Q: Consider the following: 1. Carabid beetles 2. Centipedes 3. Flies 4. Termites 5. Wasps Parasitoid species are found in how many of the above kind of organisms?
(a)Only two
(b)Only three
(c)Only four
(d)All five
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Biodiversity & Conservation — UPSC Prelims Previous Year Questions
44 questions from UPSC CSE Prelims GS Paper 1 on Biodiversity & Conservation (Environment & Ecology). Spanning from 1996 to 2024. Practice with show/hide answers and detailed explanations.
44
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19
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22
Easy
21
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What UPSC Asks About Biodiversity & Conservation
Based on 44 questions across 19 years, UPSC has consistently tested aspirants' understanding of Biodiversity & Conservation within the broader Environment & Ecology syllabus. The questions range from factual recall to application-based analysis.
Recent trends show UPSC moving towards statement-based questions that combine multiple aspects of Biodiversity & Conservation. Aspirants should focus on understanding concepts rather than memorizing isolated facts.
Related Environment & Ecology Sub-topics
All Biodiversity & Conservation Questions
Q: Consider the following plants : 1. Groundnut 2. Horse-gram 3. Soybean How many of the above belong to the pea family ?
(a)Only one
(b)Only two
(c)All three
(d)None
Q: The organisms "Cicada, Froghopper and Pond skater" are:
(a)Birds
(b)Fish
(c)Insects
(d)Reptiles
Q: Consider the following: 1. Cashew 2. Papaya 3. Red sanders How many of the above trees are actually native to India?
(a)Only one
(b)Only two
(c)All three
(d)None
Q: Which one of the following makes a tool with a stick to scrape insects from a hole in a tree or a log of wood?
(a)Fishing cat
(b)Orangutan
(c)Otter
(d)Sloth bear
Q: With reference to "Gucchi" sometimes mentioned in the news, consider the following statements: 1. It is a fungus. 2. It grows in some Himalayan forest areas. 3. It is commercially cultivated in the Himalayan foothills of north-eastern India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a)1 only
(b)3 only
(c)1 and 2
(d)2 and 3
Q: Which of the following is not a bird ?
(a)Golden Mahseer
(b)Indian Nightjar
(c)Spoonbill
(d)White Ibis
Q: With reference to India's biodiversity, Ceylon frogmouth, Coppersmith barbet, Gray-chinned minivet and White-throated redstart are
(a)Birds
(b)Primates
(c)Reptiles
(d)Amphibians
Q: Recently, there was a growing awareness in our country about the importance of Himalayan nettle (Girardinia diversifolia) because it is found to be a sustainable source of
(a)anti-malarial drug
(b)biodiesel
(c)pulp for paper industry
(d)textile fibre
Q: The term "sixth mass extinction/sixth extinction" is often mentioned in the news in the context of the discussion of
(a)Widespread monoculture practices in agriculture and large-scale commercial farming with indiscriminate use of chemicals in many parts of the world that may result in the loss of good native ecosystems.
(b)Fears of a possible collision of a meteorite with the Earth in the near future in the manner it happened 65 million years ago that caused the mass extinction of many species including those of dinosaurs.
(c)Large-scale cultivation of genetically modified crops in many parts of the world and promoting their cultivation in other parts of the world which may cause the disappearance of good native crop plants and the loss of food biodiversity.
(d)Mankind's over-exploitation/misuse of natural resources, fragmentation/loss of natural habitats, destruction of ecosystems, pollution and global climate change.
Q: Why is a plant called Prosopis juliflora often mentioned in news?
(a)Its extract is widely used in cosmetics.
(b)It tends to reduce the biodiversity in the area in which it grows.
(c)Its extract is used in the synthesis of pesticides.
(d)None of the above
Q: Consider the following statements in respect of Trade Related Analysis of Fauna and Flora in Commerce (TRAFFIC) : 1. TRAFFIC is a bureau under United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). 2. The mission of TRAFFIC is to ensure that trade in wild plants and animals is not a threat to the conservation of nature. Which of the above statements is/are correct ?
(a)1 only
(b)2 only
(c)Both 1 and 2
(d)Neither 1 nor 2
Q: What is/are unique about 'Kharai camel', a breed found in India? 1. It is capable of swimming up to three kilometres in seawater. 2. It survives by grazing on mangroves. 3. It lives in the wild and cannot be domesticated. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a)1 and 2 only
(b)3 only
(c)1 and 3 only
(d)1, 2 and 3
Q: Recently, our scientists have discovered a new and distinct species of banana plant which attains a height of about 11 metres and has orange-coloured fruit pulp. In which part of India has it been discovered?
(a)Andaman Islands
(b)Anaimalai Forests
(c)Maikal Hills
(d)Tropical rain forests of northeast
Q: With reference to 'Red Sanders', sometimes seen in the news, consider the following statements: 1. It is a tree species found in a part of South India. 2. It is one of the most important trees in the tropical rain forest areas of South India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a)1 only
(b)2 only
(c)Both 1 and 2
(d)Neither 1 nor 2
Q: Recently, for the first time in our country, which of the following States has declared a particular butterfly as ‘State Butterfly’?
(a)Arunachal Pradesh
(b)Himachal Pradesh
(c)Karnataka
(d)Maharashtra
Q: With reference to ‘dugong’, a mammal found in India, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. It is a herbivorous marine animal. 2. It is found along the entire coast of India. 3. It is given legal protection under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
(a)1 and 2
(b)2 only
(c)1 and 3
(d)3 only
Q: Which one of the following is the national aquatic animal of India?
(a)Saltwater crocodile
(b)Olive ridley turtle
(c)Gangetic dolphin
(d)Gharial
Q: Other than poaching, what are the possible reasons for the decline in the population of Ganges River Dolphins? 1. Construction of dams and barrages on rivers 2. Increase in the population of crocodiles in rivers 3. Getting trapped in fishing nets accidentally 4. Use of synthetic fertilizers and other agricultural chemicals in crop-fields in the vicinity of rivers Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a)1 and 2 only
(b)2 and 3 only
(c)1, 3 and 4 only
(d)1, 2, 3 and 4
Q: Consider the following animals: 1. Sea cow 2. Sea horse 3. Sea lion Which of the above is/are mammal/mammals?
(a)1 only
(b)1 and 3 only
(c)2 and 3 only
(d)1, 2 and 3
Q: In which of the following States is lion-tailed macaque found in its natural habitat? 1. Tamil Nadu 2. Kerala 3. Karnataka 4. Andhra Pradesh Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
(a)1, 2 and 3 only
(b)2 only
(c)1, 3 and 4 only
(d)1, 2, 3 and 4
Q: Consider the following fauna of India: 1. Gharial 2. Leatherback turtle 3. Swamp deer Which of the above is/are endangered?
(a)1 and 2 only
(b)3 only
(c)1, 2 and 3
(d)None
Q: Government of India encourages the cultivation of ‘sea buckthorn’. What is the importance of this plant? 1. It helps in controlling soil erosion and in preventing desertification. 2. It is a rich source of biodiesel. 3. It has nutritional value and is well-adapted to live in cold areas of high altitudes. 4. Its timber is of great commercial value. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a)1 only
(b)2, 3 and 4 only
(c)1 and 3 only
(d)1, 2, 3 and 4
Q: Which one of the following groups of animals belongs to the category of endangered species?
(a)Great Indian Bustard, Musk Deer, Red Panda and Asiatic Wild Ass
(b)Kashmir Stag, Cheetal, Blue Bull and Great Indian Bustard
(c)Snow Leopard, Swamp Deer, Rhesus Monkey and Saras (Crane)
(d)Lion-tailed Macaque, Blue Bull, Hanuman Langur and Cheetal
Q: What is the difference between the antelopes Oryx and Chiru?
(a)Oryx is adapted to live in hot and arid areas whereas Chiru is adapted to live in steppes and semi-desert areas of cold high mountains
(b)Oryx is poached for its antlers whereas Chiru is poached for its musk
(c)Oryx exists in western India only whereas Chiru exists in north-east India only
(d)None of the statements (a), (b) and (c) given above is correct
Q: Which of the following can be threats to the biodiversity of a geographical area? 1. Global warming 2. Fragmentation of habitat 3. Invasion of alien species 4. Promotion of vegetarianism Select the correct answer using the codes given below :
(a)1, 2 and 3 only
(b)2 and 3 only
(c)1 and 4 only
(d)1, 2, 3 and 4
Q: Consider the following agricultural practices :
(a)Contour bunding
(b)Relay cropping
(c)Zero tillage
(d)All of the above
Q: Vultures, which used to be very common in Indian countryside some years ago, are rarely seen nowadays. This is attributed to
(a)the destruction of their nesting sites by new invasive species
(b)a drug used by cattle owners for treating their diseased cattle
(c)scarcity of food available to them
(d)a widespread, persistent and fatal disease among them
Q: Three of the following criteria have contributed to the recognition of Western Ghats-Sri Lanka and Indo-Burma regions as hotspots of biodiversity: 1. Species richness 2. Vegetation density 3. Endemism 4. Ethno-botanical importance 5. Threat perception 6. Adaptation of flora and fauna to warm and humid conditions Which three of the above are correct criteria in this context?
(a)1, 2 and 6
(b)2, 4 and 6
(c)1, 3 and 5
(d)3, 4 and 6
Q: The Himalayan Range is very rich in species diversity. Which one among the following is the most appropriate reason for this phenomenon?
(a)It has a high rainfall that supports luxuriant vegetative growth
(b)It is a confluence of different bio-geographical zones
(c)Exotic and invasive species have not been introduced in this region
(d)It has less human interference
Q: Which one of the following is not a site for in-situ method of conservation of flora?
(a)Biosphere Reserve
(b)Botanical Garden
(c)National Park
(d)Wildlife Sanctuary
Q: The "Red Data Books" published by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) contain lists of 1. Endemic plant and animal species present in the biodiversity hotspots. 2. Threatened plant and animal species. 3. Protected sites for conservation of nature and natural resources in various countries. Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a)1 and 3
(b)2 only
(c)2 and 3
(d)3 only
Q: Consider the following statements: 1. Biodiversity is normally greater in the lower latitudes as compared to the higher latitudes. 2. Along the mountain gradients, biodiversity is normally greater in the lower altitudes as compared to the higher altitudes. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a)1 only
(b)2 only
(c)Both 1 and 2
(d)Neither 1 nor 2
Q: Consider the following statements : 1. Biodiversity hotspots are located only in tropical regions. 2. India has four biodiversity hotspots i.e., Eastern Himalayas, Western Himalayas, Western Ghats and Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
(a)1 only
(b)2 only
(c)Both 1 and 2
(d)Neither 1 nor 2
Q: Consider the following statements: 1. The Taxus tree naturally found in the Himalayas. 2. The Taxus tree is listed in the Red Data Book. 3. A drug called “taxol” is obtained from Taxus tree is effective against Parkinson’s disease. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a)1 only
(b)1 and 2 only
(c)2 and 3 only
(d)1, 2 and 3
Q: The marine animal called dugong which is vulnerable to extinction is a/an
(a)Amphibian
(b)Bony fish
(c)Shark
(d)Mammal
Q: Consider the following regions: 1. Eastern Himalayas 2. Eastern Mediterranean region 3. North-western Australia Which of the above is/are Biodiversity Hotspot(s)?
(a)1 only
(b)1 and 2 only
(c)2 and 3 only
(d)1, 2 and 3
Q: The Panda belongs to the same family as that of
(a)Bear
(b)Cat
(c)Dog
(d)Rabbit
Q: Among the following, which one is not an ape?
(a)Gibbon
(b)Gorilla
(c)Langur
(d)Orangutan
Q: Consider the following animals of India: 1. Crocodile 2. Elephant Which of these is/are endangered species?
(a)Only 1
(b)Only 2
(c)Both 1 and 2
(d)Neither 1 nor 2
Q: Consider the following statements: 1. The common blue green algae Spirogyra and Ulothrix are found in both fresh water ponds and oceans. 2. The chameleon can look ahead with one eye, and at the same time look behind with another. Which of these statements is/are correct?
(a)Only 1
(b)Only 2
(c)Both 1 and 2
(d)Neither 1 nor 2
Q: A tree species in Mauritius failed to reproduce because of the extinction of a fruit-eating bird. Which one of the following was that bird?
(a)Dove
(b)Dodo
(c)Condor
(d)Skua
Q: Which one of the following regions of India is now regarded as an 'ecological hot spot'?
(a)Western Himalayas
(b)Eastern Himalayas
(c)Western Ghats
(d)Eastern Ghats
Q: Ecologists have so far found and certified a large number of species in the plant and animal kingdoms. In terms of members, the largest group identified so far is among the
(a)Fungi
(b)Plants
(c)Insects
(d)Bacteria
Frequently Asked Questions
How many UPSC Prelims questions have been asked from Biodiversity & Conservation?▼
UPSC has asked 44 questions on Biodiversity & Conservation in GS Paper 1 Prelims between 1996 and 2024. This sub-topic falls under Environment & Ecology.
In which years has UPSC asked about Biodiversity & Conservation?▼
Questions on Biodiversity & Conservation have appeared in UPSC Prelims in the following years: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2003, 1998, 1996. The topic has appeared in 19 out of 31 years.
What is the difficulty level of Biodiversity & Conservation questions in UPSC Prelims?▼
Among 44 questions on Biodiversity & Conservation: 22 are easy, 21 are moderate, and 1 are difficult. Most questions test conceptual understanding of the topic.