Ans: C

Exp:

Statement 1 is correct: Normally  species diversity decreases from the lower latitudes  towards the higher latitudes.This latitudinal pattern of species

diversity is often attributed to factors like climate stability, habitat complexity, and evolutionary history(more time niche development). 

Statement 2 is correct : Normally along the mountain gradient biodiversity decreases with increase in altitude.This pattern is often referred to as the “altitudinal gradient of biodiversity”  and it is determined by many factors such precipitation,temperature,soil type,habitat complexity.

Ans:B

Exp:

Statement 1 is incorrect: Biodiversity coldspots are areas with relatively low levels of species richness.

These are regions where the number of different species is lower compared to other areas such as  limited variety of living things, like plants, animals, fungi, and bacteria exist here.Biodiversity coldspots can include places such as deserts, polar regions, deep ocean environments, and certain heavily urbanized or industrialized areas

Statement 2 is correct :  These areas are experiencing a high rate of habitat loss. Coldspots, although low in species richness, are important for conservation because they can harbour rare and unique species adapted to specific conditions. They may serve as biodiversity reservoirs, contribute to connectivity between habitats, offer resilience to climate change, provide ecosystem services, and play a vital role in maintaining genetic diversity and ecological balance.

Ans: B

Exp:

Deorai, Kavu and Bugyal’ pertains to sacred plants/groves. Sacred plants are the tracts of virgin forests that are left untouched by the local inhabitants and are protected by the local people due to their culture and religious beliefs. Sacred groves are relic vegetation of once dominant flora. These are traditional methods of biodiversity conservation.

• • Goa: Deorai, Pann
  • Kerala:Kavu, Sarpa Kavu 
  • Gujarat: Sabarkantha,          

• Dahod, Banaskantha

Uttarakhand: Deo Bhumi,  Bugyal (sacred alpine meadows)

Ans: C

Exp:

Option 1 is correct: Invasive alien species are exotic or non-native species that have been introduced to a new environment and, once established, can spread rapidly and cause harm to native ecosystems, species, and biodiversity. These invasive species often outcompete native species for resources such as food, habitat, and space, leading to declines in native populations.

Option 2 is correct: When a species becomes extinct, the plant and animal species associated with it in an obligatory way, also become extinct. This is called Co-extinction. This is seen in species such as parasites, symbionts, or predators, which may also be unable to survive without their host and may become extinct as well. This interconnectedness highlights the complex and interdependent nature of ecosystems and the cascading effects of biodiversity loss.

Option 3 is incorrect: The promotion of vegetarianism is not a direct threat to regional biodiversity. Despite it reduces habitat destruction associated with livestock farming, lowers greenhouse gas emissions, which can mitigate climate change impacts on biodiversity and potentially reduce overfishing and its harm to marine biodiversity.

Option 4 is correct: Uncontrolled resource exploitation or overexploitation threatens biodiversity in the region. Many species extinctions in the last 500 years (Steller’s sea cow, passenger pigeon) were due to overexploitation by humans. Presently many marine fish populations around the world are over-harvested, endangering the continued existence of some commercially important species

Ans: B

Exp: 

Pair 1 is incorrectly matched: Mineral Accretion Technology also called ‘Biorock Technology used to restore coral reefs. It is a method that applies safe, low voltage electrical currents through seawater, causing dissolved minerals to crystallize on structures, growing into a white limestone (CaCo3) similar to that which naturally makes up coral reefs and tropical white sand beaches.

Pair 2 is correctly matched: Boma technique used for translocation animals.The Boma capturing technique is popular in Africa. It involves the luring of animals into an enclosure by chasing them through funnel-like fencing. The funnel tapers into an animal selection-cum-loading chute supported with grass mats and a green net to make it opaque for animals, which are herded into a large vehicle for their transport to another location.

Pair 3 is correctly matched: Miyawaki is a technique pioneered by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki, that helps to build urban afforestation by turning backyards into mini-forest.