Q61. The Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary, India’s only sanctuary for the Gangetic dolphin, is located in which state?
Biodiversity, Conservation and Sustainable Development: RAS Prelims MCQs
179 RAS Prelims MCQs on biodiversity, conservation of natural resources and sustainable development cover the levels of biodiversity, hotspots, conservation bodies, wildlife law and climate instruments. Alpha diversity, Norman Myers, the IUCN Red List, the Wildlife Amendment Act 2022, the CBD protocols and carbon market ideas like cap and trade and additionality are asked as facts and statements.
Practice questions based on the RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the exam pattern but are not past-paper questions.
Showing 61–70 of 179 questions
Q62. Match the following species in List I with their associated rivers or regions in List II:
| Species | Associated River/Region |
|---|---|
| A. Gangetic Dolphin | i. Chilika Lake |
| B. Indus River Dolphin | ii. Beas River |
| C. Irrawaddy Dolphin | iii. Brahmaputra River |
| D. Snow Leopard | iv. Hemis National Park Options: |
Explanation
The Gangetic Dolphin is found in the Brahmaputra River, while the Indus River Dolphin is located in the Beas River in India. Irrawaddy Dolphins are known to inhabit the brackish waters of Chilika Lake. The snow leopard is the flagship species of Hemis National Park in Ladakh. Mapping these species to their specific habitats is essential for effective regional wildlife conservation.
Q63. Identify the incorrect statement regarding the Snow Leopard.
Explanation
The snow leopard is famously known as the "Ghost of the Mountains" due to its elusive nature and serves as an indicator of high-altitude ecosystem health. Its diet primarily consists of wild sheep and goats. Uniquely, unlike other big cats like lions or tigers, the snow leopard lacks the laryngeal morphology required to roar, making the claim of frequent roaring scientifically incorrect.
Q64. The presence of a healthy population of Gangetic dolphins in a river segment indicates:
Explanation
The Gangetic dolphin is considered an apex predator in the riverine food web. Its presence in a river segment is a reliable indicator of a healthy freshwater ecosystem. Because these dolphins require clean water and an abundant supply of fish to survive, a thriving population suggests low pollution levels and high biodiversity in that particular stretch of the river system.
Q65. Read the following statements and select the correct option:
Statement I: Snow Leopards are threatened primarily by retaliatory killing by herders, poaching, and climate change.
Statement II: The Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection Program (GSLEP) is an intergovernmental alliance of range countries.
Statement I: Snow Leopards are threatened primarily by retaliatory killing by herders, poaching, and climate change.
Statement II: The Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection Program (GSLEP) is an intergovernmental alliance of range countries.
Explanation
Snow leopards face severe threats from poaching, climate change, and retaliatory killing by herders whose livestock are preyed upon. To address these challenges, the Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection Program was formed as an alliance among the twelve countries where the species is found. Both statements accurately reflect the primary threats to the species and the international collaborative response.
Q66. The primary legal difference between a National Park and a Wildlife Sanctuary in India is:
Explanation
Both National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries are protected areas under the Wildlife Protection Act. The primary legal difference lies in the degree of restriction. In a Wildlife Sanctuary, certain human activities and rights, such as livestock grazing or collection of minor forest produce, may be permitted by the Chief Wildlife Warden. In contrast, such activities are strictly prohibited in National Parks.
Q67. Match the following Biosphere Reserves in List I with their corresponding states in List II:
| Biosphere Reserve | State |
|---|---|
| A. Nanda Devi | i. Meghalaya |
| B. Nokrek | ii. Uttarakhand |
| C. Pachmarhi | iii. Odisha |
| D. Similipal | iv. Madhya Pradesh Options: |
Explanation
India’s biosphere reserves are located in ecologically significant areas across the country. Nanda Devi is situated in the Himalayan state of Uttarakhand, while Nokrek is in Meghalaya. Pachmarhi is a prominent reserve in Madhya Pradesh, and Similipal is located in the state of Odisha. These reserves are designed to protect large-scale ecosystems and promote sustainable development through active community involvement.
Q68. Arrange the zones of a Biosphere Reserve from the outermost area to the innermost protected area:
I. Buffer Zone
II. Transition Area
III. Core Zone
Which of the following represents the correct sequence?
I. Buffer Zone
II. Transition Area
III. Core Zone
Which of the following represents the correct sequence?
Explanation
A Biosphere Reserve is organized into three distinct zones. The outermost area is the Transition Zone, where human settlements and sustainable activities occur. Moving inward, the Buffer Zone surrounds the core and is used for research and education. The innermost part is the Core Zone, which is a strictly protected area dedicated to the conservation of biodiversity with no human interference.
Q69. Read the following list of Biosphere Reserves in India:
I. Nilgiri
II. Gulf of Mannar
III. Sunderban
IV. Nanda Devi
V. Panna
Which combination represents those recognized under the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) program?
I. Nilgiri
II. Gulf of Mannar
III. Sunderban
IV. Nanda Devi
V. Panna
Which combination represents those recognized under the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) program?
Explanation
UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) program recognizes biosphere reserves that demonstrate a balanced relationship between people and nature. In India, numerous reserves have received this international designation, including Nilgiri, Gulf of Mannar, Sunderban, Nanda Devi, and Panna. These sites are part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves, facilitating global cooperation in conservation, research, and sustainable development.
Q70. Which is the first National Park established in India?
Explanation
Established in 1936 in the Nainital district of the United Provinces, Hailey National Park was the first national park to be created in India. It was later renamed Ramganga National Park and eventually Jim Corbett National Park in honor of the famous hunter-turned-conservationist. Its establishment marked the beginning of formal protected area management for wildlife conservation in the country.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 61 | (b) Bihar |
| 62 | (a) A-iii, B-ii, C-i, D-iv |
| 63 | (c) It frequently roars loudly to establish territory. |
| 64 | (d) High level of health and biodiversity in the freshwater ecosystem. |
| 65 | (c) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct. |
| 66 | (d) Rights allowed in Sanctuaries but strictly prohibited in National Parks. |
| 67 | (a) A-ii, B-i, C-iv, D-iii |
| 68 | (b) II, I, III |
| 69 | (d) I, II, III, IV and V |
| 70 | (d) Hailey National Park (now Jim Corbett) |
Key facts from Biodiversity, Conservation and Sustainable Development
- Genetic diversity is the variation of genes and alleles within a species; alpha diversity is the diversity of species within a habitat.
- Norman Myers proposed the concept of biodiversity hotspots; the Nicobar Islands are part of the Sundaland hotspot.
- The IUCN maintains the Red List of Threatened Species; the Amazon rainforest is called the lungs of the planet.
- The Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act 2022 removed the vermin schedule; the Centre can declare vermin by notification.
- The Cartagena Protocol, Nagoya Protocol and Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework belong to the CBD; the Kyoto Protocol does not.
- Cap and trade sets an emission limit and allows trade of surplus allowances; one carbon credit equals one tonne of CO₂; additionality means reductions must be real.
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on Biodiversity, Conservation and Sustainable Development?
This page has 179 practice MCQs on Biodiversity, Conservation and Sustainable Development (Health, Environment and Agriculture). Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
Who proposed the concept of biodiversity hotspots?
The ecologist Norman Myers. A hotspot is a region with a very high number of endemic species that has lost most of its original habitat, such as the Western Ghats and Sundaland.
What is cap and trade?
A mechanism that sets a limit (cap) on total emissions and issues allowances to firms. Firms that emit less than their allowance can sell the surplus to others, which gives a market price to carbon.
What does additionality mean in carbon offsets?
That the emission reductions must be real and would not have happened without the revenue from carbon credits. A project that would have gone ahead anyway does not earn credits.