Biodiversity & Species PYQs

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1. Prelims 2017Q67Biodiversity & Species

   If you want to see gharials in their natural habitat, which one of the following is the best place to visit ?

   aBhitarkanika MangrovesbChambal RivercPulicat LakedDeepor Beel
2. Prelims 2016Q22Biodiversity & Species

   In which of the following regions of India are you most likely to come across the 'Great Indian Hornbill' in its natural habitat?

   aSand deserts of northwest IndiabHigher Himalayas of Jammu and KashmircSalt marshes of western GujaratdWestern Ghats
3. Prelims 2016Q44Biodiversity & Species

   What is/are unique about 'Kharai camel', a breed found in India?

   1.It is capable of swimming up to three kilometres in seawater.

   2.It survives by grazing on mangroves.

   3.It lives in the wild and cannot be domesticated.

   Select the correct answer using the code given below.

   a1 and 2 onlyb3 onlyc1 and 3 onlyd1, 2 and 3
4. Prelims 2016Q45Biodiversity & Species

   Recently, our scientists have discovered a new and distinct species of banana plant which attains a height of about 11 metres and has orange-coloured fruit pulp. In which part of India has it been discovered?

   aAndaman IslandsbAnaimalai ForestscMaikala HillsdTropical rain forests of northeast
5. Prelims 2016Q53Biodiversity & Species

   With reference to 'Red Sanders', sometimes seen in the news, consider the following statements :

   1.It is a tree species found in a part of South India.

   2.It is one of the most important trees in the tropical rain forest areas of South India.

   Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

   a1 onlyb2 onlycBoth 1 and 2dNeither 1 nor 2
6. Prelims 2016Q90Biodiversity & Species

   Recently, for the first time in our country, which of the following States has declared a particular butterfly as 'State Butterfly'?

   aArunachal PradeshbHimachal PradeshcKarnatakadMaharashtra
7. Prelims 2015Q19Biodiversity & Species

   With reference to 'dugong', a mammal found in India, which of the following statements is/are correct?

   1.It is a herbivorous marine animal.

   2.It is found along the entire coast of India.

   3.It is given legal protection under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

   Select the correct answer using the code given below.

   a1 and 2b2 onlyc1 and 3d3 only
8. Prelims 2015Q25Biodiversity & Species

   Which one of the following is the national aquatic animal of India?

   aSaltwater crocodilebOlive ridley turtlecGangetic dolphindGharial
9. Prelims 2014Q14Biodiversity & Species

   Other than poaching, what are the possible reasons for the decline in the population of Ganges River Dolphins?

   1.Construction of dams and barrages on rivers

   2.Increase in the population of crocodiles in rivers

   3.Getting trapped in fishing nets accidentally

   4.Use of synthetic fertilizers and other agricultural chemicals in crop-fields in the vicinity of rivers

   Select the correct answer using the code given below.

   a1 and 2 onlyb2 and 3 onlyc1, 3 and 4 onlyd1, 2, 3 and 4
10. Prelims 2014Q20Biodiversity & Species

    If you walk through countryside, you are likely to see some birds stalking alongside the cattle to seize the insects disturbed by their movement through grasses. Which of the following is/are such bird/birds?

    1.Painted Stork

    2.Common Myna

    3.Black-necked Crane

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

    a1 and 2b2 onlyc2 and 3d3 only
11. Prelims 2013Q7Biodiversity & Species

    Consider the following:

    1.Star tortoise

    2.Monitor lizard

    3.Pygmy hog

    4.Spider monkey

    Which of the above are naturally found in India?

    a1, 2 and 3 onlyb2 and 3 onlyc1 and 4 onlyd1, 2, 3 and 4
12. Prelims 2013Q35Biodiversity & Species

    In which of the following States is lion-tailed macaque found in its natural habitat?

    1.Tamil Nadu

    2.Kerala

    3.Karnataka

    4.Andhra Pradesh

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

    a1, 2 and 3 onlyb2 onlyc1, 3 and 4 onlyd1, 2, 3 and 4
13. Prelims 2013Q87Biodiversity & SpeciesAnswer disputed

    Consider the following fauna of India:

    1.Gharial

    2.Leatherback turtle

    3.Swamp deer

    Which of the above is/are endangered?

    a1 and 2 onlyb3 onlyc1, 2 and 3dNone
14. Prelims 2012Q41Biodiversity & Species

    Government of India encourages the cultivation of 'sea buckthorn'. What is the importance of this plant?

    1.It helps in controlling soil erosion and in preventing desertification.

    2.It is a rich source of biodiesel.

    3.It has nutritional value and is well-adapted to live in cold areas of high altitudes.

    4.Its timber is of great commercial value.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    a1 onlyb2, 3 and 4 onlyc1 and 3 onlyd1, 2, 3 and 4
15. Prelims 2012Q92Biodiversity & Species

    Which one of the following groups of animals belongs to the category of endangered species?

    aGreat Indian Bustard, Musk Deer, Red Panda and Asiatic Wild AssbKashmir Stag, Cheetal, Blue Bull and Great Indian BustardcSnow Leopard, Swamp Deer, Rhesus Monkey and Saras (Crane)dLion-tailed Macaque, Blue Bull, Hanuman Langur and Cheetal
16. Prelims 2012Q95Biodiversity & Species

    What is the difference between the antelopes Oryx and Chiru?

    aOryx is adapted to live in hot and arid areas whereas Chiru is adapted to live in steppes and semi-desert areas of cold high mountainsbOryx is poached for its antlers whereas Chiru is poached for its muskcOryx exists in western India only whereas Chiru exists in north-east India onlydNone of the statements (a), (b) and (c) given above is correct
17. Prelims 2012Q96Biodiversity & Species

    Which of the following can be threats to the biodiversity of a geographical area?

    1.Global warming

    2.Fragmentation of habitat

    3.Invasion of alien species

    4.Promotion of vegetarianism

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below :

    a1, 2 and 3 onlyb2 and 3 onlyc1 and 4 onlyd1, 2, 3 and 4
18. Prelims 2012Q97Biodiversity & Species

    Consider the following :

    1.Black-necked crane

    2.Cheetah

    3.Flying squirrel

    4.Snow leopard

    Which of the above are naturally found in India?

    a1, 2 and 3 onlyb1, 3 and 4 onlyc2 and 4 onlyd1, 2, 3 and 4
19. Prelims 2012Q100Biodiversity & Species

    Vultures which used to be very common in Indian countryside some years ago are rarely seen nowadays. This is attributed to

    athe destruction of their nesting sites by new invasive speciesba drug used by cattle owners for treating their diseased cattlecscarcity of food available to themda widespread, persistent and fatal disease among them
20. Prelims 2011Q20Biodiversity & Species

    Three of the following criteria have contributed to the recognition of Western Ghats-Sri Lanka and Indo-Burma regions as hotspots of biodiversity:

    1.Species richness

    2.Vegetation density

    3.Endemism

    4.Ethno-botanical importance

    5.Threat perception

    6.Adaptation of flora and fauna to warm and humid conditions

    Which three of the above are correct criteria in this context?

    a1, 2 and 6b2, 4 and 6c1, 3 and 5d3, 4 and 6
21. Prelims 2011Q24Biodiversity & Species

    The Himalayan Range is very rich in species diversity. Which one among the following is the most appropriate reason for this phenomenon?

    aIt has a high rainfall that supports luxuriant vegetative growthbIt is a confluence of different bio-geographical zonescExotic and invasive species have not been introduced in this regiondIt has less human interference
22. Prelims 2011Q51Biodiversity & Species

    A sandy and saline area is the natural habitat of an Indian animal species. The animal has no predators in that area but its existence is threatened due to the destruction of its habitat.

    Which one of the following could be that animal ?

    aIndian wild buffalobIndian wild asscIndian wild boardIndian gazelle
23. Prelims 2011Q61Biodiversity & Species

    Biodiversity forms the basis for human existence in the following ways:

    1.Soil formation

    2.Prevention of soil erosion

    3.Recycling of waste

    4.Pollination of crops

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

    a1, 2 and 3 onlyb2, 3 and 4 onlyc1 and 4 onlyd1, 2, 3 and 4
24. Prelims 2011Q79Biodiversity & Species

    The "Red Data Books" published by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) contain lists of

    1.Endemic plant and animal species present in the biodiversity hotspots.

    2.Threatened plant and animal species.

    3.Protected sites for conservation of nature and natural resources in various countries.

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

    a1 and 3b2 onlyc2 and 3d3 only
25. Prelims 2011Q96Biodiversity & Species

    Consider the following statements:

    1.Biodiversity is normally greater in the lower latitudes as compared to the higher latitudes.

    2.Along the mountain gradients, biodiversity is normally greater in the lower altitudes as compared to the higher altitudes.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    a1 onlyb2 onlycBoth 1 and 2dNeither 1 nor 2
26. Prelims 2010Q20Biodiversity & Species

    Consider the following statements :

    1.Biodiversity hotspots are located only in tropical regions.

    2.India has four biodiversity hotspots i.e., Eastern Himalayas, Western Himalayas, Western Ghats and Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

    a1 onlyb2 onlycBoth 1 and 2dNeither 1 nor 2
27. Prelims 2010Q103Biodiversity & Species

    King Cobra is the only snake that makes its own nest. Why does it make its nest?

    aIt is a snake-eater and the nest helps attract other snakesbIt is a viviparous snake and needs a nest to give birth to its offspringcIt is an oviparous snake and lays its eggs in the nest and guards the nest until they are hatcheddIt is a large, cold blooded animal, and needs a nest to hibernate in the cold season
28. Prelims 2010Q105Biodiversity & Species

    Consider the following statements:

    1.The Taxus tree naturally found in the Himalayas.

    2.The Taxus tree is listed in the Red Data Book.

    3.A drug called “taxol” is obtained from Taxus tree is effective against Parkinson’s disease.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    a1 onlyb1 and 2 onlyc2 and 3 onlyd1, 2 and 3
29. Prelims 2009Q74Biodiversity & Species

    In the context of Indian wild life, the flying fox is a

    aBatbKitecStorkdVulture
30. Prelims 2009Q132Biodiversity & Species

    The marine animal called dugong which is vulnerable to extinction is a/an

    aAmphibianbBony fishcSharkdMammal