Chapter 16 – Biodiversity and Conservation

Are you preparing for your WBBSE Class 10 Geography exam? The chapter Biodiversity and Conservation is very important for your Madhyamik exam. Here, you will get Biodiversity and Conservation important questions and answers in simple and easy English. These questions are based on the latest exam pattern and previous year questions.
This will help you understand easily, revise faster, and score high marks in your exam.

Content Structure

1. Multiple choice questions and answers (MCQs)
2. Very short-type questions and answers
- 2A. Fill in the blanks
- 2B. True or false
- 2C. Match the following
- 2D. Single word questions and answers
3. Short-type questions and answers
4. Long-type questions and answers

1. Multiple choice questions and answers (MCQs)

1. Collection of different organisms in an ecosystem is called-
(a) Community
(b) Population
(c) Niche
(d) Biodiversity

Ans: (a) Community

2. The word ‘biodiversity’ was first coined by-
(a) Lamark
(b) Darwin
(c) Rosen
(d) Mendel

Ans: (c) Rosen

3. Number of hotspot found in India is-
(a) 2
(b) 1
(c) 4
(d) 3

Ans: (c) 4

4. Biodiversity means-
(a) Number of definite species in a region
(b) Number of all spices in a region
(c) Number of all animals
(d) Number of all plants

Ans: (b) Number of all spices in a region

5. Which is the first national park in India?
(a) Corbett
(b) Kanha
(c) Peryer
(d) Bandipur

Ans: (a) Corbett

6. Red data book is prepared by-
(a) WWF
(b) IBWL
(c) UNICEF
(d) IUCN

Ans: (d) IUCN

7. Which is the method of ex-situ conservation?
(a) Sanctuary
(b) National park
(c) Cryopreservation
(d) Biosphere reserve

Ans: (c) Cryopreservation

8. “Western Ghata” is an example of-
(a) Biodiversity hotspot
(b) Evergreen forest
(c) Ecological succession
(d) None of the above

Ans: (a) Biodiversity hotspot

9. Botanical garden is an example of ____________ conservation.
(a) Ex-situ
(b) In- situ
9c) Natural
(d) In-vitro

Ans: (a) Ex-situ

10. The species not found any where is known as ______________.
(a) Vulnerable
(b) Endangered
(c) Extinct
(d) Rare

Ans: (c) Extinct

11. The term ‘biodiversity’ was coined by-
(a) W>G. Rosen
(b) Lamarck
(c) Charles Darwin
(d) Zimmermann

Ans: (a) W>G. Rosen

12. The plant species present in India is-
(a) 10% of the global plants
(b) 12% of the global plants
(c) 11% of the global plants
(d) 13% of the global plants

Ans: (c) 11% of the global plants

13. The biodiversity hotspot in India is-
(a) Nilgiri hills
(b) Eastern Ghats
(c) Aravalli hills
(d) Western Ghats

Ans: (d) Western Ghats

14. The diversity of various communities of organisms inhabiting a vast geographical area is known as-
(a) a diversity
(b) Genetic diversity
(c) y diversity
(d) b diversity

Ans: (c) y diversity

15. Total number of biodiversity hotspots on earth is-
(a) 34
(b) 44
(c) 14
(d) 24

Ans: (a) 34

16. The concept of hotspot was given by-
(a) Simpson
(b) Mayer
(c) David
(d) Norman mayers

Ans: (d) Norman mayers

17. The ecological area with very rich biodiversity is called-
(a) Blue spot
(b) Green spot
(c) Cold spot
(d) Hotspot

Ans: (d) Hotspot

18. The main cause of extinction of biodiversity from equatorial region is-
(a) Erosion of soil
(b) Super cyclone
(c) Deforestation
(d) Earthquake

Ans: (c) Deforestation

19. The medicinal plant used to reduce high blood pressure is-
(a) Cinchona
(b) Guava
(c) Kalmegh
(d) Sarpagandha

Ans: (d) Sarpagandha

20. In a hotspot, the minimum number of endemic vascular plants that should be present, is-
(a) 1800
(b) 1700
(c) 1600
(d) 1500

Ans: (d) 1500

21. In Sundaland, the number of vescular plants present, is about-
(a) 40000
(b) 35000
(c) 30000
(d) 25000

Ans: (a) 40000

22. The Indian biodiversity hotspot, which includes sikkim, Asam, Arunachal Pradesh and North Bengal is-
(a) Indo-Burma region
(b) Eastern Himalayan region
(c) Sundaland
(d) Western Ghats region

Ans: (b) Eastern Himalayan region

23. Water hyacinth was introduced in India from-
(a) Japan
(b) Nepal
(c) South America
(d) Australia

Ans: (c) South America

24. The percentage of endemic plant species in India, is about-
(a) 11%
(b) 33%
(c) 22%
(d) 44%

Ans: (b) 33%

25. The main cause of declining number of tigers in Sundarban is-
(a) Poaching
(b) Expansion of residential area
(c) Forest management
(d) All of these

Ans: (d) All of these

26. International day for biological diversity is celebrated on-
(a) 22nd March
(b) 22nd May
(c) 5th June
(d) 29th November

Ans: (b) 22nd May

27. Species diversity occurs due to-
(a) Genetic variation
(b) Animal diversity
(c) Ecological biodiversity
(d) Plant diversity

Ans: (a) Genetic variation

28. Mangrove forest is seen in-
(a) Dry desert area
(b) Hilly area
(c) Salty wetland
(d) Plateau

Ans: (c) Salty wetland

29. The forest area in India is about-
(a) 19%
(b) 91%
(c) 52%
(d) 23%

Ans: (d) 23%

30. Which of the following plant destroy the biodiversity of an ecosystem-
(a) Pea
(b) Arjun plant
(c) Mango
(d) Eucalyptus

Ans: (d) Eucalyptus

31. The keystone species of Sundarbans is-
(a) Royal Bengal Tiger
(b) Lion
(c) Fish
(d) Mangrove

Ans: (a) Royal Bengal Tiger

32. Sundarban is –
(a) Hotspot
(b) National park
(c) Sanctuary
(d) Biosphere reserve

Ans: (d) Biosphere reserve

33. Which of the following is not a hotspot?
(a) Indo Burma
(b) Western Ghat
(c) Eastern Himalaya
(d) Sundarban

Ans: (d) Sundarban

34. The largest mangrove forest is situated in-
(a) Midnapore
(b) Purulia
(c) Jalpaiguri
(d) Sundarban

Ans: (d) Sundarban

35. Synonym of ecological diversity is-
(a) Species diversity
(b) Animal diversity
(c) Genetic diversity
(d) Habitat diversity

Ans: (d) Habitat diversity

36. Endangered plants of India are-
(a) Mango, berry and jackfruit
(b) Sundari, pitcher plant and sandal
(c) Paddy, wheat and millet
(d) Silk cotton, arjun and tamarind

Ans: (b) Sundari, pitcher plant and sandal

37. In India, the highest number of reptiles are found in-
(a) Sundarban
(b) Western Ghats
(c) Deccan plateau
(d) Himalayas

Ans: (b) Western Ghats

38. Two endangered animals of India are-
(a) Indian tiger and musk deer
(b) Indian ass and wild boar
(c) Cat and mangoose
(d) Wild cat and wild dog

Ans: (a) Indian tiger and musk deer

39. The largest mangrove forest in the world is located in-
(a) Jalpaiguri
(b) Mednipur
(c) Purulia
(d) Sundarbon

Ans: (d) Sundarbon

40. Which of the following plant is used to treat high blood pressure-
(a) Ocimum
(b) Cinchona
(c) Guava
(d) Rauwolfia

Ans: (d) Rauwolfia

41. The most endangered plant in world is-
(a) Fungi
(b) Moss
(c) Algae
(d) Angiosperm

Ans: (d) Angiosperm

42. One endangered species of Eastern Himalayas biodiversity hotspot is-
(a) Red panda
(b) Nilgiri thar
(c) Orangutan
(d) Lion tailed macaque

Ans: (a) Red panda

2. Very short-type questions and answers

2A. Fill in the blanks

1. Habitat destruction, pollution etc. can cause loss of _______________. (biodiversity)
2. Tiger is a ____________ species in Sunderban. (keystone)
3. Eastern Himalayas is an example of biodiversity ____________. (hotspot)
4. The act of total disappearance of the species in known as ____________. (extinction)
5. Bee wax is used in preparing ___________. (candles)
6. Bombyx mori produces _______________ silk. (mulberry)
7. Angora wool is collected from ___________ fur. (rabbit)
8. The biodiversity hotspot in which the Nicobar islands are included is ___________. (Sundaland)
9. The eastern Himalayas hotspot is called the cradle of ______________. (flowering plants)
10. In the Indo-Burma hotspot, about _____________ species of mammals are found. (430)
11. In Eastern Himalayas hotspot, about _________endemic flowering plant species are found. (3500)
12. The hotspot of south India is _____________. (Western Ghats)
13. __________ is a keystone species. (Royal Bengal Tiger)
14. ___________ ray is entering into the earth due to ozone layer depletion. (Ultraviolet)
15. The term hotspot was comed by ___________. (Norman Myers)
16. The name of one exotic species, that affects the local biodiversity, is ____________. [Madhyamik 18] (Water hyacinth)
17. ___________ is derived from the root of sarpaganda plant which is need as medicine form lowering high blood pressure. [Madhyamik 19] (Reserpine)
18. ___________ is a type of resin, use to add flavour in food. (Asafoetida)
19. Resin of pine is used to prepare ____________ oil. (turpentine)
20. The ____________ secreted from babool, shirish etc. plants is used to prepare glue. (gum)
21. _____________ plant is used for paper production. (Bamboo)
22. The pulp prepared for paper industry contains ___________ fibres of the plant. (cellulose)
23. Wood from __________ plant is generally used for making future. (teak)
24. The green plants are the __________ of ecosystem. (producers)
25. ___________ is a medicinal plant, extract of which can be used as immunostimulant. (Tulsi)
26. A beneficial fungus is ____________. (Yeast)
27. _________________ is used as a medicine to treat malaria. (Quinine)
28. The source of quinine is ___________ plant. (Cinchona)

2B. True or false

1. Sundarban is situated at the estuaries of the Ganges, Padma, Brahmaputra and Meghna. (True)
2. The soil of Sundarban area is saline. (True)
3. Medico is a Megadiversity country. (False)
4. Immersion of island is an environmental problem of Sundarban. (True)
5. Amazon forest is called the lungs of the earth. (True)
6. Caffeine is a structural component of wax. (False)
7. Turpentine oil is used in varnish preparation. (True)
8. Resin is a petroleum byproduct. (False)
9. Sal trees are used in paper manufacturing industries. (False)
10. The term biodiversity was coined by W.G. Rosen. (True)
11. A hotspot must have a minimum of 1000 endemic vascular plants. (False)
12. Sundaland is a biodiversity hotspot in India. (True)
13. Sundari trees are the endemic species of Eastern Himalayas hotspot region. (False)

2C. Match the column

Column A	Column B
1. Drug for high blood pressure	A. Cinchona
2. Drug for asthma	B. Sarpagandha
3. Drug for malaria	C. Datura
4. Antibiotic	D. Tulsi
5. Drug for cough and cold	E. Penicillium
6. Silk production	F. Bamboo
	G. Worms of mulbery

Ans:

Column A	Column B
1. Drug for high blood pressure	B. Sarpagandha
2. Drug for asthma	C. Datura
3. Drug for malaria	A. Cinchona
4. Antibiotic	E. Penicillium
5. Drug for cough and cold	D. Tulsi
6. Silk production	G. Worms of mulberry

Column A	Column B
1. Indo-Burma hotspot	A. One-horned rhino
2. Sundaland hotspot	B. Siamese crocodile
3. Eastern Himalayan hotspot	C. Lion-tailed macaque
4. Western Ghats and Sri Lanka hotspot	D. Orangutan
5. Sundarban Biosphere Reserva	E. Red panda
6. Nilgiri biosphere	F. Royal Bengal Tiger
	G. Gaur

Ans:

Column A	Column B
1. Indo-Burma hotspot	B. Siamese crocodile
2. Sundaland hotspot	D. Orangutan
3. Eastern Himalayan hotspot	E. Red panda
4. Western Ghats and Sri Lanka hotspot	C. Lion-tailed macaque
5. Sundarban Biosphere Reserve	F. Royal Bengal Tiger
6. Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve	G. Gaur

2D. Single word questions and answers

1. Name one hotspot in India.
Ans: Western Ghats is one of the biodiversity hotspots in India.

2. Name two biosphere reserve in India.
Ans: Sundarban Biosphere Reserve and Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve are two biosphere reserves in India.

3. Name two extinct animals.
Ans: Dodo and Passenger pigeon are two extinct animals.

4. What is in-situ conservation?
Ans: In-situ conservation is the method of conserving organisms in their natural habitat.

5. What is red data book?
Ans: Red Data Book is a record that provides information about endangered and threatened species of

6. Write the name of the cause of the latest concern regarding the environment at Sundarbans. [Madhyamik 17]
Ans: Rising sea level due to global warming is the latest environmental concern in the Sundarbans.

7. How do you denote the combination of ecosystem and biodiversity?
Ans: The combination of ecosystem and biodiversity is denoted as ecological diversity.

8. Which type of diversity is called turnover diversity?
Ans: Beta (β) diversity is called turnover diversity.

9. Which type of diversity indicates the abundance of different species in a specific area?
Ans: Alpha (α) diversity indicates the abundance of different species in a specific area.

10. How do you denote the diversity of various species inhabiting a vast geographic area?
Ans: Gamma (γ) diversity denotes the diversity of various species inhabiting a vast geographic area.

11. Name a mangrove plant.
Ans: Sundari is a mangrove plant.

12. What is flora?
Ans: Flora refers to the plant life found in a particular region.

13. What is vegetation?
Ans: Vegetation refers to the collective plant cover of a particular area.

14. In which biodiversity hotspot in India is leaf deer seen?
Ans: Leaf deer is seen in the Eastern Himalayan biodiversity hotspot.

15. Write the full form of BMC.
Ans: The full form of BMC is Biodiversity Management Committee.

16. What is the total geographical area of India?
Ans: The total geographical area of India is about 3.28 million square kilometres.

17. According to FSI-2011 what percentage of Indian landmass is covered by forest?
Ans: According to FSI-2011, about 23% of Indian landmass is covered by forest.

18. In which portion of the earth does the richest biodiversity occur?
Ans: The richest biodiversity occurs in the equatorial region of the earth.

19. Name a keystone species in West Bengal.
Ans: Royal Bengal Tiger is a keystone species in West Bengal.

20. What percentage of species of the world is confined to the megadiversity countries.
Ans: About 70% of the world’s species are confined to megadiversity countries.

21. Which day is a celebrate as world environment day?
Ans: World Environment Day is celebrated on 5th June.

22. Which day is celebrate as world conservation day?
Ans: World Conservation Day is celebrated on 28th July.

23. When and where the earth summit took place?
Ans: The Earth Summit was held in 1992 at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

24. What is the full form of CBD.
Ans: The full form of CBD is Convention on Biological Diversity.

25. How many hotspots are there in India?
Ans: There are four biodiversity hotspots in India.

26. Write down the names of two hotspots in India.
Ans: Western Ghats and Eastern Himalayas are two biodiversity hotspots in India.

27. Write down the name of a plant of Eastern Himalaya.
Ans: Rhododendron is a plant found in the Eastern Himalayas.

28. Which day is celebrated as world biodiversity day?
Ans: World Biodiversity Day is celebrated on 22nd May.

29. Write down the name of a mammal of Eastern Himalaya.
Ans: Red panda is a mammal found in the Eastern Himalayas.

30. Which forest of India is declared as world heritage site by UNESCO.
Ans: Sundarban forest of India is declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

31. Sundarban is famous for conservation of which animal?
Ans: Sundarban is famous for the conservation of the Royal Bengal Tiger.

32. What percentage of forest area is present in India according to 2011 report of FSI.
Ans: According to the 2011 report of FSI, about 23% of India’s area is covered by forests.

3. Short-type questions and answers

1. What is biodiversity?
Ans: Biodiversity means the variety and variability of living organisms present on the earth. It includes diversity at three different levels—genetic diversity, species diversity and ecological diversity. Biodiversity maintains ecological balance and provides food, medicine, fuel and other resources essential for human survival.

2. What is a hot spot?
Ans: A biodiversity hotspot is a geographical region that contains a very high number of endemic plant and animal species and is under severe threat due to human activities such as deforestation, pollution and urbanisation.

3. What is IUCN?
Ans: IUCN stands for International Union for Conservation of Nature. It is an international organisation that works for the conservation of biodiversity and sustainable use of natural resources. IUCN publishes the Red Data Book.

4. Mention two causes of loss of biodiversity.
Ans: Two important causes of loss of biodiversity are:

Pollution – It contaminates air, water, and soil, harming living organisms.
Deforestation – It destroys natural habitats of plants and animals.

5. What is extinction?
Ans: Extinction is the complete and permanent disappearance of a species from the earth due to natural or human-made causes.

6. Mention three causes of loss of biodiversity.
Ans: Three major causes of loss of biodiversity are:

Over-exploitation of natural resources – Excessive hunting, fishing, and use of forest products reduce species population.
Deforestation – It destroys the natural habitats of plants and animals.
Pollution – It contaminates air, water, and soil, harming living organisms.

7. What is extinction? Give two plant and two animal extinct species.
Ans: Extinction means the complete disappearance of a plant or animal species from the earth. Two extinct plants are Franklinia and Saint Helena olive and animals are Dodo and Passenger pigeon.

8. What is biosphere reserve? Give example.
Ans: A biosphere reserve is a large protected area where plants and animals are conserved and people are allowed to use natural resources carefully. Example: Sundarban Biosphere Reserve.

9. What is national park? Give example.
Ans: A national park is a protected area reserved for conservation of wildlife and natural vegetation where hunting, grazing and human interference are strictly prohibited.
Example: Corbett National Park.

10. Discuss ex-situ conservation with example.
Ans: Ex-situ conservation is the conservation of plants and animals outside their natural habitat under controlled conditions and helps protect endangered species. Examples include zoological gardens, botanical gardens, seed banks and cryopreservation.

11. What is genetic diversity?
Ans: Genetic diversity means the differences in genes found among members of the same species. It helps organisms survive and adapt to changes in the environment.

12. What is ecological diversity?
Ans: Ecological diversity refers to the diversity of different ecosystems like forests, grasslands, deserts and aquatic ecosystems within a large geographical area.

13. Name two organisations, which work for developing awareness on the importance of biodiversity.
Ans: IUCN and WWF work to spread awareness about biodiversity conservation.

14. How many types can we classify the ecological diversity and what are they?
Ans: Ecological diversity is of three types—

Gamma diversity: diversity over a large geographical area
Alpha diversity: diversity within a habitat
Beta diversity: diversity between habitats

15. Give two examples of animal biodiversity endangered by the pollution of the river Ganga. [Madhyamik 19]
Ans: Ganges river dolphin and Indian gharial are endangered due to pollution of river Ganga.

16. Name the biodiversity hotspot in India.
Ans: Western Ghats is a biodiversity hotspot in India.

17. Why is the Eastern Himalayas called a biodiversity hotspot?
Ans: Eastern Himalayas is rich in endemic species of plants and animals and faces threats from deforestation, climate change and human settlement, making it a biodiversity hotspot.

18. Write the location of Sundaland hotspot and one important species of its biodiversity. [Madhyamik 19]
Ans: Sundaland hotspot is located in the Nicobar Islands and Southeast Asia, an important species found here is Orangutan.

19. Which conditions do you consider to declare one area out of two as biodiversity hotspot? [Madhyamik 17]
Ans: An area is declared a hotspot if it contains at least 1500 endemic vascular plant species and has lost more than 70% of its original vegetation.

20. Discuss the role of biodiversity in maintaining balance of eco-system of a river. [Madhyamik 20]
Ans: Biodiversity maintains river ecosystem balance by regulating food chains, recycling nutrients, maintaining water quality and controlling population of organisms.

21. Which types of plants are called halophytes or mangrove plants?
Ans: Plants growing in saline, water-logged coastal areas with special adaptations are called halophytes or mangrove plants.

22. Mention the important features of mangrove forest in Sundarban.
Ans: Mangrove forests of Sundarban have salt-tolerant plants, breathing roots, stilt roots and protect coastal areas from cyclones and erosion.

23. Give four examples of damages of biodiversity as a result of global warming. [Madhyamik 17]
Ans: Global warming causes melting of glaciers, sea level rise, coral reef destruction and extinction of species.

24. Give one example of exotic species causing damage of local biodiversities in each of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystem? [Madhyamik 19]
Ans: Lantana damages terrestrial biodiversity, while water hyacinth damages aquatic biodiversity.

25. “Poaching is one of the fundamental causes of endangeredness of animal diversity in India” – Assess four causes for which animals are poached in India. [Madhyamik 19]
Ans: Animals are poached for skin, bones, horns, tusks, meat, traditional medicines and illegal wildlife trade.

4. Long-type questions and answers

1. What is biodiversity? Discuss different types of biodiversity.
Ans: Biodiversity means the variety and variability of living organisms present on the earth. It includes plants, animals and microorganisms and their interactions with the environment. Biodiversity is essential for maintaining ecological balance and human survival.

Biodiversity is of three main types:

(i) Genetic diversity: It refers to variations in genes among individuals of the same species. Genetic diversity helps organisms adapt to changing environmental conditions and ensures survival of species.
(ii) Species diversity: It refers to the variety and abundance of different species present in a particular area. Areas with a large number of species show high species diversity.
(iii) Ecological diversity: It refers to the diversity of ecosystems, habitats and ecological processes in a large geographical area such as forests, grasslands, deserts and aquatic ecosystems.

2. Explain the causes of the loss of biodiversity.
Ans: Loss of biodiversity means the reduction in the number and variety of living organisms. The major causes are:

Climate change: Global warming causes melting of glaciers, sea level rise and extinction of species.
Deforestation: Large-scale cutting of trees destroys natural habitats of plants and animals.
Pollution: Air, water and soil pollution harm living organisms and reduce species population.
Over-exploitation: Excessive use of natural resources, hunting and fishing reduce biodiversity.
Urbanisation and industrialisation: Expansion of cities and industries leads to habitat destruction.

3. What is a hot spot? Describe the hot spots in India.
Ans: A biodiversity hotspot is a region which is very rich in endemic plant and animal species and is under serious threat due to human activities.

India has four biodiversity hotspots:

Sundaland: Includes Nicobar Islands and is rich in tropical rainforests and rare species.
Western Ghats: Located along the western coast of India, it is rich in endemic plants, amphibians and reptiles.
Eastern Himalayas: This region is rich in flowering plants, orchids, red panda and leaf deer.
Indo-Burma region: Includes North-East India and is rich in mammals, birds and freshwater species.

4. What is extinction? Discuss the causes of extinction of organism?
Ans: Extinction is the complete and permanent disappearance of a species from the earth.

Causes of extinction:

Invasion of exotic species: Introduced species compete with native species and cause their extinction.
Habitat destruction: Deforestation and land use change destroy natural habitats.
Over-exploitation: Excessive hunting, fishing and collection of plants cause extinction.
Pollution: Toxic substances kill organisms directly or indirectly.
Climate change: Changes in temperature and rainfall affect survival.

5. Explain the causes of depletion of biodiversity. [Madhyamik 17]
Ans: Depletion of biodiversity refers to gradual reduction of species and ecosystems. The main causes are deforestation, pollution, population explosion, industrialisation, urbanisation, global warming and over-exploitation of natural resources. These factors disturb ecological balance and lead to extinction of species.

6. Construct a concept map to show how the increase in human habitat is influencing the ecosystem of Sundarban. [Madhyamik 20]
Ans:
Increase in human habitat
↓
Deforestation of mangrove forests
↓
Loss of habitat of animals
↓
Decline of Royal Bengal Tiger population
↓
Disturbance of food chain
↓
Ecological imbalance in Sundarban

7. Mention the roles of biodiversity in the following two aspects in the progress of human civilization- [a] production of food [b] manufacturing of medicine. [Madhyamik 18]
Ans:
(a) Role of biodiversity in food production: Biodiversity provides a wide variety of food such as cereals, pulses, fruits, vegetables, fish, meat and milk. Crop diversity ensures food security and resistance against diseases.

(b) Role of biodiversity in medicine: Many medicinal plants like Cinchona, Sarpagandha, Neem and Tulsi are sources of important drugs. Animals and microorganisms also contribute to vaccine and antibiotic production.