Complete Biodiversity and Conservation Question Bank & Solutions (118 Questions)
Q1 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
The term 'biodiversity' was popularised by:
(A)
David Tilman
(B)
Alexander von Humboldt
(C)
Paul Ehrlich
(D)
Edward Wilson
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (D) Edward Wilson
Edward Wilson, a sociobiologist, popularised the term to describe the combined diversity at all levels of biological organisation.
Q2 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
Edward Wilson was a:
(A)
Palaeontologist
(B)
Taxonomist
(C)
Geneticist
(D)
Sociobiologist
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (D) Sociobiologist
NCERT specifies sociobiologist — and examiners test the profession, not just the name.
Q3 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
The three important components of biodiversity are:
(A)
Genetic, taxonomic and regional diversity
(B)
Species, population and community diversity
(C)
Genetic, molecular and biome diversity
(D)
Genetic, species and ecological diversity
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (D) Genetic, species and ecological diversity
Genetic, Species and Ecological diversity.
Q4 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
Rauwolfia vomitoria growing in different Himalayan ranges shows variation in reserpine potency. This illustrates:
(A)
Genetic diversity
(B)
Ecosystem diversity
(C)
Species diversity
(D)
Ecological diversity
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (A) Genetic diversity
Genetic diversity — variation WITHIN a single species over its distributional range.
Q5 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
The active chemical produced by Rauwolfia vomitoria is:
(A)
Quinine
(B)
Nicotine
(C)
Strychnine
(D)
Reserpine
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (D) Reserpine
Reserpine — its potency and concentration vary across Himalayan ranges.
Q6 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
India has how many genetically different strains of rice?
(A)
More than 50,000
(B)
More than 5,00,000
(C)
More than 1,000
(D)
More than 5,000
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (A) More than 50,000
More than 50,000 strains of rice — and 1,000 varieties of mango.
Q7 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
The Western Ghats having greater amphibian species diversity than the Eastern Ghats is an example of:
(A)
Ecological diversity
(B)
Endemism
(C)
Genetic diversity
(D)
Species diversity
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (D) Species diversity
Different species of amphibians → SPECIES diversity, not genetic.
Q8 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
India having deserts, rain forests, mangroves, coral reefs, wetlands, estuaries and alpine meadows — unlike Norway — illustrates:
(A)
Ecological diversity
(B)
Bioprospecting
(C)
Genetic diversity
(D)
Species diversity
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (A) Ecological diversity
Ecological (ecosystem) diversity.
Q9 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
According to IUCN (2004), the number of plant and animal species described so far is:
(A)
About 7 million
(B)
20 to 50 million
(C)
Slightly more than 0.5 million
(D)
Slightly more than 1.5 million
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (D) Slightly more than 1.5 million
Slightly more than 1.5 million. (7 million is Robert May's ESTIMATE of the true total.)
Q10 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
Robert May's conservative estimate of global species diversity is:
(A)
7 million
(B)
50 million
(C)
1.5 million
(D)
5 million
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (A) 7 million
About 7 million. Extreme estimates range from 20 to 50 million, but May's is the scientifically sound one.
Q11 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
Of all described species, animals constitute:
(A)
No more than 22 per cent
(B)
Exactly 50 per cent
(C)
About 30 per cent
(D)
More than 70 per cent
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (D) More than 70 per cent
Animals > 70%; plants ≤ 22%.
Q12 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
Plants (including algae, fungi, bryophytes, gymnosperms and angiosperms) comprise what share of described species?
(A)
No more than 22 per cent
(B)
About 45 per cent
(C)
About 8 per cent
(D)
More than 70 per cent
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (A) No more than 22 per cent
No more than 22 per cent.
Q13 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
The most species-rich taxonomic group among animals is:
(A)
Mammals
(B)
Fishes
(C)
Birds
(D)
Insects
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (D) Insects
Insects — they make up 70% of all animals. Out of every 10 animals, 7 are insects.
Q14 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
Out of every 10 animals on this planet, how many are insects?
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (C) 7
7 — insects are 70% of all animals.
Q15 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
The number of fungi species in the world is:
(A)
More than the combined total of fishes, amphibians, reptiles and mammals
(B)
About equal to the number of bird species
(C)
Less than the number of plant species
(D)
Less than the number of insect species alone
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (A) More than the combined total of fishes, amphibians, reptiles and mammals
Fungi outnumber the COMBINED total of fishes + amphibians + reptiles + mammals.
Q16 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
Prokaryotic species are not adequately represented in biodiversity counts because:
(A)
They have no genetic diversity
(B)
They are not considered living organisms
(C)
They are too small to see
(D)
Conventional taxonomic methods are unsuitable and many are not culturable in the laboratory
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (D) Conventional taxonomic methods are unsuitable and many are not culturable in the laboratory
Both reasons. Molecular/biochemical criteria would elevate their diversity to 'biblical proportions'.
Q17 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
India occupies what percentage of the world's land area?
(A)
2.4 per cent
(B)
8.1 per cent
(C)
12 per cent
(D)
22 per cent
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (A) 2.4 per cent
Only 2.4% of the land — but 8.1% of global species diversity.
Q18 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
India's share of the global species diversity is:
(A)
2.4 per cent
(B)
8.1 per cent
(C)
12 per cent
(D)
22 per cent
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (B) 8.1 per cent
An impressive 8.1 per cent, making India one of the 12 mega-diversity countries.
Q19 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
India is one of how many mega-diversity countries in the world?
(A)
8
(B)
12
(C)
25
(D)
34
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (B) 12
12. (34 is the number of biodiversity HOTSPOTS — do not confuse them.)
Q20 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
How many plant species have been recorded from India?
(A)
Nearly 45,000
(B)
Nearly 90,000
(C)
Nearly 1,00,000
(D)
Nearly 3,00,000
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (A) Nearly 45,000
Nearly 45,000 plants and twice as many animals (~90,000).
Q21 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
Ecologists estimate the total number of species in the world by:
(A)
Counting every species in a sample plot
(B)
Statistically comparing temperate and tropical species richness of a well-studied insect group and extrapolating
(C)
Using satellite imagery of forests
(D)
Sequencing all known genomes
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (B) Statistically comparing temperate and tropical species richness of a well-studied insect group and extrapolating
A statistical comparison of temperate vs tropical richness of an exhaustively studied insect group, extrapolated to other taxa.
Q22 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
The latitudinal range of the tropics is:
(A)
41° N to 41° S
(B)
71° N to 71° S
(C)
0° to 15° N and S
(D)
23.5° N to 23.5° S
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (D) 23.5° N to 23.5° S
23.5° N to 23.5° S.
Q23 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
Colombia, located near the equator, has nearly how many bird species?
(A)
105
(B)
56
(C)
1,200
(D)
1,400
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (D) 1,400
Nearly 1,400. India has >1,200; New York (41° N) has 105; Greenland (71° N) has 56.
Q24 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
Greenland, at 71° N, has how many bird species?
(A)
56
(B)
105
(C)
378
(D)
1,300
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (A) 56
Only 56 — the poles are species-poor.
Q25 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
New York is at which latitude, and how many bird species does it have?
(A)
41° N, 105 species
(B)
23.5° N, 427 species
(C)
41° S, 1,400 species
(D)
71° N, 56 species
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (A) 41° N, 105 species
41° N, 105 species.
Q26 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
A tropical forest in Ecuador has how many times as many vascular plant species as an equal-area temperate forest in the Midwest USA?
(A)
5 times
(B)
Up to 10 times
(C)
100 times
(D)
2 times
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (B) Up to 10 times
Up to 10 times as many species of vascular plants.
Q27 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
Which region has the greatest biodiversity on Earth?
(A)
The Western Ghats
(B)
The Congo Basin
(C)
The Amazonian rain forest
(D)
The Great Barrier Reef
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (C) The Amazonian rain forest
The Amazonian rain forest in South America.
Q28 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
How many plant species does the Amazon rain forest harbour?
(A)
More than 1,25,000
(B)
More than 2 million
(C)
More than 3,000
(D)
More than 40,000
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (D) More than 40,000
More than 40,000 plants. (3,000 = fishes; 1,25,000 = invertebrates; 2 million = undiscovered insects.)
Q29 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
The Amazon rain forest has how many mammal species and how many amphibian species?
(A)
427 and 427
(B)
378 and 427
(C)
1,300 and 3,000
(D)
427 and 378
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (A) 427 and 427
Mammals 427, Amphibians 427 — identical. Reptiles are 378. Use the coincidence as your anchor.
Q30 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
How many insect species are estimated to remain undiscovered in the Amazon rain forest?
(A)
At least 1,25,000
(B)
At least 2 million
(C)
At least 7 million
(D)
At least 40,000
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (B) At least 2 million
At least 2 MILLION insect species waiting to be discovered and named.
Q31 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
The TIME hypothesis for greater tropical species richness argues that:
(A)
Tropics have more solar energy
(B)
Tropical environments are less seasonal
(C)
Tropical latitudes remained relatively undisturbed by glaciations for millions of years
(D)
Tropics have more predators
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (C) Tropical latitudes remained relatively undisturbed by glaciations for millions of years
Speciation is a function of TIME; unlike temperate regions hit by frequent glaciations, the tropics had a long evolutionary time to diversify.
Q32 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
The CONSTANCY hypothesis says tropical environments promote greater diversity because they are:
(A)
Warmer and wetter than temperate zones
(B)
Larger in total area
(C)
Less disturbed by glaciations
(D)
Less seasonal, more constant and predictable — promoting niche specialisation
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (D) Less seasonal, more constant and predictable — promoting niche specialisation
Constant environments promote NICHE SPECIALISATION, which leads to greater species diversity.
Q33 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
The ENERGY hypothesis states that more solar energy in the tropics leads to:
(A)
Higher productivity, which might contribute INDIRECTLY to greater diversity
(B)
Faster glaciation cycles
(C)
Lower niche specialisation
(D)
Directly higher species number
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (A) Higher productivity, which might contribute INDIRECTLY to greater diversity
Note NCERT's hedge: the contribution to diversity is INDIRECT, via higher productivity.
Q34 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
The species–area relationship was observed by:
(A)
Robert May
(B)
Alexander von Humboldt
(C)
David Tilman
(D)
Paul Ehrlich
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (B) Alexander von Humboldt
Alexander von Humboldt, during his explorations of the South American jungles.
Q35 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
Humboldt observed that within a region, species richness:
(A)
Increased without limit
(B)
Decreased with increasing area
(C)
Increased with increasing explored area, but only up to a limit
(D)
Stayed constant regardless of area
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (C) Increased with increasing explored area, but only up to a limit
The key phrase is 'but only up to a limit' — which is why the curve is a rectangular hyperbola, not a straight line.
Q36 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
On a normal (non-logarithmic) scale, the species–area curve is:
(A)
A sigmoid curve
(B)
A J-shaped curve
(C)
A straight line
(D)
A rectangular hyperbola
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (D) A rectangular hyperbola
A RECTANGULAR HYPERBOLA. On a log scale it becomes a straight line.
Q37 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
The species–area relationship on a logarithmic scale is described by:
(A)
log S = log C + Z log A
(B)
log S = log Z + C log A
(C)
S = C + Z + A
(D)
log A = log C + Z log S
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (A) log S = log C + Z log A
log S = log C + Z log A. S = species richness, A = area, Z = slope, C = Y-intercept.
Q38 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
In the equation log S = log C + Z log A, 'Z' represents:
(A)
The Y-intercept
(B)
The slope of the line (regression coefficient)
(C)
The area
(D)
Species richness
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (B) The slope of the line (regression coefficient)
Z = slope = regression coefficient. C is the Y-intercept.
Q39 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
In the equation log S = log C + Z log A, 'C' represents:
(A)
The carrying capacity
(B)
The slope
(C)
The Y-intercept
(D)
The species count
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (C) The Y-intercept
C = Y-intercept. (This is NOT the carrying capacity from Chapter 11 — different chapter, different C.)
Q40 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
The value of Z for species–area relationships within a region typically lies between:
(A)
0.6 and 1.2
(B)
1.0 and 1.15
(C)
2.0 and 3.0
(D)
0.1 and 0.2
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (D) 0.1 and 0.2
0.1 to 0.2 — and it is amazingly similar regardless of taxon or region.
Q41 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
For very large areas like entire continents, the Z value lies in the range:
(A)
0.6 to 1.2
(B)
0.01 to 0.05
(C)
2 to 5
(D)
0.1 to 0.2
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (A) 0.6 to 1.2
0.6 to 1.2 — the slope of the line is much steeper.
Q42 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
For frugivorous birds and mammals in tropical forests of different continents, the slope Z is:
(A)
0.1
(B)
0.2
(C)
1.15
(D)
2.15
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (C) 1.15
Z = 1.15 — the single most-tested specific Z value in the chapter.
Q43 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
'Frugivorous' means:
(A)
Insect-eating
(B)
Fruit-eating
(C)
Flesh-eating
(D)
Nectar-feeding
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (B) Fruit-eating
Fruit-eating.
Q44 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
NCERT states that the Z value of 0.1–0.2 holds for which examples?
(A)
Insects in the Amazon only
(B)
Fishes in Lake Victoria
(C)
Plants in Britain, birds in California, molluscs in New York state
(D)
Frugivorous birds and mammals across continents
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (C) Plants in Britain, birds in California, molluscs in New York state
The slopes of the regression lines for these three are amazingly similar — which is what makes it a real ecological law.
Q45 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
Ecologists believe that communities with more species tend to be:
(A)
Equally stable
(B)
More vulnerable to drought
(C)
Less stable
(D)
More stable
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (D) More stable
More stable — steady productivity, resistant to disturbance, resistant to alien invasion.
Q46 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
Which is NOT one of the three criteria for a STABLE community?
(A)
Having the highest possible number of top carnivores
(B)
Little year-to-year variation in productivity
(C)
Resistance or resilience to occasional disturbances
(D)
Resistance to invasions by alien species
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (A) Having the highest possible number of top carnivores
The three criteria are steady productivity, resistance/resilience to disturbance, and resistance to alien invasion.
Q47 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
David Tilman's experiments were conducted using:
(A)
Laboratory cultures
(B)
Outdoor plots
(C)
Computer simulations
(D)
Aquarium tanks
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (B) Outdoor plots
Long-term ecosystem experiments using OUTDOOR PLOTS.
Q48 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
Tilman found that plots with more species showed:
(A)
Lower productivity
(B)
More year-to-year variation in total biomass
(C)
Less year-to-year variation in total biomass
(D)
No change in biomass
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (C) Less year-to-year variation in total biomass
LESS year-to-year variation in total biomass — AND increased diversity contributed to HIGHER productivity. Two separate findings.
Q49 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
Tilman also showed that increased diversity contributed to:
(A)
Greater biomass variation
(B)
More alien invasions
(C)
Lower productivity
(D)
Higher productivity
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (D) Higher productivity
Higher productivity.
Q50 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
The 'rivet popper hypothesis' was proposed by:
(A)
Paul Ehrlich
(B)
Robert May
(C)
Edward Wilson
(D)
David Tilman
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (A) Paul Ehrlich
Paul Ehrlich, the Stanford ecologist.
Q51 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
In the rivet popper hypothesis, the rivets represent:
(A)
Ecosystems
(B)
Species
(C)
Humans
(D)
Trophic levels
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (B) Species
The airplane = ecosystem; the rivets = species; the passengers popping rivets = humans causing extinctions.
Q52 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
In the rivet popper analogy, why does it matter WHICH rivet is popped?
(A)
Because rivets on the seats are structural
(B)
Because all rivets are identical
(C)
Because rivets on the wings matter far more than rivets on the seats or windows
(D)
Because rivets can be replaced
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (C) Because rivets on the wings matter far more than rivets on the seats or windows
Losing a KEY species (a wing rivet) is far more dangerous than losing a peripheral one.
Q53 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
The colonisation of tropical Pacific Islands by humans led to the extinction of more than how many native bird species?
(A)
200
(B)
784
(C)
2,000
(D)
15,500
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (C) 2,000
More than 2,000 species of native birds.
Q54 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
The IUCN Red List (2004) documents the extinction of how many species in the last 500 years?
(A)
338
(B)
359
(C)
784
(D)
15,500
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (C) 784
784 species = 338 vertebrates + 359 invertebrates + 87 plants.
Q55 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
Of the 784 species extinct in the last 500 years, how many were invertebrates?
(A)
87
(B)
338
(C)
359
(D)
427
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (C) 359
359 invertebrates — MORE than the 338 vertebrates. This reversal is a favourite trap.
Q56 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
Of the 784 documented extinctions, how many were plants?
(A)
87
(B)
338
(C)
359
(D)
784
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (A) 87
87 plants. (338 + 359 + 87 = 784.)
Q57 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
The dodo became extinct in:
(A)
Russia
(B)
Africa
(C)
Australia
(D)
Mauritius
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (D) Mauritius
Dodo — Mauritius. Quagga — Africa. Thylacine — Australia. Steller's Sea Cow — Russia.
Q58 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
The thylacine was native to:
(A)
Australia
(B)
Africa
(C)
Russia
(D)
Mauritius
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (A) Australia
Australia.
Q59 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
Steller's Sea Cow became extinct in:
(A)
Australia
(B)
Russia
(C)
Mauritius
(D)
Africa
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (B) Russia
Russia — and it is also NCERT's example of extinction by over-exploitation.
Q60 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
Which three subspecies of tiger have become extinct?
(A)
Bengal, Javan, Siberian
(B)
Bengal, Siberian, Sumatran
(C)
Bali, Javan, Caspian
(D)
Indochinese, Malayan, South China
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (C) Bali, Javan, Caspian
Bali, Javan and Caspian.
Q61 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
How many species have disappeared in the last twenty years alone?
(A)
12
(B)
27
(C)
87
(D)
784
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (B) 27
27 species.
Q62 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
How many species worldwide are presently facing the threat of extinction?
(A)
784
(B)
2,000
(C)
15,500
(D)
40,000
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (C) 15,500
15,500 species.
Q63 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
Which group does NCERT identify as MORE VULNERABLE to extinction, showing that extinctions are not random?
(A)
Mammals
(B)
Reptiles
(C)
Birds
(D)
Amphibians
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (D) Amphibians
Amphibians — 32% of all amphibian species face the threat of extinction, the highest of the four groups given.
Q64 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
What percentage of all amphibian species face the threat of extinction?
(A)
12%
(B)
23%
(C)
31%
(D)
32%
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (D) 32%
32% — the highest. Gymnosperms 31%, mammals 23%, birds 12%.
Q65 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
What percentage of all bird species face the threat of extinction?
(A)
12%
(B)
23%
(C)
31%
(D)
32%
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (A) 12%
12% — the lowest of the four groups NCERT lists.
Q66 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
What percentage of all mammal species face the threat of extinction?
(A)
12%
(B)
23%
(C)
31%
(D)
32%
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (B) 23%
23%. Descending order: Amphibians 32 > Gymnosperms 31 > Mammals 23 > Birds 12.
Q67 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
What percentage of all gymnosperm species face the threat of extinction?
(A)
12%
(B)
23%
(C)
31%
(D)
32%
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (C) 31%
31% — just below amphibians (32%).
Q68 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
Current species extinction rates are estimated to be how much faster than in pre-human times?
(A)
100 to 1,000 times
(B)
2 to 5 times
(C)
1 million times
(D)
10 to 20 times
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (A) 100 to 1,000 times
100 to 1,000 times faster — and our activities are responsible.
Q69 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
If present trends continue, ecologists warn that within the next 100 years:
(A)
10% of species will be wiped out
(B)
Nearly half of all species on earth might be wiped out
(C)
All insects will go extinct
(D)
Extinction rates will return to normal
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (B) Nearly half of all species on earth might be wiped out
Nearly HALF of all species — this is the 'Sixth Extinction' warning.
Q70 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
Which is NOT a consequence of biodiversity loss in a region?
(A)
Lowered resistance to environmental perturbations such as drought
(B)
Increased variability in ecosystem processes
(C)
Increased stability of pest and disease cycles
(D)
Decline in plant production
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (C) Increased stability of pest and disease cycles
Loss causes INCREASED VARIABILITY in pest and disease cycles — not increased stability.
Q71 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
The four causes of biodiversity loss are collectively called:
(A)
The Extinction Vortex
(B)
The Rivet Poppers
(C)
The Fatal Four
(D)
The Evil Quartet
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (D) The Evil Quartet
The Evil Quartet. Mnemonic: 'Humans Over-Ate Creation'.
Q72 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
The MOST IMPORTANT cause driving animals and plants to extinction is:
(A)
Habitat loss and fragmentation
(B)
Co-extinctions
(C)
Over-exploitation
(D)
Alien species invasions
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (A) Habitat loss and fragmentation
Habitat loss and fragmentation — NCERT states this explicitly.
Q73 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
Tropical rain forests once covered more than what percentage of the earth's land surface?
(A)
6 per cent
(B)
14 per cent
(C)
22 per cent
(D)
30 per cent
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (B) 14 per cent
Once more than 14%; now no more than 6%.
Q74 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
Tropical rain forests now cover no more than:
(A)
2 per cent
(B)
6 per cent
(C)
14 per cent
(D)
22 per cent
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (B) 6 per cent
6 per cent — down from more than 14 per cent.
Q75 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
The Amazon rain forest is being cut and cleared mainly for:
(A)
Timber for paper only
(B)
Cultivating soya beans and raising beef cattle
(C)
Mining gold and diamonds
(D)
Building cities
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (B) Cultivating soya beans and raising beef cattle
Soya beans and grasslands for beef cattle.
Q76 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
The Amazon rain forest is called the:
(A)
Nursery of the earth
(B)
Cradle of life
(C)
Lungs of the planet
(D)
Heart of the world
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (C) Lungs of the planet
The 'lungs of the planet' — it produces ~20% of the earth's atmospheric oxygen.
Q77 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
Habitat FRAGMENTATION most badly affects:
(A)
Insects only
(B)
Aquatic plants
(C)
Microbes and fungi
(D)
Mammals and birds requiring large territories, and animals with migratory habits
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (D) Mammals and birds requiring large territories, and animals with migratory habits
Animals needing large territories or with migratory habits suffer population declines.
Q78 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
Over-exploitation occurs when:
(A)
'Need' turns to 'greed'
(B)
Alien species are introduced
(C)
A host species goes extinct
(D)
Habitats are polluted
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (A) 'Need' turns to 'greed'
NCERT's exact phrasing: when 'need' turns to 'greed'.
Q79 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
Which two species does NCERT name as extinct due to over-exploitation?
(A)
Dodo and thylacine
(B)
Steller's sea cow and the passenger pigeon
(C)
Quagga and the Bali tiger
(D)
Nile perch and cichlid fish
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (B) Steller's sea cow and the passenger pigeon
Steller's sea cow and the passenger pigeon.
Q80 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
The introduction of the Nile perch into Lake Victoria led to the extinction of:
(A)
27 species of amphibians
(B)
The African catfish
(C)
More than 200 species of cichlid fish
(D)
More than 2,000 species of native birds
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (C) More than 200 species of cichlid fish
An ecologically unique assemblage of more than 200 species of cichlid fish.
Q81 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
Lake Victoria is located in:
(A)
Southeast Asia
(B)
Australia
(C)
South America
(D)
East Africa
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (D) East Africa
East Africa.
Q82 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
Which of the following is an invasive weed species in India?
(A)
Water hyacinth (Eichhornia)
(B)
Bamboo
(C)
Calotropis
(D)
Rauwolfia vomitoria
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (A) Water hyacinth (Eichhornia)
The three invasive weeds NCERT names are carrot grass (Parthenium), Lantana and water hyacinth (Eichhornia).
Q83 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
The African catfish Clarias gariepinus was illegally introduced into Indian rivers for:
(A)
Ornamental purposes
(B)
Aquaculture
(C)
Mosquito control
(D)
Weed control
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (B) Aquaculture
For aquaculture — and it now threatens the indigenous catfishes in our rivers.
Q84 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
Co-extinction occurs when:
(A)
A habitat is fragmented
(B)
Two species compete for the same resource
(C)
A species associated with another in an OBLIGATORY way also goes extinct when the first does
(D)
An alien species invades a habitat
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (C) A species associated with another in an OBLIGATORY way also goes extinct when the first does
Key word: OBLIGATORY association. E.g., a host fish's parasites, or a co-evolved plant–pollinator pair.
Q85 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
Which of the following is NCERT's example of co-extinction?
(A)
Prickly pear and the cactus-feeding moth
(B)
Balanus and Chthamalus
(C)
Nile perch and cichlid fish
(D)
A host fish and its unique assemblage of parasites
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (D) A host fish and its unique assemblage of parasites
When a host fish species becomes extinct, its parasites meet the same fate. The other example is a co-evolved plant–pollinator mutualism.
Q86 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
The three categories of reasons for conserving biodiversity are:
(A)
Narrowly utilitarian, broadly utilitarian and ethical
(B)
Genetic, species and ecological
(C)
In situ, ex situ and legal
(D)
Economic, political and social
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (A) Narrowly utilitarian, broadly utilitarian and ethical
Mnemonic: 'Nature's Bounty and Ethics'.
Q87 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
More than what percentage of the drugs currently sold worldwide are derived from plants?
(A)
5 per cent
(B)
25 per cent
(C)
50 per cent
(D)
70 per cent
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (B) 25 per cent
More than 25 per cent.
Q88 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
How many plant species contribute to traditional medicines used by native peoples around the world?
(A)
2,500
(B)
25,000
(C)
45,000
(D)
1,25,000
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (B) 25,000
25,000 species of plants.
Q89 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
Bioprospecting is defined as:
(A)
Searching for mineral deposits in forests
(B)
Exploring molecular, genetic and species-level diversity for products of economic importance
(C)
Cataloguing all species in a hotspot
(D)
Cryopreserving gametes of threatened species
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (B) Exploring molecular, genetic and species-level diversity for products of economic importance
Nations endowed with rich biodiversity can reap enormous benefits from bioprospecting.
Q90 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
The Amazon forest is estimated to produce what fraction of the total oxygen in the earth's atmosphere?
(A)
2 per cent
(B)
6 per cent
(C)
20 per cent
(D)
50 per cent
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (C) 20 per cent
About 20 per cent, through photosynthesis — hence 'lungs of the planet'.
Q91 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
Which pollinators does NCERT name in the broadly utilitarian argument?
(A)
Wind and water
(B)
Ants and termites
(C)
Bees, bumblebees, birds and bats
(D)
Beetles, flies and moths
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (C) Bees, bumblebees, birds and bats
Bees, bumblebees, birds and bats.
Q92 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
The ETHICAL argument for conserving biodiversity rests on:
(A)
The need for bioprospecting revenue
(B)
The economic value of drugs derived from plants
(C)
Ecosystem services like oxygen production
(D)
Every species having an INTRINSIC value and our moral duty to future generations
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (D) Every species having an INTRINSIC value and our moral duty to future generations
Every species has intrinsic value even without economic value; we have a moral duty to pass on our biological legacy in good order.
Q93 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
'We save the entire forest to save the tiger' describes:
(A)
In situ conservation
(B)
Bioprospecting
(C)
Cryopreservation
(D)
Ex situ conservation
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (A) In situ conservation
In situ — protecting the whole ecosystem in its natural habitat.
Q94 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
Which of the following is EX SITU conservation?
(A)
A sacred grove
(B)
A botanical garden
(C)
A biosphere reserve
(D)
A national park
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (B) A botanical garden
Botanical gardens, zoological parks and wildlife safari parks are ex situ. Biosphere reserves, national parks, sanctuaries and sacred groves are all in situ.
Q95 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
The TWO criteria defining a biodiversity hotspot are:
(A)
High rainfall and warm temperature
(B)
Presence of national parks and sanctuaries
(C)
Very high species richness and a high degree of endemism
(D)
Large area and high productivity
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (C) Very high species richness and a high degree of endemism
Species richness + endemism. They are also regions of accelerated habitat loss.
Q96 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
Endemism means:
(A)
Species that have gone extinct
(B)
Species introduced from elsewhere
(C)
Species that migrate seasonally
(D)
Species confined to a region and not found anywhere else
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (D) Species confined to a region and not found anywhere else
An endemic species has nowhere else to survive — which is why endemism-rich regions are prioritised.
Q97 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
How many biodiversity hotspots are there in the world?
(A)
12
(B)
25
(C)
34
(D)
90
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (C) 34
34 — initially 25 were identified, and 9 more were subsequently added.
Q98 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
Initially how many biodiversity hotspots were identified?
(A)
12
(B)
25
(C)
34
(D)
9
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (B) 25
25, with 9 more added later → total 34.
Q99 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
All the biodiversity hotspots put together cover what fraction of the earth's land area?
(A)
Less than 2 per cent
(B)
About 6 per cent
(C)
About 14 per cent
(D)
About 30 per cent
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (A) Less than 2 per cent
Less than 2 per cent — yet strict protection could cut ongoing mass extinctions by almost 30 per cent.
Q100 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
Strict protection of biodiversity hotspots could reduce the ongoing mass extinctions by almost:
(A)
2 per cent
(B)
10 per cent
(C)
30 per cent
(D)
50 per cent
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (C) 30 per cent
By almost 30 per cent.
Q101 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
Which of these is NOT one of the three biodiversity hotspots covering India?
(A)
Himalaya
(B)
Sundaland
(C)
Western Ghats and Sri Lanka
(D)
Indo-Burma
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (B) Sundaland
India's three are Western Ghats & Sri Lanka, Indo-Burma, and Himalaya. Mnemonic: 'We Indians Have'.
Q102 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
India has how many biosphere reserves?
(A)
14
(B)
90
(C)
448
(D)
34
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (A) 14
14 biosphere reserves, 90 national parks, 448 wildlife sanctuaries.
Q103 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
India has how many national parks?
(A)
14
(B)
90
(C)
448
(D)
34
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (B) 90
90 national parks.
Q104 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
India has how many wildlife sanctuaries?
(A)
14
(B)
90
(C)
448
(D)
484
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (C) 448
448 wildlife sanctuaries.
Q105 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
Sacred groves are found in which of the following?
(A)
The Sundarbans of West Bengal
(B)
The Andaman Islands
(C)
Khasi and Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya
(D)
The Thar Desert of Gujarat
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (C) Khasi and Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya
NCERT's list: Khasi & Jaintia Hills (Meghalaya), Aravalli Hills (Rajasthan), Western Ghats (Karnataka & Maharashtra), Sarguja, Chanda & Bastar (MP).
Q106 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
In which state are sacred groves the last refuges for a large number of rare and threatened plants?
(A)
Madhya Pradesh
(B)
Rajasthan
(C)
Karnataka
(D)
Meghalaya
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (D) Meghalaya
Meghalaya.
Q107 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
Sacred groves are an example of:
(A)
In situ conservation
(B)
Bioprospecting
(C)
Cryopreservation
(D)
Ex situ conservation
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (A) In situ conservation
In situ — community-driven, culturally enforced protection of the whole habitat.
Q108 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
Cryopreservation in ex situ conservation is used to preserve:
(A)
Whole animals
(B)
Gametes of threatened species in viable and fertile condition
(C)
Soil samples
(D)
Sacred groves
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (B) Gametes of threatened species in viable and fertile condition
Gametes, kept viable and fertile for long periods.
Q109 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
Which of these is NOT a modern ex situ conservation technique?
(A)
In vitro fertilisation
(B)
Tissue culture propagation of plants
(C)
Declaring a region a biodiversity hotspot
(D)
Cryopreservation of gametes
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (C) Declaring a region a biodiversity hotspot
Declaring a hotspot is IN SITU. The other three are ex situ (mnemonic C-I-T-S, with seed banks).
Q110 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
Seeds of different genetic strains of commercially important plants are kept in:
(A)
Wildlife safari parks
(B)
Biosphere reserves
(C)
Zoological parks
(D)
Seed banks
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (D) Seed banks
Seed banks — part of the modern ex situ toolkit.
Q111 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
The Earth Summit was held in:
(A)
Rio de Janeiro, 1992
(B)
Johannesburg, 2002
(C)
Stockholm, 1972
(D)
Nairobi, 2010
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (A) Rio de Janeiro, 1992
Rio de Janeiro, 1992. It called on all nations to conserve biodiversity and use its benefits sustainably.
Q112 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
The World Summit on Sustainable Development (2002) was held in:
(A)
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
(B)
Johannesburg, South Africa
(C)
Kyoto, Japan
(D)
Montreal, Canada
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (B) Johannesburg, South Africa
Johannesburg, South Africa — where 190 countries pledged commitment.
Q113 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
How many countries pledged their commitment at the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development?
(A)
34
(B)
90
(C)
190
(D)
448
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (C) 190
190 countries, pledging to significantly reduce the rate of biodiversity loss by 2010.
Q114 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
The target year set at the Johannesburg summit for significantly reducing biodiversity loss was:
(A)
2002
(B)
2010
(C)
2020
(D)
2050
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (B) 2010
2010 — at global, regional and local levels.
Q115 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
Why is biodiversity conservation a collective responsibility of all nations?
(A)
Because all countries have equal species richness
(B)
Because the UN mandates it
(C)
Because biodiversity knows no political boundaries
(D)
Because hotspots are equally distributed
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (C) Because biodiversity knows no political boundaries
NCERT's exact phrase: 'Biodiversity knows no political boundaries.'
Q116 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
Animals achieved greater diversification than plants largely because of:
(A)
Their ability to photosynthesise
(B)
Their shorter life spans
(C)
Their smaller genome size
(D)
Greater motility, complex nervous systems and (in arthropods) a rigid exoskeleton
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (D) Greater motility, complex nervous systems and (in arthropods) a rigid exoskeleton
Motility lets them escape adverse conditions and colonise new habitats; nervous systems let them perceive and respond; the arthropod exoskeleton gave protection and support.
Q117 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
Which species was DELIBERATELY driven to extinction, and is used to justify the exception to conservation?
(A)
The smallpox virus
(B)
The Nile perch
(C)
The dodo
(D)
The passenger pigeon
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (A) The smallpox virus
The smallpox virus was deliberately eradicated worldwide through vaccination — justified by human welfare, since it provides no ecosystem service.
Q118 of 118
NEET NCERT Line-by-Line
Which of the following pairs is INCORRECTLY matched?
(A)
Alexander von Humboldt — species–area relationship
(B)
David Tilman — rivet popper hypothesis
(C)
Robert May — global estimate of 7 million species
(D)
Edward Wilson — popularised 'biodiversity'
Show Answer & NCERT Explanation
Correct Answer: (B) David Tilman — rivet popper hypothesis
The rivet popper hypothesis is PAUL EHRLICH's. Tilman ran the outdoor-plot experiments.