Question 1

Which of the following best explains why biodiversity is crucial for ecosystem services such as pollination and climate regulation?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. Solution: Biodiversity ensures the stability and resilience of ecosystems by providing functional redundancy and a variety of species that can adapt to changes, thus maintaining ecosystem services.

Question 2

Which of the following factors is NOT part of the 'Evil Quartet' causing biodiversity loss?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: C. Solution: The 'Evil Quartet' refers to habitat loss and fragmentation, over-exploitation, alien species invasions, and co-extinctions. Increased solar energy is not part of these factors.

Question 3

What is the primary benefit of species diversity in an ecosystem according to David Tilman's experiments?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. Solution: David Tilman's long-term experiments showed that plots with more species had less year-to-year variation in total biomass, indicating increased stability.

Question 4

According to David Tilman's experiments, how does species diversity affect ecosystem productivity?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: D. Solution: David Tilman's long-term experiments showed that plots with more species had higher productivity and less year-to-year biomass variation.

Question 5

Why do tropical regions have higher species richness compared to temperate regions?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: C. Solution: Tropical regions have remained relatively undisturbed for millions of years, allowing for more time for species diversification. They also have more constant environments and receive more solar energy, contributing to higher productivity and species richness.

Question 6

Which of the following equations represents the species-area relationship on a logarithmic scale?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. Solution: The species-area relationship on a logarithmic scale is represented by the equation $$	ext{Log } S = 	ext{log } C + Z 	ext{ log } A$$, where $S$ is species richness, $A$ is area, $Z$ is the slope, and $C$ is the Y-intercept.

Question 7

Which of the following species is NOT listed as an example of recent extinctions?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: C. Solution: The passenger pigeon is not listed among the examples of recent extinctions in the provided data; the other species are.

Question 8

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates the concept of 'co-extinctions' as a cause of biodiversity loss?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. Solution: Co-extinctions occur when the extinction of one species leads to the extinction of another species that is ecologically dependent on it. In this case, the extinction of a host plant species causing the extinction of its specialized pollinator insect exemplifies co-extinctions.

Question 9

Which equation represents the species-area relationship on a logarithmic scale?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: C. Solution: The species-area relationship on a logarithmic scale is represented by the equation $\log S = \log C + Z \log A$.

Question 10

Which of the following statements about the Amazon rainforest is true?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: C. Solution: The Amazon rainforest is referred to as the 'lungs of the planet' because of its vast biodiversity and its role in producing oxygen.

Question 11

Which country near the equator has approximately 1,400 species of birds?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: A. Solution: Colombia, located near the equator, has about 1,400 species of birds.

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT part of the 'Evil Quartet' causing biodiversity loss?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: C. Solution: The 'Evil Quartet' consists of habitat loss and fragmentation, over-exploitation, alien species invasions, and co-extinctions. Climate change is not listed as part of this quartet.

Question 13

Which of the following best exemplifies genetic diversity within a species?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. Solution: Genetic diversity refers to the variation at the genetic level within a species. The variation in reserpine concentration in Rauwolfia vomitoria across different Himalayan ranges is an example of genetic diversity.

Question 14

What does a steeper slope (Z value) in the species-area relationship indicate when analyzing very large areas like continents?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. Solution: A steeper slope (higher $Z$ value) in the species-area relationship indicates increased species richness, especially in very large areas like continents.

Question 15

Which of the following is an example of an ecological service provided by biodiversity that has a direct economic impact?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: D. Solution: Pollination of crops by bees and other pollinators is a direct ecological service provided by biodiversity, which is crucial for agricultural productivity and has significant economic impact.

Question 16

Which of the following is an example of in situ conservation?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: C. Solution: In situ conservation involves protecting species in their natural habitat, such as biosphere reserves.

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the species-area relationship?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: C. Solution: The species-area relationship is described by a rectangular hyperbola, where species richness increases with area but only up to a certain point.

Question 18

Who popularised the term 'biodiversity'?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. Solution: The term 'biodiversity' was popularised by the sociobiologist Edward Wilson.

Question 19

How does species richness affect ecosystem productivity according to the species-area relationship?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: C. Solution: The species-area relationship suggests that species richness increases with area, enhancing productivity up to a certain limit.

Question 20

What is the primary reason for the higher species richness in the Amazon rainforest compared to temperate forests?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. Solution: The Amazon rainforest's high species richness is attributed to its higher solar energy and productivity, promoting greater biodiversity.

Question 21

Which hypothesis explains the high species richness in tropical regions?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: A. Solution: Tropical regions have remained relatively undisturbed for millions of years, providing more evolutionary time and stable environments, which contribute to higher species richness.

Question 22

What is the primary cause of species extinction in tropical rainforests?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: C. Solution: Habitat loss and fragmentation, particularly in tropical rainforests, is the most important cause driving species to extinction.

Question 23

How does the 'rivet popper hypothesis' explain the importance of species diversity in an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. Solution: The 'rivet popper hypothesis' compares species to rivets in an airplane. While losing a few may not immediately affect the ecosystem, the loss of key species can lead to significant problems.

Question 24

According to Robert May, what is the estimated total number of species globally?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. Solution: Robert May estimated the global species diversity to be about 7 million.

Question 25

What percentage of the world's land area does India occupy, and what percentage of global species diversity does it harbor?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: A. Solution: India occupies 2.4% of the world's land area and harbors 8.1% of global species diversity, making it one of the 12 megadiversity countries.

Question 26

According to Paul Ehrlich's rivet popper hypothesis, what is the danger of losing key species in an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. Solution: The rivet popper hypothesis suggests that losing key species (like rivets on an airplane wing) can lead to a gradual weakening of the ecosystem's stability.

Question 27

According to the IUCN Red List 2004, how many species have gone extinct in the last 500 years?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: A. Solution: The IUCN Red List 2004 records 784 extinctions in the last 500 years, including 338 vertebrates, 359 invertebrates, and 87 plants.

Question 28

What is the estimated global species diversity according to Robert May?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. Solution: Robert May's estimate places the global species diversity at about 7 million.

Question 29

How does the 'rivet popper hypothesis' relate to biodiversity conservation?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. Solution: The 'rivet popper hypothesis' is an analogy suggesting that the loss of species (rivets) can weaken ecosystem stability (airplane).

Question 30

How does habitat fragmentation specifically affect species?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: C. Solution: Habitat fragmentation leads to population declines in species that require large territories and those with migratory habits, as their habitats are broken into smaller, isolated patches.

Question 31

Edward Wilson is credited with popularizing which term that describes the diversity at all levels of biological organization?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. Solution: Edward Wilson popularized the term 'biodiversity', which encompasses diversity from macromolecules to biomes.

Question 32

What is one reason for the high biodiversity in tropical regions?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. Solution: Tropical environments are less seasonal and more predictable, promoting niche specialization and greater biodiversity.

Question 33

Which region has greater amphibian species diversity?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: A. Solution: The Western Ghats have a greater amphibian species diversity than the Eastern Ghats.

Question 34

Which of the following is NOT a cause of biodiversity loss?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: C. Solution: Species-area relationship describes how species richness increases with area and is not a direct cause of biodiversity loss.

Question 35

What is the 'rivet popper hypothesis' in the context of biodiversity?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. Solution: The 'rivet popper hypothesis' compares species loss to removing rivets from an airplane, indicating that losing key species can lead to ecosystem failure.

Question 36

Which of the following is a major ecosystem service provided by biodiversity?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: A. Solution: Biodiversity provides essential ecosystem services such as pollination, which is crucial for plant reproduction.

Question 37

What is the estimated number of plant species recorded in India?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. Solution: India has recorded about 45,000 plant species.

Question 38

How does genetic diversity benefit a species like rice in India?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. Solution: Genetic diversity allows species like rice to adapt to various environmental conditions, enhancing survival and resilience.

Question 39

Which of the following best explains why species diversity decreases from the equator towards the poles?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. Solution: Species diversity decreases towards the poles due to greater seasonal variation and less stable environments compared to the tropics.

Question 40

Which invasive species is known to threaten indigenous catfish in Indian rivers?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: C. Solution: The African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) has been introduced illegally for aquaculture and poses a threat to indigenous catfish species in Indian rivers.

Question 41

Which of the following is an example of genetic diversity within a species?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: C. Solution: Genetic diversity refers to variation at the genetic level within a species. Rauwolfia vomitoria shows genetic diversity in terms of reserpine concentration across different Himalayan ranges.

Question 42

Which of the following is NOT a reason for the higher species richness in the tropics?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. Solution: Tropics have more solar energy, not less, which contributes to higher productivity and greater diversity.

Question 43

Why do tropical regions have higher species diversity compared to temperate regions?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: C. Solution: Tropical regions receive more solar energy, which contributes to higher productivity and greater species diversity.

Question 44

Which hypothesis explains the potential consequences of losing key species in an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. Solution: Paul Ehrlich's Rivet Popper Hypothesis suggests that losing key species (like rivets in an airplane) can lead to ecosystem instability.

Question 45

How does the 'rivet popper hypothesis' explain the importance of biodiversity?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: A. Solution: The 'rivet popper hypothesis' likens species to rivets in an airplane, suggesting that each species contributes to the overall stability and functioning of an ecosystem.

Question 46

Why do ecologists believe that tropical regions have remained relatively undisturbed for millions of years?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. Solution: Tropical regions have remained relatively undisturbed due to being less affected by glaciations, allowing for longer evolutionary periods.

Question 47

Which of the following is an example of in situ conservation?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: C. Solution: In situ conservation involves protecting species in their natural habitats, such as biosphere reserves.

Question 48

For frugivorous birds and mammals in tropical forests, what is the typical value of the slope (Z) in the species-area relationship?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: C. Solution: In tropical forests, the slope ($Z$) for frugivorous birds and mammals is typically 1.15, indicating a steep increase in species richness with area.

Question 49

Which of the following species is known to have gone extinct due to over-exploitation?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. Solution: The passenger pigeon is an example of a species that went extinct due to over-exploitation by humans.

Question 50

What is the primary reason for the high species richness found in tropical regions compared to temperate regions?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. Solution: Tropical regions have greater solar energy availability, which contributes to higher productivity and thus greater species diversity.

Question 51

Which of the following is a direct consequence of habitat fragmentation?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: C. Solution: Habitat fragmentation leads to smaller, isolated patches of habitat, which can negatively impact species that require large territories or have migratory habits, leading to population declines.

Question 52

Which of the following statements best describes the concept of the 'Sixth Extinction'?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. Solution: The 'Sixth Extinction' refers to the current period of accelerated species extinction rates, which are 100 to 1000 times faster than in pre-human times, primarily due to human activities.

Question 53

What percentage of the world's land area does India occupy, and what percentage of global species diversity does it represent?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: A. Solution: India occupies 2.4% of the world's land area and represents 8.1% of global species diversity.

Question 54

How does higher solar energy in the tropics contribute to biodiversity?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. Solution: Higher solar energy in the tropics contributes to higher productivity, which indirectly supports greater biodiversity.

Question 55

What is a direct consequence of introducing the Nile perch into Lake Victoria?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. Solution: The introduction of the Nile perch into Lake Victoria led to the extinction of more than 200 species of cichlid fish.

Question 56

What is the estimated global species diversity according to Robert May?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. Solution: Robert May's estimate places the global species diversity at about 7 million.

Question 57

Which of the following best describes the species-area relationship observed by Alexander von Humboldt?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. Solution: Alexander von Humboldt observed that the species-area relationship is a rectangular hyperbola, meaning species richness increases with area but only up to a limit.

Question 58

The introduction of the Nile perch into Lake Victoria is an example of which cause of biodiversity loss?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: C. Solution: The introduction of the Nile perch is an example of alien species invasion, which led to the extinction of over 200 species of cichlid fish in Lake Victoria.

Question 59

In tropical forests, what is the typical slope (Z) value for frugivorous birds and mammals in the species-area relationship?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: C. Solution: In tropical forests, the slope (Z) value for frugivorous birds and mammals in the species-area relationship is typically 1.15.

Question 60

Which of the following statements is true about the biodiversity of fungi?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. Solution: Fungi species exceed the combined total of fish, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals.

Question 61

Which of the following regions is known for having greater amphibian species diversity?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. Solution: The Western Ghats have a greater amphibian species diversity compared to the Eastern Ghats.

Question 62

Which of the following is NOT a major cause of biodiversity loss as described in the 'Evil Quartet'?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: C. Solution: The 'Evil Quartet' refers to habitat loss and fragmentation, over-exploitation, alien species invasions, and co-extinctions. Climate change, while a significant threat, is not listed as part of the 'Evil Quartet' in this context.

Question 63

Which of the following is an example of genetic diversity?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: C. Solution: Genetic diversity refers to the variation of genes within a species, such as the more than 50,000 genetically different strains of rice in India.

Question 64

Which taxonomic group forms the largest percentage of recorded animal species?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: C. Solution: Insects form over 70% of the recorded animal species.

Biodiversity and Conserva..

Learning Objectives

Revision Notes & Summary

Biodiversity and Conservation

1. Introduction to Biodiversity

2. Importance of Biodiversity

3. Species Richness

4. Causes of Species Loss

5. Conservation Strategies

5.1 In Situ Conservation

5.2 Ex Situ Conservation

6. Biodiversity Hotspots

7. Conclusion

Exam Tips & Common Mistakes

Common Mistakes and Exam Tips

Common Pitfalls

Tips for Exam Preparation

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Multiple Choice Questions

Q1.Which of the following best explains why biodiversity is crucial for ecosystem services such as pollination and climate regulation?

Correct Answer: B

Q2.Which of the following factors is NOT part of the 'Evil Quartet' causing biodiversity loss?

Correct Answer: C

Q3.What is the primary benefit of species diversity in an ecosystem according to David Tilman's experiments?

Correct Answer: B

Q4.According to David Tilman's experiments, how does species diversity affect ecosystem productivity?

Correct Answer: D

Q5.Why do tropical regions have higher species richness compared to temperate regions?

Correct Answer: C

Q6.Which of the following equations represents the species-area relationship on a logarithmic scale?

Correct Answer: B

Q7.Which of the following species is NOT listed as an example of recent extinctions?

Correct Answer: C

Q8.Which of the following scenarios best illustrates the concept of 'co-extinctions' as a cause of biodiversity loss?

Correct Answer: B

Q9.Which equation represents the species-area relationship on a logarithmic scale?

Correct Answer: C

Q10.Which of the following statements about the Amazon rainforest is true?

Correct Answer: C

Q11.Which country near the equator has approximately 1,400 species of birds?

Correct Answer: A

Q12.Which of the following is NOT part of the 'Evil Quartet' causing biodiversity loss?

Correct Answer: C

Q13.Which of the following best exemplifies genetic diversity within a species?

Correct Answer: B

Q14.What does a steeper slope (Z value) in the species-area relationship indicate when analyzing very large areas like continents?

Correct Answer: B

Q15.Which of the following is an example of an ecological service provided by biodiversity that has a direct economic impact?

Correct Answer: D

Q16.Which of the following is an example of in situ conservation?

Correct Answer: C

Q17.Which of the following best describes the species-area relationship?

Correct Answer: C

Q18.Who popularised the term 'biodiversity'?

Correct Answer: B

Q19.How does species richness affect ecosystem productivity according to the species-area relationship?

Correct Answer: C

Q20.What is the primary reason for the higher species richness in the Amazon rainforest compared to temperate forests?

Correct Answer: B

Q21.Which hypothesis explains the high species richness in tropical regions?

Correct Answer: A

Q22.What is the primary cause of species extinction in tropical rainforests?

Correct Answer: C

Q23.How does the 'rivet popper hypothesis' explain the importance of species diversity in an ecosystem?

Correct Answer: B

Q24.According to Robert May, what is the estimated total number of species globally?

Correct Answer: B

Q25.What percentage of the world's land area does India occupy, and what percentage of global species diversity does it harbor?

Correct Answer: A

Q26.According to Paul Ehrlich's rivet popper hypothesis, what is the danger of losing key species in an ecosystem?

Correct Answer: B

Q27.According to the IUCN Red List 2004, how many species have gone extinct in the last 500 years?

Correct Answer: A

Q28.What is the estimated global species diversity according to Robert May?