Q71. Identify the incorrect statement regarding the Protected Area Network.
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 71–80 of 179 questions
Q72. The following question consists of two statements, Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Select the correct answer from the options given below:
Assertion (A): Conservation Reserves act as buffer zones or migration corridors between established national parks and sanctuaries.
Reason (R): They are typically declared on government-owned land adjacent to national parks and sanctuaries to enhance landscape-level conservation.
Assertion (A): Conservation Reserves act as buffer zones or migration corridors between established national parks and sanctuaries.
Reason (R): They are typically declared on government-owned land adjacent to national parks and sanctuaries to enhance landscape-level conservation.
Explanation
Conservation Reserves are established on government-owned land, particularly in areas adjacent to National Parks and Sanctuaries. These reserves are designed to act as vital buffer zones or migratory corridors, enhancing conservation at the landscape level. Because they provide connectivity between established protected areas, the reasoning accurately explains the strategic ecological purpose of declaring these specific regions as Conservation Reserves today.
Q73. All of the following are recognized Biosphere Reserves in India, EXCEPT:
Explanation
India has identified eighteen biosphere reserves, including Cold Desert, Seshachalam Hills, and Achanakmar-Amarkantak. While Chilika Lake is a highly significant wetland, a Ramsar site, and a major biodiversity hotspot, it is not officially notified as one of the eighteen Biosphere Reserves under the national program. It is primarily managed as a wetland ecosystem rather than a multi-zoned biosphere reserve under MAB.
Q74. What is the most appropriate purpose of declaring Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) around National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries?
Explanation
Eco-Sensitive Zones are notified around National Parks and Sanctuaries to create a transition area between highly protected habitats and areas with intensive human activity. These zones act as "shock absorbers" by regulating certain activities to minimize the negative impact of development on the core ecosystem. They help maintain ecological stability without requiring the total relocation of all local human populations nearby.
Q75. The Desert National Park in Rajasthan is famous for harboring a significant population of which critically endangered state bird?
Explanation
Desert National Park, located in the Jaisalmer and Barmer districts, is one of the last strongholds of the Great Indian Bustard. Locally known as Godawan, this critically endangered bird is the state bird of Rajasthan. The park’s vast grasslands and scrublands provide the essential habitat required for the survival and breeding of this majestic and highly threatened species in western India.
Q76. Read the following statements regarding Ranthambore National Park:
I. It is situated at the junction of the Aravalli and Vindhya hill ranges.
II. It is renowned for its Bengal Tiger population.
III. It is located in the Jaisalmer district of Rajasthan.
Which of the given statements is/are correct?
I. It is situated at the junction of the Aravalli and Vindhya hill ranges.
II. It is renowned for its Bengal Tiger population.
III. It is located in the Jaisalmer district of Rajasthan.
Which of the given statements is/are correct?
Explanation
Ranthambore National Park is famously situated at the junction of the Aravalli and Vindhya mountain ranges and is a major site for Bengal tiger conservation. However, it is located in the Sawai Madhopur district, not Jaisalmer. Therefore, while the geological and biological descriptions are accurate, the geographical location provided in the third statement is incorrect, making only the first two valid.
Q77. Match the following Protected Areas in Rajasthan in List I with their key features or species in List II:
| Protected Area in Rajasthan | Key Feature/Species |
|---|---|
| A. Keoladeo National Park | i. Flying Squirrel |
| B. Desert National Park | ii. Blackbuck |
| C. Sitamata Wildlife Sanctuary | iii. Siberian Crane (historically wintering site) |
| D. Tal Chhapar Sanctuary | iv. Great Indian Bustard Options: |
Explanation
Keoladeo National Park is historically famous for the wintering Siberian Crane. Desert National Park is the primary habitat for the Great Indian Bustard. Sitamata Wildlife Sanctuary is uniquely known for the presence of the flying squirrel. Tal Chhapar Sanctuary provides a specialized habitat for the blackbuck. Mapping these species to their respective protected areas highlights the extremely diverse and unique wildlife of Rajasthan.
Q78. Mukundra Hills (Darrah), declared as a Tiger Reserve in Rajasthan, is primarily spread across which districts?
Explanation
Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve, also known as Darrah, is located in southeastern Rajasthan. Its territory is spread across the districts of Kota, Bundi, Chittorgarh, and Jhalawar. This reserve encompasses the Darrah, Jawahar Sagar, and Chambal Wildlife Sanctuaries. It represents a vital hilly and forested landscape that supports a variety of wildlife and was notified to expand the tiger habitat in the state.
Q79. Which type of vegetation is most dominant in the Desert National Park of Rajasthan?
Explanation
The Desert National Park is situated within the Thar Desert and experiences extreme arid conditions. Consequently, the dominant vegetation consists of tropical thorn forests and scrublands. These ecosystems are characterized by drought-resistant species like Khejri, Rohida, and various grasses. This vegetation is perfectly adapted to the low rainfall and high temperatures of the western Rajasthan landscape, supporting specialized desert wildlife.
Q80. Read the following statements and select the correct option:
Statement I: Keoladeo National Park was formerly known as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary.
Statement II: Keoladeo National Park is recognized as a Ramsar Wetland site and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Statement I: Keoladeo National Park was formerly known as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary.
Statement II: Keoladeo National Park is recognized as a Ramsar Wetland site and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Explanation
Keoladeo National Park, formerly known as the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, is a world-renowned avifauna reserve. It has been designated as a Ramsar Wetland site due to its ecological importance for migratory birds. Additionally, its exceptional biodiversity and habitat value led to its recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Both statements accurately describe the history and international status of this area.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 71 | (c) Wildlife Sanctuary - Complete ban on collection of minor forest produce |
| 72 | (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. |
| 73 | (a) Chilika Lake |
| 74 | (b) A transition zone acting as a ‘shock absorber’ for protected areas. |
| 75 | (b) Great Indian Bustard (Godawan) |
| 76 | (a) I and II only |
| 77 | (a) A-iii, B-iv, C-i, D-ii |
| 78 | (c) Kota, Bundi, Chittorgarh and Jhalawar |
| 79 | (b) Tropical thorn forests and scrublands |
| 80 | (c) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct. |
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.