Biodiversity & Conservation in India MCQs

India General Knowledge

MODULE 9: Environment, Ecology & Biodiversity MCQs

Topic: Biodiversity & Conservation in India MCQs

Systematic Sub-Topic Structure

For clear conceptual understanding and high exam relevance, the MCQs are arranged in a logical and progressive sequence:

1. Basics of Biodiversity
2. Biodiversity Hotspots & Endemism in India
3. Threats to Biodiversity
4. In-situ Conservation (National Parks, Sanctuaries, Biosphere Reserves)
5. Ex-situ Conservation
6. Laws, Policies & Conservation Initiatives in India

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. Biodiversity refers to:

A. Variety of plants only
B. Variety of animals only
C. Variety of life forms at all levels
D. Population size of organisms

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
Biodiversity includes genetic diversity, species diversity, and ecosystem diversity, making it a comprehensive measure of life on Earth.

2. Which of the following represents genetic diversity?

A. Different ecosystems
B. Different species
C. Variations within a species
D. Number of national parks

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
Genetic diversity refers to variations in genes within the same species, enabling adaptation and survival.

3. India is considered a megadiverse country because it:

A. Has the largest land area
B. Has high population
C. Possesses very rich biodiversity
D. Has maximum deserts

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
India is one of the 17 megadiverse countries, hosting a large proportion of the world’s flora and fauna.

4. Which of the following is NOT a level of biodiversity?

A. Genetic diversity
B. Species diversity
C. Ecosystem diversity
D. Climatic diversity

Correct Answer: D

Explanation:
Climatic diversity influences biodiversity but is not itself a level of biodiversity.

5. How many biodiversity hotspots are partially or fully located in India?

A. 2
B. 3
C. 4
D. 5

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
India has four biodiversity hotspots: Himalaya, Indo-Burma, Western Ghats–Sri Lanka, and Sundaland (Nicobar Islands).

6. Which biodiversity hotspot includes the Western Ghats?

A. Himalaya
B. Indo-Burma
C. Sundaland
D. Western Ghats–Sri Lanka

Correct Answer: D

Explanation:
The Western Ghats–Sri Lanka hotspot is one of the world’s richest regions in terms of endemic species.

7. Endemic species are those which:

A. Are found worldwide
B. Are found only in a specific region
C. Are migratory
D. Are extinct

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:
Endemic species are restricted to a particular geographical area and are highly vulnerable to extinction.

8. Which Indian region is famous for high endemism?

A. Thar Desert
B. Western Ghats
C. Indo-Gangetic Plain
D. Deccan Plateau

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:
The Western Ghats show exceptionally high plant and animal endemism.

9. Which of the following is the greatest threat to biodiversity in India?

A. Natural disasters
B. Habitat loss and fragmentation
C. Migration
D. Soil erosion

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:
Habitat destruction due to deforestation, urbanisation, and agriculture is the primary cause of biodiversity loss.

10. In-situ conservation refers to:

A. Conservation outside natural habitat
B. Conservation within natural habitat
C. Gene preservation in labs
D. Captive breeding only

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:
In-situ conservation protects species within their natural ecosystems, ensuring ecological balance.

11. National Parks in India are declared under which Act?

A. Forest Conservation Act, 1980
B. Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
C. Environment Protection Act, 1986
D. Biological Diversity Act, 2002

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:
The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 provides legal protection to national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.

12. Which is the oldest national park in India?

A. Jim Corbett National Park
B. Kaziranga National Park
C. Gir National Park
D. Kanha National Park

Correct Answer: A

Explanation:
Jim Corbett National Park was established in 1936 and is India’s oldest national park.

13. Which national park is famous for the one-horned rhinoceros?

A. Manas
B. Kaziranga
C. Orang
D. Pobitora

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:
Kaziranga National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for one-horned rhinos.

14. Gir National Park is famous for the conservation of:

A. Tiger
B. Elephant
C. Asiatic Lion
D. Snow Leopard

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
Gir National Park is the only natural habitat of the Asiatic Lion.

15. Biosphere reserves aim to:

A. Completely ban human activity
B. Promote tourism only
C. Balance conservation and sustainable use
D. Encourage industrialisation

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
Biosphere reserves integrate conservation, sustainable development, and research.

16. Which was the first biosphere reserve of India?

A. Nilgiri
B. Nanda Devi
C. Sundarbans
D. Gulf of Mannar

Correct Answer: A

Explanation:
The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve was established in 1986 and spans three southern states.

17. Ex-situ conservation involves:

A. Conservation in forests
B. Conservation in natural habitats
C. Conservation outside natural habitats
D. Conservation by laws only

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
Ex-situ conservation includes zoos, botanical gardens, seed banks, and gene banks.

18. Which of the following is an example of ex-situ conservation?

A. National park
B. Wildlife sanctuary
C. Zoo
D. Biosphere reserve

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
Zoos conserve species outside their natural habitats under controlled conditions.

19. The Biological Diversity Act in India was enacted in:

A. 1992
B. 1998
C. 2002
D. 2010

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
The Biological Diversity Act, 2002 was enacted to conserve biodiversity and ensure fair benefit sharing.

20. Which body implements the Biological Diversity Act at the national level?

A. MoEFCC
B. National Biodiversity Authority
C. NITI Aayog
D. Wildlife Institute of India

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:
The National Biodiversity Authority regulates access to biological resources.

21. Project Tiger was launched in:

A. 1969
B. 1972
C. 1973
D. 1975

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
Project Tiger (1973) aims to conserve tigers and their habitats through protected areas.

22. Project Elephant focuses on:

A. Captive breeding
B. Human-elephant conflict mitigation
C. Elephant habitat conservation
D. All of the above

Correct Answer: D

Explanation:
Project Elephant covers habitat protection, conflict mitigation, and welfare of elephants.

23. Which Indian state has the highest forest cover?

A. Madhya Pradesh
B. Arunachal Pradesh
C. Chhattisgarh
D. Odisha

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:
Arunachal Pradesh has the largest forest cover in terms of area.

24. Which organisation conducts wildlife research and training in India?

A. WWF India
B. Zoological Survey of India
C. Wildlife Institute of India
D. Botanical Survey of India

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
The Wildlife Institute of India provides research and capacity building in wildlife conservation.

25. IUCN Red List categorises species based on:

A. Habitat type
B. Population size
C. Threat of extinction
D. Economic value

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
The IUCN Red List assesses species according to their risk of extinction.

26. Which category represents the highest extinction risk?

A. Vulnerable
B. Endangered
C. Critically Endangered
D. Near Threatened

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
Critically Endangered species face an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild.

27. Sacred groves in India are important because they:

A. Promote tourism
B. Preserve biodiversity through traditional beliefs
C. Are government-protected forests
D. Support agriculture

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:
Sacred groves are community-protected forest patches conserved due to cultural and religious values.

28. Which Indian act focuses on wildlife protection?

A. Forest Rights Act
B. Wildlife (Protection) Act
C. Environment Protection Act
D. Biodiversity Act

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:
The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 provides legal protection to animals, birds, and plants.

29. Loss of biodiversity ultimately affects:

A. Wildlife only
B. Plants only
C. Ecosystem stability and human survival
D. Climate only

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
Biodiversity loss disrupts ecosystem services such as food, water, climate regulation, and livelihoods.

30. Conservation of biodiversity primarily aims to:

A. Prevent all human activity
B. Protect only endangered species
C. Ensure sustainable use of biological resources
D. Promote industrial growth

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
Biodiversity conservation ensures long-term sustainability, balancing ecological health with human needs.

✅ Exam Relevance

These Biodiversity & Conservation in India MCQs are highly relevant for:

• UPSC (Prelims & GS Mains – Environment & Ecology)
• State PSCs (APSC, BPSC, RPSC, etc.)
• SSC, Banking & Railway Exams
• CUET & University Entrance Exams
• School & College Level Competitive Examinations across India

• Biodiversity MCQs India

• Conservation of biodiversity GK questions

• UPSC environment biodiversity MCQs

• Wildlife conservation in India MCQs

• National parks and sanctuaries MCQs

• Biodiversity hotspots in India questions

• Environment and ecology GK India

• Species conservation programmes MCQs

🔹 Why Biodiversity & Conservation in India MCQs Are Important for Competitive Exams

Biodiversity and conservation are high-weightage topics under Environment & Ecology for UPSC, SSC, and State PSC examinations. Questions related to biodiversity hotspots, national parks, wildlife protection laws, conservation projects, and endangered species are frequently asked in prelims and objective papers.

This MCQ set offers systematic, concept-based, and India-specific coverage, enabling aspirants to clearly understand biodiversity fundamentals and confidently tackle environment-related questions across all major competitive examinations.

🔹 FAQ Section

Q1. Why is biodiversity an important topic for UPSC and PSC exams?

Biodiversity explains ecosystem stability, conservation challenges, and sustainable development, making it a core part of environment and ecology syllabi.

Q2. Which biodiversity topics are most frequently asked in exams?

Biodiversity hotspots, national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, endangered species, conservation projects, and biodiversity laws are most frequently asked.

Q3. Is biodiversity a static or current affairs topic?

It is mainly static but often linked with current affairs such as new protected areas, conservation programmes, and international biodiversity conventions.

Q4. Are these MCQs useful for SSC and Banking exams?

Yes. SSC, Banking, and Railway exams regularly include direct MCQs from basic biodiversity and conservation concepts.

Q5. Who should practice Biodiversity & Conservation MCQs?

UPSC, SSC, State PSC, Banking, Railways, CUET, university entrance aspirants, and school-level competitive students should practice these MCQs.

🔹 Targeting Exams

These Biodiversity & Conservation in India MCQs are carefully designed to match the syllabus and difficulty level of:

• UPSC (Prelims & GS Mains – Environment & Ecology)

• State Public Service Commissions (APSC, BPSC, RPSC, MPPSC, etc.)

• SSC (CGL, CHSL, GD, MTS)

• Banking Exams (IBPS, SBI, RBI)

• Railway Exams (RRB NTPC, Group D)

• CUET & University Entrance Examinations

• School & College Level Competitive Examinations across India