UPSC Practice Questions: Biodiversity & Conservation - Set-6

Q1. With reference to the declaration of National Parks in India, consider the following statements:

  1. Only the Central Government has the statutory power to notify a National Park under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

  2. An area must possess ecological, faunal, floral, geomorphological, or zoological significance to be declared a National Park.

    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: B

Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect because both State Governments (Section 35) and the Central Government (Section 38) can declare National Parks. Statement 2 is a direct requirement mentioned in the Act for such a declaration.

Q2. Which of the following is the primary ecological difference between a National Park (NP) and a Wildlife Sanctuary (WLS)?

A) NPs are species-oriented, while WLS are habitat-oriented.

B) NPs are designed to protect the entire ecosystem, while WLS are often species-oriented.

C) WLS offer the highest degree of statutory protection, exceeding that of NPs.

D) Human habitation is permitted in the core of NPs but banned in WLS.

Answer: B

Explanation: National Parks are habitat-oriented (protecting flora, fauna, and landscapes), whereas Sanctuaries are often species-oriented (focused on a particular animal like the Great Indian Bustard).

Q3. Regarding human activities in a National Park, which of the following is strictly PROHIBITED under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972?

  1. Livestock grazing

  2. Collection of minor forest produce (MFP)

  3. Private landholding

  4. Scientific research

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    A) 1, 2, and 3 only

    B) 2 and 4 only

    C) 1 and 3 only

    D) 1, 2, 3, and 4

Answer: A

Explanation: Grazing, MFP collection, and private landholdings are strictly banned in NPs. Scientific research (Option 4) is permitted, but only under a specific permit from the Chief Wildlife Warden.

Q4. The "extinguishment of rights" is a process associated with the creation of a National Park. This means:

A) Local people are given more rights to hunt for subsistence.

B) All rights of people living inside the proposed area are settled or removed before final notification.

C) The State Government loses its right to manage the forest.

D) Tigers are given the right to migrate to other states.

Answer: B

Explanation: Unlike Sanctuaries where some rights may be regulated, in a National Park, all human rights (land, resources) must be completely settled and extinguished to ensure an "inviolate" area.

Q5. Consider the following pairs:

  1. First NP in India: Jim Corbett (Uttarakhand)

  2. Largest NP in India: Hemis (Ladakh)

  3. Smallest NP in India: South Button Island (A&N Islands)

    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: All pairs are correctly matched as per the text. Jim Corbett (1936), Hemis (4,400 sq. km), and South Button Island (0.03 sq. km) hold these respective records.

Q6. What is the unique characteristic of the Keibul Lamjao National Park in Manipur?

A) It is the highest altitude park in the world.

B) It is the only floating National Park in the world.

C) It is the only park in India with no recorded rainfall.

D) It is a park situated entirely on an artificial island.

Answer: B

Explanation: Keibul Lamjao is located on Loktak Lake and is famous for its floating vegetation called 'phumdis'.

Q7. The critically endangered 'Sangai' (dancing deer) is the flagship species of which National Park?

A) Hemis National Park

B) South Button Island National Park

C) Keibul Lamjao National Park

D) Jim Corbett National Park

Answer: C

Explanation: The Sangai is endemic to Manipur and its last natural refuge is the Keibul Lamjao National Park.

Q8. How can the boundaries of a National Park be altered in India?

A) Through a simple notification by the Chief Wildlife Warden.

B) By a resolution of the State Legislature and recommendation of the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL).

C) By an order from the District Collector.

D) Boundaries of a National Park can never be altered under any circumstances.

Answer: B

Explanation: Boundary alteration is a rigorous process requiring both a legislative resolution and prior recommendation from the NBWL.

Q9. Which of the following statements is true regarding the "Upgradation" of protected areas?

A) A National Park can be downgraded to a Wildlife Sanctuary if animal populations decrease.

B) A Wildlife Sanctuary can be upgraded to a National Park for higher protection.

C) Both NPs and WLS can be downgraded to Reserved Forests.

D) Only the Prime Minister can approve the upgradation of a Sanctuary.

Answer: B

Explanation: The law allows for a WLS to be upgraded to an NP, but an NP cannot be downgraded to a WLS.

Q10. Entry into a National Park for photography or eco-tourism is:

A) A fundamental right for all citizens.

B) Strictly prohibited at all times.

C) Allowed only under specific permits granted by the Chief Wildlife Warden.

D) Regulated by the Ministry of Tourism, not the Forest Department.

Answer: C

Explanation: Entry is highly restricted and requires a permit from the Chief Wildlife Warden for specific purposes like tourism (in designated zones) or research.

Q11. The 'Hemis National Park' in Ladakh is specifically mentioned as a high-altitude refuge for which animal?

A) Sangai

B) Snow Leopard

C) Red Panda

D) One-horned Rhino

Answer: B

Explanation: Hemis is a massive high-altitude refuge known for its significant population of Snow Leopards.

Q12. In the context of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, what does "Section 35" pertain to?

A) Declaration of Tiger Reserves by the NTCA.

B) Declaration of National Parks by the State Government.

C) Rights of local communities to collect firewood.

D) Power of the Central Government to declare Biosphere Reserves.

Answer: B

Explanation: Section 35 of the WPA 1972 is the provision under which State Governments notify an area as a National Park.

Q13. Which of the following is NOT included in the focus of a National Park's conservation efforts?

A) Flora and Fauna

B) Historical objects

C) Landscapes

D) Commercial timber extraction

Answer: D

Explanation: NPs protect the entire ecosystem and historical objects, but commercial activities like timber extraction are strictly banned.

Q14. Jim Corbett National Park was established in 1936 under what name?

A) Ramganga National Park

B) Hailey National Park

C) Eden National Park

D) United Provinces National Park

Answer: B

Explanation: It was originally established as Hailey National Park, making it India's first National Park.

Q15. Consider the comparison between NP and WLS. In which category is grazing "may be permitted/regulated"?

A) National Park

B) Wildlife Sanctuary

C) Both NP and WLS

D) Neither NP nor WLS

Answer: B

Explanation: Livestock grazing is completely banned in National Parks but may be permitted or regulated in a Sanctuary by the Chief Wildlife Warden.

Q16. The authority responsible for granting permits for scientific research inside a National Park is:

A) The Forest Settlement Officer

B) The District Collector

C) The Chief Wildlife Warden (CWLW)

D) The Minister of Environment

Answer: C

Explanation: The CWLW is the designated official who can grant permits for specific restricted entries into the park.

Q17. South Button Island National Park is located in:

A) Lakshadweep

B) Andaman & Nicobar Islands

C) Gulf of Mannar

D) Sundarbans

Answer: B

Explanation: This tiny marine park (0.03 sq. km) is part of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

Q18. "Inviolate" in the context of National Parks means:

A) The area is open for all types of infrastructure development.

B) The area is free from human interference and exploitation.

C) The area is designated only for migratory birds.

D) The area is privately owned by conservationists.

Answer: B

Explanation: The term "inviolate" refers to the highest level of protection where the habitat is kept undisturbed by human activity.

Q19. Which of the following can be a reason for declaring a National Park?

  1. Geomorphological significance

  2. Zoological significance

  3. Floral significance

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    A) 1 and 2 only

    B) 2 and 3 only

    C) 1 and 3 only

    D) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: D

Explanation: The WPA, 1972 lists ecological, faunal, floral, geomorphological, and zoological significance as criteria for declaration.

Q20. 'Phumdis' are a characteristic feature of which National Park?

A) Hemis NP

B) South Button Island NP

C) Keibul Lamjao NP

D) Jim Corbett NP

Answer: C

Explanation: Phumdis are floating masses of vegetation, soil, and organic matter found exclusively in the Keibul Lamjao National Park.

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