Environment, Ecology & Climate Change – Biodiversity Conservation
Assam Public Service Commission (APSC)
Combined Competitive Examination (CCE) – Preliminary Examination
General Studies Paper I (Objective, 200 Marks)
Topic: Environment, Ecology & Climate Change
Sub-Topic: Biodiversity Conservation
Biodiversity Conservation – Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) with Answers & Explanations
Q1. Biodiversity refers to:
A. Variety of plants only
B. Variety of animals only
C. Variety of life at genetic, species and ecosystem levels
D. Forest cover only
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Biodiversity includes genetic diversity, species diversity, and ecosystem diversity, making it a comprehensive concept.
Q2. Which level of biodiversity deals with variations within a species?
A. Species diversity
B. Ecosystem diversity
C. Genetic diversity
D. Community diversity
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Genetic diversity refers to variations in genes within a species, essential for adaptation and survival.
Q3. India is considered a mega-diverse country because:
A. It has large population
B. It has vast deserts
C. It hosts a high percentage of global species diversity
D. It has maximum forest cover
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
India harbours a very high proportion of global flora and fauna, making it mega-diverse.
Q4. Which of the following is an example of in-situ conservation?
A. Zoological parks
B. Botanical gardens
C. National Parks
D. Seed banks
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
In-situ conservation protects species within their natural habitats, such as National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries.
Q5. Ex-situ conservation includes:
A. Biosphere reserves
B. Wildlife sanctuaries
C. Sacred groves
D. Zoos and botanical gardens
Correct Answer: D
Explanation:
Ex-situ conservation involves protecting species outside their natural habitats.
Q6. Which of the following is NOT a cause of biodiversity loss?
A. Habitat destruction
B. Invasive species
C. Climate change
D. Sustainable resource use
Correct Answer: D
Explanation:
Sustainable use helps conserve biodiversity, unlike habitat loss or invasive species.
Q7. The primary cause of biodiversity loss globally is:
A. Pollution
B. Over-exploitation
C. Habitat loss and fragmentation
D. Climate change
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Habitat destruction due to deforestation, urbanization, and agriculture is the main cause.
Q8. Endemic species are those which:
A. Are found everywhere
B. Are migratory
C. Are found only in a particular region
D. Are endangered
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Endemic species are restricted to a specific geographic area.
Q9. Which of the following is a biodiversity hotspot?
A. Thar Desert
B. Gangetic Plains
C. Western Ghats
D. Deccan Plateau
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
The Western Ghats have high endemism and face severe threats, qualifying as a hotspot.
Q10. The concept of biodiversity hotspots was proposed by:
A. Darwin
B. Humboldt
C. Norman Myers
D. Elton
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Norman Myers introduced the concept to prioritize conservation efforts.
Q11. Which international organization publishes the Red List of threatened species?
A. WWF
B. UNEP
C. International Union for Conservation of Nature
D. FAO
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
The IUCN Red List assesses extinction risk of species worldwide.
Q12. Species categorized as “Critically Endangered” are:
A. Safe from extinction
B. Likely to become endangered
C. Facing extremely high risk of extinction
D. Recently discovered
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Critically Endangered species face imminent risk of extinction.
Q13. Which Indian law provides legal protection to wildlife?
A. Forest Conservation Act, 1980
B. Environment Protection Act, 1986
C. Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
D. Biological Diversity Act, 2002
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 safeguards animals, birds, and plants.
Q14. The Biological Diversity Act, 2002 mainly aims to:
A. Increase forest cover
B. Conserve biodiversity and ensure benefit sharing
C. Promote industrial growth
D. Control pollution
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
The Act focuses on conservation, sustainable use, and fair benefit sharing.
Q15. Which institution implements the Biological Diversity Act at the national level?
A. Forest Survey of India
B. National Biodiversity Authority
C. Wildlife Institute of India
D. MoEFCC
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) oversees implementation.
Q16. Sacred groves are important because they:
A. Are tourist centers
B. Promote commercial forestry
C. Conserve biodiversity through traditional beliefs
D. Are government-protected forests
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Sacred groves protect ecosystems due to religious and cultural practices.
Q17. Which of the following is an example of keystone species?
A. Grass
B. Tiger
C. Sparrow
D. Deer
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Tigers regulate prey populations and maintain ecosystem balance.
Q18. Biodiversity is essential for:
A. Economic growth only
B. Ecological stability and human survival
C. Industrial development only
D. Urbanization
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Biodiversity supports ecosystem services like pollination, climate regulation, and food security.
Q19. Which ecosystem has the highest biodiversity?
A. Desert
B. Tundra
C. Tropical rainforest
D. Grassland
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Tropical rainforests have warm climate and high rainfall, supporting rich biodiversity.
Q20. Which of the following is an invasive alien species in India?
A. Neem
B. Lantana
C. Banyan
D. Peepal
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Lantana camara is an invasive species that threatens native flora.
Q21. Conservation of crop varieties is an example of:
A. Ecosystem diversity
B. Species diversity
C. Genetic diversity
D. Community diversity
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Traditional crop varieties preserve genetic diversity.
Q22. Which approach integrates conservation with sustainable use?
A. Preservation
B. Exploitation
C. Sustainable development
D. Industrialization
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Sustainable development balances use and conservation of biodiversity.
Q23. Biosphere Reserves aim to:
A. Protect wildlife only
B. Promote tourism only
C. Conserve biodiversity with human participation
D. Replace national parks
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Biosphere reserves integrate conservation, development, and research.
Q24. Which of the following is NOT an ecosystem service?
A. Pollination
B. Climate regulation
C. Industrial production
D. Nutrient cycling
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Ecosystem services are natural benefits, not industrial outputs.
Q25. The loss of one species affecting many others is known as:
A. Co-evolution
B. Ecological imbalance
C. Trophic cascade
D. Mutualism
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
A trophic cascade occurs when changes at one trophic level affect others.
Q26. Which convention deals specifically with biodiversity conservation?
A. Ramsar Convention
B. UNFCCC
C. Convention on Biological Diversity
D. CITES
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) focuses on biodiversity conservation.
Q27. CITES regulates:
A. Climate change
B. Wetland conservation
C. International trade in endangered species
D. Forest management
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
CITES controls international trade to prevent species extinction.
Q28. Which Indian state has the highest biodiversity?
A. Rajasthan
B. Assam
C. Punjab
D. Haryana
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Assam, located in the Eastern Himalayas and Indo-Burma region, is extremely rich in biodiversity.
Q29. Biodiversity conservation helps in:
A. Reducing ecosystem resilience
B. Maintaining ecological balance
C. Increasing pollution
D. Climate instability
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Conservation maintains ecosystem stability and resilience.
Q30. The ultimate goal of biodiversity conservation is to:
A. Prevent all human use
B. Promote tourism
C. Ensure survival of life on Earth
D. Increase forest revenue
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Biodiversity conservation ensures long-term survival of ecosystems and humanity.
✅ APSC Prelims Smart Tip
For Biodiversity Conservation, focus on:
- Levels of biodiversity
- In-situ vs Ex-situ conservation
- Biodiversity hotspots
- Indian laws & institutions
- International conventions (CBD, CITES)
-
Biodiversity conservation MCQs APSC
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In situ ex situ conservation questions
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Biodiversity hotspots India MCQs
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Wildlife Protection Act MCQs
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IUCN Red List CITES CBD MCQs
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Environment ecology GS Paper I APSC
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Endangered species conservation MCQs