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Biodiversity and Conservation — NEET MCQs with answers
Chapter 13 explores the levels of biodiversity - genetic, species and ecological - quantifies global species richness (about 7 million estimated; slightly more than 1.5 million described), examines patterns of biodiversity (latitudinal gradients, species-area relationships), analyses the causes and consequences of biodiversity loss, and describes in situ and ex situ conservation strategies.
Topics in this chapter
- 13.1 Biodiversity
- 13.2 Biodiversity Conservation
Free practice questions
The proportionate representation of major taxa in global biodiversity shows that the largest share belongs to:
- A. Prokaryotes
- B. Plants
- C. Animals (with insects dominating)
- D. Fungi
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Answer: C — Since animals are >70% and insects >70% of animals, insects form the largest single share of global species; animals dominate overall.
NCERT Class 12 Biology · Ch 13 · 13.1 Biodiversity
Identify the invasive species from the description: 'Introduced deliberately into an east African lake, this predatory fish caused the extinction of over 200 native cichlid species.'
- A. Clarias gariepinus
- B. Nile perch
- C. Steller's sea cow
- D. Passenger pigeon
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Answer: B — This describes the Nile perch introduced into Lake Victoria, which drove more than 200 native cichlid fish species to extinction.
NCERT Class 12 Biology · Ch 13 · 13.2 Biodiversity Conservation
According to NCERT, latitudinal gradient means diversity generally changes with:
- A. Ocean depth only
- B. Longitude only
- C. Altitude only
- D. Latitude (decreasing towards the poles)
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Answer: D — NCERT describes the latitudinal gradient as change in diversity with latitude — decreasing from equator to poles.
NCERT Class 12 Biology · Ch 13 · 13.1 Biodiversity
Which of the following is an example of an industrial product NCERT lists as a narrowly utilitarian benefit from nature?
- A. Pollination service
- B. Resins
- C. Flood control
- D. Oxygen from photosynthesis
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Answer: B — NCERT lists industrial products such as tannins, lubricants, dyes, resins and perfumes among narrowly utilitarian benefits.
NCERT Class 12 Biology · Ch 13 · 13.2 Biodiversity Conservation
Which combination correctly represents ONLY the alien invasive species (not weeds) mentioned by NCERT in section 13.2?
- A. Nile perch and Parthenium
- B. Nile perch and Clarias gariepinus
- C. Parthenium and Lantana
- D. Eichhornia and Lantana
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Answer: B — NCERT's invasive animal (fish) examples are the Nile perch and the African catfish Clarias gariepinus. Parthenium, Lantana and Eichhornia are invasive weeds, not fish.
NCERT Class 12 Biology · Ch 13 · 13.2 Biodiversity Conservation
Applying May's proportion to India, the number of plant species yet to be discovered is estimated to be more than:
- A. 3,00,000
- B. 50,000
- C. 1,00,000
- D. 45,000
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Answer: C — NCERT estimates there are probably more than 1,00,000 plant species yet to be discovered and described in India.
NCERT Class 12 Biology · Ch 13 · 13.1 Biodiversity
Rauwolfia vomitoria, cited by NCERT as an example of genetic diversity, is a:
- A. Medicinal plant
- B. Cereal crop
- C. Timber tree
- D. Marine alga
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Answer: A — NCERT refers to Rauwolfia vomitoria as a medicinal plant that produces the active chemical reserpine.
NCERT Class 12 Biology · Ch 13 · 13.1 Biodiversity
According to NCERT, how many national parks does India now have?
- A. 90
- B. 448
- C. 14
- D. 25
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Answer: A — NCERT states that India now has 14 biosphere reserves, 90 national parks and 448 wildlife sanctuaries.
NCERT Class 12 Biology · Ch 13 · 13.2 Biodiversity Conservation
The rivet popper hypothesis is essentially used to explain the importance of:
- A. Species diversity to ecosystem functioning
- B. Genetic diversity within a species
- C. The species-area relationship
- D. The latitudinal gradient
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Answer: A — NCERT uses the rivet popper analogy to develop a perspective on the importance of species diversity to ecosystem functioning.
NCERT Class 12 Biology · Ch 13 · 13.1 Biodiversity
Current species extinction rates are estimated to be how many times faster than in pre-human times, as per NCERT?
- A. 100 to 1,000 times faster
- B. 2 to 10 times faster
- C. 1,000 to 10,000 times faster
- D. 10 to 100 times faster
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Answer: A — NCERT states current species extinction rates are estimated to be 100 to 1,000 times faster than in pre-human times.
NCERT Class 12 Biology · Ch 13 · 13.2 Biodiversity Conservation
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