Biodiversity part 3

Total Questions: 44

1. The Ramsar Convention was associated with the conservation of - [U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2008]

Correct Answer: (c) Wetlands
Solution:The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, also known as the Ramsar Convention, is an intergovernmental treaty that provides the framework for national action and international cooperation to conserve and wisely use wetlands and their resources. The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands uses a broad definition of wetlands. It includes all lakes and rivers, underground aquifers, swamps and marshes, wet grasslands, peatlands, oases, estuaries, deltas and tidal flats, mangroves and other coastal areas, coral reefs and all human-made sites such as fish ponds, rice fields, reservoirs and salt pans.

2. "Ramsar Convention" is related to : [U.P.R.O./A.R.O. (Re-Exam) (Pre) 2016]

Correct Answer: (d) Wetland conservation
Solution:The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, also known as the Ramsar Convention, is an intergovernmental treaty that provides the framework for national action and international cooperation to conserve and wisely use wetlands and their resources. The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands uses a broad definition of wetlands. It includes all lakes and rivers, underground aquifers, swamps and marshes, wet grasslands, peatlands, oases, estuaries, deltas and tidal flats, mangroves and other coastal areas, coral reefs and all human-made sites such as fish ponds, rice fields, reservoirs and salt pans.

3. Bihar's first Ramsar Site is located in : [66ᵗʰ BPSC Re-Exam 2020]

Correct Answer: (a) Begusarai
Solution:Bihar's first Ramsar Site Kabartal Wetland is located in Begusarai District of the State. Kabartal Wetlands covers an area of 26.20 square Kilometers and declared as Ramsar Sites on 21st July, 2020.

Ramsar Sites in India are designated wetlands recognised for their ecological importance and biodiversity. Currently, India has 49 Ramsar Sites, including notable ones like Chilika Lake, Keoladeo National Park, and Sundarbans.

These sites are crucial habitats for numerous bird species, aquatic life, and various flora, contributing to the country's rich biodiversity. They also play a vital role in supporting local communities, providing resources and livelihoods while helping to maintain ecosystem services such as flood control and water purification.

4. Which is the first Ramsar Site in Bihar? [U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2022]

Correct Answer: (c) Kanwar lake
Solution:Kanwar lake (Kabartal Wetland) in the district of Begusarai is first Ramsar site in Bihar. Ramsar Sites in India are designated wetlands recognised for their ecological importance and biodiversity. Currently, India has 49 Ramsar Sites, including notable ones like Chilika Lake, Keoladeo National Park, and Sundarbans.

These sites are crucial habitats for numerous bird species, aquatic life, and various flora, contributing to the country's rich biodiversity. They also play a vital role in supporting local communities, providing resources and livelihoods while helping to maintain ecosystem services such as flood control and water purification.

5. Wetland day is observed on - [U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2008]

Correct Answer: (a) 2nd February
Solution:World Wetlands Day is celebrated every year on 2 February. This day marks the date of the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands on 2 February, 1971, in the Iranian city of Ramsar. Theme of World Wetland Day, 2024 is - "Wetlands and Human Wellbeing."

Wetlands are vital for human survival. They are among the world's most productive environments, cradles of biological diversity that provide the water and productivity upon which countless species of plants and animals depend for survival. Wetlands are indispensable for the countless benefits or "ecosystem services" that they provide humanity.

These range from freshwater supply, food and building materials, and biodiversity to flood control, groundwater recharge, and climate change mitigation. They are among the most diverse and productive ecosystems. Wetlands provide essential services and supply all our fresh water. However, they continue to be degraded and converted to other uses. This has created an urgent need to stop and conserve the loss of wetlands worldwide through wise use and management of wetlands.

6. Which of the following is Known as "World Wetlands Day"? [U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2023]

Correct Answer: (d) 2 February
Solution:World Wetlands Day is celebrated every year on 2 February aims to raise global awareness about the vital role of wetlands for people and planet. This day also marks the date of the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands on 2 February 1971, in the Iranian city of Ramsar on the Shores of the Caspian Sea. Hence option (d) is correct answer.

Wetlands are vital for human survival. They are among the world's most productive environments, cradles of biological diversity that provide the water and productivity upon which countless species of plants and animals depend for survival. Wetlands are indispensable for the countless benefits or "ecosystem services" that they provide humanity.

These range from freshwater supply, food and building materials, and biodiversity to flood control, groundwater recharge, and climate change mitigation. They are among the most diverse and productive ecosystems. Wetlands provide essential services and supply all our fresh water. However, they continue to be degraded and converted to other uses. This has created an urgent need to stop and conserve the loss of wetlands worldwide through wise use and management of wetlands.

7. In India, which one of the following states has the largest inland saline wetland? [I.A.S. (Pre) 2009]

Correct Answer: (d) Rajasthan
Solution:Sambhar Lake (Rajasthan) is the largest inland Saline wetland of India. Wetlands are vital for human survival. They are among the world's most productive environments, cradles of biological diversity that provide the water and productivity upon which countless species of plants and animals depend for survival. Wetlands are indispensable for the countless benefits or "ecosystem services" that they provide humanity.

These range from freshwater supply, food and building materials, and biodiversity to flood control, groundwater recharge, and climate change mitigation. They are among the most diverse and productive ecosystems. Wetlands provide essential services and supply all our fresh water. However, they continue to be degraded and converted to other uses. This has created an urgent need to stop and conserve the loss of wetlands worldwide through wise use and management of wetlands.

8. Which of the following wetlands are designated as Ramsar sites? [U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2013]

1. Chilka Lake
2. Wuller Lake
3. Keoladeo
4. Loktak

Select the correct answer form the code given below :

Correct Answer: (d) All
Solution:The list of Ramsar Sites comprises wetland of international importance. India currently has 80 sites designated as wetlands of international importance (Ramsar Sites). Ramsar Sites in India are designated wetlands recognised for their ecological importance and biodiversity. Currently, India has 49 Ramsar Sites, including notable ones like Chilika Lake, Keoladeo National Park, and Sundarbans.

These sites are crucial habitats for numerous bird species, aquatic life, and various flora, contributing to the country's rich biodiversity. They also play a vital role in supporting local communities, providing resources and livelihoods while helping to maintain ecosystem services such as flood control and water purification.

9. What are 'Ramsar Sites'? [Uttarakhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2021]

Correct Answer: (c) Wetlands of International Importance
Solution:A Ramsar Site is a wetland site designated to be of international importance. These wetlands are protected under strict guidelines of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. India adds 16 more wetlands to the list of Ramsar sites to make total 80 Ramsar sites in the country in the 75th year of Independence. The 16 new sites include: Six (6) sites in Tamil Nadu, Three (3) in Karnataka Three (3) in Odisha, Two (2) in Jammu & Kashmir and One (1) each in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. Designation of these sites would help in conservation and management of wetlands and wise use of their resources. Tamil Nadu has maximum no. of Ramsar sites (16 nos), followed by UP which has 10 nos. of Ramsar sites.

Brief of 11 Wetlands Designated as Ramsar sites

S.No.Name of wetlandArea in HaState
1.Tampare lake300Odisha
2.Hirskud Reservoir65400
3.Ansupa lake231
4.Yashwant Sagar822.90Madhya Pradesh
5.Chitrangudi Bird

Sanctuary

260.47Tamil Nadu
6.Suchindram Theroor

Wetland Complex

94.23
7.Vaduvur Bird

Sanctuary

112.64
8.Kanjirankulam

Bird Sanctuary

96.89
9.Thane Creek6521.08Maharashtra
10.Hygam Wetland

Conservation Reserve

801.82Jammu and Kashmir
11.Shallbugh Wetland

Conservation Reserve

1675
12.Aghanashini Estuary4801Karnataka
13.Ankasamudra Bird

Conservation Reserve

98Karnataka
14.Magadikereidin

Conservation Reserve

54Karnataka

10. Which one of the following Ramsar Wetland sites is situated in any state of India? [U.P.R.O./A.R.O. (Mains) 2021]

Correct Answer: (b) Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary
Solution:Point Calimere Wildlife & Bird Sanctuary is in Tamil Nadu to be declared as a Ramsar Site on 19th August 2002 and has been designated as Ramsar Site No. 1210. It is located along the Palk Strait covering Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur and Thanjavur with an area of 38,500 Ha.