BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION CLASS XII

 

GANGWAR SIR BAREILLY

BIOLOGY

Class: 12 (2025-26)

CLASS TEST

TIME: 3 HOURS	M.M.: 70

General Instructions:

• This question paper contains 34 questions.

• All questions are compulsory.

• Q.1 to 5 (Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)): 5 questions. Each question carries 1 mark.

• Q.6 to 7 (Assertion Reason Questions): 2 questions. Each question carries 1 mark.

• Q.8 to 16 (Very Short Answer Questions): 9 questions. Each question carries 1 mark.

• Q.17 to 28 (Short Answer Questions): 12 questions. Each question carries 2 marks.

• Q.29 to 33 (Long Answer Questions): 5 questions. Each question carries 5 marks.

• Q.34 to 34 (Competency Based Questions): 1 questions. Each question carries 5 marks.

Topics Covered:

• Biodiversity and Conservation

 

Q.NO.	QUESTIONS	MARKS
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS (MCQS) Questions 1 to 5 (5 questions × 1 mark each)
1	Which of the following is NOT a characteristic feature of biodiversity hotspots identified by Conservation International? A. They must contain at least 1,500 species of vascular plants as endemics B. They must have lost at least 70% of their original habitat C. They must be located within tropical regions between 23.5°N and 23.5°S latitude D. They must be under significant threat from human activities	1
2	The 'Evil Quartet' concept in conservation biology refers to: A. Four major causes of biodiversity loss: habitat destruction, overexploitation, alien species invasion, and co-extinctions B. Four types of protected areas: national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, biosphere reserves, and sacred groves C. Four levels of biodiversity: genetic, species, ecosystem, and landscape D. Four international conventions on biodiversity: CBD, CITES, Ramsar, and UNFCCC	1
3	Which conservation strategy specifically focuses on protecting individual species rather than entire ecosystems? A. In-situ conservation B. Ex-situ conservation C. Flagship species approach D. Keystone species protection	1
4	The 'Red Data Book' published by IUCN contains information about: A. All known species of plants and animals B. Threatened species and their conservation status C. Endemic species found in biodiversity hotspots D. Invasive alien species and their impacts	1
5	Which of the following statements about the relationship between species diversity and ecosystem stability is most strongly supported by ecological research? A. Higher species diversity always leads to greater ecosystem stability B. Ecosystems with low species diversity are more resistant to invasive species C. Species diversity enhances ecosystem resilience to environmental disturbances D. The relationship between diversity and stability follows a strict mathematical ratio	1
ASSERTION REASON QUESTIONS Questions 6 to 7 (2 questions × 1 mark each) Instructions: The following questions consist of two statements – Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Answer these questions by selecting the appropriate option given below: A. Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A. B. Both A and R are true, and R is not the correct explanation of A. C. A is true but R is false. D. A is false but R is true.
6	Assertion (A): The extinction of a single plant species can lead to the extinction of multiple animal species.  Reason (R): Plants form the base of food chains and provide habitat for many organisms.	1
7	Assertion (A): Protected areas like national parks are sufficient for conserving biodiversity.  Reason (R): Most species have restricted geographical ranges and cannot survive outside their natural habitats.	1
VERY SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS Questions 8 to 16 (9 questions × 1 mark each)
8	Define biodiversity hotspots with two examples.	1
9	Differentiate between in-situ and ex-situ conservation methods.	1
10	Name the international treaty aimed at conserving biodiversity.	1
11	Define the term 'biodiversity hotspot' and name any two hotspots located in India.	1
12	List two anthropogenic factors causing biodiversity loss.	1
13	Explain the term 'endemism' with an example.	1
14	What is the role of keystone species in an ecosystem?	1
15	Name two biodiversity hotspots in India.	1
16	Define the 'Rivet Popper Hypothesis'.	1
SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS Questions 17 to 28 (12 questions × 2 marks each)
17	Define biodiversity hotspots with two characteristics.	2
18	Explain the significance of Ramsar sites in biodiversity conservation with reference to any two Indian examples.	2
19	Explain how the 'Evil Quartet' contributes to biodiversity loss.	2
20	Explain why conventional taxonomic methods are unsuitable for identifying microbial species, citing two specific limitations.	2
21	Describe two ecological benefits of maintaining biodiversity in tropical rainforests.	2
22	Explain how latitudinal gradients influence species diversity patterns, citing two specific mechanisms supported by ecological research.	2
23	Compare endemic and cosmopolitan species in terms of conservation vulnerability.	2
24	Explain the role of cryopreservation in biodiversity conservation.	2
25	Explain how the 'species-area relationship' helps in understanding biodiversity patterns across different geographical regions.	2
26	Explain the significance of the 'Red Data Book' in biodiversity conservation.	2
27	Explain how the 'Evil Quartet' concept relates to current biodiversity loss patterns, citing two specific anthropogenic activities that exemplify this relationship.	2
28	Compare in situ and ex situ conservation strategies for endangered species, providing one advantage of each approach in the context of genetic diversity preservation.	2
LONG ANSWER QUESTIONS Questions 29 to 33 (5 questions × 5 marks each)
29	Analyze the concept of the 'Sixth Mass Extinction' currently in progress, with specific reference to anthropogenic activities. Discuss five measurable indicators that scientists use to track this extinction event, and propose three concrete conservation strategies that could mitigate its impact on global biodiversity.	5
30	Describe the ecological and economic importance of biodiversity. How does the loss of biodiversity affect ecosystem services? Provide examples to support your answer.	5
31	Compare and contrast in-situ and ex-situ conservation methods. Discuss one advantage and one limitation of each approach, citing relevant examples.	5
32	PART A: Alien Species Invasion Discuss how the introduction of alien species can threaten biodiversity in an ecosystem. Provide examples to illustrate your answer. (3 marks) PART B: Examples of Over Exploitation Explain any two examples of over-exploitation of natural resources that have led to biodiversity loss. (2 marks)	5
33	PART A: Explain why biodiversity conservation is crucial for maintaining ecological balance and human survival. Discuss at least three major reasons with examples. PART B: Analyze how the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) specifically address biodiversity conservation, citing at least two relevant goals and their targets.	5
COMPETENCY BASED QUESTIONS Questions 34 to 34 (1 questions × 5 marks each)
34	The Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot is facing rapid habitat fragmentation due to agricultural expansion. A conservation biologist proposes creating wildlife corridors between protected areas. Analyze this scenario by answering: (a) How would genetic diversity in tiger populations be affected without corridors? (b) What ecological principles support the corridor proposal? (c) Evaluate two alternative conservation strategies for this landscape. (d) How would you monitor the corridor's effectiveness? (e) Predict the cascading effects on ecosystem services if corridor implementation fails. A. (a) Genetic drift would increase while gene flow decreases, leading to higher inbreeding depression B. (b) Island biogeography theory and metapopulation dynamics demonstrate minimum viable populations need connectivity C. (c) Assisted migration or captive breeding programs, each with specific limitations D. (d) Camera trapping for species movement and microsatellite analysis for genetic exchange E. (e) Reduced pollination services, disrupted nutrient cycling, and decreased ecotourism revenue	5