- Which of the following is an example of an endemic species in India?
a) Asiatic lion
b) Bengal tiger
c) Nilgiri tahr
d) Snow leopard
Answer: c) Nilgiri tahr
Explanation: The Nilgiri tahr is an endemic species found only in the Western Ghats of India. Other species like the Bengal tiger and snow leopard have a wider distribution.
- Which one of the following is a consequence of the loss of biodiversity?
a) Increased ecosystem stability
b) Reduced resilience to environmental changes
c) More efficient nutrient cycling
d) Increased genetic diversity
Answer: b) Reduced resilience to environmental changes
Explanation: Biodiversity loss reduces ecosystem resilience, making ecosystems more vulnerable to environmental changes, such as climate shifts and natural disasters.
- What is the main purpose of the Kyoto Protocol?
a) To conserve biodiversity
b) To reduce greenhouse gas emissions
c) To protect endangered species
d) To manage water resources
Answer: b) To reduce greenhouse gas emissions
Explanation: The Kyoto Protocol is an international agreement aimed at reducing carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate global climate change.
- The species that dominate an ecosystem in terms of biomass are called:
a) Dominant species
b) Endemic species
c) Keystone species
d) Exotic species
Answer: a) Dominant species
Explanation: Dominant species are those that have the highest biomass or are the most numerous in an ecosystem, playing a significant role in shaping its structure and functioning.
- Which of the following human activities is the least likely to contribute to biodiversity loss?
a) Deforestation
b) Reforestation
c) Urbanization
d) Industrialization
Answer: b) Reforestation
Explanation: Reforestation involves planting trees in areas where forests have been cut down, helping to restore habitats and biodiversity rather than contribute to its loss.
- Which of the following is an example of an ecosystem service provided by wetlands?
a) Pollination
b) Carbon sequestration
c) Flood control
d) Erosion prevention
Answer: c) Flood control
Explanation: Wetlands provide essential ecosystem services, such as controlling floods by absorbing and slowly releasing excess water, thereby reducing flood risks.
- In conservation biology, the term “biological corridors” refers to:
a) Paths in forests reserved for human tourism
b) Strips of natural habitat connecting separated populations
c) Wildlife sanctuaries surrounded by agricultural land
d) Areas where ecosystems are restored artificially
Answer: b) Strips of natural habitat connecting separated populations
Explanation: Biological corridors are areas of habitat that connect fragmented ecosystems, allowing species to migrate and maintain genetic diversity.
- Which of the following is considered an indicator species?
a) Polar bear
b) Monarch butterfly
c) Bengal tiger
d) Honey bee
Answer: d) Honey bee
Explanation: Honey bees are indicator species because their presence or absence can indicate the health of ecosystems, particularly with regard to pollination and biodiversity.
- Which of the following is NOT an ecosystem service?
a) Nutrient cycling
b) Soil formation
c) Timber extraction
d) Water purification
Answer: c) Timber extraction
Explanation: Timber extraction is a human economic activity, while nutrient cycling, soil formation, and water purification are ecosystem services provided by natural processes.
- Which of the following international organizations provides the Red List of Threatened Species?
a) WWF
b) UNEP
c) IUCN
d) Greenpeace
Answer: c) IUCN
Explanation: The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is responsible for maintaining the Red List of Threatened Species, which classifies species based on their risk of extinction.
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