Ans: D

Exp:

Ecotourism is a sustainable model of tourism that aims to reduce the adverse effects of traditional tourism on the natural environment while providing economic benefits to local communities. In India, various Central Ministries collaborate to promote and develop Ecotourism:

• The Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change plays a pivotal role in the development of Ecotourism by ensuring that tourism activities are environmentally sustainable and compliant with conservation regulations.
• The Ministry of Rural Development contributes by promoting rural tourism, which often encompasses ecotourism initiatives that help in preserving local traditions and nature.
• The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship aids in the training and skill development of individuals involved in the ecotourism sector, ensuring quality service and sustainable practices.
• The Ministry of Textiles can contribute by promoting the use of traditional and eco-friendly textiles in ecotourism ventures, which is a part of preserving cultural heritage and promoting sustainable practices.

Ans: A

Exp:

Bioprospecting entails the exploration of biodiversity to discover and harness biological and genetic resources that hold commercial value. This process specifically targets the investigation of these resources for new commercial applications, thereby contributing to various sectors including pharmaceutical, biotechnology, seed and crop, horticulture, cosmetics, and food sectors. Unlike genetic modification, bioprospecting seeks to find natural resources that already possess desirable traits or compounds. The commercial sectors based on bioprospecting benefit from the rich diversity of biological resources, which may lead to the development of new drugs, crops, or other products.

Ans: B

Exp:

• National parks: The Wild Life Protection Act (1972) provided for the declaration of National Parks by the State Government. There are 101 existing national parks in India, constituting 1.23% of the geographical area of the country (National Wildlife Database, December, 2019).
• Wildlife sanctuary: Wild Protection Act (1972) provided for the declaration of certain areas by the State Government as wildlife sanctuaries if the area was thought to be of adequate ecological, geomorphological and natural significance. It can be any area other than area within reserve forest or the territorial waters. There are around 500 existing wildlife sanctuaries in India, constituting 3.64% of the geographical area of the country (National Wildlife Database, December, 2019). 

Biosphere reserve: There are 18 Biosphere Reserves in India. 12 of the eighteen biosphere reserves are a part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves, based on the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme list. Biosphere reserves are legally protected areas (can be terrestrial or coastal ecosystems or a combination thereof) where human beings and nature can co-exist while respecting each other’s needs. They have relatively lesser degree of protection compared to National parks and biosphere reserves.

Ans: B

Exp:

The factors contributing to a lower degree of biodiversity involve various ecological dynamics :

• Geographical isolation: When populations of species are separated geographically, they may evolve independently, leading to reduced genetic exchange. This isolation can result in the formation of distinct species, but it also limits the overall biodiversity within a connected ecosystem.
• Habitat stress: Environmental stressors, such as pollution, climate change, or habitat destruction, can place significant pressure on species. Some may adapt or survive in altered conditions, but others may struggle or perish, reducing the overall diversity of life in an ecosystem.
• Domination of one species: When a single species becomes dominant in an ecosystem, it can have detrimental effects on other species. This domination may result from factors like aggressive competition, superior adaptability, or human-induced changes. The dominance of one species often leads to a decline in the populations of others, thereby lowering overall biodiversity.

Generally, edge effects refer to increased biodiversity at the boundary of two different ecosystems, not a reduction in biodiversity. 

Ans: A

Exp:

Statement 1 is correct:

• The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) was established in 2003 by the Central Government to implement India’s Biological Diversity Act (2002).

• It is a Statutory body that performs facilitative, regulatory and advisory functions for the Government of India on the issue of Conservation and sustainable use of biological resources.
• The NBA has its Headquarters in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.

Statement 2 is incorrect: People’s Biodiversity Registers (PBR)  focus on participatory documentation of local biodiversity, traditional knowledge and practices. The main function of the (Biodiversity Management Committees) BMC is to prepare the People’s Biodiversity Register in consultation with the local people. 

Statement 3 is incorrect: Under Section 37 of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 (BDA), the State Government in consultation with local bodies may notify areas of biodiversity importance as Biodiversity Heritage Sites (BHS). Declaration of an area as BHS does not put any restriction on the prevailing practices and usages of the local communities. Because the purpose of BHS is to enhance the quality of life of the local communities through conservation measures.