Correct Answer:
(A)
The range of different species in an environment
The diverse range of organisms (plants and animals) found in an ecosystem, is defined as biodiversity. The species are organized in different communities which are found in a particular ecosystem. Bio-diversity is denoted with (α) alfa, (β) beta and (γ) gamma indicating different categories. This classification was advanced by Whittaker in 1960.
Ques:
12
The most significant aspect of biodiversity is:
Correct Answer:
(D)
Maintenance of ecosystem
The most significant aspect of biodiversity is the maintenance of the ecosystem. Biodiversity functions on different levels of species, communities and ecosystems.
Ques:
13
Biodiversity changes occur:
Correct Answer:
(A)
Increases towards the equator
Biodiversity increases towards the equator. Biodiversity is not equal on earth. It varies greatly across the globe as well as within regions. Among other factors, the diversity of all living things (biota) depends on temperature, precipitation, altitude, soil, geography and the presence of other species.
Ques:
14
Which of the following is not responsible for the increase in the biodiversity of an ecosystem?
Correct Answer:
(D)
Less number of trophic levels
The ecosystem is a dynamic entity. The interdependence of organisms on other organisms for food contribute to the creation of different trophic levels. The decrease in trophic level indicates an abundance of a particular type of organism, thus resulting in a decrease in bio-diversity. Rest other factors like the productivity of the ecosystem, intermediate-disturbance and age of the ecosystem contribute to the richness of bio-diversity of the ecosystem.
Ques:
15
The richest biodiversity is found in the:
Correct Answer:
(A)
Silent Valley
The richest biodiversity is found in Silent Valley in Kerala. It is located in Palakkad District of Kerala, India. Silent Valley is rectangular, twelve kilometers from north to south and seven km. from east to west. It is located between 11°03' to 11°13' N (latitude) and 76°21' to 76°35' E (longitude). It is a part of the Western Ghats.
Ques:
16
Biodiversity forms the basis for human existence in the following ways:
Soil formation
Prevention of soil erosion
Recycling of waste
Pollination of crops
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Code :
Correct Answer:
(D)
1, 2, 3 and 4
Biodiversity forms the basis for human existence in the form of soil formation, prevention of soil erosion, recycling of waste and pollination of crops. Other important uses of biodiversity are listed for medicinal purpose also.
Ques:
17
Which one of the following groups of animals belongs to the category of endangered species?
Correct Answer:
(A)
Great Indian Bustard, Musk Deer, Red Panda and Asiatic Wild Ass
All of the species listed in option (a) are considered endangered, which means that they are at risk of extinction in the wild. The Great Indian Bustard is a large bird found in India and Pakistan that is critically endangered, with only a few hundred individuals remaining in the wild. The musk deer is a small deer found in the Himalayan region that is also critically endangered, due to habitat loss and poaching. The red panda is a small carnivorous mammal found in the Himalayan region that is endangered due to habitat loss and poaching. The Asiatic wild ass, also known as the onager, is a species of horse found in parts of Asia that is endangered due to habitat loss and poaching.
Note: Great Indian Bustard is a highly endangered species.
Ques:
18
Which one of the following is NOT correctly matched?
Correct Answer:
(B)
Desert Cat : Endangered
According to ENVIS Center for Faunal Diversity hosted by Zoological Survey of India sponsored by Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, below is the risk status of the animals given in the options.
Golden Langur : Endangered
Hoolock Gibbon : Endangered
Asiatic Wild Dog : Endangered
Desert Cat : Least Concern
There is no animal named Desert Cat listed in Red List of IUCN. Chinese Desert Cat are listed as a vulnerable category in Red List. Hence option (b) is correctly matched.
Ques:
19
In which of the following States is lion-tailed macaque found in its natural habitat?
1. Tamil Nadu 2. Kerala
3. Karnataka 4. Andhra Pradesh
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
Correct Answer:
(A)
1, 2 and 3
Lion- tailed macaque is found in Western Ghats of India. It is an endangered species which is mostly found in Kerala, Karnataka and the border region of Tamil Nadu.
Ques:
20
Vultures which used to be very common in the Indian countryside some years ago are rarely seen now a days. This is attributed to:
Correct Answer:
(B)
A drug used by cattle owners for treating their diseased cattle
The reason behind the heavy decline in the population of vultures is Diclofenac taken by vultures from the carcasses of dead cattle lying in open fields. Cattle owners used this drug for treating their diseased animals. Diclofenac is highly toxic and has killed vultures in very large numbers in this way. It has drastically brought down their population.