Biodiversity and Conservation Questions and Answers AP Inter 2nd Year Zoology Chapter 9

Reviewing AP Inter 2nd Year Zoology Study Material Chapter 9 Biodiversity and Conservation Questions and Answers can help students prepare confidently for exams.

AP Inter 2nd Year Zoology 9th Lesson Biodiversity and Conservation Questions and Answers

IV. Very Short Answer Questions

Question 1.
Name the three important components of biodiversity.
Answer:
Three Components of Biodiversity:

1. Genetic Diversity: Variation in genes among individuals of the same species.
2. Species Diversity: Variety of different species found in a particular region.
3. Ecosystem Diversity: Variety of ecosystems and habitats present within a geographical area.

Question 2.
Define species richness.
Answer:

1. Species richness is the total number of different species present in a given area.
2. A greater number of species indicates higher species richness.

Formula: Log S = Log C + Z Log A (In the form y = mx + c)
Where: S = Species richness, A=Area, Z = Slope of the line (rate of increase), C=Y-intercept

Question 3.
Invasion of an Alien species leads to the extinction of native species. Justify this with two examples.
Answer:

1. The introduction of Nile perch into Lake Victoria resulted in the extinction of nearly 200 species of cichlid fishes.
2. The introduction of the African catfish reduced the population of native catfish because the indigenous species could not compete successfully with the invasive fish.

Question 4.
List any four sacred groves in India and their locations.
Answer:
Sacred groves are forest patches protected by local communities because of their religious and cultural importance.

1. Khasi and Jaintia Hills – Meghalaya
2. Aravalli Hills – Rajasthan and Gujarat
3. Sarguja (Bastar region) – Chhattisgarh.
4. Chanda – Madhya Pradesh

Question 5.
Write the full form of IUCN. In which book are threatened species listed?
Answer:

1. IUCN stands for International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources.
2. Threatened species are recorded in the IUCN Red Data Book (Red List).

Question 6.
Differentiate between in-situ and ex-situ conservation.
Answer:

V. Short Answer Questions

Question 1.
What are the reasons for greater biodiversity in the tropics?
Answer:

1. Tropical regions are located on both sides of the equator.
2. These regions have remained ecologically stable for millions of years.
3. They have experienced a long evolutionary history, allowing more time for species formation.
4. Extended evolutionary periods have promoted speciation, resulting in high biodiversity.
5. Tropical climates remain relatively constant throughout the year, encouraging niche specialization and species diversification.
6. Abundant sunlight and rainfall support high primary productivity, providing sufficient food resources for numerous organisms.
7. The Amazon Rainforest in South America is the richest region in terms of biodiversity.

Question 2.
Explain the “evil quartet”.
Answer:
The ‘evil quartet’ refers to the four major causes responsible for biodiversity loss. They are:

1. Habitat Loss and Fragmentation
2. Over-exploitation
3. Invasion of Alien Species
4. Co-extinction

1. Habitat Loss and Fragmentation :

• Deforestation destroys natural habitats.
• Conversion of forests into agricultural land reduces wildlife habitats.
• Pollution degrades habitat quality.
• Fragmentation divides large habitats into smaller isolated patches, reducing population size.

2. Over-exploitation:

• Excessive use of biological resources leads to species decline and extinction.
• Examples include the extinction of the Passenger Pigeon and Steller’s Sea Cow.

3. Invasion of Alien Species:

• Introduced species establish themselves and outcompete native organisms.
• Example: Nile perch introduced into Lake Victoria caused the extinction of many native cichlid fishes.

4. Co-extinction: When one species becomes extinct, another species that depends entirely on it also becomes extinct. Examples: Host-parasite and plant-pollinator relationships.

Question 3.
Explain in brief biodiversity hotspots.
Answer:

1. The idea of Biodiversity Hotspots was proposed by Norman Myers.
2. A biodiversity hotspot is a biogeographical region that contains exceptionally rich biodiversity but is under severe threat due to human activities.
3. These regions possess high species richness and high endemism. and are among the world’s most threatened terrestrial ecosystems.
4. There are about 34 biodiversity hotspots across the world. Examples: Western Ghats, Sri Lanka, Indo-Burma, and the Himalayas.

5. These ecologically important regions are protected through:

• Biosphere Reserves
• National Parks
• Wildlife Sanctuaries
• Sacred Groves.

Question 4.
Explain the “Rivet Popper hypothesis”.
Answer:

1. The Rivet Popper Hypothesis, proposed by Paul Ehrlich, explains the impact of species loss on ecosystem stability.
2. It compares an ecosystem to an airplane.
3. In this analogy, each rivet represents a different species.
4. Losing a few rivets from less important parts may not immediately affect the airplane.
5. However, removing rivets from critical parts such as the wings may lead to the aircraft crashing.
6. Similarly, the gradual disappearance of species weakens ecosystem functioning.
7. The extinction of keystone or critical species can seriously affect the stability of the entire ecosystem.

Question 5.
Write short notes on Ex-situ conservation.
Answer:
Ex-situ conservation is the conservation of endangered species outside their natural habitats under protected and controlled conditions.
Purpose: It is adopted when species are highly endangered and cannot survive safely in the wild.
Conservation Facilities Includes Zoos, Botanical Gardens, Wildlife Parks, and safari parks

Advanced Methods:

• Cryopreservation: Long-term preservation of gametes, embryos, or tissues at’very low temperatures.
• In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): Fertilization carried out under laboratory conditions.
• Tissue Culture: Multiplication and conservation of rare plant species.
• Seed Banks: Long-term storage of seeds to preserve plant diversity.

Importance: Ex-situ conservation helps protect endangered species, preserves genetic diversity, and supports future reintroduction of species into their natural habitats.

I. Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1.
Among the following, select the significance of a biodiversity hotspot?
1. High levels of species richness and high degree of endemism
2. Low species richness and high levels of habitat destruction.
3. High species richness and low levels of habitat loss.
4. Areas with no endemic species but high levels of human impact.
Answer:
1. High levels of species richness and a high degree of endemism

Question 2.
Which of the following is an example of in situ conservation?
1. Seed bank
2. Botanical garden
3. National Park
4. Cryopreservation of gametes
Answer:
3. National Park

Question 3.
Which of the following is NOT a part of the Evil Quartet?
1. Habitat loss and fragmentation
2. Over-exploitation
3. Alien species invasions
4. Climate change
Answer:
4. Climate change

Question 4.
Assertion: IUCN Red List provides information on endangered and threatened species.
Reason: It helps in assessing the risk of extinction and guides conservation priorities.
1. If both assertion and reason are true and reason is the correct explanation of assertion.
2. If both assertion and reason are true but reason is not the correct explanation of assertion.
3. If assertion is true but reason is false.
4. If Assertion is false and Reason is true.
Answer:
1. If both assertion and reason are true and reason is the correct explanation of assertion.

Question 5.
Match List-I with List-II.

Options:
1) a-ii, b-iii, c-v, d-iv, e-i
2) a-iii, b-i, c-.iv, d-ii, e-v
3) a-ii b-iii, c-v, d-iv, e-ii
4) a-v, b-iv, c-ii, d-i, e-iii
Answer:
2) a-iii, b-i, c-iv, d-ii, e-v

II. Fill in the Blanks

1. The Earth Summit (1992), which led to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), was held at …………………… .
Answer:
Rio de Janeiro (Brazil)

2. The thylacine, also called …………………………, became extinct in Australia.
Answer:
Tasmanian tiger

3. In the equation Log S = Log C + Z Log A, Z represents ……………………… .
Answer:
Slope of the line

4. The hotspot spread across northeastern India is called the ……………………………. hotspot.
Answer:
Indo-Burma Hotspot

5. Species like Steller’s Sea Cow went extinct mainly due to ………………… .
Answer:
Over exploitation

III. One Word Answer Questions

Question 1.
Which chemical obtained from the Rauwolfia vomitoria plant varies in concentration across different regions?
Answer:
Reserpine

Question 2.
Which rainforest is referred to as the lungs of the Earth planet?
Answer:
Amazon Rainforest

Question 3.
Name an extinct bird from Mauritius.
Answer:
Dodo

Question 4.
Which method of conservation protects tigers in India’s national parks?
Answer:
In-situ conservation

Question 5.
Which hills in Rajasthan are known for their sacred groves preserved by local villagers?
Answer:
Aravalli Hills.

Objective Questions

Question 1.
Biodiversity mainly refers to the diversity of:
1. Ecosystems only
2. Species only
3. Genes only
4. Life forms at all levels
Answer:
4. Life forms at all levels

Question 2.
The count of species occurring in a particular region is known as:
1. Population density
2. Ecosystem diversity
3. Species diversity
4. Genetic diversity
Answer:
3. Species diversity

Question 3.
The diversity of genes within the same species is termed:
1. Habitat diversity
2. Ecosystem diversity
3. Genetic diversity
4. Species diversity
Answer:
3. Genetic diversity

Question 4.
Diversity found at the habitat/ecosystem level is called:
1. Population diversity
2. Genetic diversity
3. Ecosystem diversity
4. Species diversity
Answer:
3. Ecosystem diversity

Question 5.
Which country possesses the greatest biodiversity?
1. Australia
2. Brazil
3. USA
4. India
Answer:
2. Brazil

Question 6.
India is recognized as a:
1. Desert region
2. Biodiversity hotspot
3. Cold spot
4. Low diversity region
Answer:
2. Biodiversity hotspot

Question 7.
Regions showing high species richness and high endemism are known as:
1. Niches
2. Hotspots
3. Ecosystems
4. Cold spots
Answer:
2. Hotspots

Question 8.
Endemic species are restricted to:
1. Water bodies only
2. One specific region only
3. All regions
4. Two regions
Answer:
2. One specific region only

Question 9.
Which among the following is an endemic species of India?
1. Lion
2. Tiger
3. Nilgiritahr
4. Elephant
Answer:
3. Nilgiritahr

Question 10.
The estimated number of species present worldwide is:
1. 500 million
2. 8.7 million
3. 1 million
4. 100 million
Answer:
2. 8.7 million

Question 11.
Which animal group contains the highest number of species?
1. Birds
2. Fish
3. Insects
4. Mammals
Answer:
3. Insects

Question 12.
Biodiversity reaches its maximum near the:
1. Mountains
2. Equator
3. Deserts
4. Poles
Answer:
2. Equator

Question 13.
Species richness generally decreases from:
1. East to West
2. Equator to poles
3. Poles to equator
4. North to south only
Answer:
2. Equator to poles

Question 14.
The species-area relationship was established by:
1. Lamarck
2. Alexander von Humboldt
3. Darwin
4. Mendel
Answer:
2. Alexander von Humboldt

Question 15.
The species-area relationship follows which type of graph?
1. Random
2. Linear
3. Logarithmic
4. Circular
Answer:
3. Logarithmic

Question 16.
Biodiversity loss is mainly caused by:
1. Mutation
2. Human activities
3. Migration
4. Natural selection
Answer:
2. Human activities

Question 17.
Habitat destruction is considered the major cause of:
1. Migration
2. Biodiversity loss
3. Evolution
4. Mutation
Answer:
2. Biodiversity loss

Question 18.
Excessive exploitation of natural resources leads to:
1. Conservation
2. Mutation
3. Growth
4. Biodiversity loss
Answer:
4. Biodiversity loss

Question 19.
Introduction of alien species mainly results in:
1. Isolation
2. Mutation
3. Balance
4. Competition
Answer:
4. Competition

Question 20.
The introduction of Nile perch mainly affected the biodiversity of:
1. Australia
2. Africa
3. America
4. India
Answer:
2. Africa

Question 21.
Which of the following is NOT responsible for biodiversity loss?
1. Habitat loss
2. Pollution
3. Conservation
4. Over-exploitation
Answer:
3. Conservation

Question 22.
Conservation refers to:
1. Mutation
2. Protection
3. Isolation
4. Destruction
Answer:
2. Protection

Question 23.
In-situ conservation means conserving organisms in:
1. Zoo
2. Natural habitat
3. Laboratory
4. Museum
Answer:
2. Natural habitat

Question 24.
National parks are examples of:
1. Artificial conservation
2. In-situ conservation
3. Genetic conservation
4. Ex-situ conservation
Answer:
2. In-situ conservation

Question 25.
Wildlife sanctuaries are mainly meant for:
1. Hunting
2. Protection of species
3. Fanning
4. Mutation
Answer:
2. Protection of species

Question 26.
Botanical gardens are mainly used for:
1. Hunting
2. Plant conservation
3. Mutation
4. Animal conservation
Answer:
2. Plant conservation

Question 27.
Seed banks are primarily meant for storing:
1. Animals
2. Water
3. Seeds
4. Soil
Answer:
3. Seeds

Question 28.
Which among the following is a biodiversity hotspot in India?
1. Plains
2. Western Ghats
3. Himalayas only
4. Desert
Answer:
2. Western Ghats

Question 29.
Increased biodiversity improves ecosystem:
1. Mutation
2. Stability
3. Isolation
4. Instability
Answer:
2. Stability

Question 30.
Which of the following is considered an ecosystem service?
1. Oxygen production
2. Food
3. Water
4. All of these
Answer:
4. All of these

Question 31.
The Red Data Book mainly provides information about:
1. Animals only
2. Genes
3. Plants only
4. Endangered species
Answer:
4. Endangered species

Question 32.
Extinction means:
1. Growth
2. Mutation
3. Complete disappearance
4. Migration
Answer:
3. Complete disappearance

Question 33.
Which of the following is NOT an ecosystem service?
1. Pollution
2. Oxygen production
3. Pollination
4. Nutrient cycling
Answer:
1. Pollution

Question 34.
Sacred groves are examples of:
1. Migration
2. Pollution
3. Mutation
4. Conservation
Answer:
4. Conservation

Question 35.
Conservation helps in maintaining:
1. Growth only
2. Mutation
3. Isolation
4. Biodiversity
Answer:
4. Biodiversity

Question 36.
Biodiversity hotspots are regions having:
1. Low biodiversity
2. No biodiversity
3. Medium biodiversity
4. Biodiversity
Answer:
4. Biodiversity

Question 37.
Loss of biodiversity mainly affects:
1. Human life
2. Environment
3. Ecosystem stability
4. All of these
Answer:
4. All of these

Question 38.
Which among the following is a major reason for extinction?
1. Pollution
2. Habitat loss
3. Over-exploitation
4. All of these
Answer:
4. All of these

Question 39.
Which of the following is an example of ex-situ conservation?
1. Sanctuary
2. National park
3. Forest
4. Zoo
Answer:
4. Zoo

Question 40.
Species richness in a region is directly associated with:
1. Area size
2. Rainfall only
3. Mutation
4. Temperature only
Answer:
1. Area size

Question 41.
Tropical regions possess greater biodiversity because of:
1. Stable climate
2. High mutation
3. Low sunlight
4. Extreme climatic conditions
Answer:
1. Stable climate

Question 42.
On a logarithmic scale, the species-area relationship becomes:
1. Random
2. Straight line
3. Circle
4. Curve
Answer:
2. Straight line

Question 43.
Larger geographical areas generally support:
1. Same species diversity
2. Higher species diversity
3. Lower species diversity
4. No species
Answer:
2. Higher species diversity

Question 44.
Which factor contributes significantly to biodiversity loss?
1. Habitat destruction
2. Pollution
3. Over-exploitation
4. All of these
Answer:
4. All of these

Question 45.
Which of the following is an alien species?
1. Endemic species
2. Introduced species
3. Rare species
4. Native species
Answer:
2. Introduced species

Question 46.
The introduction of alien species may result in:
1. Increased biodiversity
2. Competition and extinction
3. Stability
4. Mutation
Answer:
2. Competition and extinction

Question 47.
Co-extinction refers to the extinction of:
1. One species
2. Two unrelated species
3. Interdependent species
4. Only plants
Answer:
3. Interdependent species

Question 48.
Which ecosystem exhibits the highest biodiversity?
1. Polar region
2. Desert
3. Tropical rainforest
4. Tundra
Answer:
3. Tropical rainforest

Question 49.
Biodiversity hotspots are identified based on:
1. Soil type
2. High endemism and threat
3. Climate
4. Low species richness
Answer:
2. High endemism and threat

Question 50.
India possesses how many biodiversity hotspots?
1. 6
2. 4
3. 8
4. 2
Answer:
2. 4

Question 51.
The Western Ghats are famous for:
1. Polar conditions
2. High endemism
3. Desert climate
4. Low biodiversity
Answer:
2. High endemism

Question 52.
Which of the following is included under in situ conservation?
1. Seed banks
2. National parks
3. Botanical gardens
4. Zoos
Answer:
2. National parks

Question 53.
Which of the following is an example of ex-situ conservation?
1. Forest
2. Sanctuary
3. Grassland
4. Zoo
Answer:
2. Sanctuary

Question 54.
Sacred groves are mainly preserved for:
1. Mutation
2. Biodiversity conservation
3. Isolation
4. Religious purposes only
Answer:
1. Mutation

Question 55.
The Red Data Book is mainly useful for:
1. Mutation
2. Tracking endangered species
3. Growth studies
4. Isolation
Answer:
1. Mutation

Question 56.
Which category of species is at the highest risk?
1. Common
2. Endangered
3. Stable
4. Abundant
Answer:
1. Common

Question 57.
Ecosystem services include:
1. Pollination
2. Nutrient cycling
3. Climate regulation
4. All of these
Answer:
1. Pollination

Question 58.
Which of the following is NOT a conservation method?
1. Protection
2. Awareness
3. Deforestation
4. Afforestation
Answer:
1. Protection

Question 59.
Conservation strategies primarily aim at:
1. Sustainable use
2. Protection
3. Management
4. All of these
Answer:
3. Management

Question 60.
Biodiversity loss results in:
1. Mutation
2. Growth
3. Stability
4. Imbalance
Answer:
2. Growth

Question 61.
Which of the following is an ecosystem service?
1. Soil formation
2. Oxygen production
3. Water purification
4. All of these
Answer:
3. Water purification

Question 62.
Biodiversity loss caused by habitat destruction is considered:
1. Rare cause
2. Major cause
3. Minor cause
4. No cause
Answer:
4. No cause

Question 63.
Which of the following contributes to co-extinction?
1. Parasitism
2. Mutualism
3. Interdependence
4. All of these
Answer:
1. Parasitism

Question 64.
In-situ conservation helps preserve species in:
1. Laboratories
2. Natural habitats
3. Zoos
4. All of these
Answer:
1. Laboratories

Question 65.
Biodiversity enhances ecosystems by improving:
1. Stability
2. Mutation
3. Isolation
4. Instability
Answer:
1. Stability

Question 66.
Climate change influences biodiversity by:
1. Causing extinction
2. Altering habitats
3. Changing species distribution
4. All of these
Answer:
Altering habitats

Question 67.
Genetic diversity is essential for:
1. Evolution
2. Survival
3. Adaptation
4. All of these
Answer:
2. Survival

Question 68.
Which of the following is NOT a level of biodiversity?
1. Cellular
2. Species
3. Ecosystem
4. Genetic
Answer:
4. Genetic

Question 69.
Endemic species are generally more prone to:
1. Stability
2. Extinction
3. Growth
4. Mutation
Answer:
3. Growth

Question 70.
The ultimate objective of biodiversity conservation is:
1. Mutation
2. Sustainable development
3. Isolation
4. Protection only
Answer:
2. Sustainable development