Biodiversity refers to the variety of living organisms present on Earth, including plants, animals, and microorganisms. It is essential for maintaining the ecological balance and ensuring the sustainability of our planet.
Conservation, on the other hand, involves the protection and preservation of biodiversity through various measures and strategies.
In the NEET exam, questions related to biodiversity and conservation are often asked to assess the students’ understanding of these important topics.
Let’s explore 25 multiple-choice questions with their answers and explanations to enhance your knowledge in this area.
25 Important MCQs with answers of Biodiversity and conservation for NEET exam.
1. What is biodiversity?
a) The variety of ecosystems in a region
b) The number of species in an ecosystem
c) The variety of life on Earth
d) The genetic diversity within a population
[expand title=”Show Answer” swaptitle=”Hide Answer”]Answer: (c) Explanation: Biodiversity refers to the variety of all living organisms, including plants, animals, microorganisms, and their interactions.[/expand]
2. Which of the following is an example of genetic diversity?
a) Different breeds of dogs
b) Different species of birds
c) Different ecosystems in a forest
d) Different types of soil
[expand title=”Show Answer” swaptitle=”Hide Answer”]Answer: (a) Explanation: Genetic diversity refers to the variation in genes within a species. Different breeds of dogs, which have distinct characteristics and traits, represent genetic diversity.[/expand]
3. What is the primary cause of biodiversity loss?
a) Climate change
b) Habitat destruction
c) Overhunting
d) Pollution
[expand title=”Show Answer” swaptitle=”Hide Answer”]Answer: (b) Explanation: Habitat destruction, such as deforestation and urbanization, is the primary cause of biodiversity loss. It leads to the loss of habitats for various species, resulting in their decline or extinction.[/expand]
4. Which of the following is an example of an endangered species?
a) Tiger
b) Cow
c) Housefly
d) Rat
[expand title=”Show Answer” swaptitle=”Hide Answer”]Answer: (a) Explanation: Tigers are classified as an endangered species due to habitat loss, poaching, and illegal wildlife trade. Their population has drastically declined over the years.[/expand]
5. What is the purpose of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)?
a) To promote sustainable agriculture
b) To regulate the trade of endangered species
c) To prevent climate change
d) To conserve marine ecosystems
[expand title=”Show Answer” swaptitle=”Hide Answer”]Answer: (b) Explanation: CITES is an international agreement that aims to ensure that the international trade of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival. It regulates the trade of endangered species and their parts.[/expand]
6. Which of the following is a hotspot of biodiversity?
a) Sahara Desert
b) Amazon Rainforest
c) Arctic Tundra
d) Gobi Desert
[expand title=”Show Answer” swaptitle=”Hide Answer”]Answer: (b) Explanation: The Amazon Rainforest is considered a hotspot of biodiversity due to its high species richness and unique ecosystems. It is home to numerous plant and animal species found nowhere else on Earth.[/expand]
7. What is the role of keystone species in an ecosystem?
a) They are the top predators in the food chain.
b) They maintain the balance of the ecosystem.
c) They are the most abundant species in the ecosystem.
d) They are responsible for nutrient cycling.
[expand title=”Show Answer” swaptitle=”Hide Answer”]Answer: (b) Explanation: Keystone species have a disproportionately large impact on their environment compared to their abundance. Their presence or absence can significantly affect the structure and function of the entire ecosystem.[/expand]
8. What is the main objective of ex-situ conservation?
a) To conserve species within their natural habitats
b) To protect species through the creation of protected areas
c) To conserve species outside their natural habitats
d) To promote sustainable development practices
[expand title=”Show Answer” swaptitle=”Hide Answer”]Answer: (c) Explanation: Ex-situ conservation involves conserving and protecting species outside their natural habitats, such as in zoos, botanical gardens, or seed banks. It is done to ensure the survival of species facing threats in the wild.[/expand]
9. What is the significance of the Red List published by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)?
a) It provides guidelines for sustainable agriculture.
b) It identifies areas with high biodiversity.
c) It assesses the conservation status of species.
d) It regulates international trade in endangered species.
[expand title=”Show Answer” swaptitle=”Hide Answer”]Answer: (c) Explanation: The Red List published by the IUCN provides an overview of the conservation status of species worldwide. It categorizes species into different levels of threat, such as endangered, vulnerable, or critically endangered.[/expand]
10. What is the term used to describe the variety of ecosystems within a region?
a) Species diversity
b) Genetic diversity
c) Ecosystem diversity
d) Ecological diversity
[expand title=”Show Answer” swaptitle=”Hide Answer”]Answer: (c) Explanation: Ecosystem diversity refers to the variety of ecosystems present within a region. It includes different types of habitats, such as forests, wetlands, grasslands, and coral reefs.[/expand]
11. What does biodiversity refer to?
a) The number of species in an ecosystem
b) The variety of living organisms on Earth
c) The richness of genetic traits in a population
d) The distribution of ecosystems globally
[expand title=”Show Answer” swaptitle=”Hide Answer”]Answer: (b) Explanation: Biodiversity encompasses all forms of life, including plants, animals, microorganisms, and their ecological interactions.[/expand]
12. Which of the following is a measure of genetic diversity?
a) The number of species in an ecosystem
b) The number of individuals in a population
c) The number of unique genes in a species
d) The number of ecosystems in a region
[expand title=”Show Answer” swaptitle=”Hide Answer”]Answer: (c) Explanation: Genetic diversity refers to the variety of genes within a species, which influences its adaptability and resilience.[/expand]
13. What is the main goal of conservation biology?
a) To study the distribution of species
b) To protect natural resources for human use
c) To conserve biodiversity and ecosystems
d) To promote sustainable development practices
[expand title=”Show Answer” swaptitle=”Hide Answer”]Answer: (c) Explanation: Conservation biology focuses on preserving and managing biological diversity and ecosystems for the benefit of present and future generations.[/expand]
14. What is the significance of a biodiversity hotspot?
a) It represents an area with high species richness.
b) It indicates a region with significant genetic diversity.
c) It signifies an ecosystem at risk of extinction.
d) It marks a location with unique ecological features.
[expand title=”Show Answer” swaptitle=”Hide Answer”]Answer: (a) Explanation: Biodiversity hotspots are regions that contain a large number of endemic species and are threatened by habitat destruction.[/expand]
15. Which of the following is an example of an in-situ conservation method?
a) Botanical garden
b) Seed bank
c) Wildlife sanctuary
d) Gene bank
[expand title=”Show Answer” swaptitle=”Hide Answer”]Answer: (c) Explanation: In-situ conservation involves the protection and management of species within their natural habitats, such as wildlife sanctuaries and national parks.[/expand]
16. What is the primary objective of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)?
a) To promote sustainable agriculture
b) To regulate the international trade of endangered species
c) To conserve and sustainably use biodiversity
d) To address the impacts of climate change on ecosystems
[expand title=”Show Answer” swaptitle=”Hide Answer”]Answer: (c) Explanation: The CBD is an international treaty that aims to conserve biodiversity, promote sustainable use of its components, and ensure the fair and equitable sharing of benefits derived from genetic resources.[/expand]
17. What is the purpose of an environmental impact assessment (EIA)?
a) To assess the economic viability of a development project
b) To evaluate the social implications of a proposed action
c) To analyze the potential environmental effects of a project
d) To estimate the financial costs of mitigating environmental impacts
[expand title=”Show Answer” swaptitle=”Hide Answer”]Answer: (c) Explanation: An environmental impact assessment (EIA) is conducted to identify and evaluate the potential environmental impacts of a proposed project or action.[/expand]
18. Which of the following is not a component of biodiversity?
a) Genetic diversity
b) Species diversity
c) Ecosystem diversity
d) Climate diversity
[expand title=”Show Answer” swaptitle=”Hide Answer”]Answer: (d) Explanation: Biodiversity includes three main components: genetic diversity, species diversity, and ecosystem diversity. Climate diversity is not considered as part of biodiversity.[/expand]
19. Which level of biodiversity represents the variety of genes within a species?
a) Genetic diversity
b) Species diversity
c) Ecosystem diversity
d) Habitat diversity
[expand title=”Show Answer” swaptitle=”Hide Answer”]Answer: (a) Explanation: Genetic diversity refers to the variation in genes within a particular species. It is crucial for the adaptability and survival of species in changing environments.[/expand]
20. What is an endangered species?
a) A species facing a high risk of extinction
b) A species that is only found in specific habitats
c) A species that is commercially valuable
d) A species that has a large population size
[expand title=”Show Answer” swaptitle=”Hide Answer”]Answer: (a) Explanation: Endangered species are those that are at high risk of becoming extinct in the near future due to various factors such as habitat loss, poaching, and pollution.[/expand]
21. What is the goal of conservation biology?
a) To protect natural resources for human use
b) To preserve genetic diversity within species
c) To promote sustainable development practices
d) To conserve biodiversity and ecosystems
[expand title=”Show Answer” swaptitle=”Hide Answer”]Answer: (d) Explanation: Conservation biology aims to protect and manage biodiversity and ecosystems to ensure their long-term survival and sustainability.[/expand]
22. What is a biodiversity hotspot?
a) An area with a high concentration of rare species
b) An area with the highest species richness globally
c) An area with unique and diverse ecosystems
d) An area threatened by habitat destruction
[expand title=”Show Answer” swaptitle=”Hide Answer”]Answer: (a) Explanation: Biodiversity hotspots are regions that contain a significant number of endemic species and are highly threatened by human activities.[/expand]
23. What is the primary purpose of in-situ conservation?
a) To protect species within their natural habitats
b) To conserve species outside their natural habitats
c) To promote sustainable resource management
d) To educate the public about biodiversity
[expand title=”Show Answer” swaptitle=”Hide Answer”]Answer: (a) Explanation: In-situ conservation involves conserving and protecting species within their natural habitats to maintain their populations and ecosystems.[/expand]
24. Which international treaty aims to conserve biodiversity and promote sustainable use of its components?
a) Kyoto Protocol
b) Paris Agreement
c) Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
d) CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora)
[expand title=”Show Answer” swaptitle=”Hide Answer”]Answer: (c) Explanation: The CBD is an international treaty that seeks to conserve biodiversity, promote sustainable use of its components, and ensure the fair sharing of benefits arising from genetic resources.[/expand]
25. What is the role of a keystone species in an ecosystem?
a) It represents the top predator in the food chain
b) It regulates the population of other species
c) It provides ecosystem services such as pollination
d) It is the most abundant species in the ecosystem
[expand title=”Show Answer” swaptitle=”Hide Answer”]Answer: (b) Explanation: Keystone species have a disproportionately large impact on the structure and function of an ecosystem, often by controlling the population sizes of other species.[/expand]
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FAQs
Q1: How can biodiversity loss affect ecosystems?
A: Biodiversity loss can disrupt ecosystem functioning, reduce ecosystem resilience, and negatively impact ecosystem services such as pollination and nutrient cycling.
Q2: What are the major threats to biodiversity?
A: The major threats to biodiversity include habitat destruction, climate change, pollution, invasive species, and overexploitation of natural resources.
Q3: How can individuals contribute to biodiversity conservation?
A: Individuals can contribute to biodiversity conservation by practicing sustainable behaviors, supporting conservation organizations, participating in habitat restoration projects, and promoting awareness and education about biodiversity.
Q4: What are the benefits of conserving biodiversity?
A: Conserving biodiversity ensures the preservation of ecosystem services, supports scientific research and discoveries, provides potential sources of new medicines, and contributes to the overall health and stability of the planet.
Q5: How can we promote sustainable development while conserving biodiversity?
A: Sustainable development can be promoted by integrating biodiversity conservation into land-use planning, adopting eco-friendly practices, promoting renewable energy sources, and implementing conservation policies and regulations.
Q6: Why is biodiversity important for ecosystems?
A: Biodiversity plays a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem stability, providing essential ecosystem services, and contributing to the overall health and resilience of ecosystems.
Q7: How does habitat destruction contribute to biodiversity loss?
A: Habitat destruction reduces the availability of suitable habitats for various species, leading to population declines and, in some cases, extinction.
Q8: What is the role of community participation in biodiversity conservation?
A: Community participation is vital for the success of biodiversity conservation efforts, as it promotes local engagement, sustainable practices, and the preservation of traditional ecological knowledge.
Q9: How can biodiversity be conserved?
A: Biodiversity can be conserved through measures such as habitat preservation, sustainable resource management, captive breeding programs, and public awareness campaigns.
Q10: How does deforestation contribute to biodiversity loss?
A: Deforestation leads to the loss of habitats for many species, disrupts ecosystems, and reduces the availability of resources necessary for the survival of various plant and animal species.
Conclusion
These 25 MCQs on biodiversity and conservation have provided you with a valuable opportunity to test your knowledge and understanding of the subject.
Make sure to review the explanations for each question to enhance your comprehension. Continued practice and exploration of the topic will further strengthen your preparation for the NEET exam.