Ecosystems — MCQs

All questions with answers and explanations

Read the full set here, or use the practice card above to test yourself one question at a time.

1. Biodiversity is studied at which three levels?

   • Genetic, Species, Ecosystem diversity (correct answer)
   • Physical, Chemical, Biological diversity
   • National, State, District diversity
   • Air, Water, Soil diversity

   Explanation. Biodiversity is studied at three levels: genetic diversity (within a species), species diversity (within an ecosystem), and ecosystem diversity (across a region).

2. The many traditional rice varieties grown across India, each suited to different soil and climate conditions, best illustrate:

   • Ecosystem diversity
   • Species diversity
   • Genetic diversity (correct answer)
   • Biome diversity

   Explanation. Different varieties within the same species (rice) suited to different conditions is an example of genetic diversity.

3. India has parts of how many globally recognised biodiversity hotspots?

   • 2
   • 3
   • 4 (correct answer)
   • 6

   Explanation. India has parts of 4 globally recognised biodiversity hotspots: the Himalayas, the Western Ghats, Indo-Burma, and Sundaland.

4. A region qualifies as a biodiversity hotspot only if it has:

   • High species count alone, regardless of threat
   • High endemism AND significant habitat loss already underway (correct answer)
   • Government funding alone
   • Only marine ecosystems

   Explanation. A biodiversity hotspot must meet both conditions together — high endemism (species found nowhere else) and significant, ongoing habitat loss.

5. Declaring a forest area a Wildlife Sanctuary, so the whole ecosystem is protected together, is an example of:

   • Ex-situ conservation
   • In-situ conservation (correct answer)
   • Genetic engineering
   • Habitat destruction

   Explanation. In-situ conservation protects species within their natural habitat — National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, and Biosphere Reserves are all examples.

6. A captive breeding programme for a critically endangered species, run in a zoo with a supporting gene bank, is an example of:

   • In-situ conservation
   • Ex-situ conservation (correct answer)
   • Biome degradation
   • Habitat destruction

   Explanation. Ex-situ conservation protects species outside their natural habitat — zoos, botanical gardens, seed banks, and gene banks are all examples, typically used as a targeted backup for critically endangered species.

7. Which of the following is NOT a threat to biodiversity?

   • Habitat destruction
   • Invasive species
   • Overexploitation
   • Ex-situ conservation programmes (correct answer)

   Explanation. Ex-situ conservation is a protective strategy, not a threat. It protects species outside their natural habitat, as a backup for critically endangered species.

8. Section 2(b) of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 counts which of the following as part of biological diversity?

   • Only the variability within a single species
   • Only the diversity of species kept in zoos
   • The variability among living organisms and the ecological complexes of which they are part, including the diversity of eco-systems (correct answer)
   • Only forests

   Explanation. Section 2(b) defines biological diversity as the variability among living organisms from all sources and the ecological complexes of which they are part, including diversity of eco-systems.