Biodiversity refers to the variety of plants, animals, microorganisms and ecosystems found on Earth. It is essential for ecological balance, sustainable development and human survival, making it an important topic for competitive examinations.
Correct Answer:
(A) The range of different species in an environment
The diverse range of organisms (plants and animals) found in an ecosystem, is defined as biodiversity. The species are organized in different communities which are found in a particular ecosystem. Bio-diversity is denoted with (α) alfa, (β) beta and (γ) gamma indicating different categories. This classification was advanced by Whittaker in 1960.
Ques: 2
The most significant aspect of biodiversity is:
Correct Answer:
(D)
Maintenance of ecosystem
The most significant aspect of biodiversity is the maintenance of the ecosystem. Biodiversity functions on different levels of species, communities and ecosystems.
Ques: 3
Biodiversity changes occur:
Correct Answer:
(A) Increases towards the equator
Biodiversity increases towards the equator. Biodiversity is not equal on earth. It varies greatly across the globe as well as within regions. Among other factors, the diversity of all living things (biota) depends on temperature, precipitation, altitude, soil, geography and the presence of other species.
Ques: 4
Which of the following is not responsible for the increase in the biodiversity of an ecosystem?
Correct Answer:
(D)
Less number of trophic levels
The ecosystem is a dynamic entity. The interdependence of organisms on other organisms for food contribute to the creation of different trophic levels. The decrease in trophic level indicates an abundance of a particular type of organism, thus resulting in a decrease in bio-diversity. Rest other factors like the productivity of the ecosystem, intermediate-disturbance and age of the ecosystem contribute to the richness of bio-diversity of the ecosystem.
Ques: 5
The richest biodiversity is found in the:
Correct Answer:
(A) Silent Valley
The richest biodiversity is found in Silent Valley in Kerala. It is located in Palakkad District of Kerala, India. Silent Valley is rectangular, twelve kilometers from north to south and seven km. from east to west. It is located between 11°03' to 11°13' N (latitude) and 76°21' to 76°35' E (longitude). It is a part of the Western Ghats.
Ques: 6
Biodiversity forms the basis for human existence in the following ways:
Soil formation
Prevention of soil erosion
Recycling of waste
Pollination of crops
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Code :
Correct Answer:
(D)
1, 2, 3 and 4
Biodiversity forms the basis for human existence in the form of soil formation, prevention of soil erosion, recycling of waste and pollination of crops. Other important uses of biodiversity are listed for medicinal purpose also.