Environmental Studies ยท Biology

Biodiversity and Conservation

2,266 Questions

Biodiversity and conservation questions address threats to ecosystems, climate change impacts, and habitat loss. These topics are essential for environmental science sections in major competitive exams. Practicing these questions clarifies concepts regarding species extinction and ecological management.

Habitat loss consequencesClimate change impactsEcosystem degradation causesDesert biodiversity threatsForest diversity threatsResource extraction effects

Biodiversity and Conservation Questions

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a major threat to biodiversity in India?

  1. Deforestation

  2. Pollution

  3. Climate Change

  4. Habitat Loss
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Habitat loss, primarily due to human activities such as deforestation and urbanization, is a major threat to biodiversity in India.

Multiple choice

Which conservation status category indicates that a species is at extremely high risk of extinction in the wild?

  1. Critically Endangered

  2. Endangered

  3. Vulnerable

  4. Near Threatened
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The 'Critically Endangered' category is assigned to species facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild. These species are on the brink of disappearing and require immediate and intensive conservation efforts to prevent their extinction.

Multiple choice

What is the main cause of coral bleaching?

  1. Overfishing

  2. Pollution

  3. Climate change

  4. Habitat destruction
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Climate change, particularly rising ocean temperatures, is the primary cause of coral bleaching, which is a process where corals lose their symbiotic algae and turn white.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is not a key threat to coastal and marine ecosystems?

  1. Climate change

  2. Pollution

  3. Overfishing

  4. Habitat loss
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Habitat loss is not a key threat to coastal and marine ecosystems. Climate change, pollution, and overfishing are all major threats to these ecosystems.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is NOT a cost of environmental degradation?

  1. Health problems

  2. Loss of biodiversity

  3. Increased economic productivity

  4. Climate change
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Increased economic productivity is not a cost of environmental degradation. In fact, it can be a benefit of environmental degradation, as it can lead to increased resource extraction and economic growth. However, this growth is often unsustainable and can lead to further environmental degradation in the long run.

Multiple choice

What is the primary cause of coral bleaching, a phenomenon that leads to the loss of coral color and vitality?

  1. Overfishing

  2. Pollution

  3. Rising Sea Temperatures

  4. Coral Diseases
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Rising sea temperatures due to climate change are the primary cause of coral bleaching, which can lead to coral death if prolonged.

Multiple choice

Which human activity is a major threat to coral reefs, leading to habitat destruction and degradation?

  1. Sustainable Fishing

  2. Marine Protected Areas

  3. Coral Reef Restoration

  4. Coastal Development
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Coastal development, such as construction and dredging, can cause habitat destruction and degradation, posing a significant threat to coral reefs.

Multiple choice

What is the main reason for the regional extinction of the Indian Cheetah?

  1. Habitat loss

  2. Hunting

  3. Climate change

  4. Disease
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The main reason for the regional extinction of the Indian Cheetah is hunting. The species was heavily hunted for its fur and for sport, leading to its decline and eventual disappearance from the country.

Multiple choice

What is the main argument of Madhav Gadgil's book, "Ecology and Equity: The Use and Abuse of Nature in Contemporary India"?

  1. India's environmental problems are primarily due to overpopulation.

  2. The Indian government has failed to protect the environment.

  3. Environmental degradation in India is a result of the country's colonial past.

  4. India's environmental problems can be solved by adopting a more sustainable approach to development.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Gadgil argues that India's environmental problems can be solved by adopting a more sustainable approach to development. He proposes a number of measures that can be taken to achieve this, including reducing our reliance on fossil fuels, promoting renewable energy, and protecting our forests and other natural resources.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a major factor contributing to the endangerment of Jaunsari?

  1. Lack of official recognition

  2. Migration of speakers to urban areas

  3. Influence of dominant languages

  4. All of the above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Lack of official recognition, migration of speakers to urban areas, and the influence of dominant languages are all major factors contributing to the endangerment of Jaunsari.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a major threat to the health and survival of coral reefs?

  1. Overfishing

  2. Pollution

  3. Climate Change

  4. All of the Above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Coral reefs face multiple threats, including overfishing, pollution, and climate change. Overfishing disrupts the delicate balance of reef ecosystems, pollution introduces harmful substances, and climate change leads to rising sea temperatures and ocean acidification, both of which are detrimental to coral health.

Multiple choice

How does slate quarrying impact biodiversity?

  1. It increases biodiversity

  2. It decreases biodiversity

  3. It has no impact on biodiversity

  4. It depends on the specific location of the quarry
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Slate quarrying can decrease biodiversity by destroying natural habitats and displacing wildlife. This can have a negative impact on the entire ecosystem, including the loss of valuable species and the disruption of ecological processes.

Multiple choice

How does slate quarrying impact biodiversity?

  1. It increases biodiversity

  2. It decreases biodiversity

  3. It has no impact on biodiversity

  4. It depends on the specific location of the quarry
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Slate quarrying can decrease biodiversity by destroying natural habitats and displacing wildlife. This can have a negative impact on the entire ecosystem, including the loss of valuable species and the disruption of ecological processes.

Multiple choice

Which human activity poses a significant threat to marine biodiversity?

  1. Overfishing

  2. Pollution

  3. Climate Change

  4. All of the Above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Overfishing, pollution, and climate change are major threats to marine biodiversity, leading to species decline and ecosystem disruption.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is NOT a factor that affects species richness on an island?

  1. Island size

  2. Distance from the mainland

  3. Habitat diversity

  4. Predation pressure
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Predation pressure is not a factor that directly affects species richness on an island, although it can influence the abundance and distribution of species.