Biodiversity and Conservation
12 solved NEET Biology previous year questions on Biodiversity and Conservation, each with the correct answer and a full explanation.
Q1
Which one of the following has the highest number of species in nature?
✓ Correct answer: c) Insects
ExplanationArthropoda is the largest phylum of Animalia which includes insects.Over two-thirds of all named species on earth are arthropods.
Q2
Which one of the following is not a method of in situ conservation of biodiversity? [NEET 2019]
✓ Correct answer: c) Botanical Garden
ExplanationIn situ conservation refers to the conservation of species in their natural habitats, allowing them to live and evolve in the ecosystems where they naturally occur.Examples include: Biosphere Reserves Wildlife Sanctuaries Sacred Groves All of these protect biodiversity within natural ecosystems, making them in situ methods.On the other hand, a Botanical Garden is a place where plants are grown and conserved outside their natural habitat, often for research, education, and preservation.This makes it a method of ex situ conservation.
Q3
According to Alexander von Humboldt [Re-NEET 2020]
✓ Correct answer: a) Species richness increases with increasing area, but only up to limit
ExplanationAlexander von Humboldt observed that within a region species richness increased with increasing explored area, but only up to a limit.
Q4
A species which was introduced for ornamentation but has become a troublesome weed in India : [Re-NEET 2020]
✓ Correct answer: c) Eichhornia crassipes
ExplanationEichhornia crassipes (Water hyacinth) was introduced in India for its ornamental value due to its attractive flowers.However, it became a highly invasive aquatic weed, clogging water bodies, depleting oxygen levels, and disrupting aquatic ecosystems.It is often referred to as the "Terror of Bengal" due to its rapid spread and harmful ecological effects.
Q5
Which of the following is not a method of ex situ conservation? [NEET 2022]
✓ Correct answer: c) National Parks
ExplanationEx situ conservation is an approach to conserve endangered or threatened animals or plants.These organisms face a very high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future and needs urgent measure to save it from extinction.It includes cryopreservation, in vitro fertilization, micropropagation.Zoological parks, botanical gardens and wildlife safari parks also serve this purpose.In situ (on site) conservation is an approach to conserve and protect the flora and fauna in their natural habitat.It includes biosphere reserves, national parks and sanctuaries.
Q6
The World Summit on sustainable development held in 2002 in Johannesburg, South Africa pledged for:
✓ Correct answer: b) a significant reduction in the current rate of biodiversity loss.
ExplanationThe World Summit on Sustainable Development held in 2002 in Johannesburg, South Africa, pledged for a significant reduction in the current rate of biodiversity loss at global, regional and local levels.
Q7
Among 'The Evil Quartet', which one is considered the most important cause driving extinction of species? [NEET 2023]
✓ Correct answer: d) Habitat loss and fragmentation
ExplanationAmong the Evil Quartet (the four major causes of biodiversity loss), habitat loss and fragmentation is considered the most significant factor driving species extinction.The destruction of natural habitats due to deforestation, urbanization, and agricultural expansion leads to the loss of ecosystems, making it difficult for species to survive and reproduce.This disrupts ecological interactions and increases the risk of extinction.
Q8
The historic Convention on Biological Diversity, 'The Earth Summit' was held in Rio de Janeiro in the year: [NEET 2023]
✓ Correct answer: a) 1992
ExplanationThe historic Convention on Biological Diversity (‘The Earth Summit’) held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992, called upon all nations to take appropriate measures for conservation of biodiversity and sustainable utilisation of its benefits.
Q9
The type of conservation in which the threatened species are taken out from their natural habitat and placed in special setting where they can be protected and given special care is called; [NEET 2024]
✓ Correct answer: c) Biodiversity conservation
ExplanationThe type of conservation in which the threatened species are taken out from their natural habitat and placed in special setting where they can be protected and given special care is called Biodiversity Conservation.
Q10
Cryopreservation technique is used for:
✓ Correct answer: c) Preservation of gametes in viable and fertile condition for a long period.
ExplanationCryopreservation is a technique that uses extremely low temperatures (usually liquid nitrogen) to store biological samples like gametes (sperm and eggs) in a viable and fertile condition for extended periods.This is particularly useful in conservation efforts, especially for endangered species, where preserving their genetic material is crucial for future breeding programs.
Q11
List of endangered species was released by- [NEET 2024]
✓ Correct answer: a) IUCN
ExplanationThe International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is responsible for publishing the Red List of Threatened Species, which categorizes species based on their extinction risk, including Endangered, Critically Endangered, and Vulnerable species.Other options: B (GEAC - Genetic Engineering Approval Committee) – Regulates the use of genetically modified organisms in India.C (WWF - World Wide Fund for Nature) – Works on conservation but does not publish the endangered species list.D (FOAM - Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements) – Focuses on organic farming, not endangered species.Thus, the correct answer is Option A (IUCN).
Q12
Which one of the following is not included under in-situ conservation? [Re-NEET 2024]
✓ Correct answer: b) Botanical garden
ExplanationIn-situ conservation means preserving species in their natural habitats.Botanical gardens, while important for conservation efforts, are considered ex-situ conservation, as they cultivate plants outside of their natural environment.
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