Biodiversity part 3

Total Questions: 44

21. National Biodiversity Authority of India was established in - [U.P.R.O./A.R.O. (Mains) 2014]

(a) 2003, in Chennai
(b) 2003, in Bengaluru
(c) 2003, in Hyderabad
(d) 2003, in Kerala

Correct Answer: (a) 2003, in Chennai

Solution:The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) is a statutory authority set up under India's Biological Diversity Act (2002). It came into existence in 2003, with its headquarters in Chennai. It provides facilitative, regulatory, and advisory functions to the Government of India on issues of conservation, sustainable use, and fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the country's biological resources. Under the Biodiversity Act, 2002 and Biodiversity Rules, 2004, the following two other entities have been established to complement the NBA:

State Biodiversity Boards (SBB) at the State level, and
Biodiversity Management Committees (BMC) at the local village level.

22. How does the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) help in protecting Indian agriculture? [I.A.S. (Pre) 2012]

1. NBA checks the biopiracy and protects indigenous and traditional genetic resources.
2. NBA directly monitors and supervises the scientific research on genetic modification of crop plants.
3. Application for Intellectual Property Rights related to genetic/biological resources cannot be made without the approval of the NBA.

Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?

(a) only 1
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 3
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer: (c) 1 and 3

Solution:The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) with its headquarters in Chennai, was established in 2003 to implement India's Biological Diversity Act. 2002, The Act covers conservation, use of biological resources and associated knowledge. It provides a framework for access to biological resources and sharing the benefits arising out of such access and use. The Act also includes in its ambit the transfer of research results and application for Intellectual Property Right (IPR) relating to Indian biological resources. The Genetic Engineering Appraisal committee (GEAC) functioning under Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change is responsible for monitoring and supervising scientific research on genetic modification of crop plants and other organisms, so statement 2 is incorrect.

23. Concerning an organization known as 'Bird Life International' Which of the following statements is/are correct? [I.A.S. (Pre) 2015]

1. It is a Global Partnership of Conservation Organizations.
2. The concept of 'biodiversity hotspots' originated from this organization.
3. It identifies the sites referred to as 'Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas'.

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer: (c) 1 and 3 only

Solution:Bird Life International is a global partnership of non- governmental conservation organizations that strives to conserve birds, their habitats and global biodiversity. It is the world's largest partnership of conservation organizations, with more than 115 partner organizations. This organization identifies important bird and bio-diversity areas. It has so far identified more than 13000 such areas. Concept of biodiversity hot spots was propounded by British environmentalist Norman Myres. Hence, Statement 2 is incorrect while statements 1 and 3 are correct.

24. Which one of the following statements is correct? [I.A.S. (Pre) 2005]

(a) The First Meeting of the Parties (MOP 1) to the Cartagena protocol on Biosafety was held in the Philippines in the year 2004.
(b) India is not a signatory to the Biosafety Protocol/Convention on Biological Diversity.
(c) The Biosafety protocol deals with genetically modified organisms.
(d) The United States Of America is a member of the Biosafety Protocol/ Convention on Biological Diversity.

Correct Answer: (c) The Biosafety protocol deals with genetically modified organisms.

Solution:The first Meeting of the Parties (MOP 1) to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety was held on 23-27 February, 2004 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Hence, statements (a) is in correct. India in January, 2001, signed (ratified in 2003), Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety or the Convention on Biological Diversity. Hence statement (b) is also incorrect. It is designed to protect both biological diversity and human life from any adverse effects of organisms modified by technology. Hence, statement (c) is correct. The United States of America is not a member of the Biosafety Cartagena Protocol/Convention on Biological Diversity. Hence statement (d) is also incorrect.

25. Recently the Ecuadorians have made a historic decision by rejecting oil drilling by a referendum in which of the following biodiversity regions of Amazon? [Raj. P.C.S. (Pre) 2023]

(a) Manu National Park
(b) Jau National Park
(c) Yasuni National Park
(d) Tumucumaque National Park
(e) Question not attempted

Correct Answer: (c) Yasuni National Park

Solution:Recently the Ecuadorians have made a historic decision by rejecting oil drilling by a referendum in Yasuni National Park biodiverse regions of Amazon. UNESCO designated Yasuni as a world biosphere reserve in 1989.

It is situated in the northeastern part of Ecuador, within the Napo and Pastaza provinces.It covers an area of approximately 9,820 square km (3,791 square miles). The park is considered one of the most biologically diverse areas on Earth.

It is estimated that Yasuni contains around 670 species of birds, over 150 species of amphibians, and numerous large mammals like jaguars, pumas, and tapirs. Yasuni is home to several indigenous communities, including the Waorani and Kichwa peoples, who have lived in the area for generations and have a deep connection to the land.

26. Consider the following statements in respect of Trade Records Analysis of Fauna and Flora in Commerce (TRAFFIC) : [I.A.S. (Pre) 2017]

1. TRAFFIC is a bureau under the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
2. The mission of TRAFFIC is to ensure that trade in wild plants and animals is not a threat to the Conservation of nature.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Correct Answer: (b) 2 only

Solution:Trade Records Analysis of Fauna and Flora in Commerce (TRAFFIC) is a non-government organization. It serves to monitor the trade of wild plants and animals in the context of sustainable development and biodiversity conservation. The mission of TRAFFIC is to ensure that the trade of wild plants and animals does not threaten the conservation of nature. TRAFFIC was established in 1976. It is a strategic alliance of WWF and IUCN. IT is not a bureau under UNEP.

27. India is a party to the Ramsar Convention and has declared many areas as Ramsar Sites. Which of the following statements best describes as to how we should maintain these sites in the context of this Convention? [I.A.S. (Pre) 2010]

(a) Keep all the sites completely inaccessible to man so that they can not be exploited.
(b) Conserve all the sites through ecosystem approach and permit tourism and recreation only.
(c) Conserve all the sites through ecosystem approach for a specific period without and exploitation, with specific criteria and specific period for each site, and then allow sustainable use of them by future generations.
(d) Conserve all the sites through ecosystem approach and allow their simultaneous sustainable use.

Correct Answer: (d) Conserve all the sites through ecosystem approach and allow their simultaneous sustainable use.

Solution:India is a party to Ramsar Convention and has declared many areas as Ramsar Sites to conserve all the site through an Ecosystem approach and allow their simultaneous sustainable use. 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.

28. Consider the following international agreements : [I.A.S. (Pre) 2014]

1. The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture
2. The United Nations Convention to combat Desertification
3. The World Heritage Convention

Which of the above has/had a bearing on the biodiversity?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3

Solution:The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (IT PGRFA) is popularly known as the International Seed Treaty. It is a comprehensive international agreement in harmony with the Convention on Biological Diversity. It aims at guaranteeing food security through the conservation, exchange and sustainable use of the world's plant genetic resources for food and agriculture. The World Heritage Convention and the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification also has a bearing on the biodiversity.

29. Governments of India in collaboration with the Norwegian Government has established a centre for biodiversity policy and Law at - [U.P. R.O./A.R.O. (Mains) 2017]

(a) Dehradun
(b) Chennai
(c) Shillong
(d) New Delhi

Correct Answer: (b) Chennai

Solution:Government of India in collaboration with the Norwegian Government has established a "Centre for Biodiversity Policy and Law (CEBPOL)" in the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA), Chennai, to develop professional expertise in biodiversity policies and laws and develop the capacity building.

30. Which one of the following Union Ministries implements the Cartagena Protocol on Biodiversity? [I.A.S. (Pre) 2009]

(a) Ministry of Science and Technology
(b) Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
(c) Ministry of Environment and Forests
(d) Ministry of Chemical and Fertilizers

Correct Answer: (c) Ministry of Environment and Forests

Solution:The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety or the Convention on Biological Diversity is an international agreement which aims to ensure the safe handling, transport and use of Living Modified Organism (LMO) resulting from modern biotechnology that may have adverse effects on biological diversity, also taking into account risks to human health. It was adopted on 29 January, 2000 and entered into force on 11 September, 2003. India signed the Biosafety Protocol on 23rd January, 2001. In India, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Implements this protocol.

« Previous 1 234 5 Next »