Biodiversity MCQs Quiz | Class 10
This quiz covers Class X, Geography, Unit: Forest and Wildlife Resources, specifically on Biodiversity. Topics included are conservation and protection. Test your knowledge, then submit your answers and download a detailed PDF of your results!
Understanding Biodiversity, Conservation, and Protection
Biodiversity, the intricate web of life on Earth, is fundamental to ecosystem health and human well-being. It encompasses the variety of genes, species, and ecosystems across the planet. This section explores its significance, the critical threats it faces, and various strategies employed for its effective conservation and protection.
Key Concepts in Biodiversity and Conservation
- What is Biodiversity? Refers to the variety of life forms on Earth, including genetic diversity (variation within a species), species diversity (number of different species), and ecosystem diversity (variety of habitats and ecological processes).
- Importance of Biodiversity:
- Ecological Services: Biodiversity underpins essential ecosystem services such as pollination, pest control, water purification, soil formation, and climate regulation.
- Economic Value: Provides essential resources like food, medicine, timber, fuel, and raw materials for industries. It also supports tourism and recreation.
- Aesthetic and Cultural Value: Inspires art, literature, and provides spiritual and recreational opportunities, contributing significantly to human culture and quality of life.
- Threats to Biodiversity (Causes of Decline):
- Habitat Loss and Fragmentation: The most significant threat, often resulting from deforestation, agriculture expansion, urbanization, and industrial development, which destroys or breaks up natural habitats.
- Poaching and Illegal Trade: The illicit hunting and trading of wildlife for valuable products like tusks, fur, meat, or medicinal purposes, driving many species towards extinction.
- Pollution: Contamination of air, water, and soil with harmful substances (e.g., plastics, pesticides, industrial waste) directly impacts species health and ecosystem function.
- Climate Change: Global warming leads to shifting habitats, altered weather patterns, extreme events, and ocean acidification, pushing species beyond their adaptive capacity.
- Invasive Alien Species: Non-native species introduced to new environments can outcompete native species, disrupt ecosystems, and cause extinctions.
- Conservation Strategies:
- In-situ Conservation: Protecting species in their natural habitats.
- National Parks: Strictly protected areas established for the conservation of wildlife and natural environment, where human activities like grazing or forestry are generally prohibited.
- Wildlife Sanctuaries: Areas designated for the protection of specific animal species, allowing limited human activities that do not interfere with wildlife.
- Biosphere Reserves: Internationally recognized areas that aim to reconcile conservation of biodiversity with its sustainable use. They typically have a core zone, buffer zone, and transition zone.
- Ex-situ Conservation: Protecting species outside their natural habitats.
- Zoological Gardens (Zoos): Facilitate breeding programs for endangered species, public education, and scientific research.
- Botanical Gardens: Collections and cultivation of plant species for conservation, research, and education.
- Seed Banks/Gene Banks: Storage facilities for genetic material (seeds, eggs, sperm, tissue cultures) to preserve genetic diversity for future generations.
- In-situ Conservation: Protecting species in their natural habitats.
- Protection Initiatives in India:
- Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: A landmark legislation that provides a legal framework for the protection of wild animals, birds, and plants, banning hunting and protecting specified species.
- Project Tiger (1973): One of the most successful wildlife conservation ventures, launched to protect the Bengal Tiger and its habitat, leading to a significant increase in tiger populations.
- Project Elephant (1992): Aims to protect elephants, their habitats, and corridors, and address human-elephant conflict.
- Extensive Network of Protected Areas: India boasts a vast network of National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, and Biosphere Reserves to conserve its rich biodiversity.
Types of Protected Areas in India
| Type | Description | Strictness of Protection |
|---|---|---|
| National Park | Dedicated to protect wildlife and their environment. No human activities like grazing or private land ownership allowed. | Very High |
| Wildlife Sanctuary | Dedicated to protect a specific species or a group of species. Limited human activities and regulated grazing are sometimes permitted. | High |
| Biosphere Reserve | A large area of natural habitat for conservation and sustainable use. Divided into core (strictly protected), buffer, and transition zones. | Moderate |
Quick Revision
- Biodiversity is the variety of life at all levels, crucial for ecosystem health.
- Major threats include habitat destruction, poaching, pollution, climate change, and invasive species.
- Conservation methods are broadly categorized into in-situ (e.g., National Parks) and ex-situ (e.g., Zoos).
- India has robust legal frameworks (Wildlife Protection Act, 1972) and initiatives (Project Tiger) for protecting its natural heritage.
Extra Practice Questions
- List three major threats to biodiversity.
- Differentiate between in-situ and ex-situ conservation with an example for each.
- What is the significance of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972?
- Name any two National Parks in India known for tiger conservation.
- Explain how deforestation impacts biodiversity.
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