Biodiversity part 3

Total Questions: 44

31. The 10th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Conference on 'Biological Diversity' was held at : [U.P. U.D.A./L.D.A. (Mains) 2010]

(a) Beijing
(b) Copenhagen
(c) Nagoya
(d) New York

Correct Answer: (c) Nagoya

Solution:The tenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP 10) was held in Nagoya, Japan, from 18 to 29 October, 2010. Nagoya Biodiversity Summit concluded with the adoption of historical decisions that would permit the community of nations to meet the unprecedented challenges of the continued loss of biodiversity compounded by climate change. The eleventh meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP-11) was held in Hyderabad, India, from 8 to 19 October, 2012. The Twelfth meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP-12) was held in Pyeongchang, the Republic of Korea from 6 - 17 October, 2014. Fifteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP-15) was held in Kunming, China from 11-15 October 2021 and 2nd phase was held in December 2022 in Montreal Canada.

32. Which of the following statements is/are correct? Proper design and effective implementation of UNREDD+ Programme can significantly contribute to: [I.A.S. (Pre) 2016]

1. Protection of biodiversity
2. Resilience of forest ecosystems
3. Poverty Reduction

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

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

Correct Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3

Solution:UN-REDD (Reducing Emission from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) is an inter-institutional progamme under the aegis of UNFCCC member countries. This programme was started in 2008. Institutions like UNDP, FAO and UNEP are associated with this programme. The objective of this programme is to mitigate climate change by reducing net emission of greenhouse gases through enhanced forest management in developing countries. UN-REDD + Programme focuses on conservation and sustainable management of forests. It plays a vital role in mitigating adverse effects of climate change. Proper design and effective implementation of UN-REDD + programme can significantly contribute to the protection of biodiversity and maintaining the resilience of forest ecosystem. It also provides technical and financial support to developing countries thus contributing to poverty alleviation.

33. With reference to an initiative called 'The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB)', which of the following statements is/are correct? [I.A.S. (Pre) 2016]

1. It is an initiative hosted by UNEP, IMF and World Economic Forum.
2. It is a global Initiative that focuses on Drawing attention to the economic benefits of biodiversity.
3. It present an approach that can help decision-makers recognize, demonstrate and capture the value of ecosystems and biodiversity.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below :

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

Correct Answer: (c) 2 and 3 only

Solution:The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB) is a global initiative focused on "making nature's values visible". Its principal objective is to mainstream the values of biodiversity and ecosystem services into decision-making at all levels. It aims to achieve this goal by following a structured approach to valuation that helps decision makers recognize the wide range of benefits provided by ecosystems and biodiversity, demonstrates their values in economic terms and where appropriate, captures these values in decisions making. It was launched by Germany and European Union in March 2007 and the study was led by Pavan Sukhdev from 2007 to 2011.

34. Concerning a conservation organization called 'Wetlands International', which of the following statements is/are correct? [I.A.S. (Pre) 2014]

1. It is an inter-governmental organization formed by the countries which are signatories to Ramsar Convention.
2. It works at the ground level to develop and mobilize knowledge, and use the practical experience to advocate for better policies.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below :

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Correct Answer: (b) 2 only

Solution:Wetlands International is a global organization that works to sustain and restore wetlands and their resources for people and biodiversity. It is an independent, not-for-profit, global organization supported by Government and NGO membership from around the world. Its head office is in the Netherlands. Wetlands International works in many thematic areas throughout the world. It is the leading scientific expert on peatlands and climate change as well as wetlands and waterbird migration based on extensive research as well as field projects. Wetlands International's work ranges from research and community-based field projects to advocacy and engagement with Governments, corporate and international policy fora and conventions. Wetlands International works through partnerships and is supported by contributions from an extensive specialist expert network and tens of thousands of volunteers.

35. The tallest known living tree : [40ᵗʰB.P.S.C. (Pre) 1995]

(a) Eucalyptus
(b) Sequoia
(c) Deodar
(d) Parnang

Correct Answer: (b) Sequoia

Solution:The tallest known tree is Redwood (Sequoia). It is found in California (U.S.A.). This species includes the tallest living trees on Earth, reaching up to 381 feet (116.07.5m) in height.

Eucalyptus: While Eucalyptus regnans is the tallest flowering plant, it is not as tall as the giant sequoias.

Deodar: Deodar (Cedrus deodara) is a large, evergreen tree, but it is not the tallest in the world.

Parnang: Parnang is not a known tree species, so it is not a contender for the title of tallest tree.

36. Which one of the following is not responsible for the extinction of a species? [U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2014]

(a) Broad niche
(b) Large body size
(c) Narrow niche
(d) Lack of genetic variability

Correct Answer: (a) Broad niche

Solution:In ecology, the term "niche" describes the role an organism plays in a community. A species' niche encompasses both the physical and environmental conditions it requires (like temperature or terrain) and the interactions it has with other species (like predation or competition). In general, species that have narrow or limited niches are considered to be specialist species. Koalas which feed only on leaves from eucalyptus trees in Australia, are an example of a specialist species. Species with broader niches, like coyotes or raccoons are considered generalists.

37. Sea buckthorn has a huge global market potential. the berries of this plant are rich in vitamins and nutrients. Genghis Khan used them to improve the stamina of his troops. Russian cosmonauts used its oil to combat radiation. Where is this plant found in India? [U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2004]

(a) Nagaland
(b) Ladakh
(c) Kodaikanal
(d) Pondicheery

Correct Answer: (b) Ladakh

Solution:Sea buckthorn is a medicinal plant found in the Himalayan region. India holds tremendous potential in respect of Sea buckthorn fruit production and diverse varieties which have health-promoting properties and can play a crucial role in preventing soil erosion and help nitrogen fixation in cold and desert areas. Sea buckthorn fruits grow in the cold deserts of Ladakh, Lahaul-Spiti in Himachal Pradesh and some parts of Arunachal Pradesh.

38. The Government of India encourages the cultivation of 'sea buckthorn'. What is the importance of this plant? [I.A.S. (Pre) 2012]

1. It helps in controlling soil erosion and preventing desertification.
2. It is a rich source of biodiesel.
3. It has nutritional value and is well-adapted to grow in cold areas of high altitudes.
4. Its timber is of great commercial value.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) Only 1
(b) 2, 3 and 4
(c) 1 and 3
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Correct Answer: (c) 1 and 3

Solution:Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) is a plant found throughout Europe and Asia. In India, it is found above the tree line in the Himalayan region, generally in dry areas such as the cold deserts of Ladakh and Spiti. It is naturally distributed over 11,500 hectares in the Ladakh region. It produces small orange or yellow-coloured berries that are sour in taste but rich in vitamins, especially vitamin C.The bushy character of the plant with a high density of branches helps in checking soil erosion and helps in soil stabilization.

The shrub can withstand extreme temperatures ranging from minus 43 degrees Celsius to 40 degrees Celsius and is considered drought-resistant. These two characteristics make the shrub an ideal plant species to establish in cold deserts. Sea Buckthorn berries have a unique characteristic of remaining intact on the shrub throughout the winter months despite the subzero temperature.

39. Two important river-one with its source in Jharkhand (and known by a different name in Odisha) and another with its source in Odisha-merge at a place only before flowing into the sea. this is an important site of wildlife and biodiversity and a protected area. Which one of the following could be this? [I.A.S. (Pre) 2011]

(a) Bhitarkanika
(b) Chandipur-on-sea
(c) Gopalpur-on-sea
(d) Simlipal

Correct Answer: (a) Bhitarkanika

Solution:Brahmani and Vaitarni rivers merge at Bhitarkanika before emptying into the sea. Bhitarkanika is a protected area for wildlife and biodiversity. Brahmani river is known as South Koel in Jharkhand. The Brahmani river is formed by the confluence of South Koel and Sankh rivers near Rourkela. Vaitarni river originates from Guptaganga hills in Keonjhar district of Orissa.

40. Consider the following : [I.A.S. (Pre) 2014]

1. Bats
2. Bears
3. Rodents

The phenomenon of hibernation can be observed in which of the above kinds of animals?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) Hibernation cannot be observed in any of the above

Correct Answer: (c) 1, 2 and 3

Solution:Hibernation or winter sleep refers to a state of inactivity among animals spending winter in a dormant state. It is a survival strategy designed to conserve energy when weather conditions are not favourable. This condition is observed among both types of animals, cold blooded and warm blooded. Squirrels, bears and some bats resort to hibernation in winter when they do not find means to feed themselves. In this state, animal's metabolism slows, it's temperature plunges and breathing slows. To face this situation they eat heavily in summer and autumn, storing fat to survive in winter. Mammals like squirrels, muskrats, mice and other rodents fall under this category of animals.

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