Biodiversity Conservation

Explanation

The Peacock tarantula, also known as the Gooty tarantula, is not an omnivorous crustacean but an arboreal species of tarantula found in India. Its natural habitat is limited to some forest areas, where it resides in trees and vegetation. Therefore, statements II and III are correct.

Explanation

Parasitoid species are found in carabid beetles, flies, and wasps. Centipedes and termites do not host parasitoid species.

Explanation

Cicada, Froghopper, and Pond skater are all examples of insects. Insects are a diverse group of invertebrates characterized by having three body segments, six legs, and usually one or two pairs of wings. These organisms play crucial roles in ecosystems, contributing to pollination, decomposition, and food webs.

Explanation

The Indri is a large lemur species found in Madagascar, not Brazil. Elk are found in various countries, but not in Indonesia. Bonobos are found in the Democratic Republic of Congo, not Madagascar. Therefore, none of the pairs provided in the question are correctly matched.

Explanation

Sandalwood trees have a unique relationship with an insect called the Red-vented Bulbul, which is the only insect capable of pollinating the sandalwood tree. This coevolution has made the Red-vented Bulbul essential for the reproduction of sandalwood trees, highlighting the intricate interdependence between the two species.

Explanation

Butterflies, fish, and frogs all have species that are poisonous as a defense mechanism against predators. This adaptation helps these organisms survive in their respective habitats by deterring potential threats.

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Marsupials are not naturally found in India due to the geographical distribution of these mammals, which are predominantly found in Australia and the Americas. Marsupials are not restricted to montane grasslands with no predators; they inhabit various ecosystems and have adapted to diverse environments, showcasing their ability to thrive in different habitats.

Explanation

The 'Invasive Species Specialist Group' that develops the Global Invasive Species Database is affiliated with The United Nations World Commission for Environment and Development. This organization focuses on addressing environmental issues and sustainable development at a global level, including the management of invasive species that can have detrimental impacts on ecosystems and biodiversity.

Explanation

Butterflies do not perform waggle dances; instead, honeybees are known for this behavior. Honeybees use the waggle dance to communicate the direction and distance to a food source to other members of their colony. This dance helps the bees efficiently locate and collect food.

Explanation

Certain mushrooms exhibit diverse properties such as medicinal, psychoactive, insecticidal, and bioluminescent. For instance, some mushrooms like Reishi and Shiitake are known for their medicinal benefits, while species like Psilocybe contain psychoactive compounds. Insecticidal properties are found in certain fungi like Beauveria bassiana, and bioluminescent properties are seen in species like Mycena chlorophos.

Explanation

Indian squirrels do not build nests by making burrows in the ground; instead, they build nests on trees. They do store their food materials like nuts and seeds in the ground, which helps them during scarcity. Indian squirrels are primarily herbivorous, feeding on nuts, seeds, fruits, and flowers, making them not omnivorous.

Explanation

Biodiversity Management Committees in India play a crucial role in implementing the Nagoya Protocol objectives by facilitating access and benefit-sharing mechanisms. They have the authority to determine access to biological resources within their jurisdiction and can impose collection fees, thereby contributing to the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources.

Explanation

DNA barcoding is a technique that can be used to differentiate between closely related species, aid in the discovery of new species, and establish the evolutionary connections between various groups of species. The correct statements regarding DNA barcoding are that it can do all three of these tasks, as mentioned in options 1, 2, and 3.

Explanation

Certain species of ants are well known as cultivators of fungi. These ants create underground fungal gardens where they cultivate fungi for food. The relationship between ants and fungi is a classic example of mutualism, where both species benefit from the association.

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Wetlands act as the Earth's kidneys by maintaining sedimentation balance and stabilizing soil. They help filter and purify water, control floods, and provide habitat for diverse plant and animal species. This crucial role in water purification and ecosystem stability makes wetlands essential for maintaining environmental health.

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Gucchi is a type of fungus that grows in some Himalayan forest areas. It is known for its unique taste and is commercially cultivated in the Himalayan region.

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Golden Mahseer is not a bird because it is a species of freshwater fish found in South Asia, particularly in rivers and streams. It is known for its large size and is popular among anglers. In contrast, Indian Nightjar, Spoonbill, and White Ibis are all bird species found in various habitats across India.

Explanation

Biorock technology is used in the restoration of damaged coral reefs. This technology involves the creation of artificial structures using low-voltage electrical currents to promote coral growth and reef restoration. By enhancing the growth of corals, biorock technology helps in rebuilding and conserving damaged coral reef ecosystems.

Explanation

The Miyawaki method is a technique developed by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki for creating dense, native forests in urban areas. This method involves planting a variety of native plant species close together in a small area, which helps in rapid growth and development of a forest ecosystem. This approach is aimed at increasing biodiversity, restoring degraded land, and promoting environmental conservation in urban settings.

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Hedgehogs and pangolins are known for their ability to roll up into a tight ball to protect themselves from predators. This behavior helps them shield their vulnerable parts and reduce the chances of being captured.

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Oysters are filter feeders that obtain their food by filtering small particles from the water. They play a crucial role in maintaining water quality by filtering out algae, plankton, and other organic matter. This feeding behavior helps in maintaining the balance of nutrients and organisms in aquatic ecosystems.

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The Ceylon frogmouth, Coppersmith barbet, Gray-chinned minivet, and White-throated redstart are examples of India's diverse bird species. The Hindu has featured these birds in its news coverage.

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The Himalayan nettle, scientifically known as Girardinia diversifolia, has gained attention in India due to its sustainable utility. It is primarily valued for its textile fiber, which is used to create premium fabric products.

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The Agasthyamala biosphere reserve includes Neyyar, Peppara, and Shendurney wildlife sanctuaries, along with the Kalakad Mundanthurai tiger reserve and their surrounding regions.

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The Biodiversity Management Committees in India play a crucial role in achieving the goals of the Nagoya Protocol by overseeing access and benefit sharing. These committees are recognized as legal entities. All the statements provided about the Biodiversity Management Committees are accurate, making option (d) - 1, 2, and 3 - the correct answer.

Explanation

The plant Prosopis juliflora is frequently discussed in the news because it is a fast-spreading species that originates from Mexico but has spread widely in India. It is known to aggressively colonize various habitats such as wastelands, scrublands, and degraded forests. This plant is categorized as an invasive alien species, and its presence in an area tends to diminish the biodiversity in that particular ecosystem.

Explanation

Scientists have observed a decline in species at a rate of 100-1000 per year, leading to discussions about the sixth mass extinction. This decline is attributed to factors such as habitat loss, human overpopulation, pollution, overexploitation of resources, and the introduction of invasive species.

Explanation

If the population of butterfly species decreases significantly, it could have several consequences. Firstly, the pollination of certain plants may be negatively impacted. Additionally, there could be an increase in fungal infections among cultivated plants. Furthermore, the decrease in butterfly population could result in a decline in the populations of certain species of wasps, spiders, and birds. The correct answer based on the given options is (c) 1 and 3 only. This is because birds and spiders are known to prey on butterflies, supporting statement 3 as a likely outcome.

Explanation

The FAO established the Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) initiative in 2002 to protect and assist traditional agricultural systems worldwide. This initiative aims to raise awareness and gain recognition for the significance of these systems in ensuring food security and sustainable development. The main goal is to identify and preserve eco-friendly traditional farming practices, landscapes, agricultural biodiversity, and local knowledge systems. The initiative does not include providing Geographical Indication status to all agricultural produce varieties. Therefore, the correct answer is option (b) 2 only.

Explanation

The initiative known as 'The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB)' is a global effort that aims to highlight the economic advantages of biodiversity. It is hosted by UNEP, IMF, and the World Economic Forum. TEEB offers a method for decision-makers to acknowledge, showcase, and utilize the value of ecosystems and biodiversity. The correct statements are 2 and 3, making the answer choice (c).

Explanation

The UN-REDD+ Programme is designed to help with the protection of biodiversity, resilience of forest ecosystems, and poverty reduction. It aims to achieve all three of these objectives, as stated on the official UN-REDD+ webpage. Additionally, while the programme primarily focuses on objectives 1 and 2, it can also indirectly contribute to poverty reduction.

Explanation

The Kharai camel, a unique breed found in India, possesses three distinctive traits. Firstly, it is able to swim a distance of up to three kilometers in seawater. Secondly, it sustains itself by feeding on mangroves. Lastly, it is a wild animal that cannot be tamed. The correct answer selecting these characteristics is option (a): 1 and 2 only. These camels are primarily reared by families in the Jatt and Rabari communities of Kachchh, and contrary to popular belief, they can be domesticated.

Explanation

A new species of banana plant has been found by scientists in a remote tropical rainforest on the Little Andaman islands. This unique plant can grow up to 11 meters tall and has orange-colored fruit pulp. The discovery was made by researchers at the Botanical Survey of India (BSI).

Explanation

The tree species known as Red Sanders, also called Red Sandalwood, is unique to the southern Eastern Ghats mountain range in South India. Red Sanders is primarily found in Tropical dry deciduous forests and is considered an important species in that region.

Explanation

BirdLife International is a global alliance of conservation groups that works to protect birds, their habitats, and global biodiversity. The organization is responsible for identifying and designating areas known as 'Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas' (IBAs). The concept of 'biodiversity hotspots' did not originate from BirdLife International.

Explanation

If a wetland of international significance is placed on the 'Montreux Record', it means that changes in its ecological character have taken place, are currently happening, or are expected to happen in the future.

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Biosphere Reserves are the most crucial approach for safeguarding biodiversity while also supporting traditional human practices by enabling conservation alongside sustainable human activities.

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All three international agreements - the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, and the World Heritage Convention - are related to biodiversity.

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The Montreux Record is a list of wetland areas that are considered of international importance. If a wetland is included in this record, it means that changes in its ecological character have happened, are happening, or are likely to happen due to human activities like pollution or technological developments.

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The conservation organization 'Wetlands International' is not established by the Ramsar Convention but collaborates with it. It was founded in 1954, predating the signing of the Ramsar convention in 1971.

Explanation

Coral reefs are underwater habitats made up of coral structures formed by coral secretions. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Gulf of Kachchh, and Gulf of Mannar are known to have coral reefs. However, the Sunderbans do not have coral reefs. The correct answer is option (a), which includes only Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Gulf of Kachchh, and Gulf of Mannar as locations with coral reefs.

Explanation

Biosphere reserves, created through UNESCO's Man and Biosphere (MAB) Programme, are the most crucial strategy for conserving biodiversity while supporting traditional human lifestyles. These reserves integrate protected areas with regions where sustainable development is encouraged by local inhabitants.

Explanation

Every year, a month-long campaign and festival of ecological significance takes place, where specific communities and tribes plant saplings of fruit-bearing trees. The communities or tribes involved in this activity are Gond and Korku. The festival typically begins with a green march to mark the start of the rainy season and the new sowing period, during which a large-scale planting of fruit-bearing tree saplings occurs.

Explanation

When traveling in the Himalayas, you can expect to come across oak and rhododendron plants. Sandalwood, on the other hand, is typically found in South India. The correct answer to the question is option (a), which includes oak and rhododendron as plants naturally growing in the Himalayas.

Explanation

In a geographical area, threats to biodiversity can arise from global warming, habitat fragmentation, and the invasion of alien species. However, the promotion of vegetarianism does not pose a threat to biodiversity in this context.

Explanation

The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) plays a crucial role in safeguarding Indian agriculture by preventing biopiracy and preserving indigenous and traditional genetic resources. Additionally, the NBA oversees and regulates scientific research involving the genetic modification of crop plants. Furthermore, any applications for Intellectual Property Rights concerning genetic or biological resources must receive approval from the NBA. The correct statements are 1 and 3, making the answer (c).

Explanation

In a geographical area, threats to biodiversity can include global warming, habitat fragmentation, and invasion of alien species. The promotion of vegetarianism is not considered a threat. Therefore, the correct answer is (a) 1, 2 and 3 only.

Explanation

The resistance to introducing Bt brinjal in India stems from various factors. Firstly, Bt brinjal is developed by incorporating a gene from a soil fungus into its genetic makeup. Secondly, the seeds of Bt brinjal are terminator seeds, meaning farmers need to purchase new seeds from seed companies each season. There are concerns about potential health risks associated with consuming Bt brinjal, as well as worries about its impact on biodiversity. The correct choice based on these reasons is option (c), as the third and fourth statements are accurate.

Explanation

In the context of recognizing the Western Ghats, Sri Lanka, and Indo Burma regions as biodiversity hotspots, the criteria that have contributed to this recognition are species richness, endemism, and threat perception. These three factors highlight the unique and diverse plant and animal life in these regions, along with the risks they face. The correct criteria among the options provided are 1, 3, and 5, which align with the characteristics that define these areas as hotspots of biodiversity.

Explanation

The Himalayan range is known for its high species diversity because it serves as a meeting point for various biogeographical zones. This region features a range of forest types and is abundant in zoo-biogeographic diversity.

Explanation

Biodiversity is essential for human survival as it contributes to soil formation, prevents erosion, recycles waste, and aids in crop pollination. All these factors are crucial for maintaining a sustainable environment.

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The 'Red Data Books' published by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural resources (IUCN) contain lists of threatened plant and animal species. There are 8 lists in the Red Data Book.

Explanation

In general, there is more biodiversity in regions closer to the equator compared to regions further away. This is because habitats at higher latitudes have a narrower range of conditions that organisms can tolerate. Similarly, along mountain slopes, there is usually more biodiversity at lower altitudes than at higher altitudes. This is because the lower altitudes can support a greater variety of species due to more favorable climatic conditions.

Explanation

In the context of India, the Import and Export (Control) Act, 1947, Mining and Mineral Development (Regulation) Act, 1957, Customs Act, 1962, and Indian Forest Act, 1927 all play a role in biodiversity conservation. These Acts are among the 35 governmental acts in India that are connected to biodiversity conservation. The correct option in this case is (c), which includes all the Acts mentioned.

Explanation

Tropical rainforests have nutrient-poor soils as a result of heavy rainfall that washes away most of the nutrients.

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Biodiversity hotspots are not limited to tropical regions. India has four biodiversity hotspots located in the Eastern Himalayas, Western Himalayas, Western Ghats, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

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India is a member of the Ramsar Convention and has designated several areas as Ramsar sites. The best way to maintain these sites according to the convention is to conserve them through an ecosystem approach and allow their sustainable use at the same time.

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Wangari Maathai, the Nobel Prize winner from Kenya, gained recognition for her efforts in promoting sustainable development, democracy, and peace.

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The Bundala Biosphere Reserve, which has recently become a part of UNESCO's Man and Biosphere network, is situated on the southeastern coast of Sri Lanka.

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The Biosafety protocol is an agreement that aims to control the global trade, management, and utilization of genetically modified organisms that could harm the preservation and sustainable utilization of biodiversity, as well as pose risks to human health. The first meeting took place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in 2004. India is a participant in this protocol which focuses on genetically modified organisms without explicitly naming them. The United States has signed but not yet ratified this treaty.

Explanation

In biological communities, certain species have a significant influence on the survival of many other species. These crucial species are known as keystone species. They play a vital role in upholding the organization of an ecological community, with their impact surpassing what would be anticipated based on their numbers or total mass.

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The extinction of the Dodo bird in Mauritius led to the failure of a tree species to reproduce as it relied on the bird for dispersing its seeds.

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The National Forest Policy of 1988 encompasses programs like afforestation, wasteland development, reforestation, and encouraging wood substitutes and alternative fuels. It does not advocate the widespread use of insecticides and pesticides to combat forest degradation caused by pests and insects.

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The Western Ghats in India is recognized as an 'ecological hot spot' and has been officially designated as such under the Wildlife Act of 1972.

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The King Cobra is the only snake that constructs a nest in addition to residing in burrows.