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Generate QuizEnvironment – GK Questions
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Which of the following is a flagship species for conservation in the Western Ghats?
- Bengal Tiger
- Lion-tailed Macaque
- Snow Leopard
- Gharial
Answer: Lion-tailed Macaque
The Lion-tailed Macaque is endemic to the Western Ghats and serves as an umbrella species; protecting it conserves the entire rainforest ecosystem.
The Indian Rhino Vision 2020 aimed to increase the population of one-horned rhinos in Assam to 3,000.
- True
- False
Answer: True
The program, a partnership between Assam Forest Department and conservation NGOs, targeted rhino population growth through translocation and protection.
Which of the following is a major threat to biodiversity in India?
- Afforestation
- Habitat fragmentation
- Organic farming
- Eco-tourism
Answer: Habitat fragmentation
Habitat fragmentation due to roads, dams, and urbanization isolates populations, reducing genetic diversity and increasing extinction risk.
The Great Indian Bustard, a critically endangered bird, is the state bird of _____.
- Gujarat
- Rajasthan
- Haryana
- Punjab
Answer: Rajasthan
The Great Indian Bustard is Rajasthan's state bird and is among the heaviest flying birds, now critically endangered due to habitat loss.
Which of the following is an example of ex-situ conservation?
- Biosphere Reserve
- Wildlife Sanctuary
- Gene Bank
- National Park
Answer: Gene Bank
Gene banks preserve genetic material (seeds, tissues) outside natural habitats, making them a form of ex-situ conservation.
The IUCN Red List category 'Critically Endangered' indicates a species faces an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Critically Endangered is the highest risk category assigned by IUCN for wild species before Extinct in the Wild and Extinct.
Which of the following is NOT a criterion for identifying a biodiversity hotspot?
- Contains at least 1,500 endemic vascular plant species
- Has lost at least 70% of its original habitat
- Has high species richness of mammals
- Is under significant threat
Answer: Has high species richness of mammals
Hotspots are identified based on endemic vascular plants and habitat loss; mammal richness alone is not a primary criterion.
The practice of protecting species by conserving their natural habitats is known as _____ conservation.
- Ex-situ
- In-situ
- Cryo
- Captive
Answer: In-situ
In-situ conservation protects species within their natural ecosystems, such as through national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.
The term 'biodiversity' encompasses genetic diversity, species diversity, and ecosystem diversity.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Biodiversity is measured at three levels: genetic variation within species, variety of species, and diversity of ecosystems.
Which of the following Indian states has the highest number of endemic plant species?
- Kerala
- Tamil Nadu
- Karnataka
- Arunachal Pradesh
Answer: Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu, particularly the Western Ghats region, harbors a high number of endemic plant species due to its unique topography and climate.
Which biome is characterized by permafrost, low-growing vegetation, and extremely cold temperatures?
- Taiga
- Tundra
- Temperate Grassland
- Alpine
Answer: Tundra
The tundra biome has permanently frozen subsoil (permafrost), short growing seasons, and supports mosses, lichens, and small shrubs.
Symbiosis is a relationship where both organisms involved are always benefited.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Symbiosis includes mutualism (both benefit), commensalism (one benefits, other unaffected), and parasitism (one benefits, other harmed).
Which of the following is an example of a detritivore?
- Lion
- Deer
- Earthworm
- Hawk
Answer: Earthworm
Detritivores feed on dead organic matter (detritus); earthworms consume decaying plant material and help in decomposition.
The process by which green plants convert light energy into chemical energy is called _____.
- Respiration
- Photosynthesis
- Transpiration
- Fermentation
Answer: Photosynthesis
Photosynthesis uses sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water to produce glucose and oxygen, forming the base of most food chains.
The term 'Keystone Species' refers to a species that:
- Has the largest population in an ecosystem
- Is the most endangered species
- Has a disproportionately large effect on its environment relative to its abundance
- Is found only in one geographical location
Answer: Has a disproportionately large effect on its environment relative to its abundance
Keystone species, like sea otters or wolves, maintain ecosystem structure; their removal can cause dramatic changes or collapse.
Decomposers play a crucial role in recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Decomposers like bacteria and fungi break down dead organic matter, releasing nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus back into the soil.
Which of the following ecological pyramids is always upright and never inverted?
- Pyramid of Numbers
- Pyramid of Biomass
- Pyramid of Energy
- Pyramid of Productivity
Answer: Pyramid of Energy
Energy flow is always unidirectional and decreases at each trophic level due to the 10% law, making the energy pyramid always upright.
The functional unit of nature where living organisms interact among themselves and with the physical environment is called an _____.
- Biome
- Ecosystem
- Habitat
- Community
Answer: Ecosystem
An ecosystem includes both biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) components interacting as a functional unit.
In a pyramid of numbers, the number of organisms always decreases at each successive trophic level.
- True
- False
Answer: False
The pyramid of numbers can be inverted in some ecosystems, such as a tree supporting many insects and birds, where producers are fewer than consumers.
Which of the following represents the correct sequence of a terrestrial food chain?
- Grass → Wolf → Deer → Buffalo
- Grass → Deer → Wolf → Bacteria
- Grass → Snake → Insect → Deer
- Grass → Bacteria → Deer → Wolf
Answer: Grass → Deer → Wolf → Bacteria
A typical food chain flows from producer (grass) to primary consumer (deer) to secondary consumer (wolf) and finally to decomposers (bacteria).