UPSC Practice Questions: Biodiversity & Conservation - Set-4
Q1. With reference to the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), consider the following statements:
It is a constitutional body under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
It was constituted under the provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
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 the NTCA is a statutory body, not a constitutional one. Statement 2 is correct as it was established via an amendment to the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
Q2. Who has the authority to declare an area as a Tiger Reserve in India?
A) The NTCA independently via a gazette notification.
B) The Central Government based on the advice of the Prime Minister.
C) The State Government strictly on the recommendation of the NTCA.
D) The National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) following a census.
Answer: C
Explanation: As per the text, Tiger Reserves are declared by the State Government, but this can only be done strictly on the recommendation of the NTCA.
Q3. In the Core–Buffer Management Model of Tiger Reserves, which of the following is true regarding the 'Core Area'?
A) Limited human activities like fishing and grazing are permitted.
B) It is a zone of cooperation where human ventures and conservation exist in harmony.
C) No human activity is allowed as it is dedicated strictly to wildlife conservation.
D) It is governed primarily by the rules of the local Gram Sabha.
Answer: C
Explanation: The Core Area is strictly protected to ensure a disturbance-free environment for tigers; human activity is prohibited.
Q4. The "Man and the Biosphere" (MAB) programme, which initiated the idea of Biosphere Reserves, is an initiative of:
A) IUCN
B) WWF
C) UNESCO
D) UNEP
Answer: C
Explanation: The MAB programme was initiated by UNESCO in 1974 to promote an interdisciplinary approach to management, research, and education in ecosystem conservation.
Q5. Consider the following statements regarding Biosphere Reserves (BR) in India:
The first Biosphere Reserve in India was the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, established in 1986.
They are defined and governed by a specific, separate legal framework under the Indian Forest Act, 1927.
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; unlike National Parks or Sanctuaries, Biosphere Reserves do not have a separate legal statute in India and are notified by the government.
Q6. Which zone of a Biosphere Reserve is known as the "Zone of Cooperation"?
A) Core Zone
B) Buffer Zone
C) Transition Zone
D) Manipulated Zone
Answer: C
Explanation: The Transition Zone is the outermost part where human ventures (croplands, managed forests, settlements) and conservation are carried out in harmony.
Q7. What is a primary requirement for a site to be designated as a Biosphere Reserve core area?
A) It must be a site for intensive industrial recreation.
B) It must be a Bio-Geographical Unit large enough to sustain viable populations across all trophic levels.
C) it must be located within 10km of a major urban center for educational purposes.
D) It must allow for the resettlement of all local tribal communities.
Answer: B
Explanation: For a site to be effective, the core area must be a distinct bio-geographical unit capable of supporting a full food chain (all trophic levels).
Q8. Which zone of a Biosphere Reserve encourages research, environmental education, and limited activities like fishing or grazing to reduce pressure on the inner core?
A) Core Zone
B) Buffer Zone
C) Transition Zone
D) Buffer and Transition zones equally
Answer: B
Explanation: The Buffer Zone surrounds the core and allows managed activities like research, education, and limited grazing to act as a shield for the core zone.
Q9. In the context of Biosphere Reserves, 'Logistic Support' refers to:
A) Providing transportation for forest guards.
B) Promoting research, education, training, and monitoring for sustainable development.
C) The physical movement of animals between different reserves.
D) Funding the construction of roads in the transition zone.
Answer: B
Explanation: Logistic support is one of the three main functions of a BR, focusing on the knowledge-based aspects of conservation and development.
Q10. The 'Transition Zone' of a Biosphere Reserve may include which of the following?
Croplands
Managed forests
Human settlements
Intensive recreation areas
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 1, 2, and 3 only
C) 3 and 4 only
D) 1, 2, 3, and 4
Answer: D
Explanation: The transition zone is the area of active human integration, including agriculture, settlements, and managed forestry.
Q11. Which of the following is a designated function of Biosphere Reserves?
Conservation of genetic resources and landscapes.
Prevention of man-animal conflict.
Protection of tribal culture and customs.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
A) 1 only
B) 1 and 2 only
C) 2 and 3 only
D) 1, 2, and 3
Answer: D
Explanation: BRs have a holistic approach that includes ecological conservation, conflict mitigation (like the case of Tiger Avni), and socio-cultural preservation.
Q12. How do Tiger Reserves differ from National Parks in terms of legal protection?
A) Tiger Reserves have much higher legal protection than National Parks.
B) Tiger Reserves have the same legal protection as Wildlife Sanctuaries.
C) National Parks are governed by the NTCA, whereas Tiger Reserves are not.
D) Tiger Reserves do not require notification by the State Government.
Answer: B
Explanation: According to the text, Tiger Reserves carry the same legal protection as Wildlife Sanctuaries under the Wildlife (Protection) Act.
Q13. The involvement of local communities and their knowledge in biodiversity preservation is a criterion for:
A) Reserved Forests
B) National Parks
C) Biosphere Reserves
D) Protected Forests
Answer: C
Explanation: One of the criteria for designating a BR is the involvement of local communities and the potential for preserving traditional modes of living.
Q14. The three pillars of sustainable development that Biosphere Reserves seek to strengthen are:
A) Politics, Economics, and Religion
B) Social, Economic, and Protection of the Environment
C) Tourism, Mining, and Agriculture
D) Research, Education, and Military Logistics
Answer: B
Explanation: BRs aim to balance human growth with ecological protection, focusing on the social, economic, and environmental pillars.
Q15. Which zone of the Biosphere Reserve is mostly regulated under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and kept free from human interference?
A) Transition Zone
B) Buffer Zone
C) Core Zone
D) Restoration Zone
Answer: C
Explanation: The Core Zone is often a National Park or Sanctuary and is protected under the 1972 Act to remain undisturbed.
Q16. Tiger Reserves are the primary administrative units for implementing which conservation programme?
A) Project Elephant
B) Project Tiger
C) MAB Programme
D) Green India Mission
Answer: B
Explanation: Tiger Reserves are the specialized units responsible for the implementation of Project Tiger in India.
Q17. Which of the following best describes the "Broadly Utilitarian" aspect of a Biosphere Reserve?
A) The sale of timber from the core zone.
B) The ecosystem services and aesthetic pleasures provided by the large landscape.
C) The hunting of endemic species for medicinal use.
D) The development of large-scale industrial zones.
Answer: B
Explanation: Following the logic of earlier texts, Broadly Utilitarian arguments relate to ecosystem services and intangible benefits, which BRs provide by conserving large areas.
Q18. A 'Bio-Geographical Unit' in the context of a BR core area must be:
A) Small enough to be managed by a single village.
B) Located only in coastal or marine ecosystems.
C) Large enough to sustain viable populations across trophic levels.
D) Owned by a private individual for scientific research.
Answer: C
Explanation: This is a specific criterion to ensure the ecological integrity and self-sustainability of the core area.
Q19. Why was the "Tiger Avni" case mentioned in the context of Biosphere Reserve functions?
A) To show the success of tiger translocation.
B) To illustrate the function of preventing man-animal conflict.
C) To highlight the role of the Transition Zone in hunting.
D) To explain how the NTCA manages international borders.
Answer: B
Explanation: The text cites the case as an example of why managing resources and landscapes is necessary to prevent tragic man-animal conflicts.
Q20. In India, Biosphere Reserves are notified by:
A) UNESCO only.
B) The State Legislature via a constitutional amendment.
C) The Central and State Governments.
D) The Forest Settlement Officer.
Answer: C
Explanation: BRs are notified by the Central Government (MoEFCC) and the respective State Governments rather than being established by a specific parliamentary act.
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