1224 NCERT Biology Booster

CHAPTER 37
BIODIVERSITY AND
CONSERVATION

NCERT BIOLOGICS ©
BIODIVERSITY species equitability is the proportionate number
1. The common man would find it hard to believe that of individuals of different species (taxonomic
there are more than 20,000 species of ants, 3,00,000 groups). Maximum diversity occurs
species of beetles, 28,000 species of fishes and nearly where species of taxonomically
20,000 species of orchids. different groups occur in almost equal
abundance.
2. In our biosphere, immense diversity (or heterogeneity)
exists not only at the species level but at all levels of If B = Birds, I = Insects, M = Mammals and 1, 2,
biological organisation ranging from macromolecules 3 etc. represent different species. Then :
within cells to biomes.
3. Biodiversity is the term popularised by the sociobiologist B1B 2B 2B 3B 3B 3 B1B1B 2B 2B 3B 3 B1B1I2I2M1M1
Edward Wilson to describe the combined diversity at all SAMPLE AREA I SAMPLE AREA II SAMPLE AREA III
the levels of biological organisation. (i) Species of same (i) Species of same (i) Species of
The most important of them are : taxonomic taxonomic different
group (Birds) taxonomic
(i) Genetic diversity : A single species might group (Birds)
group (Birds,
show high diversity at the genetic level over its Insects and
distributional range. The genetic variation Mammals)
shown by the medicinal plant Rawolfia (ii) (ii) Proportionate (ii) Proportionate
Disproportionate
vomitoria growing in different Himalayan number of number of number of
ranges might be in terms of the potency and individuals individuals individuals
concentration of the active chemical (reserpine) (Even) (Even)
(Uneven)
that the plant produces. India has more than (iii) Less (iii) Moderate (iii) High
50,000 genetically different strains of biodiversity biodiversity biodiversity
rice and 1,000 varieties of mango.
(ii) Species diversity : It is the diversity at the (iii) Ecological diversity or community
species level. It actually represents the variety of diversity : It represents the variety of
species in a particular region. For e. g ., the ecosystems. India, for instance, with its deserts,
Western Ghats have a greater amphibian species rain forests, mangroves, coral reefs, wetlands,
diversity than the Eastern Ghats. estuaries and alpine meadows has a greater
Species diversity is the outcome of species ecosystem diversity than a Scandinavian
richness and species evenness. Species country like Norway.
richness is the number of species present
within a unit area. Species evenness or

Note: The concepts of a, b and g diversity was given by
R.H. Whittaker.
(a) a-diversity : Within community diversity.
(b) b-diversity : In between community diversity.
(c) g-diversity : Total landscape or regional diversity.
4. It has taken millions of years of evolution to
accumulate the rich diversity in nature, but we could
lose all ecological wealth in less than two centuries if
the present rates of species losses continue.
5. Biodiversity and its conservation are now vital
environmental issues of international concern as more
and more people around the world begin to realise the
critical importance of biodiversity for our survival and
well-being on this planet.
How Many Species are there on Earth
and How Many in India?
1. According to the International Union of Conservation
of Nature and Natural Resources, IUCN 2004 [Now
IUCN is known as World Conservation Union, WCU],
the total number of plants and animal species described
so for is slightly more than 1.5 million, but we have no
clear idea of how many species are yet to be discovered
and described.
2. For many taxonomic groups, species inventories are
more complete in temperate than in tropical countries
(since, diversity in temperate is less than tropics).
3. Considering that an overwhelmingly large proportion
of the species waiting to be discovered are in tropics,
biologists make a statistical comparison of the
temperate-tropical species richness of an exhaustively
studied group of insects and extrapolate this ratio to
other groups of animals and plants to come up with a
gross estimate of the total number of species on earth.
4. Some extreme estimates range from 20 to 50 million
species but a more conservative and scientifically
sound estimate made by Robert May, places
the global species diversity at about 7 million.
5. More than 70% of all the species recorded on earth are
animals, while plants (including algae, fungi,
bryophytes, gymnosperms and angiosperms) comprise
about 22% of the total.
6. Among animals, insects are the most species rich
taxonomic group, making up more than 70% of the
total which means, out of every 10 animals on this
planet, 7 are insects.
7. Animals are more diverse than plants as they have
nervous system (to receive and respond to stimuli)
and are mobile (so that they can move to safe places
during natural catastrophe, avoid competition etc.).
Biodiversity and Conservation 1225
8. Among animals, insects achieved more diversification
as they have a protective chitinous exoskeleton which
prevents water loss also.
9. The number of fungi species in the world is more than
the combined total species of fishes, amphibians,
reptiles and mammals.
10. It should be noted that the diversity of :
(i) Angiosperms are most diverse among plants.
(ii) Angiosperms diversity is greater than fungi.
(iii) Fishes > Birds > Reptiles > Amphibians >
Mammals (w.r.t. vertebrates).
(iv) Insects > Molluscs > Crustaceans (w.r.t.
invertebrates).
11. India is grouped among the 12 megadiverse countries
having overall 8th rank.
12. It should be noted that the estimates of biodiversity do
not give any figures for prokaryotes. Biologists are not
sure about how many prokaryotic species there might
be. The problem is that conventional taxonomic
methods are not suitable for identifying microbial
species and many species are simply not culturable
under laboratory conditions. If we accept biochemical
or molecular criteria for describing species for
prokaryotes, then their diversity alone might run into
millions.
13. Although India has only 2.4% of the world’s land area,
its share of global species diversity is an impressive
8.1%. This is what makes our country one of the 12
megadiverse countries of the world. Nearly 45,000
species of plants and twice an many of animals have
been recorded from India. If we accept May’s global
estimates, only 22% of the total species have been
recorded so far. Applying this proportion to India’s
diversity figures, we estimate that there are probably
more than 1,00,000 plant species and more than
3,00,000 animal species yet to be discovered and
described.
Would we ever be able to complete the inventory of the
biological wealth of our country ? The answer is that
for this, an immense manpower, i. e., taxonomists will
be required alongwith a long time span. The situation
becomes more difficult when it is clear that a large
fraction of these species faces the threat of becoming
extinct even before we discover them. Actually,
Nature’s biological library is burning even before we
catalogued the titles of all the books stocked there.
Patterns of Biodiversity
I. Latitudinal Gradients
1. The diversity of plants and animals is not uniform
throughout the world but shows an uneven
distribution. For many groups of animals and plants,
there are interesting patterns in diversity, the most
well-known being the latitudinal gradient in diversity.
 1226 NCERT Biology Booster
In general, species diversity decreases as we move
away from the equator towards the poles (low to high
latitude). Topics (latitudinal range of 23.5°N to 23.5°S)
harbour more species than temperate or polar areas.
Examples of rich biodiversity in tropical
regions :
(i) Columbia located near the equator has nearly
1,400 species of birds while New York at 41°N
has 105 species of birds and Greenland at 71°N
has only 56 species of birds.
(ii) India, with much of its land area in the tropical
latitudes, has more than 1,200 species of birds.
(iii) A forest in a tropical region like equator has
upto 10 times more species of vascular plants
than a forest of equal area in a temperate region
like Midwest of the USA.
(iv) The largely tropical Amazonian rain forest in
South America has the greatest biodiversity on
earth—it is home to more than 40,000 species of
plants, 3,000 of fishes, 1,300 of birds, 427 of
mammals, 427 of amphibians, 378 of reptiles
and more than 1,25,000 vertebrates. Scientists
estimate that in these rain forests there might be
atleast two million insect species waiting to be
discovered and named.
2. Reasons for greater biodiversity in tropics :
Ecologists and evolutionary biologists have proposed
various hypothesis like :
(i) Speciation is generally a function of time. Unlike
temperate regions subjected to frequent
glaciations in the past, tropical latitudes have
remained relatively undisturbed for millions of
years and thus, had a long evolutionary time for
species diversification.
(ii) Tropical environments, unlike temperate ones,
are less seasonal, relatively more constant and
predictable. Such constant environments
promote niche specialisation and lead to a
greater species diversity.
(iii) There is more solar energy available in the
tropics, which contributes to higher
productivity; this in turn might contribute
indirectly to greater diversity.
II. Species-Area Relationships
1. German naturalist and geographer Alexander von
Humboldt, during his extensive exploration in the
South American jungles, observed that within a region
species richness increased with increasing explored
area, but only upto a limit.
2. In fact, the relation between species richness and area
for a wide variety of taxa (angiosperm plants, birds,
bats, freshwater fishes) turns out to be a rectangular
hyperbola.
On a logarithmic scale, the relationship is a straight line
described by the equation :
log S = log C + Z log A
where, S = Species richness
A = Area explored
Z = Slope of the line (regression coefficient)
C = Y-intercept.
S = CAz
Log S = log C + Z log A
Species richness
le
g sca
-lo
l og
Area explored
Fig. : Species-area relationship
3. Ecologists have discovered that the value of Z lies in the
range of 0.1 to 0.2 when analysis is done in small areas,
regardless of the taxonomic group or the region
(whether it is the plants in Britain, birds in California or
molluscs in New York state, the slopes of the regression
line are amazingly similar).
If we analyse the species-area relationships among very
large areas like the entire continent, it will be found
that the slope of line to be much steeper (Z values in the
range of 0.6 to 1.2). For example, for frugivorous (fruit
eating) birds and mammals in the tropical forests of
different continents, the slope is found to be 1.15. The
larger the explored area, steeper is the slope.
The Importance of Species Diversity to the Ecosystem
1. Stability : Ecologists believe that communities with
more species, generally tend to be more stable than
those with less species.
What exactly is stability for a biological community?
Answer to this question is discussed below :
(i) A stable community should not show too much
variation in productivity from year to year.
(ii) It must be resistant to invasions by alien species.
(iii) It must be resistant or resilient to occasional
natural as well as man-made disturbances.
David Tilman’s long-term ecosystem experiments
using outdoor plots has some answers to the above
mentioned attributes of whether these are linked to
species richness in a community. He observed that :
(i) Plots with more species showed less
year-to-year variation in total biomass.

(ii) Increased diversity contributed to higher
productivity.
2. Ecosystem health : Rich biodiversity is not only
essential for ecosystem health but necessary for the
very survival of human race on the earth.
At a time when we are losing species at an alarming
pace, one might ask —Does it really matter to us if
species became extinct?
Would Western Ghats ecosystem be less functional if
one of its tree frog is lost forever?
How is our quality of life affected if, say, instead of
20,000 we have only 15,000 species of ants on earth?
The Stanford ecologist Paul Ehrlich tried to explain the
effect of loss of species/biodiversity through ‘Rivet
Popper Hypothesis’.
Comparative concept :
(a) Airplane ºº Ecosystem
(b) Rivets ºº Species
(c) Rivets on wings ºº Key (stone) species
In an airplane (ecosystem) all parts are joined together
using thousands of rivets (species). A rivet is a
mechanical fastner.
If every passenger travelling in it starts popping a rivet
to take home (causing a species to become extinct), it
may not affect flight safety (proper functioning of the
ecosystem) initially, but as more and more rivets are
removed, the airplane becomes dangerously weak over
a period of time. Futhermore, which rivet is removed
may also be critical. Loss of rivets on the wings (key
species that drive major ecosystem functions) is
obviously a more serious threat to flight safety than loss
of a few rivets on the seats or windows inside the plane.
Loss of Biodiversity
1. While it is doubtful if any new species are being added
(through speciation) into the earth’s treasury of
species, there is no doubt about their continuing losses.
The biological wealth of our planet has been declining
rapidly whose major cause is the human activities.
2. The colonisation of tropical Pacific Islands by humans
is said to have led to the extinction of more than 2,000
species of native birds. The IUCN Red List (2004)
documents the extinction of 784 species (including 338
vertebrates, 359 invertebrates and 87 plants) in the last
500 years.
3. Some examples of recent extinctions include the dodo
(Mauritius), quagga (Africa), thylacine (Australia),
steller’s sea cow (Russia) and three subspecies (Bali,
Javan, Caspian) of tiger. The last twenty years alone
have witnessed the disappearance of 27 species.
4. Careful analysis of records shows that extinctions
across taxa are not random; some groups like
amphibians appear to be more vulnerable to extinction.
Biodiversity and Conservation 1227
More than 15,500 species world-wide are facing the
threat of extinction. Presently, 12% of all bird species,
23% of all mammal species, 32% of all amphibian
species and 31% of all gymnosperm species in the
world face the threat of extinction.
5. From fossil records it is quite clear that large-scale loss
of species like the one we are currently witnessing have
also happened earler, even before humans appeared on
the scene. During the long period (> 3 billion years)
since the origin and diversification of life on earth there
are five episodes of mass extinction of species. The
anthropgenic extinction (i. e., man-made) is
causing a sixth extinction. It is estimated to be 100
to 1,000 times faster than the natural extinction in the
pre-human times and our activities are responsible for
the faster rates. Ecologists warn that if the present
trends continue, nearly half of all the species on earth
might be wiped out within the next 100 years.
6. In general, loss of biodiversity in a region may lead to:
(a) Decline in plant production (productivity).
(b) Lowered resistance to environmental
perturbations like drought.
(c) Increased variability (i. e., change) in certain
ecosystem processes like plant productivity,
water use, pest and disease cycles.
Causes of biodiversity losses : The accelerated
rates of species extinctions that the world is facing
currently are mainly due to human activities.
There are four major causes. ‘The Evil Quartet’ is the
sobriquet used to describe them. These are :
(i) Habitat loss and fragmentation :
(a) This is the most important cause driving animals
and plants to extinction.
(b) The most dramatic examples of habitat loss
come from tropical rain forests. Once covering
more than 14% of the earth’s land surface, these
rain forests now cover no more than 6%.
(c) The Amazon rain forest harbouring probably
millions of species is being cut and cleared for
cultivating soyabeans or for conservation to
grasslands for raising beef cattle.
The Amazon rain forest is called ‘Lungs of the
Planet’ because it is huge and contributes
about 20% of the earth’s oxygen.
(d) Besides total loss, the degradation of many
habitats by pollution also threatens the survival
of many species.
(e) When large habitats are broken up into small
fragments due to various human activities,
mammals and birds requiring large territories
and certain animals with migratory habits are
badly affected leading to population decline.
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(ii) Over exploitation :
(a) Human beings have always depended on nature
for food and shelter, but when ‘need’ turns into
‘greed’, it leads to over-exploitation of natural
resources. Many species extinctions in the last
500 years (Steller’s sea cow and Passenger
pigeon) were due to over exploitation by
humans.
(b) Presently, many marine fish populations around
the world are over-harvested, endangering the
continued existence of some commercially
important species.
(iii) Alien species invasions :
(a) When alien species are introduced
unintentionally or deliberately for whatever
purpose, some of them turn invasive, and cause
decline or extinction of indingenous species.
The Nile Perch introduced into Lake Victoria in
East Africa led eventually to the extinction of an
ecologically unique assemblage of more than
200 species of cichlid fish in the lake.
(b) The environmental damage caused and threat
posed to our native species by invasive weed
species like carrot grass (Parthenium), Lantana
and water hyacinth (Eichhornia).
(c) The recent illegal introduction of the African
catfish called Clarias gariepinus for aquaculture
is posing a threat to the indegenous catfishes in
our rivers.
(iv) Co-extinctions :
(a) When a species becomes extinct, the plant and
animal species associated with it in an
obligatory way also become extinct.
(b) When a host fish species becomes extinct, its
unique assemblage of parasites also meets the
same fate.
(c) Another example is the case of a coevolved
plant-pllinator mutualism where extinction of
one invariably leads to the extinction of the
other.
BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION
Reason for Conservation of Biodiversity
The reason can be grouped into three categories : narrowly
utilitarian, broadly utilitarian and ethical aspects.
1. Narrowly Utilitarian Aspects :
(a) The narrowly utilitarian arguments for
conserving biodiversity are obvious; human
derive countless direct economic benefits from
nature—food, firewood, fibre, construction
material, industrial products (tannins,
lubricants, dyes, resins, perfumes) and products
of medicinal importance.
(b) More than 25% of the drugs currently sold in the
market worldwide are derived from plants and
25,000 species of plants contribute to the
traditional medicines used by native peoples
around the world.
(c) With increasing resources put into
‘bioprospecting’ (i. e., exploring molecular,
genetic and species-level diversity for products
of economic importance), nations endowed
with rich biodiversity can expect to reap
enormous benefits.
2. Broadly Utilitarian Aspects :
(a) The broadly utilitarian argument says that
biodiversity plays a major role in many
ecosystem services that nature provides. The
fast-dwindling Amazon forest is estimated to
produce, through photosynthesis, 20% of the
total oxygen in the earth’s atmosphere.
(b) Pollination is another service, ecosystem
provide through pollinators-bees, bumble bees,
birds and bats.
(c) There are other intangible benefits—that we
derive from nature—the aesthetic pleasures of
walking through thick woods, watching spring
flowers in full bloom or walking upto a bulbul’s
song in the morning.
3. Ethical Aspects :
(a) The ethical argument for conserving
biodiversity relates to what we owe to millions
of plant, animal and microbe species with whom
we share this planet.
(b) Philosophically or spiritually, we need to realise
that every species has an intrinsic value, even if
it may not be of direct economic value to us. We
have a moral duty to care for their well being
and pass on our biological legacy in good order
to future generations.
Methods to Conserve Biodiversity
When we conserve and protect the whole ecosystem, its
biodiversity at all levels is protected, e. g ., if we save the entire
forest then tiger alongwith other organisms also get saved.
This approach is called in-situ (on-site) conservation.
When there are situations where an animal or plant is
endangered or threatened and needs urgent measures to save
it from extinction, ex-situ (off-site) conservation is the
desirable approach.
1. In-situ Conservation :
I. Hot Spots :
(i) The concept of hot spots was developed to
designate priority areas for in-situ conservation.
The hot spots are the richest and the most
threatened reservoirs of plant and animal life on

earth. The concept of hot spots was developed
by Norman Myers.
(ii) The important criteria to determine hot spots
are :
(a) High degree of endemism (i. e., species confined
to that region and not found anywhere else).
(b) Very high level of species richness.
(c) The degree of threat which is measured in terms
of habitat loss.
(iii) Initially 25 biodiversity hotspots were identified
but susbsequently nine more have been added
to the list and now the number is 34.
(iv) The hotspots are also regions of accelerated
habitat loss.
(v) Three hotspots—(a) Western Ghats and Sri
Lanka, (b) Indo-Burma and (c) Himalaya
cover our country’s exceptionally high
biodiversity regions.
(vi) Although all the biodiversity hotspots put
together cover less than 2% of earth’s land area,
the number of species they collectively harbour
is extremely high and strict protection of these
hot spots could reduce the ongoing mass
extinction by almost 30%.
II. Protected Areas :
(i) In India, ecologically unique and biodiversity-
rich regions are legally protected as Biosphere
Reserves, National Parks and Sanctuaries. India
has now 14 Biosphere Reserves, 90
National Parks and 448 Wildlife
Sanctuaries. (This data is as per NCERT
Biology book. According to 2017 data, 18
Biosphere Reserves, 103 National Parks and 543
Wild Life Sanctuaries are and actually present in
India.)
(ii) India has also a history of religious and cultural
traditions that emphasised protection of nature.
In many cultures, tracts of forests were set aside,
and all the trees and wildlife within were
venerated (worshiped) and given total
protection. Such sacred groves are found in :
Biodiversity and Conservation 1229
(a) Khasi and Jaintia Hills in Meghalaya.
(b) Aravalli Hills of Rajasthan.
(c) Western Ghat regions of Karnataka and
Maharashtra.
(d) Sarguja, Chanda and Bastar areas of Madhya
Pradesh.
In Meghalaya, the sacred grooves are the last refuges
for a large number of rare and threatened plants.
2. Ex-situ Conservation :
(i) In this method, threatened animals and plants
are taken out from their natural habitat and
placed in special setting where they can be
protected and given special care. Zoological
parks, botanical gardens and wildlife safari
parks serve this purpose. There are many
animals that have become extinct in wild but
continue to be maintained in zoological parks.
(ii) In recent years ex-situ conservation has
advanced beyond keeping threatened species in
enclosures. Now, gametes of threatened species
can be preserved in viable and fertile condition
for long periods using cryopreservation
techniques, eggs can be fertilised in-vitro, and
plants can be propagated using tissue culture
methods. Seeds of different genetic strains can
be kept for long periods in seed banks.
Conventions on Biodiversity
Biodiversity knows no political boundaries and its
conservation is therefore a collective responsibility of all
nations. The historic Convention on Biological
Diversity (‘The Earth Summit’) held in Rio de Janeiro in
1992, called upon all nations to take appropriate measures
for conservation of biodiversity and sustainable utilisation of
its benefits.
In a follow-up, the World Summit on Sustainable
Development held in 2002 in Johannesburg, South Africa,
190 countries pledged their commitment to achieve by 2010,
a significant reduction in the current rate of biodiversity loss
at global, regional and local levels.
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Section-A : Questions Based on NCERT Textbook

Biodiversity 7. Match the columns :
1. Which of the following has the greatest species Column-I Column-II
diversity?
A. Alpha diversity (i) Variety of genetic
(a) Tundra (b) Deciduous forests information
(c) Tropics (d) Grasslands B. Beta diversity (ii) Total landscape or
2. According to Robert May, the global species diversity is regional diversity
about : C. Gamma diversity (iii) Within community
(a) 7 million (b) 12 million diversity
(c) 50 million (d) 20 million D. Genetic diversity (iv) In between
community diversity
3. Species diversity is the product/outcome of :
(a) Species richness (b) Species evenness (a) A = (iii), B = (iv), C = (i), D = (ii)
(c) Both (a) and (b) (d) Biomass of species (b) A = (iv), B = (ii), C = (i), D = (iii)
4. Species richness is the (A) whereas species (c) A = (ii), B = (i), C = (iii), D = (iv)
evenness is the (B) . (d) A = (iii), B = (iv), C = (ii), D = (i)
(a) A = Number of species present within a unit area, 8. The number of animal species is more than _________ .
B = Proportionate number of individuals of Plants including algae, fungi, bryophytes,
different species gymnosperms and angiosperms account for nearly
(b) A = Proportionate number of individuals of _________ of the total.
different species, B = Number of species present (a) 70%, 22% (b) 22, 70%
within a unit are (c) 60%, 40% (d) 90%, 10%
(c) A = Weight of all the species, B = Mass of all the 9. Arrange in increasing order the number of species of
species reptiles, fishes, mammals and amphibians.
(d) A = Mass of all the species, B = Weight of all the (a) Fishes < Reptiles < Amphibians < Mammals
species (b) Amphibians < Reptiles < Fishes < Mammals
5. Maximum diversity occurs where : (c) Mammals < Amphibians < Fishes < Reptiles
(a) Species of taxonomically different groups occur in (d) Mammals < Amphibians < Reptiles < Fishes
almost equal abundance
10. Among plants (algae, bryophytes, pteridophytes,
(b) Species of taxonomically same group occur in gymnosperms and angiosperms), maximum diversity is
almost equal abundance present in :
(c) Species of taxonomically different groups occur in (a) Angiosperms
unequal proportion
(b) Bryophytes
(d) Species of taxonomically same group occur in
(c) Pteridophytes
unequal proportion
(d) Gymnosperms
6. Which of the following ecological area (A/B/C/D)
11. Identify X w.r.t. biodiversity among vertebrates ?
shows maximum biodiversity ?
Mammals
Crow = 205 Frog = 180
Myana = 198 Crow = 200
Parrot = 200 Myana = 202
A B X

Lion = 300 Lion = 300

Crow = 290 Crow = 281 Amphibians
Insects = 305 Parrot = 285
C D (a) Insects (b) Reptiles
(c) Birds (d) Fishes
(a) A (b) B
(c) C (d) D
 Biodiversity and Conservation 1231

12. India is divided into ________ biogeographical regions. (a) These have strong chitinous cuticle which covers
(a) Ten (b) Twenty the whole body
(c) Three (d) Five (b) These have high reproductive rate
13. Identify W, X, Y and Z w.r.t. biodiversity among (c) These lack exoskeleton
invertebrates : (d) These lack endoskeleton
19. Which of the following is wrong ?
Z
Y (a) Fishes are more diverse than birds
X (b) Birds are less diverse than reptiles
(c) Amphibians are less diverse than birds
W
(d) Mammals are less diverse than fishes
20. The three levels of biodiversity in the increasing
hierarchial order is :
Ecological Genetic
W X Y Z diversity diversity
Insects Molluscs Crustaceans Other
(a)
mammals Species Species
(a) diversity (b) diversity
Molluscs Insects Other Crustaceans
(b)
invertebrates
Insects Molluscs Crustaceans Other
(c) Genetic Ecological
invertebrates diversity diversity
Insects Other Crustaceans Molluscs
(d)
invertebrates
Species Ecological
diversity diversity
14. According to Robert May’s global estimate only
_________ of the total species have been recorded so
far. Ecological Genetic
(c) diversity (d) diversity
(a) 22% (b) 58%
(c) 33% (d) 50%
Genetic Species
15. Applying the Robert May’s global estimate more than diversity diversity
_______ plant species and more than __________
animals species is yet to be discovered and described in 21. Why biodiversity is rich in tropics?
India. (a) Tropic environment is less seasonal
(a) 1,00,000 ; 3,00,000(b) 3,00,000 ; 1,00,000 (b) Receives more solar energy, so more productive
(c) 2,00,000 ; 50,000 (d) 2,00 ; 3,000 (c) Tropics remained undisturbed (e. g ., no
16. Why the diversity of prokaryotes is not sure ? glaciation,etc.) for millions of years
(a) These are microscopic (d) All of the above
(b) Many of these cannot be cultured in lab 22. Which of the following statement is incorrect ?
(c) The conventional taxonomic methods cannot be (a) Communities with more species tend to be more
applied for identification and description of stable than those with less species
prokaryotes (b) A stable community does not show too much
(d) All are correct variation in productivity from year to year
17. Which of the following is true ? (c) A stable community is resistant to invasions by
(a) Mammals are more diverse than reptiles exotic/alien species
(b) Western Ghats have greater amphibian species (d) A stable community has less biodiversity
diversity as compared to Eastern Ghats 23. Species diversity in an area is important for :
(c) Algae is less diverse than lichens (a) Resistance (b) Productivity
(d) Fungi are more diverse than angiosperms (c) Stability (d) All of these
18. Why insects are the most successful animals of the 24. Which of the following term includes all of the others?
earth w.r.t. species diversity ? (a) Species diversity (b) Biodiversity
(c) Genetic diversity (d) Ecosystem diversity
 1232 NCERT Biology Booster

Number of Species on Earth and in India W

25. Which type of ecosystem(s) do India possess ?
M
(a) Desert, rainforests
(b) Mangroves, coral reefs

Species richness
(c) Wetlands, estuaries and alpine le
(d) All of the above sca
g
-lo
26. According to IUCN(2004), the total number of plant log
and animal species described so far is slightly more
than ________ .
(a) 1.5 million
(b) 2.5 million Area explored
(c) 3.5 million
(d) 4.5 million (a) W Þ S = CA z ; M Þ log S = log C +Z log A
27. The approximate number of species of mammals and (b) W Þ S = C ´ A ; M Þ log S = log C +Z log A
amphibians in Amazonian rain forest is respectively. (c) W Þ S = C + A z ; M Þ log S ´ log C = log Z
(a) 427,427 (b) 427,300
Cz log S
(c) 378,400 (d) 300,300 (d) W Þ S = ;M Þ = log C
A log Z
28. India with only ________ world’s land area posses
________species diversity of the world. 34. Identify S, A, Z and C in a typical species-area
(a) 2.4%, 8.1% (b) 8.1%, 2.4% relationship curve/graph :
(c) 4.8%, 16.2% (d) 16.2%, 8.1% S = CAz
29. There are __________ megadiverse countries and India
ranks _________ on global diversity scale.
(a) 12, 8th (b) 21, 8th
Species richness

(c) 5, 4th (d) 30, 12th

le
30. The global species diversity of insects is about sca
g
____________ . -lo
log
(a) 10,2500 (b) 10,25,000
(c) 1,250 (d) 125
31. Maximum biodiversity occurs in the latitudinal range
of : Area explored
(a) 23.5°N to 23.5°S
(b) 66.5°N to 66.5°S S A Z C
(c) 23.5°N to 66.5°S Species Area explored Y-intercept Slope of line
(a)
(d) 33°N to 33°S richness
32. Which of the following is correct ? Species Area explored Y-intercept Regression
(b)
richness coefficient
(a) As we move from high latitude to low latitude the
biodiversity decreases Species Area explored Slope of line Y-intercept
(c) richness (regression
(b) As we move from equator to poles, the biodiversity coefficient)
increases Species Regression Area Y-intercept
(d)
(c) Tropical Amazonian rain forest has the greatest richness coefficient explored
biodiversity on earth
(d) Out of every 10 animals on earth, 3 are insects 35. The value of slope of regression (Z) of species-area
33. Identify the equations for W and M in the graph relationships lies in the range of (A) , regardless
showing Species-Area relationship given by Alexander of taxonomic group in small region. But, the species-
von Humboldt. area relationships among very large areas like entire
continents, the slope of line is much steeper with the
value of slope of regression (Z) lying in the range of
(B) .
 Biodiversity and Conservation 1233

(a) A = 0.1 to 0.2, B = 0.6 to 1.2 42. Which of the following is correct ?
(b) A = 0.6 to 1.2, B = 0.1 to 0.2 (a) Minor species has got no importance in an
(c) A = 0.001 to 0.002, B = 0.006 to 0.0012 ecosystem
(d) A = 1 to 2, B = 6-12 (b) Only human beings have their importance on earth
36. The value of slope of regression (Z) of species-area (c) Most of the bacteria and fungi are of no use to the
relationship for frugivorous birds and mammals in the ecosystem
tropical forests of different continents is __________ . (d) Pathogens which cause severe human diseases
(a) 1.15 (b) 2.65 ( e. g ., HIV, polio-virus) and are not a part of food
(c) 3.25 (d) 6.12 web/chain should be made extinct
37. For a species-area relationship graph, for which of the Loss of Biodiversity
values of Z, the slope of line is most steep ?
43. With the change in environmental conditions, some
(a) 0.6 (b) 0.1
species disappear and some remain. This loss of species
(c) 1.2 (d) 0.9 which occurred in the geological past at a very slow
38. ‘Rivet-popper’ hypothesis was given by : rate is called :
(a) David Tilman (a) Anthropogenic extinction
(b) Paul Ehrlich (b) Mass extinction
(c) Alexander Humboldt (c) Natural extinction
(d) E.P. Odum (d) None of these
39. In the ‘Rivet-popper’ hypothesis, Ehrlich compared 44. Which of the extinctions are rare :
ecosystem with airplane. Accordingly identify (A) and (a) Anthropogenic extinction
(B) which were compared to rivets and rivets on wings
(b) Natural extinction
respectively.
(c) Both (a) and (b)
Airplane Ecosystem (d) Mass extinction
Rivets A 45. Extinctions which occurred due to big natural
Rivets on wings B catastrophes is called :
(a) Mass extinction
(a) A = Keystone speceis ; B = Species
(b) Anthropogenic extinction
(b) A = Predators ; B = Prey
(c) Natural extinction
(c) A = Species ; B = Keystone species
(d) All of the above
(d) A = Prey ; B = Predators
46. Anthropogenic extinction is causing the ‘sixth
40. Paul Ehrlich by his ‘Rivet-popper’ hypothesis tried to extinction’. It is _______ times more faster than the
explain : extinction which occurred in pre-human times.
(a) The effect of reduction in biodiversity (a) 2-10 (b) 50-60
(b) Most of the species have some role to play in the (c) 100-1000 (d) 80-100
ecosystem 47. The IUCN Red list (2004) documents the extinction of
(c) Biodiversity is not meaningless (A) species in the last 500 years. It includes
(d) More than one option is correct (B) vertebrates, (C) invertebrates and
41. David Tilman’s long-term ecosystem experiments using (D) plants.
outdoor plots confirmed that : (a) A = 784, B = 338, C = 359, D = 87
(a) Increased diversity contributed to higher (b) A = 784, B = 330, C = 359, D = 95
productivity (c) A = 784, B = 320, C = 377, D = 87
(b) Plots with more species showed less year to year (d) A = 784, B = 300, C = 359, D =1 25
variation in the total biomass 48. The colonisation of tropic pacific islands by humans
(c) Both (a) and (b) have resulted in the extinction of more than _______
(d) Biodiversity has no relation with productivity, species of native birds.
resistance and stability (a) 2,000 (b) 3,000
(c) 4,500 (d) 1,000
 1234 NCERT Biology Booster

49. Which of the following has undergone recent 54. Exotic/alien species have the most harmful effect on
extinctions? island ecosystem because of following reason(s) :
(a) Dodo(Mauritius), Quagga (Africa) (a) Islands are small in area/size
(b) Thylacine (Australia), Stellar’s sea cow (Russia) (b) Islands have small number of species
(c) Three subspecies of Tiger (Bali, Javan and (c) Islands harbour much of the world’s threatened
Caspian) biodiversity
(d) All of the above (d) More than one option is correct
50. In general, loss of biodiversity in a region may lead to : 55. Which of the following is the cause(s) of susceptibility
(a) Decline in plant production to extinction ?
(b) Lower resistance to environmental perturbations (a) Small body size, large population and high
such as drought reproductive rate
(c) Increased variability in certain ecosystem (b) Lower trophic level in the food chain
processes such as plant productivity, water use, (c) Ability of organisms to change habitat and
pest and disease cycle migratory root
(d) More than one option is correct (d) Inability to switch over to an alternative food
51. Which of the following is not included in the ‘Evil resource when the original gets exhausted
Quartet’ (w.r.t. causes of biodiversity loss) : 56. Which of the following is correct ?
(a) Habitat loss and fragmentation (a) Coextinction can occur if among two species which
(b) Overexploitation are associated symbiotically, one of it gets extinct
(c) Alien species invasion and coextinction (b) Sundarbans are the largest mangrove forests of the
(d) Coevolution world
52. Match the columns : (c) Dodo, steller’s sea cow and passenger pigeon have
become extinct in the last 500 years due to over
Column-I Column-II
exploitation
A. Parthenium (i) Accidental entry from (d) More than one option is correct
(carrot grass) tropical America into
India
57. Extinction is a natural phenomenon. It is estimated that
99% of all species that ever lived are now extinct. Why
B. Lantana (ii) Introduced by Europeans
in India then do we say that we are now experiencing an
C. Eichhornia (iii) African catfish introduced extinction (loss of biodiversity crisis)?
illegally in India (a) Most biodiversity host spots have been destroyed
D. Clarias gariepinus (iv) Came alongwith imported by recent ecological disaster
wheat in India (b) Humans have greater medical needs than at any
(a) A = (i), B = (iii), C = (iv), D = (ii) other time in history, and many potential
medicinal compounds are being lost as plant
(b) A = (ii), B = (iv), C = (iii), D = (i)
species become extinct
(c) A = (iv), B = (i), C = (ii), D = (iii)
(c) Humans are ethically responsible for protecting
(d) A = (iv), B = (i), C = (iii), D = (ii)
endangered species
53. Nile perch, (A) was introduced into Lake Victoria
(d) The current rate of extinction is high and human
of East Africa. Nile perch eliminated over (B)
activities threaten biodiversity at all levels
that were endemic to this lake.
58. Which of the following groups is most threatened by
(a) A = A large predatory fish,
global extinction ?
B = 200 species of cichlid fish
(a) Mammals (b) Amphibians
(b) A = A large predatory bird,
(c) Plants/fishes (d) Birds/reptiles
B = 200 species of cichlid fish
59. We should care about loss in biodiversity in the
(c) A = A large crocodile,
populations of other species because of :
B = 200 species of cichlid first
(a) Potential loss of medicinal plants and other
(d) A = A large seal, products yet undiscovered from threatened species
B = 200 species of cichlid fish
 Biodiversity and Conservation 1235

(b) Potential loss of genes, some of which may code for (a) A = (i), B = (iii), C = (ii), D = (iv)
proteins useful to humans (b) A = (i), B = (ii), C = (iv), D = (iii)
(c) The risk of global ecological instability (c) A = (i), B = (iii), C = (iv), D = (ii)
(d) All of the above options are correct (d) A = (iii), B = (ii), C = (i), D = (iv)
60. The most serious consequence of a decrease in global 66. The Critically Endangered and vulnerable plant species
diversity would be the : are respectively :
(a) Loss of source of genetic diversity to preserve (a) Berberis nilghiriensis and Cupressus cashmeriana
endangered species (b) Santalum album and Rauwolfia serpentina
(b) Increase in the abundance and diversity of (c) Cycas beddomei and Pinus nigra
edge-adapted species (d) Nepenthes and Ficus religiosa
(c) Potential loss of ecosystem services on which 67. Arrange the following red-list categories provided by
human beings depend IUCN from highest concern to least concern order :
(d) Increase in global warming and thinning of the I. Extinct in wild [EW]
ozone layer II. Endangered [EN]
61. The most direct threat to biodiversity is : III. Critically endangered [CR]
(a) Increased levels of atmospheric CO 2 IV. Extinct [EX]
(b) Depletion of ozone layer V. Vulnerable [VU]
(c) Over exploitation of selected species VI. Least concern [LC]
(d) Habitat destruction VII. Near threatened [NT]
62. Introduced species can have deleterious effects on (a) EW > EX > VU > NT > CR > LC
biological communities by :
(b) EW > CR > EN > VU > NT > LC
(a) Displacing native species
(c) CR > EN > VU > NT > EW > LC
(b) Preying on native species (d) VU > EX > CR > NT > EN > LC
(c) Competing with native species for food/shelter 68. The headquarter of IUCN-Red list is in :
(d) All of the above (a) USA (b) UK
63. IUCN has its headquarters at : (c) Russia (d) India
(a) Gland, Switzerland 69. Categorise the categories of IUCN-Red list into the major
(b) Rio de Janeiro, Brazil categories of Extinct, Threatened and Lower Risk.
(c) Tokyo, Japan Near Threatened (NT), Endangered (EN), Critically
(d) Geneva, Switzerland Endangered (CR), Extinct (EX), Vulnerable (VU),
64. Which among the following category is most Extinct in Wild (EW), Least concern (LC).
threatened ?
Extinct Threatened Lower Risk
(a) Critically Endangered
(b) Endangered (a) CR, EX EW, EN, VU NT, LC
(c) Vulnerable (b) EX, CR EW, EN, VU NT, LC
(d) Extinct
(c) CR, EN VU, EX EW, LC, NT
65. Match the columns w.r.t. animal species of India :
(d) EX, EW CR, EN, VU NT, LC
Column-I Column-II
A. Critically endangered (i) Sus salvanius (Pigmy Biodiversity Conservation
hog)
B. Endangered (ii) Acinonyx jubatus 70. Which term did Edward Osborne Wilson coin for our
(Indian cheetah) innate appreciation of wild environment and living
C. Vulnerable (iii) Ailuropoda organisms ?
melanoleuca (Giant (a) Bioremediation (b) Bioethics
panda) (c) Biophilia (d) Landscape ecology
D. Extirpation (iv) Antelope cervicapra
(Black buck)
 1236 NCERT Biology Booster

71. Which of the following is true about hot-spots ? 75. Match the columns :
(a) All of the plants and animals containing genes that
Column-I Column-II
may be useful to human kind are located in Earth’s
hot spots A. Biodiversity (i) Indigenous knowledge of
nature, originating with
(b) One-third of all species on Earth occupy less than indigenous people, is used
2% of Earth’s land area by other nation for profits
(c) About 75% of all undiscovered species live in B. Biopiracy (ii) Discovery and
ecological hot spots commercialization of new
products based on
(d) The hot spots that are in most dire need of biological resources
remediation are located in tundra C. Bioremediation (iii) Different types of species in
72. Agricultural lands frequently require nutrient a region
augmentation because : D. Bioprospecting (iv) Cleaning of environmental
(a) Cultivation of agricultural land inhibits the pollution by microbes and
decomposition of organic matter plants

(b) Land that is available for agriculture tends to be (a) A = (i), B = (iv), C = (iii), D = (ii)
nutrient poor (b) A = (iii), B = (i), C = (ii), D = (iv)
(c) The nutrient that become the biomass of plants are (c) A = (iv), B = (ii), C = (i), D = (iii)
not cycled back to the soil on lands where they are (d) A = (iii), B = (i), C = (iv), D = (ii)
harvested
76. Find the odd one out w.r.t. ecosystem services :
(d) Nitrogen fixing bacteria are not as plentiful in
(a) Oxygen
agricultural soils because of the use of pesticides
(b) Pollination and aesthetic pleasure
73. Identify A, B, C and D in the table given below :
(c) Flood and erosion control
Medicine Application Source (d) Ethics
Liquorice Bronchitis A 77. They key criteria for establishing a ‘hot spot’ is/are :
treatment (a) Degree of threat measured with respect to habitat
Morphine Analgesic B loss
Reserpine C Rauwolfia serpentina (b) High degree of endemism
Quinine Antimalarial D (c) High biodiversity
(d) All of the above
(a) A = Glycyrrhiza glabra, B = Papaver somniferum, 78. The concept of ‘hot-spots’ was developed by :
C = Against high blood pressure, D = Cinchona (a) Norman Myers (b) Paul Ehrlich
officinalis (c) David Tilman (d) E.P. Odum
(b) A = Glycyrrhiza glabra, B = Vinca rosea, 79. How many ‘hot spots’ now exist in the world ?
C = Against high blood pressure, (a) 25 (b) 34
D = Cinchona (c) 30 (d) 42
(c) A = Papaver somniferum, B = Glycyrrhiza glabra, 80. The ‘hot spots’ of India include :
C = Against high blood pressure, D = Cinchona (a) Western Ghats and SriLanka
(d) A = Glycyrrhiza glabra, B = Artemesia, (b) Indo-Burma
C = Against high blood pressure, (c) Himalaya and neighbouring countries
D = Cinchona (d) All of these
74. The use of microorganisms for the extraction and 81. India (A) biosphere reserves, (B) national
leaching out of desired minerals from ores is called : parks and (C) wildlife sanctuaries covering
(a) Bioremediation (D) % of the total land surface.
(b) Biopropecting (a) A = 14 ; B = 90; C = 448 ; D = 4.7
(c) Biomining (b) A = 90 ; B = 90 ; C = 448 ; D = 47
(d) Biopiracy (c) A = 90 ; B = 14 ; C = 448 ; D = 4.7
(d) A = 14 ; B = 90 ; C = 448 ; D = 10
 Biodiversity and Conservation 1237

82. The first National Park of India is : 90. Which of the following is ‘No human zone’ in a
(a) Jim Corbett National Park biosphere reserve :
(b) Bandipur National Park (a) Transition zone
(c) Hazaribagh National Park (b) Buffer zone
(d) Jaldapara National Park (c) Natural/core zone
83. The Jim Corbett National Park is located in : (d) All of these
(a) Uttarakhand (Nainital) 91. How many of following represent in-situ (I) and ex-situ
(b) Uttar Pradesh (E) conservation strategies ?
(c) Haryana
(d) Madhya Pradesh Sarcred groves, Wildlife sanctuary, Biosphere reserve,
Home gardens, Seed bank, Gene bank, National park,
84. The old name of Jim Corbett National Park was :
Sacred lakes, Botanical garden, Zoological park.
(a) Hailey National Park
(a) I = 5, E = 5 (b) I = 6, E = 4
(b) Anshi National Park
(c) I = 3, E = 7 (d) I = 8, E = 2
(c) Bandipur National Park
92. Identify sacred lake(s) of India :
(d) Blackbuck National Park
(a) Pushkar lake of Rajasthan
85. The largest National Park of the world is :
(b) Khecheopalri lake of Sikkim
(a) Yellowstone National Park
(c) Both (a) and (b)
(b) Jim Corbett National Park
(d) Ganga
(c) Northeast Greenland National Park
93. The ‘sacred groves’ or ‘island of Pristine forests’ of India
(d) Royal National Park
are :
86. The region of land where specially animals are
(a) Aravalli Hills of Rajasthan and Khasi, Jaintia Hills
protected from all types of exploitations and
of Maghalaya
disturbances is called :
(b) Western Ghat, regions of Maharashtra and
(a) Wildlife safari (b) Sacred groove
Karnataka
(c) Wildlife sanctuary (d) National park
(c) Sarguja, Chanda and Bastar region of Madhya
87. In which of the following protection is provided both to
Pradesh
flora and fauna ?
(d) All of these
(a) National Parks
94. The historic convention on biological diversity (‘The
(b) Sanctuaries
earth summit’) was held in (A) . In a follow-up,
(c) Biosphere reserve
‘The World Summit’ on sustainable development was
(d) More than one option is correct held in (B) .
88. Collection of forest products, harvesting of timber, (a) A = Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) 1992
tilling of land and private ownership are allowed in :
B = Johannesberg (South Africa) 2002
(a) Sanctuaries
(b) A = Johannesberg (South Africa) 2002
(b) National parks
B = Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) 1992
(c) Core and buffer zone of biosphere reserve
(c) A = Gland (Switzerland) 1992
(d) All of these
B = Morges (switzerland) 2002
89. Biosphere reserves are areas comprising :
(d) A = Morges (Switzerland) 2002
(a) Terrestrial ecosystems
B = Gland (Switzerland) 1992
(b) Marine ecosystems
(c) Coastal ecosystems
(d) Any of these
1238 NCERT Biology Booster

Answers (Section-A)

1. (c) 2. (a) 3. (c) 4. (a) 5. (a) 6. (c) 7. (d) 8. (a) 9. (d) 10. (a)
11. (d) 12. (a) 13. (c) 14. (a) 15. (a) 16. (d) 17. (b) 18. (a) 19. (b) 20. (a)
21. (d) 22. (d) 23. (d) 24. (b) 25. (d) 26. (a) 27. (a) 28. (a) 29. (a) 30. (b)
31. (a) 32. (c) 33. (a) 34. (c) 35. (a) 36. (a) 37. (c) 38. (b) 39. (c) 40. (d)
41. (c) 42. (d) 43. (c) 44. (d) 45. (a) 46. (c) 47. (a) 48. (a) 49. (d) 50. (d)
51. (d) 52. (c) 53. (a) 54. (d) 55. (d) 56. (d) 57. (d) 58. (b) 59. (d) 60. (c)
61. (d) 62. (d) 63. (a) 64. (a) 65. (c) 66. (a) 67. (b) 68. (b) 69. (d) 70. (c)
71. (b) 72. (c) 73. (a) 74. (c) 75. (d) 76. (d) 77. (d) 78. (a) 79. (b) 80. (d)
81. (a) 82. (a) 83. (a) 84. (a) 85. (c) 86. (c) 87. (d) 88. (a) 89. (d) 90. (c)
91. (a) 92. (c) 93. (d) 94. (a)
 Biodiversity and Conservation 1239

Section-B : Questions from NCERT Exemplar

1. Which of the following countries has the highest 8. The one-horned rhinoceros is specific to which of the
biodiversity ? following sanctuary ?
(a) Brazil (b) South Africa (a) Bhitar kanika (b) Bandipur
(c) Russia (d) India (c) Kaziranga (d) Corbett park
2. Which of the following is not a cause for loss of 9. Amongst the animal groups given below, which one has
biodiversity ? the highest percentage of endangered species ?
(a) Destruction of habitat (a) Insects (b) Mammals
(b) Invasion by alien species (c) Amphibians (d) Reptiles
(c) Keeping animals in zoological parks 10. Which one of the following is an endangered plant
(d) Over-exploitation of natural resources species of India ?
3. Which of the following is not an invasive alien species (a) Rauwolfia serpentina
in the Indian context ? (b) Santalum album (sandal wood)
(a) Lantana (b) Cynodon (c) Cycas beddonei
(c) Parthenium (d) Eichhornia (d) All of the above
4. Where among the following will you find pitcher plant? 11. What is common to Lantana, Eichhornia and African
(a) Rain forest of North-East India catfish?
(b) Sunderbans (a) All are endangered species of India
(c) Thar desert (b) All are key stone species
(d) Western Ghats (c) All are mammals found in India
5. Which one of the following is not a feature of (d) All the species are neither threatened nor
biodiversity hot spots ? indigenous species of India
(a) Large number of species 12. The extinction of passenger pigeon was due to :
(b) Abundance of endemic species (a) Increased number of predatory birds
(c) Mostly located in the polar regions (b) Over exploitation by humans
(d) Mostly located in the tropics (c) Non-availability of the food
6. Match the animals given in column-I with their location (d) Bird flu virus infection
in column-II : 13. Which of the following statements is correct ?
Column-I Column-II
(a) Parthenium is an endemic species of our country
(b) African catfish is not a threat to indigenous
A. Dodo (i) Africa
catfishes
B. Quagga (ii) Russia (c) Steller’s sea cow is an extinct animal
C. Thylacine (iii) Mauritius (d) Lantana is popularly known as carrot grass
D. Stellar’s sea cow (iv) Australia 14. Among the ecosystem mentioned below, where can one
find maximum biodiversity ?
(a) A = (i), B = (iii), C = (ii), D = (iv)
(a) Mangroves
(b) A = (iv), B = (iii), C = (i), D = (ii)
(b) Desert
(c) A = (iii), B = (i), C = (ii), D = (iv)
(c) Coral reefs
(d) A = (iii), B = (i), C = (iv), D = (ii)
(d) Alpine meadows
7. What is common to the following plants : Nepenthes,
15. Which of the following forests is known as the ‘Lungs of
Psilotum, Rauwolfia and Aconitum ?
the Planet Earth’?
(a) All are ornamental plants
(a) Taiga forest
(b) All are phylogenic link species
(b) Tundra forest
(c) All are prone to over exploitation
(c) Amazon rain forest
(d) All are exclusively present in the Eastern
(d) Rain forests of North East India
Himalayas
 1240 NCERT Biology Booster

16. The active chemical drug reserpine is obtained from : (a) CITES convention (b) The Earth Summit
(a) Datura (b) Rauwolfia (c) G-16 summit (d) MAB programme
(c) Atropa (d) Papaver 20. What is common to the technique (i) in vitro
17. Which of the following group exhibit more species fertilization, (ii) Cryopreservation and (iii) tissue
diversity ? culture ?
(a) Gymnosperms (b) Algae (a) All are in situ conservation methods
(c) Bryophytes (d) Fungi (b) All are ex situ conservation methods
18. Which of the below mentioned regions exhibit less (c) All require ultra modern equipment and large
seasonal variations ? space
(a) Tropics (b) Temperates (d) All are methods of conservation of extinct
(c) Alpines (d) Both (a) and (b) organisms
19. The historic convention on Biological Diversity held in
Rio De Janeiro in 1992 is known as :

Answers (Section-B)
1. (a) 2. (c) 3. (b) 4. (a) 5. (c) 6. (d) 7. (c) 8. (c) 9. (c) 10. (d)
11. (d) 12. (b) 13. (c) 14. (c) 15. (c) 16. (b) 17. (d) 18. (a) 19. (b) 20. (b)

Section-C : Assertion-Reason Type Questions
Instructions :
1. If both assertion and reason are true and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion then mark (a).
2. If both assertion and reason are true but the reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion, then mark (b).
3. If assertion is true but reason is false, then mark (c).
4. If both assertion and reason are false statements then mark (d).
1. A: Species diversity is the outcome of species richness
and species evenness.
R: Species richness and species evenness are actually
same in all ecosystems.
2. A: A stable community should not show too much
variation in productivity from year to year.
R: A stable ecosystem is resistant to occasional
disturbances.
3. A: The colonisation of tropical Pacific islands by
humans have led to the extinction of more than
2000 species of native birds.
R: Tropical areas are rich in biodiversity.
4. A: When a species becomes extinct, the plant and
animal species associated with it may also become
extinct.
R: The plant and animal species may remain
obligatorily associated.
5. A: The ‘Rivet-popper’ hypothesis was given by Paul
Ehrlich.
R: This hypothesis relates to explanation of
importance of all types of species in an ecosystem.
6. A: Habitat loss and fragmentation represents the most
important cause driving animals and plants to
extinction.
R: Amazon rain forest is commonly called ‘lungs of
earth’.
7. A: Bioprospecting relates to exploring molecular,
genetic and species level diversity for products of
economic importance.
R: Nations with rich biodiversity can reap enormous
benefits.
8. A: In a biosphere reserve, human activity is not
allowed.
R: It is also known as ‘transition zone’.
9. A: Island of pristine forests include sacred grooves.
R: These areas are religiously protected.
Biodiversity and Conservation 1241
10. A: Alien or exotic species of plants may become
invasive.
R: Some species have undergone co-extinctions.
11. A: Animals have undergone greater diversification
than plants.
R: Animals have nervous system and are mobile.
12. A: Insects are the most successful animals of earth.
R: Insects possess protective exoskeleton.
13. A: India is divided into ten biogeographical regions.
R: India is with only 2.4% of the world’s land area and
possesses 8.1% species diversity of the world.
14. A: Tropical Amazonian rainforest in South America
has the greatest biodiversity on earth.
R: Amazon rainforest contributes 20% of the earth’s
oxygen.
15. A: As we move from low to high latitude, i. e., from
equator to poles, the biodiversity decreases.
R: Biodiversity is maximum in tropics, moderate in
temperate area and minimum in arctic regions.
16. A: The communities with more species tend to be more
stable than those with less species.
R: A stable community does not show much variation
in productivity from year to year.
17. A: The Amazon rain forest is called ‘Lungs of the
Planet.’
R: The Amazon rain forest contribute 20% of earth’s
O 2.
18. A: Exotic species have the maximum harmful impact
on island ecosystems.
R: Island ecosystems possess small number of species.
19. A: Sacred lakes and sacred groves are examples of
in-situ conservation.
R: Seed banks and gene banks are in-situ conservation
areas.
20. A: There are three hot-spots in India.
R: Hot spots are poor in endemic species.
1242 NCERT Biology Booster

Answers (Section-C)
1. (c) 2. (b) 3. (b) 4. (a) 5. (b) 6. (b) 7. (b) 8. (d) 9. (a) 10. (b)
11. (a) 12. (a) 13. (b) 14. (b) 15. (b) 16. (b) 17. (a) 18. (a) 19. (c) 20. (c)
 Biodiversity and Conservation 1243

Section-D : Brainstormer
1. Find the incorrect match w.r.t. ecological diversity (i) Among amphibians, birds, reptiles and
(community diversity) mammals, minimum threat of extinction is
(a) Gamma diversity — Total landscape or faced by birds.
regional diversity (ii) The number of fungi species in the world is
(b) Beta diversity — In between community slightly less than the combined total species of
amphibians, reptiles and mammals.
diversity
(iii) Steller’s sea cow became extinct due to habitat
(c) Alpha diversity — Within community loss and fragmentation.
diversity (iv) Wild-life safari is an ex-situ conservation
(d) Alpha, beta and — Given by Norman Myers strategy.
gamma diversity (v) A constant and uniform environmental
concept condition promotes niche specialisation and
2. Rhinoceros gets protection and special care in : lead to greater species diversity.
(a) Manas Sanctuary (Assam) Which of the above statements are correct ?
(b) Kaziranga National Park (Assam) (a) (v) only (b) (ii), (iv)
(c) Jaldapara Sanctuary (West Bengal) (c) (iv) only (d) (i), (iv), (v)
(d) All are correct 7. Which of the following is incorrect for species-area
relationship given by Alexander von Humboldt?
3. Identify the numbers W, X, Y and Z w.r.t. number of
species in the Amazonian rain forest. (a) Wihtin a region species richness increases with
increasing explored area, but only upto a limit
Taxa Number of species (b) Lesser the value of Z, steeper is the slope of line
Invertebrates > 1,25,000 (c) The species-area relationships among very large
Reptiles W areas like the entire continents, the slope of line is
Amphibians X much steeper
Mammals Y (d) For the entire continents, the value of Z lie in the
Birds Z range of 0.6–1.2.
Fishes 3,000 8. The wild life protection act was passed in __________
Plants species > 40,000 and amended in ___________
(a) 1991; 2001 (b) 1980; 1990
(a) W = 378, X = 427, Y = 427, Z = 1300 (c) 1960; 1990 (d) 1972, 1991
(b) W = 1300, X = 427, Y = 427, Z = 378 9. Read the following statements :
(c) W = 427, X = 427, Y = 1300, Z = 378 (i) Biodiversity Bill was passed in the year 2002.
(d) W = 427, X = 1300, Y = 378, Z = 427 (ii) Island harbours many of the world’s threatened
4. The major cause of threat of extinction for critically biodiversity
endangered species is : (iii) Exotic species have great harmful effect on
(a) Environmental pollution island biodiversity
(b) Intraspecific competition (iv) The Forest Conservation Act was passed in the
(c) Habitat destruction year 1980.
(v) Wildlife safari parks are in-situ conservation
(d) Alien species invasion
strategies
5. Which of the following is correct related to ‘ethical
How many of the above statements are correct ?
issues’ for the conservation of biodiversity?
(a) Five (b) Two
(a) Every species has an intrinsic value, even if may
not be of current or any economic value (c) Four (d) Three
10. Which of the following will not effect the ecological
(b) Obtaining plant products for drug manufacture
health if it becomes extinct?
(c) Bioprospecting
(a) Small pox virus (b) HIV
(d) Aesthetic pleasures
(c) Plasmodium vivax (d) More than one
6. Read the following statements :
1244 NCERT Biology Booster

Answers (Section-D)
1. (d) 2. (d) 3. (a) 4. (c) 5. (a) 6. (d) 7. (b) 8. (d) 9. (c) 10. (d)
 Biodiversity and Conservation 1245

Section-E : Latest Previous Years Questions

1. Plants like Aegle marmelos, Ocimum sanctum and Ficus 12. Hot spots of biodiversity means:
religiosa are designated as : (a) Areas of Earth that contain many endemic species
(a) Sacred plants (b) Species serves as proxy for entire community in
(b) Traditional food crops particular areas
(c) Lesser known food plants (c) Species in particular niche/area
(d) Medicinal plant species (d) Species diversity at particular area
2. Which one is non-existing programme: 13. Indian Rhinoceros is a natural inhabitant of which of
(a) Project Tiger (b) Project Cheetah the Indian states:
(c) Project Rhino (d) Project Hungal (a) Himachal Pradesh (b) Uttar Pradesh
3. India became a party to “Convention on Biological (c) Assam (d) Uttarakhand
Diversity” in: 14. Which of the following is included in those species
(a) 1994 (b) 1993 which are likely to become extinct?
(c) 1992 (d) 1988 (a) Endangered species
4. The Indian lion is the most important protected species (b) Critically endangered species
in : (c) Vulnerable species
(a) Bandipur National Park (d) All of the above
(b) Corbett National Park 15. Which one is famous for hosting thousands of
(c) Gir National Park migratory birds coming from Siberia every winter?
(d) Kaziranga National Park (a) Kanha National Park, Balaghat
5. One of the following is not connected with wildlife (b) Kaziranga National Park, Assam
conservation: (c) Corbett Nationa Park, Nainital, Uttarakhand
(a) OBWL (b) WWT (d) Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur, Rajasthan
(c) IUCN (d) IVF 16. Sacred groves are found in:
6. Which one of the following has maximum genetic (a) Meghalaya
diversity in India? (b) Punjab
(a) Tea (b) Teak (c) Jammu and Kashmir
(c) Wheat (d) Mango (d) Bihar
7. Chipko movement was launched for protection of: 17. A large undisturbed area where wildlife is protected in
(a) Wetlands (b) Forests its natural habitat is:
(c) Grasslands (d) Livestock (a) Biosphere reserve (b) National park
8. Tiger is not a resident in which of the following (c) Sacred landscape (d) Wildlife Sanctuary
National Park? 18. Which one is referred as “lungs of planet earth”:
(a) Ranthambore (b) Sunderbans (a) Western Ghats
(c) Gir (d) Gim Corbett (b) Lake victoria
9. Conservation of organisms in natural habitat is called: (c) Greenland
(a) Ex situ conservation (d) Amazon rain forest
(b) In situ conservation 19. Germplasm collection is:
(c) Both (a) and (b) (a) Collection of all species of the area in herbarium or
(d) None of the above botanical garden
10. “Central Wildlife Board” was established in: (b) Collection of modern varieties of a crop
(a) 1970 (b) 1968 (c) Collection of plants or seeds having diverse alleles
(c) 1955 (d) 1951 of all genes of a crop
11. “Project Tiger” in India was launched in: (d) Collection of seeds or pollen of rare and threatened
(a) 1968 (b) 1973 species if a group or area
(c) 1975 (d) 1989
 1246 NCERT Biology Booster

20. A collection of plants and seeds having diverse alleles 31. Which is an endemic plant?
of all the genes of a crop is: (a) Nepenthes khasiana
(a) Gene library (b) Genome (b) Riccia discolor
(c) Herbarium (d) Germplasm (c) Vernonia cinerea
21. Which one shows maximum genetic diversity in India? (d) Cynodon dactylon
(a) Groundnut (b) Rice 32. A Plant yielding both oil and fibre is :
(c) Maize (d) Mango (a) Helianthus annuus (b) Brassica campestris
22. Coffee and quinine are obtained from plants of : (c) Cocos nucifera (d) Corchorus capsularis
(a) Leguminosae (b) Rubiaceae 33. Which one is not used for ex-situ plant conservation?
(c) Poaceae (d) Asteraceae (a) Botanical gardens (b) Field gene bank
23. Which is the best method of germplasm conservation? (c) Seed banks (d) Shifting cultivation
(a) Botanical garden (b) Seed bank 34. The term biodiversity is related to :
(c) Herbarium (d) Zoological park (a) All living plants
24. Sacred groves are useful in: (b) All living animals
(a) Conserving rare and threatened species (c) All living plants and animals
(b) Generating environmental awareness (d) Living plants, animals and microbes found in their
(c) Year round flow of water in rivers natural habitats.
(d) Preventing soil erosion 35. Which one is biodiversity hotspot:
25. Kanha National Park is located in ________ and is (a) Western Ghats (b) Eastern Ghats
famous for ________ . (c) Eastern Himalayas (d) Both (a) and (c)
(a) Madhya Pradesh, Tiger 36. Which scientist proposed a, b and g types species
(b) Madhya Predesh, Elephant diversity?
(c) Odisha, Elephant (a) Bentham and Huxley
(d) Assam, Tiger (b) Linnaeus
26. The fruit of which plant is capable of producing (c) Whittaker
biodiesel: (d) Eichler
(a) Ficus (b) Zizyphus 37. Which point is considered during granting of
(c) Pongamia (d) Jatropha biopatent?
27. Arrange in ascending order on the basis of numbers in (a) A concept or design
India: (b) An improvement in an earlier invention
(1) Biosphere reserves (2) Hotspots (c) Process of generating a product
(3) National Parks (4) Wildlife sanctuaries (d) All of the above
(a) 2 ® 1 ® 3 ® 4 (b) 2 ® 3 ® 4 ® 1 38. India is one of the ‘twelve’ megadiversity countries with
(c) 1 ® 2 ® 3 ® 4 (d) 4 ® 3 ® 2 ® 1 _________ of genetic resources of the world:
28. The relation between species richness and area is (a) 12.1% (b) 18.1%
correctly depicted by: (c) 38.1% (d) 8.1%
(a) log S = log C – Z log A 39. The largest tiger reserve in India is:
(b) log S = log Z log A (a) Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam
(c) log S = log C +Z log A (b) Periyar
(d) log S = log C (c) Nagarhole
(e) log C = log S +Z log A (d) Valmiki
29. Which one has largest variety in India? 40. Which statement about hotspots is not correct?
(a) Potato (b) Maize (a) Total area covered by hotspots is less than 2% of
(c) Wheat (d) Rice land
30. Population limited to a particular area is known as: (b) Total hotspots are 34
(a) Endemic (b) Pandemic (c) Hotspots contain high density of megadiversity
(c) Natural (d) Alien (d) India has four hotspots
 Biodiversity and Conservation 1247

41. Podophyllum is: (a) Introduction of Nile Perch into lake Victoria in east
(a) Critically endangered Africa
(b) Endangered (b) Introduction of Water Hyacinth into India
(c) Vulnerable (c) Introduction of African Catfish into Indian waters
(d) Not evaluated (d) All of the above
42. Which one has undergone anthropogenic extinction: 49. According to IUCN Red List during the last two
(a) Mastodon decades, the maximum increase in the number of
(b) Caspian tiger threatened species is among:
(c) Wooly mammoth (a) Mammals (b) Amphibians
(d) Giant sloth (c) Reptiles (d) Birds
43. Who observed that ‘within a region species richness 50. The objective of ‘Ramsar Convention’ was:
increased with increasing explored area but only upto a (a) Forest conservation
limit’? (b) Wildlife conservation
(a) Paul Ehrlich (c) Wetland conservation
(b) David Tilman (d) Biodiversity conservation
(c) Alexander von Humboldt 51. Match the lists and find the correct option:
(d) Edward Wilson Column-I Column-II
44. Which of the following is referred as “Evil Quartet”
A. Jim Corbett National (i) Gujarat
with reference to loss of biodiversity? Park
(a) Species richness, extinctions deforestation, erosion B. Kaziranga National (ii) Andhra Pradesh
(b) Habital loss and fragmentation, overexploitation, Park
alien species invasion, co-extinction C. Mahavir Harina (iii) Rajasthan
(c) Overexploitation, grazing, co-extinction deforestation, Vanasthalli National
Park
species richness
D. Keoladeo Ghana (iv) Uttarakhand
(d) Grazing, erosion deforestation species richness National Park
45. A taxon facing an extremely high risk of extinction to
(v) Assam
the wild in immediate future is known as:
(a) Critically endangered (a) A = (ii), B = (v), C = (iv), D = (iii)
(b) Vulnerable (b) A = (ii), B = (i), C = (iii), D = (iv)
(c) Endangered (c) A = (iv), B = (i), C = (ii), D = (v)
(d) Exotic (d) A = (iv), B = (v), C = (ii), D = (iii)
46. Which of the following represent maximum number of 52. According to Robert Constanza, 50% of the total cost
species among global biodiversity? for ecosystem services goes to :
(a) Mosses and ferns (b) Algae (a) Recreation
(c) Lichens (d) Fungi (b) Soil formation
47. Which of the following statement is correct? (c) Nutrient cycling
(a) Species diversity, in general increases from poles to (d) Climate regulation
the equator 53. Find the wrongly matched pair:
(b) Conventional taxonomic methods are equally (a) Endemism—Species confined to one region and
suitable for higher plants and microorganisms not found anywhere else
(c) India’s share of global species diversity is about (b) Hotspots—Regions with species richness
18%
(c) Alien species to India—Clarias gariepinus
(d) There are about 25000 species of plants in India
(d) In situ conservation—IVF
48. Which of the following is an example of alien species
54. Just as a person moving from Delhi to Shimla to escape
invading a new ecosystem resulting in biodiversity
the heat of hot summer, thousands of migratory birds
losses?
from Siberia and other extremely cold northern regions
move to :
 1248 NCERT Biology Booster

(a) Meghalaya or 61. Cryopreservation of gametes of threatened species in

(b) Jim Corbett National Park viable and fertile condition can be referred as :
(c) Keoladeo National Park (a) In situ cryo-conservation of biodiversity
(d) Western Ghats (b) In situ conservation of biodiversity
55. Which of the following is an in situ method of (c) Advanced ex situ conservation of biodiversity
biodiversity conservation ? (d) In situ conservation by sacred groves
(a) National park 62. In which of the following both pairs have correct
(b) Botanical garden combination ?
(c) Zoological garden (a) In-situ conservation : Tissue culture
(d) Scientific laboratory Ex-situ conservation : Sacred grooves
56. Wildlife Protection Act was implemented in the year : (b) In-situ conservation : National park
(a) 1982 (b) 1988 Ex-situ conservation : Botanical garden
(c) 1972 (d) 1970 (c) In-situ conservation : Cryopreservation
57. What is the full form of MAB ? Ex-situ conservation : Wildlife sanctuary
(a) Man And Biosphere (d) In-situ conservation : Seed bank
(b) Man And Biosphere Reserve Ex-situ conservation : National park
(c) Man And Biosphere Reserve Programme 63. Red list contains data or information on :
(d) Man And Biosphere Programme (a) Threatened species
58. The ‘Red Data Book’ records : (b) Marine vertebrates only
(a) Species diversity of wetlands (c) All economically important plants
(b) List of water pollutants (d) Plants whose products are in international trade
(c) List of threatened species 64. Which of the following national parks is home to the
(d) Rate of population decline famous musk deer or hangul ?
59. Beta (b) diversity refers to diversity : (a) Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctury, Arunachal Pradesh
(a) Within a community (b) Dachigam National Park, Jammu & Kashmir
(b) Between communities (c) Keibul Lamjao National Park, Manipur
(c) Between two ecozones (d) Bandhavgardh National Park, Madhya Pradesh
(d) Within a population 65. The region of Biosphere Reserve which is legally
60. Antelope cervicapra is : protected and where no human activity is allowed is
(a) A mammal known as :
(b) Commonly known as black buck (a) Core zone
(c) A threatened Indian wild life (b) Transition zone
(d) More than one option is correct (c) Restoration zone
(d) Buffer zone
 Biodiversity and Conservation 1249

Answers (Section-E)

1. (a) 2. (b) 3. (a) 4. (c) 5. (d) 6. (d) 7. (b) 8. (c) 9. (b) 10. (d)
11. (b) 12. (a) 13. (c) 14. (d) 15. (d) 16. (a) 17. (a) 18. (d) 19. (c) 20. (d)
21. (b) 22. (b) 23. (b) 24. (a) 25. (a) 26. (d) 27. (a) 28. (c) 29. (d) 30. (a)
31. (a) 32. (c) 33. (d) 34. (d) 35. (d) 36. (c) 37. (d) 38. (d) 39. (a) 40. (d)
41. (b) 42. (b) 43. (c) 44. (b) 45. (a) 46. (d) 47. (a) 48. (d) 49. (c) 50. (c)
51. (d) 52. (b) 53. (d) 54. (c) 55. (a) 56. (c) 57. (d) 58. (c) 59. (b) 60. (d)
61. (c) 62. (b) 63. (a) 64. (b) 65. (a)
 1250 NCERT Biology Booster
Hints
Section-A
1. (c) Tropics have maximum biodiversity as warm
temperatures and high humidity in tropical areas
provide favourable condition throughout the year.
6. (c) The ecological area ‘C’ has taxonomically different
groups, i. e., Lion, crow and insects with almost
equal abundance so, it has maximum biodiversity.
43. (c) Anthropogenic extinction is the extinction of
species due to human activities like pollution,
over-exploitation, hunting, habitat destruction,
etc.
Mass extinction is the extemination of a large
number of species due to natural catastrophes.
50. (d) The options (a), (b) and (c) are corrects so, more
than one option is correct.
51. (d) ‘The Evil Quarter’ includes—Habitat loss and
fragmentation, over-exploitation, Alien species
invasions and Co-extinction.
54. (d) The options (a), (b) and (c) are correct so, more
than one option is correct.
55. (d) Causes of susceptibility of extinction are :
(i) Small population size and low reproductive
rate
(ii) Large body size
Section-B
3. (b) The invasive alien/exotic species (in the Indian
context) includes Lantana, Eichhornia and
Parthenium but not Cynodon (Indian doab).
4. (a) Pitcher plant (Nepenthes) and insectivorous plant
is found in rain forest of North-East India. These
types of plants generally grow in nitrogen
deficient soil.
Sunderbans are rich in mangrove plants alongwith
other flora and fauna.
Thar desert has many xerophytes.
Western ghats are rich in amphibian diversity.
5. (c) Biodiversity hot spots are mostly located in the
tropics.
Hints-C
1. (c) Species richness and evenness are different in
different ecosystems.
4. (a) When a species becomes extinct, the plant and
animal species associated with it may also become
(iii) Fixed migratory root and habitat
(iv) High trophic level in food chain
(v) Inability to switch over to an alternative
food resource when the original resource
gets exhausted
56. (d) More than one option is correct since (a), (b) and
(c) are correct.
57. (d) Biodiversity includes genetic diversity, species
diversity and ecosystem diversity.
58. (d) Climate change, habiat destruction and over
exploitation has led to greater extinction.
61. (d) Habitat destruction is the major cause of loss of
biodiversity.
64. (a) Threatened categories in decreasing order :
Critically Endangered > Endangered >
Vulnerable
71. (b) Hot spots occupy less than 2% of Earth’s land area
having about one-third of all the species of Earth.
91. (a) I = Sacred grooves, Wildlife sanctuary, Biosphere
reserve, National park, Sacred takes
E = Home gardens, Seed bank, Gene bank,
Botanical garden, Zoological park.
7. (c) Nepenthes, Psilotum, Rawolfia and Aconitum
belong to endangered category (threatened
plants).
9. (c) Climate change, habitat destruction and
over-exploitation has led amphibians to become
the highest percentage of endangered species.
11. (d) Lantana, Eichhornia and African catfish are
exotic/alien species w.r.t. Indian context.
13. (c) Parthenium is carrot grass.
15. (c) Amazon rain forest is called the ‘Lungs of Planet
Earth’ as it contributes about 20% of the Earth’s
oxygen.
extinct which are obligatorily associated. It is a
case of co-extinction.
8. (d) In a biosphere reserve, limited human activity is
allowed in buffer zone (limited) and transition
zone.

19. (c) Seed banks and gene banks are ex-situ
conservation areas.
Section-D
1. (d) Alpha, beta and gamma diversity concept was
given by R.H. Whittaker.
4. (c) Habitat destruction is the major causing of species
extinction.
5. (a) Option numbers (b) and (c) are related to
‘narrowly utilitarian’ category. Option (d) is
related to ‘broadly utilitarian’ category.
6. (d) The number of fungi species in the world is more
than the combined total species of fishes,
amphibians, reptiles and mammals.
Steller’s sea cow become extinct due to
over-exploitation by humans.
Biodiversity and Conservation 1251
20. (c) Hot spots are rich in endemic species.
7. (b) Lesser the value of Z, less steep is the slope of line.
Higher the value of Z, more steep is the slope of
line.
9. (c) Statement (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv) are correct but (v)
is incorrect.
10. (d) The pathogens (small pox virus, HIV,
Plasmodium) are not a part of food chain/web. So,
their extinction will not effect the ecological
health.