Chapter 15: Biodiversity and Conservation – MCQs
🌱 Biodiversity & Conservation
Part 1: Q1–Q25
Q1. The term ‘biodiversity’ refers to:
a) Variety of ecosystems
b) Variety of species
c) Genetic variation within species
d) All of the above ✅
Explanation: Biodiversity includes diversity at genetic, species, and ecosystem levels.
Q2. Which of the following is a “hotspot of biodiversity” in India?
a) Indo-Gangetic plain
b) Himalaya ✅
c) Desert of Rajasthan
d) Coastal Gujarat
Explanation: India has 4 biodiversity hotspots – Himalaya, Indo-Burma, Indo-Malayan, and Western Ghats.
Q3. The most species-rich taxonomic group of organisms is:
a) Fungi
b) Insects ✅
c) Mammals
d) Birds
Explanation: Insects (Arthropoda) have the highest number of species, contributing the largest share to global biodiversity.
Q4. Genetic diversity within a species is important because:
a) It reduces ecosystem stability
b) It helps species adapt to environmental changes ✅
c) It leads to extinction
d) It reduces reproduction
Explanation: Genetic diversity provides raw material for natural selection and adaptability.
Q5. The Amazon rainforest is referred to as the:
a) Lungs of the Earth ✅
b) Heart of the Earth
c) Kidneys of the Earth
d) None
Explanation: Amazon rainforest contributes ~20% of Earth’s oxygen, hence called “Lungs of the Earth.”
Q6. Biodiversity increases when we move from:
a) Poles to equator ✅
b) Equator to poles
c) Mountains to plains
d) Land to ocean
Explanation: Biodiversity follows the latitudinal gradient, being richest near the equator.
Q7. The species confined to a particular region and not found elsewhere are called:
a) Endangered
b) Endemic ✅
c) Rare
d) Threatened
Explanation: Endemic species occur only in a specific geographic region.
Q8. Which of the following is an example of an in-situ conservation method?
a) Botanical garden
b) National park ✅
c) Zoo
d) Gene bank
Explanation: In-situ means on-site conservation in natural habitats like national parks, sanctuaries, biosphere reserves.
Q9. Which is an ex-situ method of biodiversity conservation?
a) Sacred groves
b) Biosphere reserve
c) Zoo ✅
d) Sanctuary
Explanation: Ex-situ conservation protects species outside their natural habitat, e.g., zoos, botanical gardens.
Q10. The IUCN Red Data Book provides:
a) Agricultural data
b) Information on endangered species ✅
c) Forest reserves
d) Climate data
Explanation: The IUCN Red Data Book lists threatened and endangered species worldwide.
Q11. The concept of ‘Biosphere Reserve’ was initiated by:
a) UNEP
b) UNESCO ✅
c) WWF
d) IUCN
Explanation: UNESCO’s Man and Biosphere (MAB) Programme introduced the concept of biosphere reserves.
Q12. Which of the following is not a cause of biodiversity loss?
a) Habitat loss
b) Overexploitation
c) Climate stability ✅
d) Alien species invasion
Explanation: Biodiversity loss is mainly due to H.I.P.P.O – Habitat loss, Invasive species, Pollution, Population, Overexploitation.
Q13. The species which are at high risk of extinction in the near future are called:
a) Rare
b) Vulnerable
c) Endangered ✅
d) Extinct
Explanation: Endangered species are those facing a high risk of extinction in the near future.
Q14. The term “sacred groves” is associated with:
a) Ex-situ conservation
b) Traditional in-situ conservation ✅
c) Urban biodiversity
d) Genetic conservation
Explanation: Sacred groves are patches of forest protected by local communities due to cultural beliefs.
Q15. The most important cause of biodiversity loss is:
a) Habitat destruction ✅
b) Pollution
c) Overgrazing
d) Deforestation only
Explanation: Habitat destruction, especially due to deforestation and urbanization, is the primary cause of biodiversity loss.
Q16. Biodiversity provides stability to ecosystems because:
a) It helps species fight diseases
b) It allows more complex food webs ✅
c) It reduces biomass
d) It increases extinction
Explanation: Greater biodiversity → greater stability, due to multiple interdependent species.
Q17. Which of the following is a megadiverse country?
a) Canada
b) Australia ✅
c) France
d) Russia
Explanation: 17 countries are megadiverse; India and Australia are among them.
Q18. The organization that publishes the “Living Planet Report” is:
a) IUCN
b) WWF ✅
c) UNEP
d) UNESCO
Explanation: World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) publishes the Living Planet Report on global biodiversity.
Q19. Which is an example of an endemic species of India?
a) Lion-tailed macaque ✅
b) Kangaroo
c) Panda
d) Polar bear
Explanation: The Lion-tailed macaque is endemic to Western Ghats of India.
Q20. Which level of biodiversity includes variation in habitats, ecosystems, and landscapes?
a) Genetic diversity
b) Species diversity
c) Ecosystem diversity ✅
d) Community diversity
Explanation: Ecosystem diversity refers to variation at the level of habitats and landscapes.
Q21. Which of the following is an example of invasive alien species in India?
a) Banyan tree
b) Parthenium (Congress grass) ✅
c) Mango
d) Teak
Explanation: Parthenium hysterophorus is an invasive alien species that causes ecological damage in India.
Q22. Hotspots are regions of high:
a) Soil fertility
b) Species richness and endemism ✅
c) Agricultural productivity
d) Human density
Explanation: Biodiversity hotspots are areas rich in endemic species but under high threat.
Q23. Which is a critically endangered species in India?
a) House sparrow
b) Great Indian bustard ✅
c) Peacock
d) Tiger
Explanation: The Great Indian bustard is listed as “Critically Endangered” by IUCN.
Q24. Project Tiger in India was launched in:
a) 1950
b) 1973 ✅
c) 1985
d) 1992
Explanation: Project Tiger was launched in 1973 to conserve Bengal tigers in India.
Q25. The main aim of biodiversity conservation is:
a) To protect humans only
b) To maintain ecological balance ✅
c) To promote industrial growth
d) To reduce forest area
Explanation: Biodiversity conservation ensures ecological balance, stability, and sustainability.
🌱 Ecology and Environment – Biodiversity & Conservation
Part 2: Q26–Q50
Q26. Which Indian state has the highest biodiversity?
a) Kerala
b) Assam
c) Madhya Pradesh
d) Arunachal Pradesh ✅
Explanation: Arunachal Pradesh, in the Eastern Himalaya hotspot, has the richest biodiversity in India.
Q27. Which one of the following is not a megadiverse country?
a) India
b) Brazil
c) Canada ✅
d) Australia
Explanation: Canada has large land but relatively lower biodiversity. India, Brazil, and Australia are megadiverse nations.
Q28. The species richness is maximum in:
a) Temperate regions
b) Polar regions
c) Tropical regions ✅
d) Deserts
Explanation: Tropical regions near the equator have favorable climate, high productivity, and maximum species richness.
Q29. Who proposed the “species-area relationship”?
a) E.O. Wilson
b) Alexander von Humboldt ✅
c) Charles Darwin
d) Linnaeus
Explanation: Humboldt observed that species richness increases with increasing explored area.
Q30. The extinction of passenger pigeon is due to:
a) Pollution
b) Overexploitation ✅
c) Habitat destruction
d) Climate change
Explanation: Passenger pigeons were driven to extinction due to indiscriminate hunting (overexploitation).
Q31. Which of the following is not a value of biodiversity?
a) Consumptive use
b) Productive use
c) Aesthetic value
d) Nuclear value ✅
Explanation: Biodiversity has direct use, indirect use, ethical, aesthetic, and option values, but not “nuclear value.”
Q32. Sacred groves in India are examples of:
a) Ex-situ conservation
b) In-situ conservation ✅
c) Genetic engineering
d) Restoration ecology
Explanation: Sacred groves are patches of forest protected by local traditions and religious beliefs → in-situ conservation.
Q33. Which of the following is an endemic species to the Himalayas?
a) Yak ✅
b) Lion
c) Camel
d) Dolphin
Explanation: The Yak (Bos grunniens) is endemic to Himalayan regions.
Q34. Which of the following is not a cause of biodiversity loss?
a) Habitat loss
b) Climate change
c) Overpopulation
d) Ecotourism ✅
Explanation: Ecotourism is meant to promote sustainable conservation, not loss of biodiversity.
Q35. Ramsar Convention is related to conservation of:
a) Wetlands ✅
b) Forests
c) Mountains
d) Endangered species
Explanation: Ramsar Convention (1971) is an international treaty for the conservation of wetlands.
Q36. Which of the following is an example of alien invasive species in India?
a) Teak
b) Parthenium ✅
c) Mango
d) Neem
Explanation: Parthenium hysterophorus (Congress grass) is an invasive weed in India.
Q37. The largest tiger reserve in India is:
a) Jim Corbett
b) Sundarbans
c) Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam ✅
d) Bandhavgarh
Explanation: Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam (Andhra Pradesh & Telangana) is the largest tiger reserve in India.
Q38. Which of the following statements is correct?
a) India is one of the 12 megadiverse countries.
b) India is one of the 17 megadiverse countries. ✅
c) India is one of the 20 megadiverse countries.
d) India is one of the 10 megadiverse countries.
Explanation: There are 17 megadiverse countries, and India is one of them.
Q39. The term “biodiversity hotspot” was coined by:
a) Norman Myers ✅
b) E.O. Wilson
c) Charles Darwin
d) Humboldt
Explanation: Norman Myers introduced the concept of biodiversity hotspots (1988).
Q40. Which region is known as the “cradle of biodiversity”?
a) Amazon rainforest ✅
b) Sahara desert
c) Tundra
d) Thar desert
Explanation: Amazon rainforest is the richest in biodiversity, hence called the cradle of biodiversity.
Q41. Which national park is famous for the one-horned rhinoceros?
a) Gir
b) Kaziranga ✅
c) Bandhavgarh
d) Kanha
Explanation: Kaziranga National Park in Assam is famous for the one-horned rhinoceros.
Q42. Species that are found only in a particular region are called:
a) Endemic ✅
b) Exotic
c) Endangered
d) Vulnerable
Explanation: Endemic species are unique to a defined geographic location.
Q43. The organization that prepares the Red Data Book is:
a) UNEP
b) IUCN ✅
c) WWF
d) FAO
Explanation: International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) prepares the Red Data Book on threatened species.
Q44. The migratory bird Siberian crane visits which Indian wetland?
a) Loktak Lake
b) Bharatpur (Keoladeo) ✅
c) Chilika Lake
d) Sambhar Lake
Explanation: The Siberian crane visits Bharatpur sanctuary (Keoladeo Ghana National Park, Rajasthan).
Q45. Which of the following is not included in biodiversity conservation strategies?
a) In-situ conservation
b) Ex-situ conservation
c) Captive breeding
d) Genetic engineering ✅
Explanation: Genetic engineering is biotechnology, not a direct conservation strategy.
Q46. Which of the following is a non-consumptive use of biodiversity?
a) Firewood
b) Medicine
c) Ecotourism ✅
d) Food
Explanation: Non-consumptive uses don’t destroy biodiversity, e.g., aesthetic value, ecotourism.
Q47. Which animal has been saved from extinction by Project Crocodile in India?
a) Gharial ✅
b) Saltwater crocodile
c) Mugger
d) All of the above
Explanation: Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) has been saved by Project Crocodile.
Q48. Which one of the following is a biosphere reserve in India?
a) Gir National Park
b) Nilgiri ✅
c) Ranthambore
d) Jim Corbett
Explanation: Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (first biosphere reserve in India, 1986) is part of Western Ghats.
Q49. Which is the most biodiversity-rich zone of India?
a) Indo-Gangetic plain
b) Deccan plateau
c) Himalaya
d) Western Ghats ✅
Explanation: Western Ghats (a biodiversity hotspot) is the richest zone in India in terms of species endemism.
Q50. Which one is not a category of threatened species according to IUCN?
a) Vulnerable
b) Endangered
c) Rare ✅
d) Critically endangered
Explanation: IUCN categories: Vulnerable, Endangered, Critically Endangered, Extinct. “Rare” is not a separate IUCN category.
🌱 Ecology and Environment – Biodiversity & Conservation
Part 3: Q51–Q75
Q51. Which Indian bird has been declared extinct recently?
a) Pink-headed duck ✅
b) Peacock
c) Sparrow
d) Hornbill
Explanation: The Pink-headed duck of India has been declared extinct due to habitat loss and hunting.
Q52. Which conservation strategy gives protection to a species outside its natural habitat?
a) In-situ
b) Ex-situ ✅
c) Natural parks
d) Sacred groves
Explanation: Ex-situ conservation involves species protection in zoos, botanical gardens, seed/gene banks.
Q53. Which of the following is a non-renewable resource?
a) Forests
b) Wildlife
c) Fossil fuels ✅
d) Soil
Explanation: Fossil fuels like coal and petroleum take millions of years to form → non-renewable.
Q54. Which of the following regions is not a biodiversity hotspot?
a) Western Ghats
b) Himalaya
c) Indo-Burma
d) Indo-Gangetic plain ✅
Explanation: The Indo-Gangetic plain has fertile soils but low biodiversity compared to the 4 hotspots in India.
Q55. Who is known as the “Father of Biodiversity”?
a) Charles Darwin
b) E.O. Wilson ✅
c) Norman Myers
d) Humboldt
Explanation: Edward O. Wilson is called the “Father of Biodiversity” for his pioneering work.
Q56. Which of the following is a keystone species in grasslands?
a) Grasshopper
b) Tiger
c) Lion
d) Elephant ✅
Explanation: Elephants maintain grassland ecosystems by grazing and preventing forest encroachment → keystone role.
Q57. Which is the largest biosphere reserve in India?
a) Sundarbans
b) Nilgiri
c) Gulf of Mannar
d) Great Rann of Kutch ✅
Explanation: Great Rann of Kutch (Gujarat) is the largest biosphere reserve in India.
Q58. What percentage of the Earth’s surface is covered by biodiversity hotspots?
a) 5%
b) 10%
c) 12% ✅
d) 25%
Explanation: Biodiversity hotspots cover about 12% of Earth’s land surface but hold more than 50% of endemic species.
Q59. Which type of species are restricted to a specific area and are vulnerable to extinction?
a) Keystone species
b) Endemic species ✅
c) Exotic species
d) Migratory species
Explanation: Endemic species are confined to specific geographic regions and are prone to extinction.
Q60. Which national park is famous for Asiatic lions?
a) Gir National Park ✅
b) Kanha
c) Jim Corbett
d) Periyar
Explanation: Gir National Park (Gujarat) is the only natural habitat of Asiatic lions.
Q61. Which Indian animal is listed as critically endangered?
a) Lion
b) Elephant
c) Gharial ✅
d) Leopard
Explanation: Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) is critically endangered due to habitat destruction and fishing activities.
Q62. Which of the following has the highest species diversity?
a) Mammals
b) Birds
c) Insects ✅
d) Reptiles
Explanation: Insects account for about 70% of all known species, making them the most diverse group.
Q63. Which conservation method helps in maintaining genetic diversity of crops?
a) Botanical garden
b) Seed bank ✅
c) National park
d) Zoo
Explanation: Seed banks conserve genetic diversity of crops for future use.
Q64. Project Elephant was launched in India in:
a) 1972
b) 1992 ✅
c) 2000
d) 1980
Explanation: Project Elephant was launched in 1992 to protect elephants and their habitats.
Q65. Which of the following is not included in the IUCN Red List categories?
a) Extinct
b) Critically endangered
c) Stable ✅
d) Endangered
Explanation: Stable is not a Red List category. Categories include extinct, endangered, vulnerable, etc.
Q66. Which of the following is an example of co-extinction?
a) Extinction of passenger pigeon
b) Loss of plant species and its pollinator ✅
c) Deforestation
d) Overfishing
Explanation: Co-extinction occurs when one species’ extinction leads to extinction of another dependent species.
Q67. Which of the following is not an ecosystem service?
a) Climate regulation
b) Soil formation
c) Pollination
d) Overgrazing ✅
Explanation: Overgrazing causes biodiversity loss; it is not an ecosystem service.
Q68. In India, biodiversity-rich sacred forests are called:
a) Sacred lakes
b) Sacred groves ✅
c) Biosphere zones
d) Ecotones
Explanation: Sacred groves are forest patches preserved by local communities due to religious beliefs.
Q69. Which Indian river dolphin is classified as endangered?
a) Irrawaddy dolphin
b) Ganges river dolphin ✅
c) Indus dolphin
d) Amazon dolphin
Explanation: Ganges river dolphin (Platanista gangetica) is endangered due to habitat loss and pollution.
Q70. Which conservation method focuses on maintaining species in their natural habitats?
a) Ex-situ conservation
b) In-situ conservation ✅
c) Seed banks
d) Zoos
Explanation: In-situ conservation protects biodiversity in natural habitats (national parks, sanctuaries).
Q71. Which of the following is not a critically endangered species in India?
a) Great Indian bustard
b) House sparrow ✅
c) Gharial
d) Vulture
Explanation: House sparrow is declining but not critically endangered; bustard, gharial, and vultures are.
Q72. Which region is called the “gene bank of rice”?
a) Western Ghats
b) Eastern Himalaya ✅
c) Deccan Plateau
d) Sundarbans
Explanation: Eastern Himalaya is rich in wild varieties of rice, hence called the gene bank of rice.
Q73. What is the primary aim of the Ramsar Convention?
a) Conservation of tigers
b) Protection of wetlands ✅
c) Control of invasive species
d) Preservation of forests
Explanation: Ramsar Convention (1971) is for wetland conservation and wise use of wetlands.
Q74. Which species is the national aquatic animal of India?
a) Blue whale
b) Olive ridley turtle
c) Ganges river dolphin ✅
d) Dugong
Explanation: Ganges river dolphin is the national aquatic animal of India.
Q75. Which conservation strategy involves both in-situ and ex-situ methods?
a) Gene bank
b) Integrated conservation ✅
c) National park
d) Zoo
Explanation: Integrated conservation combines in-situ and ex-situ approaches for better biodiversity management.
🌱 Ecology and Environment – Biodiversity & Conservation
Part 4: Q76–Q100
Q76. Which is the most important cause of biodiversity loss worldwide?
a) Overgrazing
b) Habitat destruction ✅
c) Pollution
d) Hunting
Explanation: Habitat destruction and fragmentation are the primary causes of biodiversity loss globally.
Q77. Which of the following is an example of “flagship species” for conservation?
a) Tiger ✅
b) Rabbit
c) Deer
d) Frog
Explanation: Tiger is a flagship species representing the need to conserve ecosystems and biodiversity.
Q78. Which of the following is a non-consumptive value of biodiversity?
a) Firewood
b) Medicine
c) Ecotourism ✅
d) Food
Explanation: Ecotourism and aesthetic value are non-consumptive, as they don’t destroy biodiversity.
Q79. Which of the following is the first national park in India?
a) Gir
b) Jim Corbett ✅
c) Kanha
d) Kaziranga
Explanation: Jim Corbett National Park (est. 1936, Uttarakhand) is India’s first national park.
Q80. Which of the following is the largest mangrove forest in the world?
a) Sundarbans ✅
b) Bhitarkanika
c) Pichavaram
d) Godavari Delta
Explanation: Sundarbans mangroves (India & Bangladesh) are the world’s largest mangrove forest.
Q81. Which of the following is an endangered marine species in India?
a) Dolphin
b) Dugong (sea cow) ✅
c) Shark
d) Jellyfish
Explanation: Dugong (sea cow) is an endangered herbivorous marine mammal found in Indian waters.
Q82. The greatest threat to biodiversity is:
a) Introduction of exotic species
b) Habitat loss ✅
c) Overhunting
d) Pollution
Explanation: Habitat loss due to deforestation, agriculture, and urbanization is the greatest threat to biodiversity.
Q83. Which of the following is a Ramsar wetland site in India?
a) Nal Sarovar ✅
b) Jim Corbett
c) Gir
d) Sundarbans
Explanation: Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary (Gujarat) is a Ramsar-designated wetland site.
Q84. Which one of the following is not a function of biodiversity?
a) Ecological balance
b) Soil formation
c) Oxygen generation
d) Radioactive waste disposal ✅
Explanation: Biodiversity regulates natural processes but not radioactive waste disposal.
Q85. The Indian Wildlife Protection Act was enacted in:
a) 1952
b) 1972 ✅
c) 1992
d) 2000
Explanation: The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 provides legal protection to wild animals and plants in India.
Q86. Which one of the following is not a direct service from biodiversity?
a) Food
b) Fuel
c) Climate regulation ✅
d) Medicine
Explanation: Climate regulation is an indirect ecosystem service; food, fuel, and medicines are direct.
Q87. Which state has the largest number of wildlife sanctuaries in India?
a) Rajasthan
b) Maharashtra ✅
c) Madhya Pradesh
d) Gujarat
Explanation: Maharashtra has the highest number of wildlife sanctuaries in India.
Q88. Which one is a critically endangered bird of India?
a) Peacock
b) Great Indian bustard ✅
c) Hornbill
d) Kingfisher
Explanation: Great Indian bustard is among the most critically endangered birds in India.
Q89. Which of the following helps in maintaining biodiversity hotspots?
a) Deforestation
b) Protected areas ✅
c) Overexploitation
d) Mining
Explanation: Protected areas like national parks and sanctuaries conserve biodiversity hotspots.
Q90. Which of the following is an example of “ecosystem service of regulation”?
a) Food production
b) Pollination ✅
c) Medicine
d) Timber
Explanation: Pollination regulates reproduction in plants, hence a regulating service.
Q91. Which one of the following is not an endangered species?
a) Black buck ✅
b) Lion-tailed macaque
c) Gharial
d) Dugong
Explanation: Black buck is listed as “Least Concern” now, while others are endangered.
Q92. Which conservation method is used for endangered plants like orchids?
a) Seed bank
b) Tissue culture ✅
c) National park
d) Zoo
Explanation: Tissue culture and cryopreservation are ex-situ methods for conserving endangered plants.
Q93. Which one of the following is not a part of in-situ conservation?
a) Biosphere reserves
b) National parks
c) Zoos ✅
d) Wildlife sanctuaries
Explanation: Zoos are an ex-situ conservation method.
Q94. The percentage of land area recommended to be under forest cover for ecological balance in India is:
a) 22%
b) 33% ✅
c) 40%
d) 50%
Explanation: The National Forest Policy recommends 33% forest cover for ecological stability.
Q95. Which of the following projects was started to save the hangul (Kashmiri stag)?
a) Project Hangul ✅
b) Project Tiger
c) Project Elephant
d) Project Rhino
Explanation: Project Hangul was started in Kashmir to conserve the endangered Kashmiri stag.
Q96. Which of the following is the first biosphere reserve in India?
a) Nilgiri ✅
b) Sundarbans
c) Nanda Devi
d) Gulf of Mannar
Explanation: Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (est. 1986) was the first biosphere reserve in India.
Q97. Which term refers to the disappearance of a species from a local area, though it exists elsewhere?
a) Global extinction
b) Local extinction ✅
c) Mass extinction
d) Co-extinction
Explanation: Local extinction means disappearance from a specific region but not globally.
Q98. Which Indian state is famous for sacred groves conservation?
a) Rajasthan
b) Meghalaya ✅
c) Punjab
d) Haryana
Explanation: Meghalaya has many sacred groves preserved by tribal communities.
Q99. Which is the international day for biological diversity?
a) June 5
b) March 22
c) May 22 ✅
d) April 7
Explanation: 22nd May is celebrated as International Day for Biological Diversity.
Q100. The ultimate goal of biodiversity conservation is to:
a) Increase human population
b) Maintain ecological balance ✅
c) Promote hunting
d) Increase industrialization
Explanation: The main goal of biodiversity conservation is to ensure ecological balance and sustainability of ecosystems.
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