species.

(D) Biodiversity hotspots are biogeographic regions with a significant reservoir of biodiversity that are under threat from destruction.
Initially,$25$ biodiversity hotspots were identified by Norman Myers.
Currently,the total number of recognized biodiversity hotspots in the world is $34$.

(D) There are $4$ biodiversity hotspots present in India. These are:
$1$. The Himalayas
$2$. Indo-Burma
$3$. The Western Ghats and Sri Lanka
$4$. Sundaland (includes Nicobar Islands).
Therefore,the correct option is $D$.

(A) Primitive flowering plants or primitive angiosperms belong to families such as $Magnoliaceae$,$Betulaceae$,and $Myricaceae$.
In India,these primitive families are primarily found in the North East region.
This region is geologically older and provides the necessary climatic conditions for the survival of these ancient plant lineages.
Therefore,the correct answer is North East.

(A) The Convention on Biological Diversity $(CBD)$ is a legally binding international treaty for the conservation of biodiversity,the sustainable use of its components,and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from genetic resources.
It was opened for signature at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro on $5$ June $1992$ and entered into force on $29$ December $1993$.

(A) The International Day for Biological Diversity is a United Nations-sanctioned international day for the promotion of biodiversity issues. It is currently held on $29$ December each year. Historically,it was celebrated on $29$ December,but the date was changed to $22$ May in $2000$ to commemorate the adoption of the Convention on Biological Diversity. However,based on the provided options,$29$ December is the historically recognized date.

(D) India is known as the land of spices.
Black pepper $(Piper \, nigrum)$, Cardamom $(Elettaria \, cardamomum)$, and Ginger $(Zingiber \, officinale)$ are all native to the Indian subcontinent, particularly the Western Ghats region.
Therefore, all the listed spices have their primary home in India.

(D) Biodiversity hot spots are regions with high levels of species richness and high degree of endemism.
Although these hot spots cover less than $2\%$ of the Earth's land area,the number of species they collectively harbor is extremely high.
Specifically,the $25$ biodiversity hot spots identified globally occupy approximately $1.4\%$ of the Earth's land surface area.
Strict protection of these hot spots could reduce the ongoing mass extinctions by almost $30\%$.

(B) The concept of biodiversity 'hot spots' was first proposed by Norman Myers in $1988$. He identified these regions as areas that are both rich in biodiversity and under significant threat of habitat loss.

(A) According to the data provided by the Botanic Gardens Conservation International $(BGCI)$,there are more than $1500$ botanical gardens and arboreta worldwide. These institutions play a crucial role in plant conservation,research,and public education.

(B) Sacred groves and sacred lakes are patches of forest or water bodies protected by local communities due to their religious and cultural significance.
$Khecheopalri$ Lake,located in Sikkim,is considered a sacred lake by the local Buddhist and Lepcha communities.
It is a prime example of traditional conservation practices where biodiversity is preserved through cultural beliefs.

(A) Sacred groves are tracts of forest land that are dedicated to local deities or ancestral spirits. These areas are protected by local communities through religious beliefs and cultural traditions. Because of this protection,they serve as a refuge for many rare,endangered,and endemic species that might otherwise be lost due to habitat destruction or exploitation in surrounding areas. Therefore,sacred groves are considered important sites for in-situ conservation.

(A) The $Antilope \text{ } cervicapra$, commonly known as the Black Buck, is an antelope species native to the Indian subcontinent.
According to the $IUCN$ Red List of Threatened Species, the Black Buck is currently classified as $Least \text{ } Concern$ $(LC)$.
However, in the context of Indian wildlife protection and historical classification often found in older textbooks or specific regional assessments, it was previously considered $Vulnerable$ due to habitat loss and hunting.
Given the standard options provided and the context of biodiversity conservation questions, $Vulnerable$ is the most appropriate choice among the given alternatives.

(D) Species are more susceptible to extinction due to several ecological and biological factors.
$1$. Large body size: Large animals often require more resources and have lower reproductive rates,making them vulnerable.
$2$. Small population: Small populations have low genetic diversity and are highly susceptible to environmental fluctuations and stochastic events.
$3$. High trophic level: Organisms at higher trophic levels (like top predators) are vulnerable due to biomagnification of toxins and dependence on a large prey base.
Therefore,all these factors contribute to the risk of extinction.

(D) The International Union for Conservation of Nature $(IUCN)$,formerly known as the World Conservation Union,maintains the $IUCN$ Red List of Threatened Species. This is often referred to as the Red Data Book. Both terms are used interchangeably to describe the comprehensive inventory of the global conservation status of biological species.

(C) $Lantana$ $camara$ is an invasive alien species that was introduced into India as an ornamental plant. It has spread rapidly across many forest lands, outcompeting native flora and significantly altering the biodiversity of these ecosystems.

(D) Ecosystem services are the benefits that humans derive from ecosystems. These include provisioning services (like food and water),regulating services (like climate control and water purification),and supporting services (like soil formation and protection). Since soil protection,water conservation/purification,and climate control are all critical services provided by healthy ecosystems,the correct answer is $D$.

(A) In many cultures,particularly in India,$Ocimum$ $basilicum$ (Tulsi) is considered a sacred plant and is worshipped for its medicinal and spiritual significance.
$Ficus$ $bengalensis$ (Banyan tree) is also considered sacred in some traditions,but $Ocimum$ $basilicum$ is the most widely recognized sacred plant in the context of daily worship.

(C) The wild species $Oryza$ $minuta$ contains genes that provide resistance against four major diseases of rice, including bacterial blight, blast, sheath blight, and white-backed planthopper. These genes have been successfully transferred to cultivated rice varieties to improve their disease resistance.

(A) Alpha diversity,also known as $\alpha$-diversity,refers to the diversity within a particular community or ecosystem. It measures the number of species present in a specific habitat or local area.

(B) Biodiversity is categorized into three levels based on spatial scale:
$1$. $\alpha$-diversity (Alpha diversity): It refers to the diversity within a particular area or community.
$2$. $\beta$-diversity (Beta diversity): It refers to the diversity between communities,representing the rate of replacement of species along a gradient of habitats or communities.
$3$. $\gamma$-diversity (Gamma diversity): It refers to the diversity of the entire landscape or geographical region.
Therefore,the correct answer is $\beta$-diversity.

(D) Biodiversity refers to the variety and variability of life on Earth. It is primarily measured by two components:
$1$. Species richness: The total number of different species present in a given area.
$2$. Species evenness: The relative abundance of each species in that area.
Therefore,biodiversity is determined by both species richness and species evenness.

(C) Genetic diversity refers to the variation of genes within a species. It allows populations to adapt to changing environments and is the foundation of biological diversity. Therefore,it is defined as gene-based diversity.

(D) The discovery and documentation of new species have been significantly accelerated by international collaborative efforts.
Both $Species 2000$ and the $Global Biodiversity Information Facility$ $(GBIF)$ are major global initiatives designed to catalog,organize,and provide open access to data regarding the world's known species.
These projects facilitate the identification of new species by providing comprehensive databases and digital infrastructure for taxonomists and researchers worldwide.
Therefore,both $(A)$ and $(B)$ are correct.

(A) The term $Endemic$ refers to species that are native or restricted to a specific geographic region or habitat.
$Indigenous$ species are those that occur naturally in a particular area or region,which is synonymous with being endemic to that area.
$Exotic$ species are those introduced from another region.
$Ubiquitous$ refers to species found everywhere.
$Naturalized$ refers to non-native species that have become established in a new environment.

(A) The Dodo ($Raphus$ $cucullatus$) was a flightless bird that was endemic to the island of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean. It became extinct in the $17^{th}$ century due to human activities and the introduction of invasive species.

(A) The first biosphere reserve in India was established in $1986$ at Nilgiri.
It encompasses parts of Tamil Nadu,Kerala,and Karnataka.
It is a major biodiversity hotspot known for its unique flora and fauna.