Test is part of Rau’s IAS Test series for Preliminary Exam 202 3

Test ID
GENERAL STUDIES (PAPER–I)
1028

ENVIRONMENT, ECOLOGY,
BIODIVERSITY AND CLIMATE CHANGE-3
Time Allowed: 1 Hour Maximum Marks: 100

INSTRUCTIONS

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THAT THIS TEST BOOKLET DOES NOT HAVE ANY UNPRINTED OR TORN or MISSING PAGES OR
ITEMS, ETC. IF SO, GET IT REPLACED BY A COMPLETE TEST BOOKLET.

2. This Test Booklet contains 50 items (questions). Each item is printed in English Only. Each item
comprises four responses (answers). You will select the response which you want to mark on the
Answer Sheet. In case you feel that there is more than one correct response, mark the response
which you consider the best. In any case, choose ONLY ONE response for each item.

3. You have to mark all your responses ONLY on the separate Answer Sheet (OMR sheet) provided.
Read the directions in the Answer Sheet.

4. All items carry equal marks.

5. Before you proceed to mark in the Answer Sheet the response to various items in the Test booklet,
you have to fill in some particulars in the Answer Sheet as per instructions contained therein.

6. After you have completed filling in all your responses on the Answer Sheet and the examination has
concluded, you should hand over to the Invigilator only the Answer Sheet. You are permitted to
take away with you the Test Booklet.

7. Penalty for wrong answers:

THERE WILL BE PENALTY FOR WRONG ANSWERS MARKED BY A CANDIDATE IN THE

OBJECTIVE TYPE QUESTION PAPERS.

(i) There are four alternatives for the answer to every question. For each question for which a
wrong answer has been given by the candidate, one-third of the marks assigned to that
question will be deducted as penalty.

(ii) If a candidate gives more than one answer, it will be treated as a wrong answer even if one of
the given answers happens to be correct and there will be same penalty as above to that
question.

(iii) If a question is left blank, i.e., no answer is given by the candidate, there will be no penalty for
that question.

This test is part of Rau’s IAS Test series for Preliminary Exam 202 3
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1. With reference to the Convention on Which of the statements given above are
Biological Diversity (CBD), consider the correct?
following statements: (a) 1 and 2 only
1. The CBD covers biodiversity at all (b) 2 and 3 only
levels, i.e., ecosystems, species and
(c) 1 and 3 only
genetic resources.
(d) 1, 2 and 3
2. The Secretariat of the Convention on
Biological Diversity (SCBD) is based in
Montreal, Canada. 4. With reference to the Nagoya Protocol,
3. The Convention entered into force at the consider the following statements:
Rio "Earth Summit" (1992). 1. It is a supplementary agreement to the
Which of the statements given above are Convention on Biological Diversity.
correct? 2. It provides a transparent legal
(a) 1 and 2 only framework for the effective
(b) 2 and 3 only implementation of the fair and equitable
(c) 1 and 3 only sharing of benefits arising out of the
(d) 1, 2 and 3 utilization of the genetic resources.
3. The Protocol covers the ‘traditional
2. With reference to the Eco Sensitive Zone, knowledge’ (TK) associated with the
consider the following statements: genetic resources.
1. As per the National Wildlife Action Plan, Which of the statements given above are
the land within 10 km of the correct?
boundaries of the National Parks and (a) 1 and 2 only
the Wildlife Sanctuaries is to be notified
(b) 2 and 3 only
as eco-fragile zones or Eco-Sensitive
Zones (ESZs). (c) 1 and 3 only
2. Felling of trees, establishment of hotels (d) 1, 2 and 3
and resorts, and commercial use of
natural water resources come under the 5. With reference to the National Tiger
category in ESZ of prohibited activities. Conservation Authority (NTCA), consider
Which of the statements given above is/are the following statements:
correct? 1. It is a statutory body constituted under
(a) 1 only the enabling provisions of the
(b) 2 only Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
(c) Both 1 and 2 2. The NTCA approves the Tiger
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 Conservation Plan prepared by the state
government.
3. With reference to the Biosphere Reserves, 3. It lays down normative standards for
consider the following statements: tourism activities and guidelines for
1. These are the sites established by the Project Tiger.
countries and recognized under Which of the statements given above are
UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere
correct?
(MAB) Programme.
(a) 1 and 2 only
2. Nanda Devi was the first notified
Biosphere Reserve in India. (b) 2 and 3 only
3. Area-wise, the Rann of Kachchh is the (c) 1 and 3 only
largest Biosphere Reserve in India. (d) 1, 2 and 3

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6. Consider the following pairs: 9. With reference to the ‘Aichi Targets’,

S.N. Tiger Reserves States consider the following statements:

1. Udanti-Sitanadi Telangana 1. These Targets are about the

2. Kawal Chhattisgarh incorporation of the biodiversity values
into local and national development,
3. Sanjay Dubri Madhya Pradesh
and poverty reduction strategies.
4. Dampa Mizoram
2. These Targets were adopted by the 10th
Which of the pairs given above are correctly meeting of the Conference of the Parties
matched?
of the Convention on Biological
(a) 1 and 2 only Diversity (CBD).
(b) 3 and 4 only
Which of the statements given above is/are
(c) 1, 2 and 3 only
correct?
(d) 2, 3 and 4 only
(a) 1 only
7. With reference to M-STrIPES, consider the (b) 2 only
following statements:
(c) Both 1 and 2
1. It is a mobile application used by the
wildlife officials to estimate the (d) Neither 1 nor 2
population of tigers.
2. This programme uses the Global
Positioning System (GPS) and Remote 10. Which of the following statements is/are
Sensing to collect information from the correct regarding the Wildlife (Protection)
field. Act, 1972?
Which of the statements given above is/are
1. The animals are listed from Schedule I
correct?
to Schedule VI, in accordance with the
(a) 1 only
risk of survival.
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 2. Both the Centre and the State
Governments are empowered to declare
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
any wild animal as vermin.

8. With reference to ‘Dugong’, consider the 3. The Act provides for the provision of
following statements: permitting the capture and
1. It is an omnivorous mammal found in transportation of the wild animals for
India only. the scientific management of the animal
2. These are listed as ‘Endangered’ on the population.
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Select the correct answer using the code
3. In India, they are seen in the Gulf of
given below:
Mannar and the Gulf of Kutch only.
Which of the statements given above are (a) 1 and 2 only
incorrect? (b) 3 only
(a) 1 and 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
(d) 1, 2 and 3

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11. Which of the following statements, 13. Which of the following statements are
regarding the Forest (Conservation) Act, correct regarding the Biological Diversity
1980, is/are correct? Act, 2002?
1. The Act mandates that prior approval of 1. The Act was born out of India’s attempt
the Central Government is required for to realize the objectives enshrined in the
the diversion of forestlands for non- United Nations Convention on Biological
forest purposes. Diversity (CBD), 1992.
2. The conditionalities for prior approval 2. The Act, along with the Environment
are different for the private land and the (Protection) Act, 1986, is responsible for
government land. the protection of natural resource and
3. The cultivation of tea, coffee, spices, traditional knowledge associated with
rubber, palms, oil-bearing plants, them.
horticultural crops or medicinal plants 3. The Biological Diversity Act had created
is considered diversion for forest a three-tier structure at the national,
purpose. state and district levels.
Select the correct answer using the code Select the correct answer using the code
given below: given below:
(a) 1 only (a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only (b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3 (d) 1, 2 and 3

12. Which of the following statements, 14. Which of the following statements,
regarding the National Biodiversity regarding the BIOFIN (Biodiversity Finance
Authority (NBA), are correct? Initiative), are correct?
1. The NBA enjoys the power of a civil 1. BIOFIN is a new global partnership,
court. seeking to address the biodiversity
2. Foreign nationals or organizations finance challenge in a comprehensive
require the prior approval of the NBA manner.
for obtaining biological resources and 2. It is working with the civil society,
associated knowledge for any use. vulnerable section and the private
3. Indian individuals do not require sector to mobilise investments in nature
approval of the NBA for transferring the for its conservation.
results of research with respect to any 3. The BIOFIN Initiative was initiated by
biological resources to the foreign the United Nations Environment
nationals/organizations. Programme (UNEP).
Select the correct answer using the code Select the correct answer using the code
given below: given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only (a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only (b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3 (d) 1, 2 and 3

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15. Consider the following statements 18. Consider the following statements
regarding the Leatherback Turtles: regarding the Jerdon’s Courser:
1. They are the largest of the sea turtles 1. The Jerdon's Courser is a nocturnal
and are known for their migration. bird, found in the Western Ghats and
the Eastern Ghats.
2. Their geographic coverage is distant and
are even found in the sub-Arctic waters. 2. They have been included under the
Species Recovery Programme.
Which of the statements given above is/are
Which of the statements given above is/are
correct?
correct?
(a) 1 only (a) 1 only
(b) 2 only (b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 (c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

19. Consider the following statements

16. Consider the following statements about regarding the Sangai Deer:
Gharial:
1. The Sangai Deer is listed as ‘Critically
1. The IUCN status of Gharial today is Endangered’, under the IUCN List.
Critically Endangered. 2. It has adapted itself to a unique habitat
2. They are found in the Indian River of the floating meadows, or phumdi, at
system only. the Keibul Lamjao National Park.
Which of the statements given above is/are
Which of the statements given above is/are
correct? correct?
(a) 1 only
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
20. With respect to “In-situ Conservation”,
consider the following statements:
17. Consider the following statements
1. The natural habitats of different species
regarding the Bengal Floricans:
of plants and animals are protected.
1. They are large terrestrial birds found in 2. It is a cheap and natural way of
India only.
conservation.
2. They serve as indicator species of dry 3. Biosphere Reserves, National Parks and
grasslands. Zoological Parks are some of the
Which of the statements given above is/are examples of in-situ conservation.
correct? Which of the statements given above is/are
correct?
(a) 1 only
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 (c) 2 and 3 only
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 (d) 1 and 3 only

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21. With respect to “Ex-situ Conservation”, 24. Consider the following pairs:
consider the following statements:
S.N. National State
1. Conservation needs to be done away Park/Sanctuary
from the natural habitat.
2. Botanical Gardens and Seed Banks are 1. Bhagwan Mahavir Maharashtra
the examples of ex-situ conversation. 2. Ranganathittu Karnataka
3. There is the use of artificial 3. Mouling Arunachal
insemination and embryo transfer to
Pradesh
maintain the genetic diversity in ex-situ
conservation. 4. Parambikulam Kerala
Which of the statements given above are
Which of the pairs given above are correctly
correct?
matched?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(b) 2, 3 and 4 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3 (c) 1, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
22. Which of the following come under the
criteria for selection of the Biosphere 25. With respect to the “Snow Leopard”,
Reserves? consider the following statements:
1. The areas characterized with tribal 1. Currently, it is restricted to only Nanda
culture and traditions. Devi, Namdapha and Pin Valley
2. The areas having typical geo-ecological National Park.
and pedological conditions.
2. It is listed as ‘Vulnerable’ on the IUCN
3. Additional land and water suitable for
Red List.
teaching, training and research.
Which of the statements given above is/are
Select the correct answer using the code
given below: correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only (a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only (b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only (c) Both 1 and 2
(d) 1, 2 and 3 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

23. Consider the following pairs: 26. With respect to the “Gangetic River
S.N. State/Union Local Term for Dolphin”, consider the following
Territory Sacred Groves statements:
1. Andhra Pavithravana 1. It can only live in freshwater and is
Pradesh essentially blind.
2. Karnataka Jahera 2. It is considered ‘Vulnerable’ by the
3. Meghalaya Gamkhap International Union for Conservation of
Nature (IUCN).
4. Rajasthan Kenkris
3. It is endemic to India only.
Which of the pairs given above are correctly Which of the statements given above is/are
matched? correct?
(a) 1 and 4 only
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 1, 2 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 2, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1 and 3 only

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27. With respect to the “Kashmir Stag”, 30. Consider the following statements:
consider the following statements: 1. Biological extinction is when no
1. As an herbivore, it ensures that the member of a species is found anywhere
grassland lines survive in the upper on the Earth.
forest ranges. 2. Local extinction is a process of natural
2. Currently, its range is restricted to the and low-level extinction that goes on
Dachigam National Park. continuously due to changes in the
environmental conditions.
3. It is listed as ‘Endangered’ on the IUCN
Red List. Which of the statements given above is/are
correct?
Which of the statements given above are
(a) 1 only
correct?
(b) 2 only
(a) 1 and 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(b) 2 and 3 only
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
31. Which of the following statements,
regarding the report of the Global
28. With respect to the “Red Panda”, consider Biodiversity Outlook, are correct?
the following statements: 1. It is published by the UN Convention on
1. It is found in the forests of India, Nepal, Biological Diversity (CBD).
Bhutan and the northern mountains of 2. Some of the Aichi Targets that were
Myanmar and Central China. agreed upon by the governments have
2. It is the state animal of Arunachal been achieved.
Pradesh. 3. The ‘30 by 30 Strategy’ is related to the
3. It has been listed as a ‘Critically CBD.
Endangered’ species on the IUCN Red Select the correct answer using the code
List. given below:
Which of the statements given above is/are (a) 1 and 2 only
correct? (b) 2 and 3 only
(a) 1 only (c) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3 32. Consider the following statements:
1. Keystone species are the species that
reflect the biotic or abiotic state of an
29. Which of the following places come under
environment and the changes
the World Heritage Sites in India?
occurring.
1. The Panna Tiger Reserve
2. Lichens are the indicators of air, as well
2. The Manas Wildlife Sanctuary as water pollution.
Select the correct answer using the code Which of the statements given above is/are
given below: correct?
(a) 1 only (a) 1 only
(b) 2 only (b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 (c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

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33. Which of the following statements is/are 36. Consider the following statements:
correct? 1. The Ushakothi Wildlife Sanctuary is
1. Speciation is how a new kind of plant or bordered between the Wardha River and
animal species is created.
the Penganga River.
2. Perapatric speciation occurs when a
2. It is home to the Royal Bengal Tiger.
species separates into two groups and
are isolated from each other, usually by Which of the statements given above is/are
some physical barrier. correct?
3. For speciation to occur, it should be (a) 1 only
physically impossible for the members (b) 2 only
to mate with one another.
(c) Both 1 and 2
Select the correct answer using the code
given below: (d) Neither 1 nor 2
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only 37. Which of the following statements is/are
(c) 1 and 3 only correct about the Khangchendzonga
(d) 1, 2 and 3 National Park?
1. The Khangchendzonga National Park is
34. Which of the following statements are a part of the Himalaya Global
correct about Cheetahs? Biodiversity Hotspot.
1. The male Cheetahs usually live an 2. It supports sub-tropical to alpine
isolated life once matured.
ecosystems.
2. They are under continuous threat due
3. The Zemu Glacier is located in the
to less genetic diversity.
Khangchendzonga National Park.
3. The largest population of the Cheetahs
is with Namibia. Select the correct answer using the code
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
given below: (a) 1 only
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
(d) 1, 2 and 3

35. Consider the following statements about 38. Which of the following forests come under
the Kanger Ghati National Park: the Kuno Wildlife Sanctuary?
1. The Kanger Ghati National Park is a 1. Northern Tropical Dry Deciduous
Biosphere Reserve located in Madhya Forests
Pradesh. 2. Dry Savannah Forests and Grasslands
2. The Tirathgarh waterfall is located in
3. Tropical Riverine Forests
this Park.
Select the correct answer using the code
Which of the statements given above is/are
correct? given below:
(a) 1 only (a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 (c) 1 and 3 only
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 (d) 1, 2 and 3

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39. Consider the following statements: 42. With respect to the “Neora Valley National
1. Endemic species are those plants and Park (NVNP)”, consider the following
animals that exist only in one statements:
geographical region. 1. It is a National Park situated in
2. Endemic species is the same as the Arunachal Pradesh.
native species. 2. It is contiguous with Sikkim and
Which of the statements given above is/are Bhutan.
correct?
3. It is the land of the endangered Red
(a) 1 only
Panda in the pristine undisturbed
(b) 2 only natural habitat.
(c) Both 1 and 2
Which of the statements given above is/are
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 incorrect?
(a) 1 only
40. With respect to the “Lion-Tailed Macaque”,
consider the following statements: (b) 2 and 3 only

1. It is a primate endemic to the (c) 1 and 3 only

rainforests of the Western Ghats in (d) 1, 2 and 3
Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
2. It is listed as a ‘Vulnerable’ category in
the IUCN Red List of Threatened 43. With respect to the “Sociable Lapwing”,
Species. consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above is/are 1. A major threat to this species is the
correct? conversion of the steppe into arable
(a) 1 only cultivation.
(b) 2 only 2. It is listed under the ‘Critically
(c) Both 1 and 2 Endangered’ category in the IUCN Red
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 List of Threatened Species.
Which of the statements given above is/are
41. With respect to the “Kugti Wildlife correct?
Sanctuary”, consider the following (a) 1 only
statements:
(b) 2 only
1. It houses endangered species, like the
Ibex, Musk Deer, Monal Snow Cock and (c) Both 1 and 2
Himalayan Tahr. (d) Neither 1 nor 2
2. The Kugti Pass is one of the three
mountain routes connecting the
Chamba region to the Lahaul valley. 44. Pink river dolphins are found in which of
the following rivers?
Which of the statements given above is/are
correct? (a) Ganga River
(a) 1 only (b) Amazon River
(b) 2 only
(c) Irrawaddy River
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Yangtze River
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

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45. Consider the following statements about 48. Consider the following statements about
Sundaland Hotspot: ‘Other effective area-based conservation
1. The part of India that falls in the measures’ (OECM) site:
Sundaland Hotspot is the Nicobar 1. Aravalli Biodiversity Park has been
Islands. notified as the first OECM site in India.
2. Sundaland has the distinction of being 2. The OECM tag is given by the
home to the world’s largest flowers, the International Union for Conservation of
rafflesia. Nature (IUCN) to areas that are not
protected but support rich biodiversity.
Which of the statements given above is/are
Which of the statements given above is/are
correct?
correct?
(a) 1 only
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

46. Consider the following statements about

49. Consider the following statements:
migratory monarch butterfly:
1. Sunderbans Biosphere Reserve is
1. The migratory monarch butterfly has located in the swampy delta of the river
entered the IUCN Red List of Ganga.
Threatened Species as Critically
2. The Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve
Endangered.
covers an area on the southeast coast of
2. It is known for its migrations from India.
Mexico and California in the winter to 3. In the Sunderbans, the mangrove
summer breeding grounds throughout forests are characterised by Heritiera
the United States and Canada. fomes.
Which of the statements given above is/are Which of the statements given above is/are
correct? correct?
(a) 1 only (a) 1 only
(b) 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 (c) 1 and 2 only
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 (d) 1, 2 and 3

47. Consider the following statements about 50. Consider the following statements about
Golden langur: types of biodiversity:
1. The golden langur is endemic to Assam, 1. Alpha diversity measures the total
Manipur and Bhutan. biodiversity of a large scale landscape.
2. Its IUCN’ status is endangered. 2. Beta diversity measures the gradient of
biodiversity between two ecosystems.
3. Golden langurs use the upper canopy of
trees to travel. 3. Gamma diversity measures the
biodiversity in a particular habitat.
Which of the statements given above is/are
Which of the statements given above is/are
correct?
correct?
(a) 1 only
(a) 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 2 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
(d) 1, 2 and 3

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Answers &
Explanations
of

TEST ID: 1028

GENERAL STUDIES (PAPER–I)

Environment, Ecology,
Biodiversity and Climate Change-3

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ANSWERS & EXPLANATIONS OF

Environment, Ecology,
Biodiversity and Climate Change-3
GS Paper-I: (1028)

1. Answer: (a) 2. Answer: (a)

Explanation: Explanation:
 The conservation of biodiversity is a  As per the National Wildlife Action
common concern of the humankind. Plan (2002-2016), issued by the Union
The Convention on Biological Diversity Ministry of Environment, Forest and
(CBD) covers biodiversity at all levels: Climate Change, the land within 10
ecosystems, species and genetic km of the boundaries of the National
resources. It also covers Parks and the Wildlife Sanctuaries is
biotechnology, including through the to be notified as eco-fragile zones or
Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety. In
Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs). While the
fact, it covers all possible domains
10-km rule is implemented as a
that are directly or indirectly related
general principle, the extent of its
to biodiversity and its role in
application can vary. Areas beyond
development, ranging from science,
10-km can also be notified by the
politics and education to agriculture,
Union Government as ESZs, if they
business, culture and much more.
hold larger ecologically important
 The Secretariat of the Convention on
“sensitive corridors.”
Biological Diversity (SCBD) is based in
Montreal, Canada. Its main function  Activities like felling of trees,
is to assist the governments in the establishment of hotels and resorts,
implementation of the CBD and its drastic change of agriculture
programmes of work, to organize system, commercial use of natural
meetings, draft documents, and co- water, erection of electrical cables,
ordinate with other international drastic change of agriculture
organizations and collect and spread system, ongoing agriculture and
information. The Executive Secretary horticulture practices by the local
is the head of the Secretariat. communities, rain water
 The Convention was opened for harvesting, organic farming, etc.,
signature on 5th June, 1992, at the come under the regulated category.
United Nations Conference on
Environment and Development (The 3. Answer: (c)
Rio "Earth Summit"). It remained
Explanation:
open for signature until 4th June,
1993, by which time it had received  Biosphere Reserves are the sites
168 signatures. The Convention established by the countries and
entered into force on 29th recognized under UNESCO's Man and
December, 1993, which was 90 days the Biosphere (MAB) Programme, to
after the 30th ratification. The first promote sustainable development,
session of the Conference of the based on the local community efforts
Parties was scheduled for 28th and sound science. The programme of
November – 9th December, 1994, in Biosphere Reserve was initiated by
the Bahamas. UNESCO in 1971. The purpose of the

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formation of the Biosphere Reserve is genetic resources that are covered by

to conserve in-situ all forms of life, the CBD and the benefits arising from
along with its support system, in its their utilization.
totality, so that it could serve as a
referral system for monitoring and 5. Answer: (b)
evaluating the changes in the natural
Explanation:
ecosystems.
 The National Tiger Conservation
 The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve was
Authority (NTCA) is a statutory
the first Biosphere Reserve in India,
body under the Ministry of
notified in 1986. It covers an area of
Environment, Forest and Climate
5,520 sq km and spreads in the states
Change, constituted under the
of Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
enabling provisions of the Wildlife
It includes part of Wayanad,
(Protection) Act, 1972, as amended
Nagarhole, Bandipur and Madumalai,
in 2006, for strengthening tiger
Nilambur, the Silent Valley and the
conservation, as per the powers and
Siruvani Hills. Nanda Devi was the
functions assigned to it under the
second to be notified in 1988.
said Act.
 The Rann of Kachchh Biosphere
 The following are some powers and
Reserve was notified in 2008. It covers
functions of the NTCA, as prescribed
the largest area (of 12,454 sq km)
under Section 380 (1) and (2) of the
among all other Biosphere Reserves in
Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, as
India. It covers part of Kachchh,
amended in 2006:
Rajkot, Surendra Nagar and Patan
o To approve the Tiger Conservation
civil districts of Gujarat state.
Plan prepared by the state
government under Section 380 (1)
4. Answer: (d) (a) of this Act.
Explanation: o To evaluate and assess various
 The Nagoya Protocol on Access to aspects of sustainable ecology and
Genetic Resources and the Fair and disallow any ecologically
Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising unsustainable land use, such as,
from their Utilization (ABS) to the mining, industry and other
Convention on Biological projects within the Tiger Reserves.
Diversity (CBD) is a supplementary o To lay down normative standards
agreement to the CBD. for tourism activities and
 It provides a transparent legal guidelines for Project Tiger from
framework for the effective time to time for tiger conservation
implementation of one of the three in the buffer and core area of the
objectives of the CBD: The fair and Tiger Reserves and ensure their
equitable sharing of benefits arising due compliance.
out of the utilization of the genetic o To provide for management focus
resources. and measures for addressing the
 The Nagoya Protocol applies to the conflicts of men and wild animals,
genetic resources that are covered by and to emphasize on co-existence
the CBD and to the benefits arising in the forest areas outside the
from their utilization. The Nagoya National Parks, Sanctuaries or
Protocol also covers the ‘traditional Tiger Reserves, in the working plan
knowledge’ (TK) associated with the code.

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o To provide information on 8. Answer: (d)

protection measures, including Explanation:
future conservation plan,  The dugong (Dugong dugon), also
estimation of the population of called the sea cow, is an
tigers and their natural prey herbivorous mammal. It can grow up
species, status of habitats, disease to three metres long, weigh about 300
surveillance, mortality survey, kilograms and live for about 65 years
patrolling, reports on untoward to 70 years, grazing on seagrass and
happenings and such other coming to the surface to breathe.
management aspects as it may
 They are found in over 30 countries
deem fit, including future plan
and in India are seen in the Gulf of
conservation.
Mannar, Gulf of Kutch, Palk Bay
and the Andaman & Nicobar
6. Answer: (b) Islands.
Explanation:  The dugongs are listed as
 Tiger Reserves in Telangana - Kawal ‘Vulnerable’ on the IUCN Red List of
and Amrabad. Threatened Species. The loss of
 Tiger Reserves in Chhattisgarh - seagrass habitats, water pollution and
Udanti-Sitanadi, Achanakmar and degradation of the coastal ecosystem,
Indravati. due to developmental activities, have
 Tiger Reserves in Madhya Pradesh – made life tough for these slow-moving
Kanha, Pench, Bandhavgarh, Panna, animals. The dugongs are also victims
Satpura and Sanjay Dubri. of accidental entanglement in fishing
nets and collision with boats, trawlers,
 Dampa is the only Tiger Reserve
etc.
present in the state of Mizoram.

9. Answer: (c)
7. Answer: (c)
Explanation:
Explanation:
 The Aichi Targets are about the
 M-STrIPES (Monitoring System for
increasing awareness about the
Tigers-Intensive Protection and
importance of biodiversity,
Ecological Status) is a mobile
incorporation of biodiversity values
application used by the wildlife
into local and national development,
officials to estimate the big cat
and poverty reduction strategies,
population.
removal of incentives and subsidies
 The MSTrIPES programme uses the
which are harmful to biodiversity,
Global Positioning System (GPS),
sustainable production and
General Packet Radio Services (GPRS)
consumption etc. The Targets were
and Remote Sensing to collect
formed keeping in mind the
information from the field, creates a
underlying drivers for biodiversity loss
database using modern Information
and for setting benchmarks for
Technology (IT) based tools, analyses
improvements across drivers,
the information using GIS and
pressures, the state of biodiversity,
statistical tools to provide inferences
the benefits derived from it and the
that allow the Tiger Reserve managers
implementation of relevant policies
to better manage their wildlife
and enabling conditions.
resources.

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 The Aichi Biodiversity Targets were Governments are not empowered to

included in the Strategic Plan for declare any wild animal as vermin.
Biodiversity for the 2011-2020 period, Wildlife wardens and their staff
adopted by the 10th meeting of the administer the Act.
Conference of the Parties of the An amendment to the Act, in 1982,
Convention on Biological Diversity. introduced a provision permitting the
There are 20 Targets, categorised capture and transportation of the wild
under the following 5 broader animals for the scientific management of
strategic goals: the animal population.
o Strategic Goal A: Address the
underlying causes of biodiversity 11. Answer: (a)
loss by mainstreaming biodiversity Explanation:
across government and society. Under the provisions of the Forest
o Strategic Goal B: Reduce the (Conservation) Act, 1980, prior approval
direct pressures on biodiversity of the Central Government is required for
and promote sustainable use. the diversion of forestlands for non-forest
purposes.
o Strategic Goal C: To improve the
status of biodiversity by An Advisory Committee, constituted
under the Act, advises the Centre on
safeguarding ecosystems, species
these approvals.
and genetic diversity.
The State Governments are empowered to
o Strategic Goal D: Enhance the
designate protected forests and may
benefits to all from biodiversity
prohibit the felling of trees, quarrying and
and ecosystem services.
the removal of forest produce from these
o Strategic Goal E: Enhance forests.
implementation through The cultivation of tea, coffee, spices,
participatory planning, knowledge rubber, palms, oil-bearing plants,
management and capacity horticultural crops or medicinal plants
building. is also non-forest purpose for the
purpose of the Forest Conservation
10. Answer: (b) Act.
Explanation: The procedure to obtain prior approval
of the Central Government, under the
The rating of the Schedules I to V is in
Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, for
accordance with the risk of survival of
use of forest land for non-forest
the wildlife (fauna), enlisted in the
purpose is the same, irrespective of
Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
the ownership of the forest land.
The animals included in the Schedules
are provided for total protection from
12. Answer: (a)
hunting, and trade and commerce related
Explanation:
to such animals are strictly regulated.
Schedule VI has been added to include The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA),
the specified plant species to be established under the Biological Diversity
Act, 2002, enjoys the power of a civil
protected by the Wildlife (Protection)
court.
Amendment Act of 1991.
All foreign nationals or organizations
With the amendment of the Act in
require the prior approval of the NBA for
1991, the powers of the State
obtaining biological resources and
Governments have been withdrawn
associated knowledge for any use.
almost totally. Now, the State

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Indian individuals / entities also the Biodiversity Finance Initiative –

require the approval of the NBA for BIOFIN, as a new global partnership,
transferring the results of research seeking to address the biodiversity
with respect to any biological finance challenge in a comprehensive
resources to the foreign nationals / manner – building a sound business
organizations. case for increased investment in the
While granting approvals, the NBA will management of ecosystems and
impose terms and conditions to secure biodiversity, with a particular focus on
equitable sharing of the benefits. the needs and transformational
Before applying for any form of IPRs opportunities at the national level.
(Intellectual Property Rights), in or BIOFIN is working with the civil society,
outside India, for an invention based on vulnerable section and the private sector
research on a biological resource obtained to mobilise investments in nature for its
from India, the prior approval of the NBA conservation.
will be required. In India, BIOFIN is led by the Ministry of
Environment, Forest and Climate Change
13. Answer: (c) (MoEFCC). The Initiative is hosted by the
National Biodiversity Authority (NBA),
Explanation:
working with two State Biodiversity
The Biological Diversity Act, 2002, was
Boards, with technical assistance from
born out of India’s attempt to realize the
the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) and the
objectives enshrined in the United
National Institute of Public Finance and
Nations Convention on Biological
Policy (NIPFP).
Diversity (CBD), 1992, which recognizes
the sovereign rights of the states to use
their own biological resources. 15. Answer: (c)
The Act is the only piece of legislation Explanation:
that protects the country’s natural The Leatherback turtles are the largest of
wealth. It is an umbrella legislation, in the living sea turtles, growing up to two
that it protects India’s natural metres and weighing as much as 900 kg.
resources, flora and fauna, and the They are known for their remarkable
traditional knowledge associated with migrations, travelling several thousands
them. It has been designed for of kilometres from breeding to feeding
conservation, sustainable use and grounds. These animals can dive as deep
equitable sharing of benefits. as 1,200 metres, and range into the sub-
The Biological Diversity Act had created a Arctic waters in search of their favourite
three-tier structure: The National food, jellyfish.
Biodiversity Authority (NBA), located in There is a great concern over the drastic
Chennai; the State Biodiversity Boards decline in the nesting populations of this
(SBBs) in each state’s headquarter; and species throughout the world, especially
more than 2,50,000 Biodiversity in the Pacific.
Management Committees (BMCs), set up
at the local self-governing bodies. 16. Answer: (a)
Explanation:
14. Answer: (a) The Gharials were once widely
Explanation: distributed in the large rivers that flow
The United Nations Development in the northern part of the Indian sub-
Programme (UNDP), in 2012, launched continent. These included the Indus,

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the Ganga, the Brahmaputra and the ‘Endangered’ in the IUCN Red List and
Mahanadi-Bahmani-Baitarani river Schedule I of India’s Wildlife
systems of India, Bhutan, Bangladesh, (Protection) Act, 1972.
Nepal and Pakistan. The Sangai Deer is one of the three sub-
IUCN Status: Critically Endangered species of the Eld’s deer found in South
The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: and South-East Asia. It has adapted itself
Schedule I to a unique habitat of the floating
The Gharial Reserves of India are located meadows, or phumdi, at the Keibul
in three states – Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Lamjao National Park.
Pradesh and Rajasthan.
The Gharials were recently reintroduced 20. Answer: (b)
in the Beas Conservation Reserve, Explanation:
Punjab.
In in-situ biodiversity conservation, the
natural habitats of different species of
17. Answer: (b) plants and animals are protected. The
Explanation: establishment of Biosphere Reserves,
The Bengal Floricans are large terrestrial National Parks and Sanctuaries are
birds (about 55 centimetres in height), some of the examples of in-situ
that spend most of their time on the conservation. In this type of biodiversity
ground in dense grasslands, feeding on conservation, not only the endangered
insects, like grasshoppers and beetles, species and vulnerable species are
seeds, shoots of grass and frogs for food. benefitted, but also the constituent
The Bengal Floricans are a little known present in the ecosystem are protected. It
bustard species found in the grasslands is a cheap and natural way of
of the Ganga and the Brahmaputra conservation. The main advantage of in-
river basins in India and Nepal.
situ conservation is that it requires a
The Bengal Florican is a representative or large area for the complete protection and
an indicator species of dry grasslands in conservation of biodiversity. This implies
the Brahmaputra, as well as the Ganga.
the restriction of human activity and a
greater overlap or interaction of wildlife
18. Answer: (b) with the local residents, near a reserved
Explanation: area.
The Jerdon’s Courser (Rhinoptilus Ex-situ Conservation: Zoological Parks
bitorquatus) is a ‘Critically (Zoo), Botanical Gardens and Seed
Endangered’ nocturnal cursorial bird, Banks.
found only in Andhra Pradesh and
Telangana (The Eastern Ghats).
21. Answer: (d)
It is a nocturnal bird, known only from
the Eastern Ghats. Explanation:

The Species Recovery Programme is an In case the natural habitat is degraded

effort to save this ‘Critically Endangered’ substantially, numerous species are in
bird and its habitat. the category of endangered species and
in-situ conservation is not possible. In
such cases, conservation needs to be
19. Answer: (b)
done away from the natural habitat and
Explanation:
should be under total human supervision
The Sangai Deer is one of the most
in places such as Zoological Parks (Zoo),
threatened cervids of India, found in one,
Botanical Gardens and Seed Banks.
single, isolated population. It is listed as

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Such efforts are known as ex-situ Task Force of UNESCO’s ‘Man and the
conservation. Sprawling over 2,212 Biosphere (MAB) Programme’ in 1974 and
hectares, the Sri Venkateshwara in the programme was formerly launched in
Tirupati (Andhra Pradesh) is the largest 1976.
zoological park in the country. For the The main objectives for the delineation
purpose of ex-situ conservation of of the Biosphere Reserves are:
endangered species of wild animals, 1. To conserve the diversity and integrity
certain rehabilitation centres have been of the plants and animals within the
established in India under the ecosystem and to conserve the
government sponsored National Wildlife cultural diversity;
Action Plan (NWAP) of 1983. 2. To promote research on ecological
The main functions of such conservation and other environmental
rehabilitation centres are as under: aspects;
(i) Identification of the species to be 3. To provide facilities for education,
conserved. The species which are at training and awareness about the
the maximum risk of extinction are issues related to biodiversity and
environment;
generally chosen for conservation.
4. To develop a symbiotic relationship
(ii) To capture some individuals of the
between the society and biodiversity
concerned highly endangered species
and ecology;
of animals from their natural habitat
5. To ensure sustainable use of natural
and keep the same as captives at
resources through appropriate
these centres.
technology; and
(iii) To study thoroughly the feeding,
6. To integrate the biological, socio-
breeding and other habits, as well as
economic and cultural dimensions in
the patterns of their pathology
the ecosystems.
(nature of diseases).
Criteria for selection of the Biosphere
(iv) To provide all facilities for captive Reserves:
breeding of all such animals, as well
1. Minimally disturbed core area with
as for their healthy multiplication. unique fauna and flora, and
(v) To release the young ones of these additional land and water suitable for
animals into the natural habitat, teaching, training and research.
after these have attained the safe age 2. The core area should be characterized
for the purpose. with typical fauna and flora.
(vi) Use of artificial insemination, embryo 3. The areas having rare and endangered
transfer and cryo-preservation of species.
gametes embryos to maintain the 4. The areas having typical geo-ecological
genetic diversity in ex-situ and pedological conditions.
conservation. 5. The areas characterized with tribal
(vii) Creation of zoological parks, culture and traditions.
botanical gardens, seed banks and
rehabilitation centres. 23. Answer: (a)
Explanation:
22. Answer: (d)
S.N. State/Union Local Term for
Explanation: Territory Sacred Groves
The term ‘Biosphere Reserve’ was
1. Andhra Pavithravana
introduced by the UNESCO in 1971 for
Pradesh
the ‘natural areas’. It was refined by the

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2. Arunachal Gumpa Forests 25. Answer: (b)

Pradesh Explanation:
3. Goa Deorai and Pann The Snow Leopard, also called ounce,
large long-haired Asian cat, is classified
4. Jharkhand Sarana
as either Panthera uncia or Uncia
5. Karnataka Devara Kadu uncia in the family Felidae. The Snow
6. Kerala Kavu, Sara Leopard’s habitat range extends across
the mountainous regions of 12
7. Maharashtra Devrai, Devrahati countries across Asia: Afghanistan,
and Dev-Gudi Bhutan, China, India, Kazakhstan,
8. Manipur Gamkhap, Kyrgyz Republic, Mongolia, Nepal,
Mauhak (sacred Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and
bamboo reserves) Uzbekistan.

9. Meghalaya Distribution: The Gangotri National Park

Ki Law Lyngdoh,
(Uttarakhand); The Great Himalayan
Ki Law Kyntang
National Park (Himachal Pradesh); The
and Ki Law Niam
Valley of Flowers National Park
10. Odisha Jahera, (Uttarakhand); The Nanda Devi National
Thakuramma Park (Uttarakhand); The Namdapha
11. Puducherry Kovil-Kadu National Park (Arunachal Pradesh); The
Khangchendzonga National Park (Sikkim);
12. Rajasthan Kenkris, Jogmaya
The Govind Pashu Vihar National Park
and Orans
(Uttarakhand); The Pin Valley National
13. Tamil Nadu Koilkadu and Park (Himachal Pradesh); The Hemis
Swami-Shola National Park (Ladakh); and The
14. Uttarakhand Deo-Bhumi, Dachigam National Park (Kashmir).
Bugyal (sacred It is listed as ‘Vulnerable’ on the IUCN
alpine meadows) Red List.

15. West Bengal Garamthan,

26. Answer: (a)
Harithan, Jhera,
Sabitrithan and Explanation:
Santalburithan The Ganges River Dolphins can only live
in freshwater and are essentially blind.
They hunt by emitting ultrasonic sounds,
24. Answer: (b) which bounce off the fish and other prey,
Explanation: enabling them to “see” an image in their
S.N. National State mind.
Park/Sanctuary They live in the Ganges and related
1. Bhagwan Mahavir Goa rivers of South Asia, namely in the
National Park countries of India, Nepal
and Bangladesh.
2. Ranganathittu Karnataka
The Gangetic River Dolphin, which is
National Park
both the national aquatic animal and the
3. Mouling National Arunachal state aquatic animal of Assam, is a
Park Pradesh Schedule-1 species under the Wildlife
4. Parambikulam Kerala (Protection) Act, 1972, and is also
considered ‘Endangered’ by the

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International Union for Conservation It feeds mainly on bamboo shoots and

of Nature (IUCN). While the dolphins leaves, but also on fruits and blossoms.
once thrived in Assam, across It is threatened by poaching, as well as
the Brahmaputra and its tributaries, like destruction and fragmentation of habitat
the Kulsi and the Subansiri, the species due to deforestation. The species has
is currently struggling. It is considered been listed as ‘Endangered’ on the
endangered because of encroaching IUCN Red List since 2015. It is
human activities. protected in all range countries.
The Red Pandas live in the rainy
27. Answer: (a) mountain forests of Nepal, India, Bhutan,
Explanation: Northern Myanmar (Burma) and Central
The Kashmir Stag, also called Hangul, is China.
a sub-species of the Central Asian Red It is also the state animal of Sikkim.
Deer, endemic to Kashmir and the
surrounding areas. 29. Answer: (b)
In the 1900s, the Hangul was found in Explanation:
abundance in northern Kashmir, The World Heritage Sites mean ‘sites any
Himachal Pradesh and Pakistan. Now its of various areas inscribed on the list of
range is restricted to the Dachigam the United Nations Educational, Scientific
National Park, near Srinagar. and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO)’.
As an herbivore, the Hangul plays an The heritage sites are designated as
important role as a prey to the predators, having outstanding universal value under
like the leopard and the Himalayan bear. the Convention on Protection of World
It also ensures that the grassland lines Cultural and Natural Heritage, 1972
survive in the upper forest ranges, which (enforced in 1975).
are not easy to reach for most animals. Criteria for being selected as a Cultural
The Hangul is placed under Schedule I of World Heritage Site:
the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
1. Should represent a masterpiece of
The IUCN’s Red List has classified it as human creative genius, e.g., Taj
‘Critically Endangered’. In March, 2021, Mahal.
a census conducted in Kashmir to
2. Should exhibit an important
estimate the population of the Hangul
interchange of human values in
(The Kashmir Stag), showed encouraging
architecture, monumental arts, town-
initial findings. According to the
planning or landscape design.
Department of Wildlife Protection, the
3. Should be an outstanding example of
population of the ‘Critically Endangered’
cultural tradition.
species has registered a marginal increase
in the Kashmir Valley. 4. Should be an outstanding example of
building or landscape, which
illustrates a significant stage of
28. Answer: (a)
human history.
Explanation:
5. Should be an outstanding example of
The Red Panda inhabits the coniferous traditional human settlement, land
forests, as well as the temperate broadleaf use or sea use, which is
and mixed forests, favouring steep slopes representative of a culture.
with dense bamboo cover, close to water
6. Should be the areas of exceptional
sources. It is solitary and largely arboreal.
natural beauty or aesthetic
importance.

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7. Should be outstanding examples, ‘30 by 30’ was promoted at the COP-

representing major stages of human 15 meeting of the Convention on
history. Biological Diversity. It is a key proposal
8. Should be the outstanding areas of being debated at the COP-15, that
biological diversity. would afford 30% of the Earth’s land
There are 40 UNESCO World Heritage and oceans protected status by 2030.
Sites in India, which include the
Khangchendzonga National Park and 32. Answer: (b)
the Manas Wildlife Sanctuary.
Explanation:
 A keystone species is a plant or an
30. Answer: (a)
animal that plays a unique and
Explanation: crucial role in the way an
 A known species has gone extinct if no ecosystem functions.
member of the species is found
 Without them, the ecosystem would
anywhere on the Earth. This is known
be dramatically different or cease to
as ‘biological extinction’ and is
exist altogether.
irreversible.
 Its disappearance could affect other
 Local extinction – The species is no
species that rely on it for survival.
longer found in the area it once
inhabited, though it is present  An example of the keystone species
elsewhere in the world. is the sea otter. It feeds on sea
 Background extinction is a process urchins and controls their population.
of natural and low-level extinction If the sea urchins’ population is not
that goes on continuously due to controlled, it would eat up the
changes in the environmental seaweed, which is a major source of
conditions. Such changes may be food for the ecosystem.
small or big, gradual or sudden. When  Indicator species, on the other
such changes occur, the local species hand, are a species, or a group of
must adapt itself, move to a more species, that reflect the biotic or
favourable area or become extinct. abiotic state of an environment;
reveal evidence for, or the impacts of,
31. Answer: (c) environmental change; or indicate the
Explanation: diversity of other species, taxa, or
The Global Biodiversity Outlook 5 (GBO- entire communities within an area,
5), published by the UN Convention on numerous tried and tested
Biological Diversity (CBD), offers an applications, from detecting pollution
authoritative overview of the state of the to monitoring the recovery of formerly
nature. degraded habitats, at many scales,
None of the 20 ‘Aichi Biodiversity from local to global.
Targets’, agreed upon by the national  Indicator species can also reflect a
governments, through the CBD, has unique set of environmental qualities
been met, according to the report. or characteristics found in the specific
The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety was place, such as unique micro climate.
adopted in the 2000 COP-5. The Aichi  Example: Lichens are capable to
Biodiversity Targets were adopted in 2010 indicate air pollution, water pollution,
under COP-10, along with the Nagoya heavy metals, as well as radio-active
Protocol on Access to Genetic particles.
Resources and the Fair and Equitable
Sharing of Benefits.

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 Algae (seaweeds) are good indicators 34. Answer: (b)

of heavy metal levels in the marine Explanation:
environments and could be used for About Cheetahs: As the female siblings
monitoring such pollutants in the become sexually mature, they will split
seas. from the group to lead a largely
 Birds are considered to be an independent life. Male siblings remain
excellent indicator species. together for the rest of their lives,
forming a group known as a coalition.
33. Answer: (a) Cheetahs are so genetically similar and,
Explanation: thus, any major change in the
Speciation is how a new kind of plant or environment creates issue on their
animal species is created. Speciation survival.
occurs when a group within a species The largest population of the Cheetahs
separates from other members of its today is with Namibia.
species and develops its own unique
characteristics. 35. Answer: (b)
The demands of a different environment Explanation:
or the characteristics of the members of
The name of the Kanger Ghati National
the new group will differentiate the new
Park is derived from the Kanger River,
species from their ancestors.
which flows in its length. The Kanger
Allopatric speciation occurs when a Valley is spread over 200 square
species separates into two separate kilometres. It is located in the state of
groups, which are isolated from one Chhattisgarh and is also a Biosphere
another. A physical barrier, such as Reserve.
a mountain range or a waterway,
This National Park is home to three
makes it impossible for them
exceptional caves – famous for
to breed with one another. Each species
their amazing geological structures of
develops differently, based on the
Kutumbasar, Kailash and Dandak-
demands of their unique habitat or the
Stellagmites and Stalactitees.
genetic characteristics of the group that
The Tirathgarh waterfall is located in the
are passed on to the offspring.
Kanger Ghati National Park.
When small groups of individuals
break-off from the larger group and
form a new species, it is 36. Answer: (c)
called peripatric speciation. Explanation:
The main difference between allopatric Bordered between the Wardha River and
speciation and peripatric speciation is the Penganga River, lies the Ushakothi
that in peripatric speciation, one group is (Badrama) Wildlife Sanctuary – another
much smaller than the other. hidden treasure of Odisha.
In parapatric speciation, a species is The prime wild animals of this Sanctuary
spread out over a large geographic are the Royal Bengal Tigers, Spotted
area. Although, it is possible for any Panthers and elephants.
member of the species to mate with
another member, individuals only mate 37. Answer: (d)
with those in their own geographic Explanation:
region.
Khangchendzonga (Sikkim) is a mixed
UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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A site is considered as a mixed heritage 39. Answer: (a)

site if it is of both natural and cultural Explanation:
significance. Endemic species are those plants and
The Khangchendzonga National Park is animals that exist only in one
home to Mt. Khangchendzonga, the third geographical region.
highest peak in the world. The Park is A native species is not necessarily
also an important Biosphere Reserve, restricted to its native area. It may be
where there are a number of ancient found in other areas of the world as
well. On the contrary, the endemic
original forests, mountain lakes, valleys
species is specific to a particular region
and plains that support many species of
and is found nowhere else.
flora and fauna. Some of these forests
have important medicinal plants that are
40. Answer: (a)
also endemic in nature.
Explanation:
The Park is a part of the Himalaya Global
The Lion-Tailed Macaque (Macaca
Biodiversity Hotspot. It supports sub-
silenus), a primate endemic to the small
tropical to alpine ecosystems, and has
and severely fragmented rainforests of the
one of the highest concentrations of Western Ghats in Karnataka, Kerala and
plants, birds and animal species in the Tamil Nadu, continues to be in the
Central or High Asian Mountains. ‘Endangered’ category in the IUCN Red
The Khangchendzonga National Park has, List of Threatened Species. Its status
in total, 18 glaciers, the largest one being is ‘Endangered’.
the Zemu Glacier, one of the largest Fragmentation of the habitat is one of the
glaciers in Asia. major threats to the species. It is listed
in Appendix I of the CITES (The
The Khangchendzonga National Park is
Convention on International Trade in
one of the very few places where the
Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and
Lepcha tribal settlements are found.
Flora). It is protected under Schedule
I, Part I, of India’s Wildlife (Protection)
38. Answer: (d) Act, 1972.
Explanation:
Biogeographically, the Kuno Wildlife 41. Answer: (c)
Sanctuary falls under the Kathiawar-Gir Explanation:
dry deciduous forest eco-region and the The Kugti Wildlife Sanctuary is the
forest types found in this area include the second largest sanctuary in Himachal
northern tropical dry deciduous forest, Pradesh.
the southern tropical dry deciduous This region is home to several medicinal
forest, the dry savannah forest and plants and some of the rare floral species.
grassland, and the tropical riverine forest. To its west lies the Tundah wildlife
Sanctuary, divided by a forest corridor.
In this sanctuary, Cheetahs has been
It has a lot of water springs, made from
brought as part of 'Project Cheetah', the
melting glaciers.
world's first inter-continental large wild
It houses endangered species, like the
carnivore translocation project.
Ibex, Musk Deer, Monal Snow Cock,
Once the area was identified as the most Pheasants, Himalayan Tahr, Red Vented
suitable location for the re-introduction of Bulbul, White Cheeked Bulbul and so on.
the Asiatic Lion.

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The Kugti Pass is one of the three large flocks during migration. Their
mountain routes connecting the Chamba sociability could have played a
region to the Lahaul valley. contributory role in their decline.
The eggs of the Lapwings were consumed
42. Answer: (a) as delicacy in the past. Luckily, this
practice is forbidden in most countries of
Explanation:
Europe today. A major threat to this
The Neora Valley National Park (NVNP)
species is the conversion of the steppe
is a compact patch of virgin forest,
into arable cultivation, and illegal hunting
rich in biodiversity, located in the
along the species’ migratory route and in
Eastern Himalayas, a global
its wintering grounds. It is listed under
'Biodiversity Hotspot'. It was notified as
the ‘Critically Endangered’ category in the
a National Park, based on the provisions
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
of the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972, in
the year 1992. It is contiguous with
Sikkim and Bhutan at its northern and 44. Answer: (b)
north-eastern boundaries, respectively, Explanation:
and links the Pangolakha Wildlife The Amazon River dolphin, also known as
Sanctuary in Sikkim and the Torsa Strict the pink river dolphin or boto, lives only
Reserve of Bhutan. It is also an integral in freshwater. It is found throughout
part of the Kanchenjunga Landscape. much of the Amazon and Orinoco river
The NVNP is one of the three Protected basins in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia,
Areas in Darjeeling district of West Bengal Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, and Venezuela. It
and the most undisturbed patch of forest is a relatively abundant freshwater
of the state. cetacean with an estimated population in
The mammals of the NVNP include the the tens of thousands.
Red Panda. It is listed under the The Amazon River dolphin is the largest
‘Endangered’ category in the IUCN Red species of river dolphin. Adults acquire a
List of Threatened Species. pink colour, more prominent in males,
The other mammals include the giving it its nickname "pink river dolphin"
Himalayan Tahr, Himalayan Black Bear, Amazon River dolphins now listed as
Sāmbar, Barking Deer, Serow, Goral, 'Endangered' by IUCN.
Dhole, Gaur, Tiger, Clouded Leopard, etc.
45. Answer: (c)
43. Answer: (c) Explanation:
Explanation: Officially, four out of the 36 Biodiversity
The Sociable Lapwing is the rarest and Hotspots in the world are present in
the most threatened of all birds that live India: the Himalayas, the Western Ghats,
on the Eurasian steppes. This species the Indo-Burma region and the
breeds in Kazakhstan and Russia, and Sundaland.
disperses through to Kyrgzstan, The part of India that falls in the
Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Sundaland Hotspot is the Nicobar
Afghanistan, Armenia, Georgia, Islands. Interestingly, it extends to the
Azerbaijan, Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, tectonic plates under the Indian Ocean.
Syria, Turkey and Egypt, to key wintering The hotspot is home to iconic species like
sites in Sudan, Pakistan and India. The orangutans, pig-tailed langurs, Javan
Lapwing was given its name following the and Sumatran rhinos, and proboscis
observations of the species gathering in monkeys found only in Borneo.

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Sundaland also has the distinction of deforestation and other types of habit
being home to the world’s largest flowers, destruction, the primary area where the
the rafflesia, which measure one metre golden langur still exists is within the
across. Manas Biosphere Reserve. This
important reserve lies in lies in the
46. Answer: (b) western region of the state of Assam.
Explanation: The golden langurs in Assam are hemmed
in by three rivers – Brahmaputra in the
The migratory monarch butterfly is
south, Manas in east and Sonkosh in
known for its spectacular annual journey
west.
of up to 4,000 kilometres across the
Americas, has entered the IUCN Red List Its IUCN’ status is endangered.
of Threatened Species as Endangered,
threatened by habitat destruction and 48. Answer: (c)
climate change. Explanation:
The Endangered migratory monarch The Aravalli Biodiversity Park was
butterfly is a subspecies of the monarch declared India’s first “other effective area-
butterfly (Danaus plexippus). The native based conservation measures” (OECM)
population is known for its migrations site.
from Mexico and California in the winter The OECM tag is given by the
to summer breeding grounds throughout International Union for Conservation of
the United States and Canada. Nature (IUCN) to areas that are not
Legal and illegal logging and deforestation protected but support rich biodiversity.
to make space for agriculture and urban Aravalli Biodiversity Park in Gurugram
development has already destroyed has been notified as the first OECM site
substantial areas of the butterflies’ winter in the country.
shelter in Mexico and California, while The OECM tag does not bring any legal,
pesticides and herbicides used in financial or management implications,
intensive agriculture across the range kill but designates the area as a biodiversity
butterflies and milkweed, the host plant hotspot on the international map.
that the larvae of the monarch butterfly
The proposal to declare Aravalli
feed on.
Biodiversity Park an OECM site was sent
Climate change has significantly by the National Biodiversity Authority
impacted the migratory monarch butterfly to the IUCN.
and is a fast-growing threat; drought
The Aravalli Biodiversity Park is spread
limits the growth of milkweed and
across 390 acres and has semi-arid
increases the frequency of catastrophic
vegetation.
wildfires, temperature extremes trigger
earlier migrations before milkweed is
available, while severe weather has killed 49. Answer: (d)
millions of butterflies. Explanation:
It is located in the swampy delta of the
47. Answer: (b) river Ganga in West Bengal. It extends
over a vast area of 9,630 sq. km and
Explanation:
consists of mangrove forests, swamps and
The golden langur is endemic to western
forested islands.
Assam and southern Bhutan, meaning it
Sunderbans is the home of nearly 200
exists nowhere else in the world. Having
Royal Bengal tigers. The tangled mass of
lost much of its habitat due to
roots of mangrove trees provide safe

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homes for a large number of species, from It is given as the rate of change in species
fish to shrimp. composition among communities or
Adapting itself to the saline and fresh across different ecological habitat.
water environment, the tigers at the park In ecology, beta diversity is the ratio
are good swimmers, and they hunt scarce between regional and local species
preys such as chital deer, barking deer, diversity.
wild pig and even macaques. Gamma diversity is defined as the species
In the Sunderbans, the mangrove richness or total number of species over a
forests are characterised by Heritiera large region (ecological units).
fomes, a species valued for its timber. It is also called as large-scale landscape
diversity, within a region is given by the
50. Answer: (a) quantitative measurement of overall
Explanation: diversity for different ecosystems.
Alpha diversity is expressed in terms It is often expressed as the species
species richness or number of species in richness of component communities.
an ecosystem. It defines the biological
diversity within an ecosystem, community
or simply in a particular habitat.
It can be measured by counting the
distinct group of organisms such as
different species, genera and families or
number of taxonomic entities (number of
taxa) within the ecosystem.
Beta diversity is defined as the
quantitative measurement of diversity of
communities along environmental
gradients. The species diversity that
experience changing environment
between ecosystems is compared to
measure the beta diversity.

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