Here are 25 multiple-choice questions on Wildlife (General Issues) suitable for JKSSB and similar competitive exams, along with answers and explanations:
Wildlife (General Issues)
Q1. Which one of the following is considered the primary cause of wildlife extinction globally?
(a) Natural disasters
(b) Habitat loss and fragmentation
(c) Pollution
(d) Over-hunting
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Habitat loss and fragmentation due to human activities like deforestation, agriculture, and urbanization is the most significant threat to wildlife and the leading cause of species extinction.
Q2. What is the main objective of establishing National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries?
(a) To promote tourism and revenue generation
(b) To provide recreational facilities for the public
(c) To conserve biodiversity and protect endangered species
(d) To conduct scientific research exclusively
Answer: (c)
Explanation: The primary objective of National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries is the in-situ conservation of biodiversity, protecting flora and fauna, especially endangered species, in their natural habitats.
Q3. Which international organization is responsible for maintaining the ‘Red List’ of threatened species?
(a) World Wildlife Fund (WWF)
(b) United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
(c) International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
(d) Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
Answer: (c)
Explanation: The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) maintains the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, which is the world’s most comprehensive inventory of the global conservation status of biological species.
Q4. What does the term “endemic species” refer to?
(a) Species that are found worldwide
(b) Species that are exclusively found in a specific geographical area
(c) Species that are extinct but have living relatives
(d) Species that are considered pests
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Endemic species are those that are native to and restricted to a particular geographical region, and are not found anywhere else naturally.
Q5. The “Project Tiger” initiative was launched in India in which year?
(a) 1970
(b) 1973
(c) 1980
(d) 1986
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Project Tiger, a landmark wildlife conservation program, was launched in India in 1973 with the primary goal of ensuring a viable population of Bengal tigers and preserving their habitat.
Q6. What is the term for the variety of life on Earth at all its levels, from genes to ecosystems?
(a) Ecology
(b) Biodiversity
(c) Evolution
(d) Biogeography
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Biodiversity refers to the variety of life on Earth, including diversity within species, between species, and of ecosystems.
Q7. Which of the following is an example of an ex-situ conservation method?
(a) National Park
(b) Wildlife Sanctuary
(c) Botanical Garden
(d) Biosphere Reserve
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Ex-situ conservation involves the conservation of components of biological diversity outside their natural habitats. Botanical Gardens, zoos, and gene banks are examples of ex-situ conservation.
Q8. The illegal trade of wild animals and plants is commonly known as:
(a) Poaching
(b) Smuggling
(c) Wildlife trafficking
(d) Illegal hunting
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Wildlife trafficking refers specifically to the illegal trade of wild animals and plants, often involving poaching, capture, collection, and illegal transport and sale across borders.
Q9. Which Act in India focuses on the protection of wild animals, birds, and plants?
(a) Indian Forest Act, 1927
(b) Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
(c) Environmental (Protection) Act, 1986
(d) Biological Diversity Act, 2002
Answer: (b)
Explanation: The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, provides for the protection of wild animals, birds, and plants, with a view to ensuring the ecological and environmental security of the country.
Q10. What is the role of a “Keystone Species” in an ecosystem?
(a) A species that is most abundant in the ecosystem.
(b) A species that poses a threat to other species.
(c) A species whose removal would have a disproportionately large effect on the ecosystem.
(d) A species that can adapt to rapid environmental changes.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: A keystone species is a species that has a disproportionately large effect on its natural environment relative to its abundance, and its removal would cause a dramatic shift in the ecosystem.
Q11. Which of the following is NOT a direct threat to wildlife?
(a) Climate Change
(b) Invasive Species
(c) Satellite communication
(d) Pollution
Answer: (c)
Explanation: While climate change, invasive species, and pollution are major direct threats to wildlife, satellite communication, though potentially impacting some aspects of the environment, is not considered a primary direct threat to wildlife populations in the same way.
Q12. What does CITES stand for in the context of wildlife conservation?
(a) Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora
(b) Committee for International Treaty on Ecological Stability
(c) Council for Indian Territories and Environmental Safety
(d) Convention on International Transport of Exotic Species
Answer: (a)
Explanation: CITES is an international agreement between governments, aiming to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival.
Q13. What is “Ecotourism”?
(a) Tourism focused on luxury resorts in natural areas.
(b) Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people.
(c) Tourism that promotes hunting of exotic animals.
(d) Travel that involves visiting man-made attractions.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Ecotourism emphasizes responsible travel to natural areas that prioritizes environmental conservation and supports the well-being of local communities.
Q14. The term “Critically Endangered” in the IUCN Red List signifies:
(a) The species is extinct in the wild.
(b) The species faces an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild.
(c) The species is not facing any immediate threat.
(d) The species has a declining population but is not at risk of extinction.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: “Critically Endangered” (CR) is the highest risk category assigned by the IUCN for wild species, followed by “Endangered” (EN) and “Vulnerable” (VU).
Q15. Poaching primarily refers to:
(a) Legal hunting of animals for sport.
(b) Illegal hunting or capturing of wild animals.
(c) Scientific research on animal behavior.
(d) Rearing animals in captivity.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Poaching is the illegal hunting or capturing of wild animals, typically in violation of conservation laws and regulations.
Q16. What is the purpose of a “Biosphere Reserve”?
(a) To allow unrestricted human activities.
(b) To protect only a single species.
(c) To conserve biodiversity with sustainable use of resources by local communities.
(d) To establish commercial plantations.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Biosphere Reserves are areas designated by UNESCO to promote sustainable development, encompassing conservation of biodiversity along with research, monitoring, education, and the involvement of local communities in resource management.
Q17. Which of the following is a characteristic of an “invasive species”?
(a) It is native to the ecosystem.
(b) It can outcompete native species for resources.
(c) It always enhances local biodiversity.
(d) It has no impact on existing ecosystems.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Invasive species are non-native species that can cause environmental or economic harm by outcompeting native species, disrupting ecosystems, and altering habitats.
Q18. The term “Vulnerability” in conservation context refers to:
(a) A species that is extinct.
(b) A species facing a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future.
(c) A species with a stable population.
(d) A species that is found in abundance.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: According to IUCN, a species is “Vulnerable” when it is considered to be facing a high risk of extinction in the wild.
Q19. Which international agreement aims to conserve biodiversity, promote its sustainable use, and ensure fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from genetic resources?
(a) Kyoto Protocol
(b) Paris Agreement
(c) Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
(d) Stockholm Conference
Answer: (c)
Explanation: The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is a multilateral treaty with three main goals: the conservation of biological diversity; the sustainable use of its components; and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from genetic resources.
Q20. What is “in-situ conservation”?
(a) Conserving species outside their natural habitat.
(b) Conserving species in their natural habitat.
(c) Breeding species in zoos.
(d) Storing genetic material in gene banks.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: In-situ conservation refers to the conservation of ecosystems and natural habitats and the maintenance and recovery of viable populations of species in their natural surroundings.
Q21. The “Man and Biosphere (MAB) Programme” was launched by which organization?
(a) World Bank
(b) United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
(c) United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
(d) Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
Answer: (c)
Explanation: The UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme is an intergovernmental scientific programme that aims to establish a scientific basis for enhancing the relationship between people and their environments.
Q22. What is a “Corridor” in the context of wildlife protection?
(a) A passage for tourists within a national park.
(b) A strip of land that connects two or more protected areas, allowing animals to move between them.
(c) A designated area for animal breeding.
(d) A scientific research facility.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Wildlife corridors are areas of habitat connecting wildlife populations separated by human activities or structures (such as roads, farms, cities, etc.). They are crucial for maintaining genetic diversity and allowing species to adapt to climate change.
Q23. Which of the following is commonly used as a deterrent against poaching in protected areas?
(a) Providing food to wild animals
(b) Regular patrolling by forest guards
(c) Allowing limited trophy hunting
(d) Increasing tourist access to core areas
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Regular and effective patrolling by forest guards, often equipped with modern surveillance technology, is a primary and essential deterrent against poaching activities in protected wildlife areas.
Q24. What is the primary focus of the ‘Forest Rights Act, 2006’ in India with respect to forest dwellers and wildlife?
(a) To displace forest dwellers for wildlife protection.
(b) To grant individual and community rights over forest land and resources.
(c) To privatize forest resources for commercial use.
(d) To restrict forest dwellers’ entry into protected areas entirely.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, commonly known as the Forest Rights Act (FRA), grants land and resource rights to forest-dwelling Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers.
Q25. Which of the following animals is native to India and is one of the most endangered large mammals globally?
(a) African Elephant
(b) Giant Panda
(c) Bengal Tiger
(d) Polar Bear
Answer: (c)
Explanation: The Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) is native to the Indian subcontinent and is listed as endangered by the IUCN, making it one of the most endangered large mammals globally.
