Explanation

Statement 1: Biodiversity is normally greater in lower latitudes than higher latitudes.

This is correct.

• Biodiversity increases from the poles to the tropics.
• This pattern is called the latitudinal diversity gradient.
• Tropical regions have warm temperatures, high rainfall, stable climates and longer evolutionary time scales.
• These conditions support a larger number of species.
• So, Statement 1 is correct.
• Statement 2: Biodiversity is normally greater in lower altitudes than higher altitudes.

This is also correct in general.

• Along mountain slopes, biodiversity usually decreases with increasing altitude.
• Temperature drops, oxygen reduces and environmental conditions become harsher as altitude increases.
• Many studies show that species richness is highest at low and mid-altitudes, and then declines at higher altitudes.
• Some mountain ecosystems show a peak around 1300–1800 m, but above this, diversity falls sharply.

So, Statement 2 is correct.

Final Answer: C. Both 1 and 2

Both statements correctly describe global biodiversity patterns.

Explanation

• Conservation International (CI) identifies biodiversity hotspots by using two mandatory conditions. An area must satisfy both of these simultaneously.

1. High Endemism (Irreplaceability): A hotspot must contain at least 1,500 endemic vascular plant species, which is more than 0.5 percent of the world’s total vascular plants.

• Endemic plants are found nowhere else on Earth.
• High plant endemism indicates the region has a unique evolutionary history and supports many other species.
  This ensures that the area is biologically irreplaceable.

2. Severe Habitat Loss (Threat Level): The region must have lost at least 70 percent of its original natural vegetation.

• Only 30 percent or less of the native habitat remains.
• Such heavy loss means the area faces an immediate risk of species extinction.
• This ensures the region is highly threatened.

Why both criteria are essential

• Irreplaceability ensures the region is globally unique in terms of biodiversity.
• Threatened status ensures conservation action is urgently needed.
• Therefore, only areas where unique biodiversity is under severe threat are classified as hotspots.
• This makes conservation efforts more efficient and focused.

Explanation:

Statement 1: Himalaya Region — Correct

• The Himalaya is one of India’s recognized biodiversity hotspots. It covers the entire Indian Himalayan region, including parts shared with Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet, China, and Myanmar. It hosts a vast variety of endemic plant and animal species due to its wide altitude range and ecological diversity.

Statement 2: Sundalands — Correct

• The Sundaland Hotspot includes the Nicobar group of Islands in India (but not the Andamans). It extends further to Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, and the Philippines, making it one of the world’s richest regions in terms of tropical biodiversity.

Statement 3: Western Ghats — Correct

• The Western Ghats and Sri Lanka together form another biodiversity hotspot. The region has extremely high levels of endemism in plants, amphibians, reptiles, and freshwater fishes.

Statement 4: Indo-Tibet — Incorrect

• There is no biodiversity hotspot named Indo-Tibet. The correct hotspot is Indo-Burma, which includes the entire northeastern India (except Assam) and extends into Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and southern China.

Explanation:

• India announced the five-year National ‘Red List’ Assessment Initiative at the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi. The initiative aims to assess the conservation status of nearly 11,000 plant and animal species and supports India’s commitments under the CBD and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

Explanation:

Statement 1 – Incorrect:

• The Man and Biosphere Programme (MAB) was launched by UNESCO in 1971, not by IUCN.
  • India joined the programme in 1986.
  • The programme aims at developing a scientific basis for improving the relationship between people and their environment.

Statement 2 – Correct:

• One of the core aims of the MAB programme is to study the impacts of human activities and pollution on both biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) components of ecosystems.
  • It focuses on conservation, ecological research, sustainable management of natural resources, and biodiversity protection.

Explanation:

• A high BOD value indicates that microorganisms require more oxygen to break down the large amount of organic matter present in the water.
• This oxygen consumption reduces the dissolved oxygen (DO) available for aquatic organisms.
• Low DO levels can cause stress, suffocation, or death of fish, leading to fish kills in polluted waters.
• Therefore, both statements are correct, and Statement-II explains why Statement-I is true.

Explanation:

• Ex-situ conservation means the protection of biodiversity outside their natural habitats. It involves the care, maintenance, and breeding of threatened species in human-controlled environments such as zoos, aquariums, botanical gardens, seed banks, and gene banks.

Let’s analyze each:

1. Sanctuaries — Incorrect

• Sanctuaries are in-situ conservation sites, where wildlife is protected within their natural habitat.

2. Aquarium — Correct

• Aquariums conserve aquatic species outside their natural habitats, often for breeding, research, and awareness.

3. Botanical Garden — Correct

• Botanical gardens conserve plant species outside their natural ecosystem, making them classic examples of ex-situ conservation.

4. Zoo — Correct

• Zoos maintain and breed animal species under controlled conditions, representing one of the most recognized forms of ex-situ conservation.

5. Parks — Incorrect

• Parks such as national parks or wildlife parks are designated in-situ conservation areas, protecting biodiversity in their original ecosystem.

Explanation:

• ✅ Pair 1 – Core Area – Correct
  • The core zone is the innermost, most protected area of a biosphere reserve.
  • It is free from human interference and often includes National Parks or Wildlife Sanctuaries.
  • Objective: Preserve biodiversity, genetic material, and ecosystems in their natural state.
• ❌ Pair 2 – Buffer Zone – Incorrect
  • The buffer zone surrounds the core area and allows limited, regulated activities such as research, education, and eco-tourism, not agriculture or settlement.
  • Agriculture and settlements fall under the transition zone, not buffer zone.
• ✅ Pair 3 – Transition Zone – Correct
  • The transition zone is the outermost area where human settlements, croplands, managed forests, and economic activities are promoted in harmony with conservation.
  • It encourages cooperation between locals and conservation authorities for sustainable development.

👉 Hence, two pairs (1 and 3) are correctly matched.

🌿 Summary Table

Explanation:

• Correctly matched:
  • Schedule III → Big game species
  • Schedule IV → Small game species
  • Schedule VI → Plants
• Incorrect match:
  • Schedule I → It covers critically endangered species, not vermin. Vermin are listed under Schedule V.

Thus, only three of the statements are correctly matched.

Wildlife Protection Act, 1972

• Schedule I: Critically endangered animals; hunting and trade prohibited throughout India.
• Schedule II: Less endangered than Schedule I; hunting and trade prohibited throughout India.
• Schedule III: Big game species; hunting prohibited; penalties less severe.
• Schedule IV: Small game species; hunting prohibited; penalties less severe.
• Schedule V: Vermin; hunting without restriction.
• Schedule VI: Plants; prohibited from cultivation and planting.

Explanation:

• The 2006 amendment of the Wildlife Protection Act led to the establishment of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) with statutory backing.

Explanation:

• Statement 1: Correct. The WPA 2022 reduced the total number of schedules to four.
• Statement 2: Incorrect. The Act removed the schedule for vermin species, instead of adding a new one.

Explanation:

• The 2024 rules introduce new licensing guidelines for snake venom. (Statement 1 is correct)
• It also includes captive animals and trophy animals under the licensing framework. (Statement 2 is correct)
• However, the rules do not allow unrestricted trade of stuffed animals; they still require regulation. (Statement 3 is incorrect)
• The Wildlife (Protection) Licensing (Additional Matters for Consideration) Rules, 2024 notified by MoEFCC aim to replace the 1983 rules.
• Scope of New Rules: Introduces guidelines for licensing snake venom, captive animals, trophy animals, and stuffed animals.

Restrictions on Licenses:

• • 1983 Rules: Prohibited licenses for Schedule I or Part II of Schedule II animals except in exceptional cases with prior approval from the Government of India.
  • 2024 Rules: Continues to prohibit licenses for Schedule I animals but lifts restrictions on Schedule II species.

Approval Process:

• • 1983: Licenses granted in exceptional cases with prior approval of the Government of India under the Wildlife Protection Act 1972.
  • 2024: Licenses for Schedule II species can be provided following prior consultation with the Government of India.

Considerations in Licensing:

• • The new guidelines take into account the capacity, source of supplies, and implications on hunting or trade.

Explanation:

• The Andaman White-Toothed Shrew is insectivorous and nocturnal. (Statement 1 is correct)
• It is endemic to the Andaman Islands, not Nicobar Islands. (Statement 2 is incorrect)
• Natural disasters like tsunamis and storms are major threats. (Statement 3 is correct)

Andaman White-Toothed Shrew:

• Small, mouse-like, insectivorous, nocturnal mammal.
• Recently discovered on Narcondam Island, a volcanic island in the Andaman Islands.
• Habitat: Tropical moist deciduous and evergreen forests.
• Threats: Natural disasters such as tsunamis, earthquakes, flooding, and storms.
• Conservation Status: Listed as Critically Endangered (CR) by IUCN.

Explanation:

• The Pygmy Hog is the world’s smallest wild pig. (Statement 1 is correct)
• It is an indicator species of grassland habitats. (Statement 2 is correct)
• However, it is currently found only in Manas Wildlife Sanctuary (Assam)(Statement 3 is correct)

Pygmy Hog:

• World’s smallest wild pig and an indicator species for grassland habitats.
• Lives in sociable family groups led by a matriarch, with group sizes up to 20.
• Distribution: Currently found only in Manas Wildlife Sanctuary (Assam), previously widespread across north India.
• Habitat: Dense, tall riverine grasslands.
• Threats: Habitat loss and hunting.
• Conservation Status: Critically Endangered (CR) on IUCN and listed in Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act (WPA).

Pygmy Hog-Sucking Louse:

• A critically endangered parasite feeding exclusively on Pygmy Hogs.
• Conservation Status: Critically Endangered (CR).

Explanation:

• The Fishing Cat is the state animal of West Bengal and serves as the ambassador of Chilika Lake, India’s oldest Ramsar Site.

Explanation:

• Mikania Micrantha was introduced in India for ground cover in tea plantations in the 1940s. (Statement 1 is correct)
• It has medicinal properties and is used to stop minor external bleeding. (Statement 2 is correct)
• However, it is an invasive weed that suppresses native plant growth rather than promoting it. (Statement 3 is incorrect)

Mikania Micrantha:

• Tropical perennial creeper native to North, Central, and South America.
• Thrives in high humidity, light, and fertile soils but can adapt to less fertile conditions.
• Featherlike seeds dispersed by wind.
• Medicinal uses include stopping minor external bleeding.
• Invasive weed, vigorous growth, widespread in tropics.
• Hinders germination and growth of other plant species.
• Introduced in India in the 1940s as ground cover in tea plantations, now a threat to plantation crops and forests.

Explanation:

• Prosopis Juliflora was introduced in India to fight salinity and stop the advancement of the Rann of Kutch. (Statement 1 is correct)
• However, it depletes groundwater resources and worsens drought conditions rather than improving groundwater recharge. (Statement 2 is incorrect)
• It enhances the malaria parasite transmission capacity of Anopheles mosquitoes by providing them with sugar, crucial for their survival. (Statement 3 is correct)

Prosopis Juliflora (Ganda Babool):

• • Small tree native to Mexico, South America, and the Caribbean.
  • Invasive weed established in Africa, Asia, Australia, and other regions.
  • Long roots that deplete water resources rapidly.
  • Rapid growth inhibits native species and affects wild animal movement in forests.
  • Enhances malaria transmission capacity of Anopheles mosquitoes.
  • Introduced by the government in Banni grasslands to combat salinity and halt the advancement of the Rann of Kutch.
  • Thrived in non-saline and low-saline soils, invaded Banni grasslands.
  • Depletion of rechargeable water, aggravated droughts.
  • Affects Maldhari herders by reducing pastures.
  • Provides unexpected income through high-demand Prosopis charcoal due to high carbon content in the wood.

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is correct: Indicator species help in assessing environmental conditions. Their presence, absence, or population levels signal changes in ecosystems.
• Statement 2 is correct: These species serve as early warning signals for environmental disturbances because they are highly sensitive to pollution, climate changes, and habitat degradation.
• Statement 3 is incorrect: Indicator species are not necessarily apex predators. Instead, they are often species like frogs, lichens, and salmon, which are highly responsive to environmental changes. Apex predators play a different role in maintaining ecosystem balance but are not typically considered indicator species.

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is correct: Biopiracy occurs when corporations, researchers, or countries use genetic resources and traditional knowledge without consent or compensation to the indigenous communities who have nurtured them. It is a major concern for biodiverse developing nations like India.
• Statement 2 is correct: The Nagoya Protocol, under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), ensures that benefits from genetic resources are shared fairly and equitably with the indigenous communities and nations that own them. This prevents exploitation and promotes ethical resource use.
• Statement 3 is incorrect: Biopiracy and bioprospecting are different.
  • Biopiracy refers to the illegal or unethical exploitation of biological resources without compensation.
  • Bioprospecting is the legal and ethical exploration of biodiversity for commercial or scientific use, ensuring proper agreements and fair compensation.

Explanation:

1. Himalaya – Correct: The Himalayan biodiversity hotspot includes the entire Indian Himalayan region and extends to Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, China, and Myanmar.
2. Indo-Burma – Correct: The Indo-Burma hotspot covers North-Eastern India, Andaman Islands, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and southern China.
3. Sundaland – Correct: The Sundaland hotspot includes the Nicobar group of Islands along with parts of Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, and the Philippines.
4. Deccan Plateau – Incorrect: The Deccan Plateau is not a recognized biodiversity hotspot in India. Instead, the Western Ghats and Sri Lanka form the fourth biodiversity hotspot in India.

• India has four biodiversity hotspots:
  1. Himalaya
  2. Indo-Burma
  3. Sundaland
  4. Western Ghats and Sri Lanka
• These regions are home to high levels of endemism and ecological diversity, making them critical for conservation efforts.
• Biodiversity hotspots are designated based on species richness, endemism, and degree of threat.

Explanation:

1. Statement 1 is correct: NH 44 passes through Kanha Tiger Reserve, one of the largest tiger reserves in India, located in Madhya Pradesh.
2. Statement 2 is correct: NH 44 also cuts through Satpura Tiger Reserve, which is part of the Satpura Range and an important wildlife corridor.
3. Statement 3 is correct: Pench Tiger Reserve is another reserve through which NH 44 passes, known for its rich biodiversity.
4. Statement 4 is incorrect: Simlipal Tiger Reserve is not on NH 44. Instead, NH 6 passes through Simlipal, along with Melghat, Bor, and Nagzira tiger reserves.

• NH 44 is India’s longest highway, running from Srinagar (Jammu & Kashmir) to Kanyakumari (Tamil Nadu).
• It fragments multiple tiger habitats, affecting wildlife movement.
• Conservation efforts include constructing overpasses and underpasses to reduce wildlife-vehicle conflicts.

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is correct: GMOs are created through genetic engineering, where DNA is altered, inserted, or deleted to introduce desirable traits. These modifications can involve genes from different organisms (e.g., Bt cotton contains a gene from Bacillus thuringiensis to enhance pest resistance).
• Statement 2 is correct: Many GMO crops are designed to produce toxins for pest resistance within their cells, such as Bt crops, which generate proteins toxic to insect larvae. However, these toxins may persist in the environment, potentially affecting soil microbes and non-target organisms.
• Statement 3 is incorrect: GMOs can negatively impact biodiversity by outcompeting native species, reducing genetic diversity, and causing cross-pollination with non-GMO crops. This can lead to unintended ecological consequences, including loss of native plant varieties and disruption of ecosystems

Explanation:

• In-situ conservation refers to the protection of species within their natural habitat, such as biosphere reserves, national parks, and wildlife sanctuaries.
• Botanical gardens, on the other hand, are scientifically curated collections of plants, including trees, shrubs, herbs, and climbers from various regions.
• They primarily serve the purpose of ex-situ conservation, aiding in the preservation and study of rare and endangered plant species outside their natural habitat.

Explanation:

• The TSR Subramanian Committee was constituted in 2014 to propose reforms in the education sector.
• One of its key recommendations was the creation of the Indian Education Service (IES) to improve educational governance and policy implementation.
• The committee emphasized the need for a specialized cadre for policy formulation and administration in education to enhance India’s education system.

Explanation:

1. Terminology Origin: The term ‘biodiversity’ was indeed coined by Walter G. Rosen in 1986, establishing a concise word to encapsulate the variety of life on Earth.
2. Biodiversity Hotspots: Norman Myers introduced the term ‘biodiversity hotspots’ in 1988 to describe areas that are exceptionally rich in species, particularly endemic species, and are highly threatened.
3. Definition of Hotspots: Biodiversity hotspots are regions recognized for their rich species diversity. These areas are critical for conservation efforts due to the significant threat levels they face and their high levels of endemic species.
4. Number of Hotspots: As of the latest consensus, there are not more than 100 identified biodiversity hotspots around the world. The actual number is significantly lower, with around 36 hotspots currently recognized, making option D incorrect. These hotspots cover only about 2.4% of the Earth’s land surface, yet they account for more than half of the world’s plant species as endemics and nearly 43% of bird, mammal, reptile, and amphibian species as endemics.

Explanation:

1. Incorrect. Mollem National Park is actually located in Goa, not Maharashtra. This park is known for its rich biodiversity and is a part of the Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary.
2. Correct. Simlipal National Park is correctly matched with Odisha. It is one of the largest wildlife sanctuaries in India, renowned for its tiger population and rich flora and fauna.
3. Correct. Valley of Flowers National Park is accurately paired with Uttarakhand. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its endemic alpine flowers and stunning natural beauty.
4. Incorrect. Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve is located in Maharashtra, not Goa. It is Maharashtra’s oldest and largest national park, known for its tiger reserve and diverse wildlife.

Explanation:

1. Exceptional Biodiversity: Tropical rainforests, such as those found in Borneo, are renowned for their unparalleled biodiversity. They are home to more than 15,000 plant species, including 2,500 species of orchids.
2. Global Biodiversity Hub: Despite occupying only about 6% of the world’s land area, tropical rainforests are estimated to contain approximately 50% of the world’s terrestrial plant and animal species. This makes them critical for maintaining global biodiversity.
3. Conservation Priority: The high level of biodiversity in tropical rainforests underscores the importance of conservation efforts. Protecting these ecosystems is crucial for preserving their unique flora and fauna, as well as for ensuring the provision of vital ecosystem services.
4. Ecosystem Services: Tropical rainforests play a key role in regulating the global climate, protecting watersheds, and supporting a wealth of biodiversity. Their conservation is essential for sustainable development and for the wellbeing of local communities who depend on them.

Explanation:

1. Local Name: The Susu is the local name for the Ganges River Dolphin, indicative of the unique sound it produces. This species is specifically adapted to live in the turbid river waters of the Ganges and Brahmaputra River systems in India, Nepal, and Bangladesh.
2. Conservation Status: Classified as endangered by the IUCN, the Ganges River Dolphin faces threats from habitat loss, pollution, and accidental bycatch in fishing nets.
3. Ecological Indicator: As an indicator species, the health of the Ganges River Dolphin reflects the overall condition of its freshwater habitat, making its conservation vital for biodiversity.
4. Adaptations: The Ganges River Dolphin has several unique adaptations for life in murky waters, including the absence of a crystalline eye lens, which aids in navigation and hunting in such environments through echolocation.

Explanation:

1. Correct. The Forest Rights Act, 2006, does indeed incorporate the definition of “Critical Wildlife Habitat.” It outlines the process for identifying and notifying such habitats within protected areas, aiming to ensure the rights of forest-dwelling communities are protected while also conserving wildlife habitats.
2. Correct. The Baigas, a particularly vulnerable tribal group in central India, have been granted Habitat Rights for the first time in the country. This landmark decision acknowledges their traditional rights to live in and manage their ancestral lands, vital for their cultural and physical survival.
3. Incorrect. While the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change plays a significant role in environmental governance, the declaration of Habitat Rights under the Forest Rights Act involves a collaborative process with the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and state governments. The act empowers Gram Sabhas (village assemblies) to initiate the process for recognizing and vesting such rights, not solely the Union Ministry.

Explanation:

1. Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: This Act was enacted to provide protection to various species of plants and animals. It has categorized species into different schedules based on the degree of protection they require.
2. Schedule I: This schedule offers the highest level of protection to species listed under it. Species in this schedule are considered to be endangered and are afforded the highest degree of legal protection against poaching, hunting, and trading.
3. Bengal Tiger: The Bengal Tiger, a symbol of wildlife conservation in India, is placed in Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, indicating it is an endangered species requiring strict measures for its conservation.
4. Protection Measures: The inclusion of the Bengal Tiger in Schedule I means that any offense against this species is met with the harshest penalties under the law, including significant fines and imprisonment.
5. Conservation Significance: The placement of the Bengal Tiger in Schedule I underscores the critical need for its conservation and the government’s commitment to ensuring its survival and protection from threats such as habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict.