Ans: A

Exp:

Statement-I :Savannas are characterised by predominantly grassland vegetation with scattered small trees. Savannas are typically found in tropical and subtropical regions, where they maintain a unique balance between grasses and trees, contributing to their biodiversity and ecological importance.

Statement-II :In savanna ecosystems, ecological succession is primarily regulated by factors such as fire frequency and patterns of rainfall. These environmental factors play a crucial role in shaping the composition and structure of plant communities over time. Fire, for instance, can prevent the encroachment of woody vegetation and maintain the dominance of grasses, while rainfall patterns influence the growth and distribution of different plant species.

Ans: A

Exp:

Pair 1 is incorrect: Neuston are :

• These are unattached organisms which live at the air- water interface, such as floating plants, etc.
• Some organisms spend most of their lives on top of the air-water interface such as water striders, while others spend most of their time just beneath the air-water interface and obtain most of their food within the water.

 Pair 2 is incorrect: Nekton are

• This group contains animals that are swimmers.
• The nektons are relatively large and powerful as they have to overcome the water currents.
• The animals range in size from the swimming insects (about 2 mm long) to the largest animals, the blue whale.

Pair 3 is correct: Benthos are

• The benthic organisms are those found living in the bottom of the water mass.
• Practically every aquatic ecosystem contains well-developed benthos.

Ans: B

Exp:

Statement 1 correct: Most of the world’s coral reefs are in tropical waters. Coral reefs are most abundant in the warm waters of the tropics, typically between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn, generally between 30 degrees North and South of the equator.

Statement 2 is incorrect :

1. 1. Transparent, shallow and warm water needed for the growth of corals
   2. Warm temperature ranges between 20°–32°Celsius generally.
   3. Salinity requires slight saline water ranging from 32 to 42 parts per thousand.

• Corals do not live in areas where rivers drain fresh water. Corals are marine organisms that primarily depend on saltwater (seawater) for their growth and survival.

Statement 3 is incorrect : 

The Sundarbans are primarily known for their mangrove forests and unique deltaic ecosystems, not for the abundance of coral reefs.

Ans: D

Exp:

The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands is an international convention that came into force in 1975. The

Convention provides the framework for international cooperation for conservation and wise use

of wetland habitats.

Statement 1 is incorrect: The Ramsar Convention does not mandate;  only encourages, the protection and conservation of all wetlands within a country’s territory. While it encourages member countries to designate and protect wetlands of international importance, it does not require protection for every wetland. The convention provides a framework for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands but leaves the decision on which wetlands to protect up to individual countries.

Statement 2 is incorrect: The Montreux record is a register of wetland sides on the list of wetlands of international importance where changes in ecological character have occurred, are occurring, or are likely to occur as a result of technological developments, pollution or other human interference.

The ‘Montreux Record’ is a register of wetlands where there are concerns about their ecological character; it does not impose an automatic ban on human activities. 

Ans: B

Exp:

Seaweeds are (thalloid plants) macroscopic algae, which means they have no differentiation of true tissues such as roots, stems, and leaves. They have leaf-like appendages. They are larger and visible marine plants that are found attached to rocks, corals and other submerged strata in the intertidal and shallow sub-tidal zones of the sea. Seaweeds grow in shallow coastal waters wherever sizable substrate is available. These economically important seaweeds in nearshore and onshore along the Indian coast under the National Seaweed Mission.

• Kappaphycus all over the Indian coast
• Gracilaria dura in Gujarat
• Gracilaria Verrucosa in Chilka lake (Odisha)
• Ulva linza or Ulva prolifera in Chilka lake (Odisha)
• Ulva lactuca or Ulva fasciata or Ulva indica all over the Indian coast