Environmental Studies · 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 geography australia - location, political divisions and physical features australia australia australia - geographical features

At present what is the biggest threat to coral reefs around the world?

  1. Water pollution

  2. Tourism

  3. Global warming

  4. Erosional activity
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The Reef is highly vulnerable. In the past three decades, it has lost half its coral cover, because global warming has produced horrific coral bleaching. Coastal development also looms as a major threat.

Multiple choice commercial applications environmental equilibrium threatened species need of conservation conservation of soil and wild life sleeping time animal senses sense organs in animals

Select the correct term for the following definitions (i, ii, iii, iv).
(i) The taxon is liable to become extinct if not allowed to realise its full biotic potential by providing protection from exotic species/human exploitation/ habitat deterioration/ depletion of food.
(ii) The taxon has been completely eliminated or died out from earth, e.g., Dodo.
(iii) The taxon is facing a high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future due to decrease in its habitat, excessive predation or poaching.
(iv) They are species with naturally small populations, either localised or thinly scattered, which are always at risk from pests/pathogens/predators/exotic species.

  1. (i) - Threatened; (ii) - Extinct; (iii) - Endangered; (iv) - Rare

  2. (i) - Endangered; (ii) - Extinct; (iii) - Threatened; (iv) - Rare

  3. (i) - Extinct; (ii) - Rare; (iii) - Threatened; (iv) - Endangered

  4. (i) - Threatened; (ii) - Extinct; (iii) - Rare; (iv) - Endangered
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

(i) A threatened species is a plant, animal, or other living organism that is becoming rare and that may become in danger of extinction if current trends continue. The international Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) divides threatened species into three categories: vulnerable species, endangered species and critically endangered species. The US National Wildlife federation on the other hand, distinguishes between threatened and endangered species.

(ii) Extinction of a particular animal or plant species occurs when there are no more individuals of that species alive anywhere in the world - the species has died out. This is a natural part of evolution. But sometimes extinctions happen at a much faster rate than usual.
(iii) An endangered species is a species which has been categorized as very likely to become extinct. Endangered (EN), as categorized by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, is the second most severe conservation status for wild populations in the IUCN's schema after Critically Endangered (CR). Many nations have laws that protect conservation-reliant species: for example, forbidding hunting, restricting land development or creating preserves. Population numbers, trends and species' conservation status can be found at the lists of organisms by population.
(iv) A rare species is a group of organisms that are very uncommon, scarce, or infrequently encountered. This designation may be applied to either a plant or animal taxon, and is distinct from the term endangered or threatened. Designation of a rare species may be made by an official body, such as a national government, state, or province. The term more commonly appears without reference to specific criteria. The IUCN does not normally make such designations, but may use the term in scientific discussion. Rarity rests on a specific species being represented by a small number of organisms worldwide, usually fewer than 10,000. However, a species having a very narrow endemic range or fragmented habitat also influences the concept. Almost 75% of known species can be classified as "rare'.
So the correct option is '(i)- threatened, (ii)- extinct, (iii)- endangered, (iv)- rare'.

Multiple choice commercial applications environmental equilibrium threatened species need of conservation conservation of soil and wild life sleeping time animal senses sense organs in animals

Migratory birds fly to far away places because of ........... changes.

  1. Climatic

  2. Health

  3. Water

  4. None of the above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Migratory birds fly to far away places because of climatic changes. Bird migration is the regular seasonal movement, often north and south along a flyway for breeding, food availability, habitat and weather. For example, a flock of barnacle geese migrates during autumn.

Multiple choice commercial applications environmental equilibrium threatened species need of conservation conservation of soil and wild life sleeping time animal senses sense organs in animals

The habitat of an animal is disturbed

  1. Migration

  2. Extinction of that animal

  3. Both A and B

  4. None of the above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The habitat of an animal provides it with necessities such as shelter, food, and protection. If the habitat of an animal is disturbed, then it will be forced to go to other places in search of food and shelter. The animal could get killed by other animals in this process and may become extinct in future.

Thus, the correct answer is option C.

Multiple choice evs - i the environment and us threatened species need of conservation conservation of soil and wild life sleeping time animal senses sense organs in animals

What is the main cause of extinction of wild life?

  1. Urbanisation

  2. Poaching

  3. Falling of trees

  4. All of the above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation
Wildlife species may become totally extinct if no measures are taken to protect them. Some of reasons for extinction of wildlife are.

a) Destruction of their natural habitats by environmental pollution, deforestation, soil erosion, overgrazing, increased urbanization, forest fires, and developmental works.
b) Indiscriminate hunting
Example: Cheetah is extinct in India
c) Introduction of exotic species.
d) Overexploitation of natural resource.
e) Disturbance in migratory routes.
f) International trade in rare animals.
g) Lack of education.
Multiple choice evs - i the environment and us threatened species need of conservation conservation of soil and wild life sleeping time animal senses sense organs in animals

How is increase of human population a threat to wildlife?

  1. More population results in increased use of food, water and fuel

  2. Results in more use of water

  3. Results in pollution

  4. Results in use of resource
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

As the human population grows, the demand for resources like food, water, and fuel increases, leading to habitat destruction and encroachment on wildlife areas.

Multiple choice commercial applications environmental equilibrium threatened species need of conservation conservation of soil and wild life sleeping time animal senses sense organs in animals

Which of the following conditions causes the extinction of species?

  1. Lack of flora

  2. Lack of favourable climatic condition

  3. High temperatures

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

Extinction is often caused by a combination of factors, including habitat loss (lack of flora), climate change (unfavorable conditions), and extreme weather events (high temperatures).

Multiple choice commercial applications environmental equilibrium threatened species need of conservation conservation of soil and wild life sleeping time animal senses sense organs in animals

 .............. species are the species which face the danger of extinction due to the hard conditions to survive.

  1. Threatened

  2. Extinct

  3. Migratory species

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

Threatened species are the species which face the danger of extinction due to the hard survival conditions. Giant tortoise, African elephant, polar bear are some examples of threatened species. Extinct species are species who has died out. Extinction means no more individuals of that species is alive anywhere in the world. Passenger pigeon, black soft-shell turtle, Guam kingfisher are examples of extinct species. Migratory species are those animals that migrate to Australia or pass over Australian waters during their annual migrations. Whales, turtles, Monarch butterfly are some examples of migratory species. 

Thus, the correct answer is option A.

Multiple choice commercial applications environmental equilibrium threatened species need of conservation conservation of soil and wild life sleeping time animal senses sense organs in animals

Which of the following factors pose a threat to the species?

  1. Lack of food

  2. Lack of rainfall

  3. Lack of natural resources

  4. All of the above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation
Destruction of natural resources like forest may result in lack or removal of natural habitat for many species. Lack of food and rainfall affects the health of the species and may increase in the disease condition. All these pose a threat to the species and can result in extinction of species. 
Thus, the correct answer is option D.
Multiple choice commercial applications environmental equilibrium threatened species need of conservation conservation of soil and wild life sleeping time animal senses sense organs in animals

Which of the following statement is incorrect about endangered species?

  1. Their number has decreased drastically.

  2. They might become extinct in the near future.

  3. Their natural habitat needs to be protected.

  4. They pose a danger to other animals.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation
  •  Endangered species is a species which has been categorized as very likely to become extinct in the near future. For example, Amur Leopard, Asian Elephant. ,Black Rhino,snow leopard,etc.
  • Their number has decreased drastically and they might become extinct in the near future. Their natural habitat needs to be protected to prevent them from extinction.
  • They do not pose danger to other animals.
  • So, the correct answer is 'Option D'.
Multiple choice zoology ecosystems decomposition in ecosystem ecosystem productivity and decomposition producers, consumers and decomposers

In the absence of decomposers, ecosystem functioning is adversely affected due to

  1. Blocking of energy flow

  2. Blocking of mineral cycling

  3. Blocking of solar energy to herbivores

  4. Rate of decomposition of other components will increase
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation
A food chain is series of plants/animals which are interrelated in the form of organism being eaten as food by the other. Trophic levels in a food chain are formed by producers, consumers and decomposers. In the given food chain, plants are producers. The animals eating plants are called as primary consumers and animals eating primary consumers are called as secondary consumers. Decomposers are those which decomposes the waster organic matter and release energy back in the environment. They cycle the various minerals between environment and living organisms. Hence, in the absence of decomposers, ecosystem functioning is adversely affected due to blocking of mineral cycling.
Thus, the correct answer is 'Blocking of mineral cycling.'
Multiple choice economics sustainable development with equity liberalisation objectives of economic planning in india need for sustainable development introduction to social movements and its types social movements

What leads to an environmental crisis?

  1. Extinction of animals

  2. When Resource extraction > rate of regeneration

  3. Waste generated is not within assimilating capacity

  4. Death of marine life

  5. All option are correct
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
E Correct answer
Explanation

An Environmental Crisis as a dramatic, unexpected, and irreversible worsening of the environment leading to significant welfare losses.

So according to me, all the options lead to environmental crisis

Multiple choice zoology biodiversity, classification and conservation levels of biodiversity environmental conservation and biodiversity biodiversity on earth and in india

Select the incorrect statement.

  1. Species diversity increases as we move away from the equator towards the poles.

  2. Stellar's sea cow and passenger pigeon got extinct due to over exploitation by man.

  3. Lantana and Eichhornia are invasive weed species in India.

  4. Among animals, insects are the most species-rich taxonomic group.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Species diversity decreases as we move away from the equator towards the poles due to:-

(i)Temperature decreases and conditions become harsh.
(ii)Both the amount and intensity of solar radiation decrease.
(iii)Vegetation decreases.
(iv)Fewer resources available to support species.

So the correct option is 'Species diversity increases as we move away from the equator towards the poles.'

Multiple choice zoology biodiversity, classification and conservation levels of biodiversity environmental conservation and biodiversity biodiversity on earth and in india

Species diversity ______ as we move away from the ______ towards_____.

  1. decreases, equator, poles

  2. increases, equator, poles

  3. decreases, poles, equator

  4. none of these.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The biodiversity shows a latitudinal and altitudinal gradient. The species diversity decrease as well as we move away from the equator towards the poles with very few exceptions, tropics harbour more species than temperature or polar areas.

Multiple choice zoology biodiversity, classification and conservation levels of biodiversity environmental conservation and biodiversity biodiversity on earth and in india

All of these are human activities that threaten biodiversity except  

  1. The release of excess nitrates from agricultural runoff

  2. Over-harvesting of plants and animals

  3. Overuse of herbicides

  4. Habitat preservation

  5. Excessive ultraviolet radiation from a depleted ozone layers
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation
A. Various fertilizers are used in agriculture which contain nitrogen as a key component. Runoff from agricultural land causes the release of excess nitrates.
B. Over harvesting of plants and animals for profit by the mankind has resulted into extinction of various species.
C. Overuse of herbicides kills the soil microflora and other microorganisms also.
D. Habitat preservation is not a threat to biodiversity as it will save the species.
E. Ozone has depleted due to various human activities like CFCs and due to this, excess ultraviolet rays can reach the earth and cause various problems to biodiversity.
Hence statement C is incorrect.
So, the correct answer is 'Habitat preservation'.