MCQs on The Western Ghats: Biodiversity Hotspot and Environmental Threats
- Which of the following mountain ranges is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its biodiversity?
- A) Himalayas
- B) Western Ghats
- C) Eastern Ghats
- D) Vindhya Range
Answer: B) Western Ghats
- The Western Ghats are located in which of the following countries?
- A) Nepal
- B) India
- C) Bhutan
- D) Sri Lanka
Answer: B) India
- What is the main reason for the Western Ghats being classified as a biodiversity hotspot?
- A) Presence of endemic species
- B) High altitude
- C) Cultural significance
- D) Mining resources
Answer: A) Presence of endemic species
- Which of the following states does NOT have a part of the Western Ghats?
- A) Karnataka
- B) Tamil Nadu
- C) Kerala
- D) Rajasthan
Answer: D) Rajasthan
- What percentage of India’s flowering plants are found in the Western Ghats?
- A) 20%
- B) 30%
- C) 50%
- D) 60%
Answer: C) 50%
- Which of the following species is endemic to the Western Ghats?
- A) Bengal Tiger
- B) Nilgiri Tahr
- C) Indian Elephant
- D) Asiatic Lion
Answer: B) Nilgiri Tahr
- Which river originates from the Western Ghats?
- A) Yamuna
- B) Ganges
- C) Godavari
- D) Kaveri
Answer: D) Kaveri
- What is one of the significant threats to the biodiversity of the Western Ghats?
- A) Overgrazing
- B) Urbanization
- C) Industrialization
- D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
- Which of the following is NOT a wildlife sanctuary located in the Western Ghats?
- A) Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
- B) Silent Valley National Park
- C) Manas National Park
- D) Bandipur National Park
Answer: C) Manas National Park
- The Western Ghats play a crucial role in which of the following ecological processes?
- A) Carbon sequestration
- B) Water cycling
- C) Soil erosion control
- D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
- Which of the following is a prominent tea-growing region in the Western Ghats?
- A) Munnar
- B) Darjeeling
- C) Nilgiri
- D) Both A and C
Answer: D) Both A and C
- What is the primary type of forest found in the Western Ghats?
- A) Tropical Rainforest
- B) Temperate Forest
- C) Deciduous Forest
- D) Coniferous Forest
Answer: A) Tropical Rainforest
- Which of the following is an important mountain pass in the Western Ghats?
- A) Bhor Ghat
- B) Thal Ghat
- C) Khandala Ghat
- D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
- Which of the following is an impact of deforestation in the Western Ghats?
- A) Increased biodiversity
- B) Soil erosion
- C) Better rainfall
- D) Enhanced wildlife habitat
Answer: B) Soil erosion
- What is the significance of the Western Ghats in terms of climate?
- A) They influence monsoon patterns.
- B) They cause earthquakes.
- C) They block cyclones.
- D) They create deserts.
Answer: A) They influence monsoon patterns.
- Which of the following conservation efforts has been implemented in the Western Ghats?
- A) Wildlife Protection Act
- B) National Biodiversity Action Plan
- C) Eco-Sensitive Zones
- D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
- The term “Western Ghats” is derived from which language?
- A) Hindi
- B) Portuguese
- C) Sanskrit
- D) English
Answer: B) Portuguese
- Which of the following invasive species is a threat to the native flora of the Western Ghats?
- A) Eucalyptus
- B) Teak
- C) Mahogany
- D) Neem
Answer: A) Eucalyptus
- Which organization is responsible for the ecological conservation of the Western Ghats?
- A) ISRO
- B) Wildlife Institute of India
- C) Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
- D) National Disaster Management Authority
Answer: C) Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
- The Western Ghats are known for their rich endemic fauna. Which of the following is a threatened species found here?
- A) Lion-tailed Macaque
- B) Common Leopard
- C) Indian Bison
- D) Indian Cobra
Answer: A) Lion-tailed Macaque
- Which phenomenon is primarily responsible for the heavy rainfall in the Western Ghats during monsoons?
- A) Orographic lifting
- B) Cyclonic activity
- C) Convection
- D) High-pressure systems
Answer: A) Orographic lifting
- Which of the following plants is characteristic of the Western Ghats?
- A) Sundew
- B) Pitcher Plant
- C) Blue Vanda
- D) Orchid
Answer: C) Blue Vanda
- The term “Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve” refers to an important biodiversity area located in which part of the Western Ghats?
- A) Kerala
- B) Karnataka
- C) Tamil Nadu
- D) Goa
Answer: A) Kerala
- What is the impact of climate change on the Western Ghats?
- A) Alteration of species distribution
- B) Increased monsoon intensity
- C) Melting glaciers
- D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
- Which of the following is a major river that flows through the Western Ghats?
- A) Narmada
- B) Tapi
- C) Bhima
- D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
- The Western Ghats are home to which type of ecosystem?
- A) Desert ecosystem
- B) Marine ecosystem
- C) Freshwater ecosystem
- D) Forest ecosystem
Answer: D) Forest ecosystem
- Which of the following is a major economic activity in the Western Ghats?
- A) Agriculture
- B) Mining
- C) Tourism
- D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
- Which is one of the environmental issues facing the Western Ghats?
- A) Plastic pollution
- B) Wildlife poaching
- C) Land degradation
- D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
- The Western Ghats are known for their unique contribution to global biodiversity. Which of the following statements is true?
- A) They have the highest number of endemic amphibians in the world.
- B) They are the only habitat for the Bengal Tiger.
- C) They are devoid of any endemic species.
- D) They primarily support desert flora.
Answer: A) They have the highest number of endemic amphibians in the world.
- What is the main purpose of the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel (WGEEP)?
- A) To promote tourism
- B) To protect biodiversity
- C) To explore mineral resources
- D) To develop infrastructure
Answer: B) To protect biodiversity
These questions cover various aspects of the Western Ghats, including geography, biodiversity, environmental threats, and conservation efforts. They can be useful for preparing for civil services examinations.
