Biodiversity and Wild Life Conservation Questions in English

(C) Conservation of biodiversity is classified into two types: $In-situ$ (on-site) and $Ex-situ$ (off-site).
$In-situ$ conservation involves protecting species within their natural habitats, such as Wildlife Sanctuaries, National Parks, and Biosphere Reserves.
$Ex-situ$ conservation involves protecting species outside their natural habitats, such as botanical gardens, zoological parks, and cryopreservation (storing gametes or embryos at very low temperatures, e.g., $-196^{\circ}C$ in liquid nitrogen).
Therefore, cryopreservation is an $Ex-situ$ conservation method.

(D) In-situ conservation involves protecting species within their natural habitat.
National parks,wildlife sanctuaries,and biosphere reserves are all examples of protected areas established for in-situ conservation.
These areas provide a safe environment for genetic resources to thrive and evolve naturally.
Therefore,all the mentioned options are correct methods for in-situ conservation.

(B) The first white tiger in the world was captured in the forests of $Rewa$ in $Madhya \text{ } Pradesh$, $India$, in $1951$. This white tiger was a male cub named $Mohan$, which became the ancestor of most white tigers found in zoos and sanctuaries worldwide today.

(A) The white tiger is not a separate species or a subspecies of the tiger $(Panthera \text{ } tigris)$.
It is not an albino because it still possesses pigment (melanin) in its stripes and eyes.
It is not a transgenic animal as it was not created through genetic engineering.
The white coat color is caused by a double recessive allele (a mutation) in the gene responsible for pigment production, which results in the lack of pheomelanin (the pigment that gives tigers their orange color) while retaining eumelanin (the pigment that gives them their black stripes).

(D) The correct answer is $D$. Kaziranga National Park is located in the districts of Golaghat,Karbi Anglong,and Nagaon in the state of Assam. It covers an area of approximately $430 \ km^2$ and is globally famous for being the habitat of two-thirds of the world's population of the one-horned rhinoceros.

(B) Nandankanan Zoological Park, located in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, is globally renowned for its successful captive breeding program of the $White$ tiger. It was the first zoo in the world to breed white tigers in captivity.

(B) The $1$-horned rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) is a flagship species of India.
Kaziranga National Park,located in the state of Assam,is world-famous for hosting the largest population of the one-horned rhinoceros.
It is a $UNESCO$ World Heritage Site and provides a protected habitat for these animals.

(D) The Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, located in the state of Gujarat, is the only natural habitat in the world for the Asiatic lion $(Panthera \text{ } leo \text{ } persica)$.
It serves as a protected refuge where these endangered big cats are conserved in their natural environment.

(D) Habitat destruction and fragmentation is the most important cause driving animals and plants to extinction.
Large habitats are broken up into small fragments due to various human activities,leading to the loss of biodiversity.
This is considered the primary threat to global wildlife populations.

(C) . The $Gir$ National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, located in $Gujarat$, is famous for being the only natural habitat of the Asiatic $Lion$ $(Panthera leo persica)$. Therefore, $Gir - Lion$ is the correct matching pair.

(C) The correct match is $Manas - Assam$.
$Corbett$ is located in $Uttarakhand$.
$Palamau$ is located in $Jharkhand$.
$Bandipur$ is located in $Karnataka$.

(C) Kanha National Park,situated in the Mandla district of Madhya Pradesh,is one of the largest wildlife reserves in the country.
It covers an area of approximately $940 \ km^2$ and is world-renowned for its population of tigers.
It was established in $1933$ and was declared a National Park in $1955$.
It is one of the $9$ national parks initially selected by the Government of India for 'Project Tiger'.

(C) Deforestation refers to the large-scale removal of forest cover.
$1$. It destroys the natural habitat of wild animals,leading to a loss of biodiversity.
$2$. It alters local weather patterns by reducing transpiration and affecting the water cycle.
$3$. It leads to soil erosion because tree roots,which bind the soil,are removed.
$4$. It slows down nutrient recycling because the decomposition of forest litter is disrupted and the nutrient-rich topsoil is lost.
Therefore,the statement that it 'speeds up nutrient recycling' is incorrect.

(D) Ranthambore National Park is a famous wildlife sanctuary and national park located in the Sawai Madhopur district of southeastern Rajasthan,India. It is well-known for its population of Bengal tigers and is a significant site for biodiversity conservation.

(D) The $Keoladeo$ National Park, formerly known as the $Bharatpur$ Bird Sanctuary, is a famous bird sanctuary located in $Bharatpur$, $Rajasthan$, India. It is a $UNESCO$ World Heritage Site and is renowned for its diverse avian population, especially migratory birds.

(A) Keoladeo National Park,formerly known as the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary,is a famous avifauna sanctuary in Rajasthan,India. It is a $UNESCO$ World Heritage site and is globally renowned for its rich diversity of bird species,especially migratory birds that visit during the winter season.

(D) udhwa National Park is located in the state of Uttar Pradesh.
It is a prominent protected area known for its diverse flora and fauna.
Recently,the $R$hinoceros population has been successfully reintroduced into this park to aid in their conservation.

(B) The major cause of the decline in wildlife populations is habitat destruction. Habitat destruction refers to the process in which natural habitats are rendered unable to support the species present. This leads to the displacement or death of wildlife. While 'falling of trees' (deforestation) is a specific form of habitat destruction,'Habitat destruction' is the broader and more accurate scientific term that encompasses all activities leading to the loss of natural environments.

(C) Rajaji National Park is located in the state of $Uttarakhand$,India. It was formed in $1983$ by the amalgamation of three sanctuaries: Rajaji,Motichur,and Chilla. It is well-known for its population of Asian elephants.

(A) Forest conservation involves the protection and management of forest resources to maintain ecological balance.
$A$. Tree felling (deforestation) is an activity that destroys forest cover and is therefore anti-conservation.
$B$. Preservation of wild animals helps maintain the food web and ecosystem stability,which supports forest health.
$C$. Economy in timbering refers to the sustainable and efficient use of wood,which reduces the pressure on forests.
$D$. Prevention of fires is a crucial measure to protect forest ecosystems from destruction.
Thus,tree felling is the activity that opposes forest conservation.

(C) wildlife sanctuary is a protected area where human activities are strictly regulated to protect wildlife and their habitats.
$1$. Fauna and flora are conserved within these areas to maintain ecological balance.
$2$. Hunting,poaching,and capturing of animals are strictly prohibited.
$3$. Unlike national parks,certain human activities like the harvesting of timber,collection of minor forest products,and private ownership of land may be permitted under controlled conditions,but the commercial utilization of soil and flora is generally not the primary purpose or permitted activity in a way that degrades the ecosystem.
$4$. Therefore,the commercial utilization of soil and flora is not a standard practice or objective of a wildlife sanctuary.

(B) National Parks are strictly protected areas where human activities such as grazing of cattle,hunting,and private land rights are prohibited. The primary objective is to conserve the ecosystem and wildlife in their natural state. Therefore,no human activity is allowed within the boundaries of a National Park.

(C) $Kaziranga$ National Park,located in the state of $Assam$,is globally famous for being the primary habitat of the one-horned $Rhinoceros$.
It holds two-thirds of the world's population of the greater one-horned $Rhinoceros$ ($Rhinoceros$ $unicornis$).

(B) The correct pair is $Flamingo - Rann of Kutch$.
$1$. The $Rann$ of $Kutch$ in $Gujarat$ is famous for the breeding grounds of the Greater Flamingo.
$2$. $Ranthambore$ is primarily known for Tigers.
$3$. $Dachigam$ National Park is famous for the Hangul or Kashmir Stag, not Wild Ass.
$4$. The Great Indian Bustard is primarily found in the arid grasslands of $Rajasthan$ and $Gujarat$, not $Assam$.

(C) Animals that are classified as endangered,vulnerable,or rare are collectively referred to as threatened species.
These categories are defined by the International Union for Conservation of Nature $(IUCN)$ based on the risk of extinction faced by the species in the wild.
Therefore,the correct option is $C$.

(A) The $Carolina$ $\text{Parakeet}$ $(Conuropsis$ $\text{carolinensis})$ was the only parrot species native to the eastern United States. It was declared extinct in the early $20^{th}$ century due to habitat loss, hunting for its feathers, and being considered a pest by farmers. The $Atitlan$ $\text{Grebe}$ is also extinct, but the $Carolina$ $\text{Parakeet}$ is a classic example often cited in biodiversity studies regarding recent extinctions.

(D) The extinction of wildlife is caused by multiple anthropogenic factors.
$1$. Hunting for flesh and trade leads to a direct decline in population numbers.
$2$. Destruction of habitats (deforestation,urbanization) is considered the primary cause as it removes the essential resources required for survival.
$3$. Pollution of air and water introduces toxic substances that disrupt physiological processes and reproductive success.
Since all these factors contribute significantly to the loss of biodiversity and extinction,the correct answer is $D$.

(B) According to the $IUCN$ Red List data,mammals represent the highest number of endangered species among vertebrates.
Specifically,the number of endangered species of mammals is approximately $62$,while for reptiles and birds,the numbers are $6$ and $11$ respectively.
Therefore,the correct option is $B$.

(C) The term 'anthropogenic' is derived from 'anthropos' (human) and 'genic' (originating from).
Therefore,anthropogenic extinction refers to the loss of species caused directly or indirectly by human activities.
Examples include habitat destruction,overexploitation,pollution,and the introduction of invasive species.

(A) The Asiatic lion $(Panthera leo persica)$ is a subspecies of lion that is restricted to the Gir National Park and surrounding areas in Gujarat,India.
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature $(IUCN)$ Red List,the Asiatic lion is classified as 'Endangered' $(EN)$ because its population is restricted to a single location and is vulnerable to extinction due to threats like disease,natural disasters,or human interference.

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

(C) When a species becomes extinct,the unique genetic information it carries is permanently removed from the biosphere. This is known as the loss of its gene pool. While the extinction of a top predator like the Bengal tiger can cause ecological imbalances (such as an increase in prey populations),the most fundamental and irreversible biological consequence is the permanent loss of its genetic diversity,which can never be recovered.

(A) The first Earth Summit,also known as the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development $(UNCED)$,was held in Rio de Janeiro,Brazil,in $1992$.
This summit focused on sustainable development and the conservation of the environment and biodiversity on a global scale.

(D) The increase in the number of a species in a national park is typically due to positive interactions like $Mutualism$ or $Commensalism$, which provide better resources or protection.
$Intraspecific$ and $Interspecific$ competition generally limit population growth by increasing resource scarcity.
$Emigration$ refers to individuals leaving an area, which would decrease the population size.
Therefore, $Mutualism$ is the only option listed that can facilitate population growth through beneficial interactions.

(D) The destruction of wildlife leads to a loss of biodiversity.
One of the most critical consequences of this loss is the reduction of the gene pool.
Wildlife serves as a reservoir of genetic diversity,including genes that provide resistance to various diseases in crops and livestock.
When species go extinct or their habitats are destroyed,these valuable genetic resources are lost forever,meaning we can no longer obtain genes for disease resistance from these wild sources.

(C) An arboretum is a specialized botanical garden devoted to trees and woody plants. It serves as a living collection of trees and shrubs,often used for scientific research,conservation,and educational purposes.

(A) According to the $IUCN$ classification,species whose populations have been seriously depleted and whose ultimate survival is not assured are categorized as $Threatened$ $species$. This is a broad category that includes $Endangered$,$Vulnerable$,and $Critically$ $Endangered$ species,all of which face a high risk of extinction in the wild.

(D) threatened species is a broad category defined by the $IUCN$ (International Union for Conservation of Nature).
It includes species that are at risk of extinction in the near future.
This category encompasses endangered species,vulnerable species,and rare species,as all these groups face varying levels of risk due to habitat loss,overexploitation,or environmental changes.

(A) The 'Chipko Movement' was a non-violent social and ecological movement by rural villagers,particularly women,in India in the $1970s$.
It was aimed at the protection and conservation of trees and forests from destruction.
Sunderlal Bahuguna was a prominent leader and activist who played a crucial role in spreading the message of the movement and making it famous globally.

(D) The state of $Haryana$ has named all its tourist resorts after different birds. This initiative was taken by the $Haryana$ Tourism Corporation to promote wildlife awareness and tourism in the state. Examples include resorts named $Kingfisher$, $Magpie$, $Bulbul$, and $Parakeet$.

(B) The 'Wild Life (Protection) Act' is a landmark legislation in India.
It 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 environmental and ecological security of the country.

(C) The Wild Buffalo (also known as the Asian Water Buffalo) is a massive and powerful animal. Even a solitary adult bull is capable of defending itself against a tiger due to its immense size,thick hide,and dangerous,curved horns. Tigers generally avoid attacking healthy adult wild buffaloes because the risk of injury is very high.

(D) Most monkeys,including the Lion-tailed Macaque,Nilgiri Langur,and Bonnet Macaque,are diurnal,meaning they are active during the day and sleep at night. There is no common monkey species among the options provided that is strictly nocturnal. Therefore,the correct answer is $D$ (None of the above).

(C) The $Cheetah$ ($Acinonyx$ $jubatus$) was declared extinct in India in $1952$ due to habitat loss and over-hunting. While reintroduction programs have recently begun, it is historically recognized as the species that became extinct in the wild in India.

(D) The correct answer is $D$. Kaziranga National Park, located in the $Sibsagar$ and $Jorhat$ districts of $Assam$, is world-famous for being the habitat of the Great One-horned Rhinoceros $(Rhinoceros unicornis)$. It is a $UNESCO$ World Heritage site and plays a crucial role in the conservation of this endangered species.

(B) Corbett National Park,originally known as Hailey National Park,was established in $1936$. It is the first national park in India,located in the state of Uttarakhand.

(C) The Greater Flamingo $(Phoenicopterus \text{ roseus})$ is known to breed in the saline mudflats of the Rann of Kutch in Gujarat, India. This area, specifically the 'Flamingo City', provides the necessary nesting grounds for these birds during the breeding season.

(A) The correct match is $A$. The Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary,also known as the Little Rann of Kutch Sanctuary,is located in the Rann of Kutch,Gujarat.
$B$ is incorrect because Gir Forest is famous for the Asiatic lion,not the tiger.
$C$ is incorrect because Manas National Park is primarily known for the one-horned rhinoceros and wild water buffalo,though elephants are present,it is not its primary defining feature compared to the specific match in $A$.
$D$ is incorrect because Corbett National Park is famous for the Bengal tiger,not the Asiatic lion.

(D) . Rare species are species with naturally small populations,either localized or thinly scattered throughout their range.