UPSC Practice Questions: Biodiversity & Conservation - Set-1

Q1. Which of the following best describes the concept of 'In-situ' conservation?

A) Conservation of genetic resources in scientific laboratories and gene banks.

B) Conservation of species in botanical gardens and zoos.

C) On-site conservation of genetic resources in their natural populations.

D) Preservation of seeds and pollen in cryopreserved states.

Answer: C

Explanation: In-situ conservation refers to the conservation of ecosystems and natural habitats and the maintenance and recovery of viable populations of species in their natural surroundings. Options A, B, and D refer to Ex-situ conservation.

Q2. With reference to the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) in India, consider the following statements:

  1. It is a statutory body constituted under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

  2. It is chaired by the Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    A) 1 only

    B) 2 only

    C) Both 1 and 2

    D) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: A

Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect because the NBWL is chaired by the Prime Minister of India. The Minister of Environment serves as the Vice-Chairperson.

Q3. Which of the following activities are generally prohibited in National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries in India?

  1. Hunting and poaching

  2. Felling of trees

  3. Large-scale grazing

  4. Plantation and cultivation

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    A) 1 and 2 only

    B) 1, 2, and 4 only

    C) 3 and 4 only

    D) 1, 2, 3, and 4

Answer: D

Explanation: According to the provided text and Indian law, all the listed activities—plantation, cultivation, grazing, felling trees, hunting, and poaching—are prohibited to ensure the integrity of the habitat.

Q4. The 'Narrowly Utilitarian' argument for biodiversity conservation emphasizes:

A) The intrinsic value of every species regardless of economic use.

B) The direct economic benefits derived by humans, such as food and medicine.

C) The ecosystem services like pollination and oxygen production.

D) The aesthetic pleasure of nature.

Answer: B

Explanation: Narrowly utilitarian arguments focus on tangible, direct economic benefits like food (cereals, pulses), industrial products (tannins, lubricants), and medicinal products.

Q5. Consider the following pairs regarding protected areas in India (as per the provided text):

  1. Biosphere Reserves: 18

  2. National Parks: 107

  3. Wildlife Sanctuaries: 550+

    Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

    A) 1 and 2 only

    B) 2 and 3 only

    C) 1 and 3 only

    D) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: D

Explanation: Based on the text provided, India has 18 Biosphere Reserves, 107 National Parks, and 550+ Wildlife Sanctuaries.

Q6. The 'Broadly Utilitarian' argument for biodiversity conservation includes which of the following?

  1. Aesthetic pleasure of watching spring flowers.

  2. Provision of industrial resins and perfumes.

  3. Intangible benefits like the song of a bird.

  4. Ecosystem services provided by nature.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    A) 1, 2, and 4 only

    B) 1, 3, and 4 only

    C) 2 and 3 only

    D) 1 and 4 only

Answer: B

Explanation: Statement 2 is incorrect because industrial products fall under 'Narrowly Utilitarian' arguments. Aesthetic pleasures, bird songs, and ecosystem services are 'Broadly Utilitarian'.

Q7. What is the central theme of the 'Ethical Argument' for biodiversity conservation?

A) Every species has an intrinsic value, even if it has no current economic value.

B) Biodiversity must be saved because it provides oxygen for human survival.

C) We must conserve species only if they provide medicinal benefits.

D) Conservation is necessary to support global trade and industry.

Answer: A

Explanation: The ethical argument posits that we share the planet with millions of species and have a moral duty to care for their well-being because they have intrinsic value.

Q8. The National Wildlife Action Plan (2002-2016) specifically emphasized:

A) The total exclusion of humans from all protected areas.

B) The privatization of forest land for better management.

C) People’s participation and their support for wildlife conservation.

D) The conversion of all sanctuaries into national parks.

Answer: C

Explanation: The National Wildlife Action Plan adopted in 2002 moved toward a more inclusive approach, emphasizing the importance of people’s participation in conservation efforts.

Q9. Which of the following is NOT a product mentioned under the 'Narrowly Utilitarian' benefits of nature?

A) Tannins

B) Lubricants

C) Oxygen

D) Resins

Answer: C

Explanation: Oxygen is an ecosystem service (Broadly Utilitarian). Tannins, lubricants, and resins are industrial products (Narrowly Utilitarian).

Q10. In the context of India’s biodiversity, which of the following are recognized as legally protected areas?

  1. Biosphere Reserves

  2. Reserved Forests

  3. Nature Reserves

  4. Protected Forests

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    A) 1 and 2 only

    B) 3 and 4 only

    C) 1, 2, and 4 only

    D) 1, 2, 3, and 4

Answer: D

Explanation: The text lists all four—biosphere reserves, national parks, sanctuaries, reserved forests, protected forests, and nature reserves—as legally protected ecologically unique regions.

Q11. The philosophical idea that we owe it to future generations to pass on a healthy biological legacy is part of the:

A) Narrowly Utilitarian Argument

B) Broadly Utilitarian Argument

C) Ethical Argument

D) Economic Argument

Answer: C

Explanation: This is a core component of the ethical argument, which focuses on our moral duty to future generations and the species we coexist with.

Q12. If a region is designated as a 'National Park', which of the following is true?

A) It is primarily meant for the conservation of a single species.

B) It is an ex-situ conservation method.

C) It is an in-situ conservation method.

D) Local people are allowed to hunt for subsistence.

Answer: C

Explanation: National Parks are a form of in-situ conservation where species are protected in their natural habitat. Hunting is strictly prohibited.

Q13. 'Intrinsic value' of a species means:

A) The market price of its derivatives (like fur or meat).

B) The value a species has in and of itself, independent of its utility to humans.

C) The cost of maintaining the species in a zoo.

D) The value of the ecosystem service it provides (like pollination).

Answer: B

Explanation: Intrinsic value refers to the inherent worth of a species, regardless of whether it serves a human purpose or has economic value.

Q14. Which of the following are categorized as 'Industrial Products' derived from biodiversity in the provided text?

  1. Dyes

  2. Perfumes

  3. Fibres

  4. Cereals

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    A) 1 and 2 only

    B) 3 and 4 only

    C) 1, 2, and 3 only

    D) 1, 2, 3, and 4

Answer: A

Explanation: Dyes and perfumes are listed as industrial products. Fibres and cereals are listed under the "food" or "construction/material" categories (though all are narrowly utilitarian).

Q15. With reference to conservation, the 'bulbul’s song' is used as an example of:

A) Economic benefit

B) Intangible benefit

C) Genetic resource

D) Narrowly utilitarian benefit

Answer: B

Explanation: The text cites the bulbul’s song as an intangible, aesthetic benefit that falls under the broadly utilitarian category.

Q16. Biodiversity-rich regions in India are legally protected primarily to:

A) Encourage hunting and poaching under regulation.

B) Promote large-scale felling of trees for timber.

C) Conserve genetic resources in natural populations.

D) Provide land for experimental plantation and cultivation.

Answer: C

Explanation: These regions are protected as in-situ conservation sites to preserve genetic resources and biodiversity in their natural habitats.

Q17. "Every species has an intrinsic value, even if it may not be of current or any economic value to us." This statement is the foundation of:

A) Broadly Utilitarian Argument

B) Ethical Argument

C) Narrowly Utilitarian Argument

D) Anthropocentric Argument

Answer: B

Explanation: This is the literal definition of the ethical argument provided in the text.

Q18. According to the text, which of the following is NOT a category for conserving biodiversity?

A) Narrowly Utilitarian

B) Broadly Utilitarian

C) Ethical

D) Profit-driven Utilitarian

Answer: D

Explanation: The three categories mentioned are Narrowly Utilitarian, Broadly Utilitarian, and Ethical.

Q19. Which authority provides the policy framework for wildlife conservation in India?

A) National Biodiversity Authority

B) NITI Aayog

C) National Board for Wildlife

D) Wildlife Institute of India

Answer: C

Explanation: The text explicitly states that the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) provides the policy framework for wildlife conservation in the country.

Q20. In the context of biodiversity conservation, 'Ecosystem Services' are most closely associated with:

A) Narrowly Utilitarian Argument

B) Broadly Utilitarian Argument

C) Ethical Argument

D) Ex-situ Conservation

Answer: B

Explanation: The broadly utilitarian argument focuses on the major role biodiversity plays in ecosystem services provided by nature.


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