Significance of Biodiversity Practice Questions
20 free Significance of Biodiversity practice questions for the NCERT Biology. Tap an option to answer — you get instant feedback, the correct answer, and a detailed explanation for every question.
Which of the following best explains the ecological significance of biodiversity?
- A It increases the aesthetic value of nature only
- B It ensures stability and resilience of ecosystems
- C It leads to faster depletion of natural resources
- D It reduces interactions among species
Correct answer: It ensures stability and resilience of ecosystems
High biodiversity allows ecosystems to better withstand disturbances like climate change or disease. Diverse species perform overlapping ecological roles, which maintains ecosystem stability and resilience.
Loss of biodiversity is most likely to result in:
- A Increased ecosystem productivity
- B Greater ecological imbalance
- C Improved nutrient cycling
- D Enhanced genetic variation
Correct answer: Greater ecological imbalance
Biodiversity loss disrupts food webs and ecological interactions. This imbalance can lead to ecosystem instability and reduced functioning.
Which category of biodiversity is directly responsible for variation within a species?
- A Species diversity
- B Ecosystem diversity
- C Genetic diversity
- D Community diversity
Correct answer: Genetic diversity
Genetic diversity refers to variation in genes within a species. It allows populations to adapt to environmental changes and resist diseases.
Which of the following is an example of utilitarian value of biodiversity?
- A Spiritual importance of sacred groves
- B Pollination by insects
- C Medicinal plants used in drugs
- D Recreational value of wildlife parks
Correct answer: Medicinal plants used in drugs
Utilitarian value refers to direct use of biological resources. Medicinal plants provide raw materials for pharmaceuticals and are a clear utilitarian benefit.
Ecosystem services provided by biodiversity include all EXCEPT:
- A Nutrient cycling
- B Climate regulation
- C Soil formation
- D Mineral extraction
Correct answer: Mineral extraction
Mineral extraction is a geological process, not an ecosystem service. Biodiversity supports services like nutrient cycling, soil formation, and climate regulation.
Which of the following best represents ethical value of biodiversity?
- A Economic benefits from forests
- B Right of all species to exist
- C Tourism revenue from wildlife
- D Food production from crops
Correct answer: Right of all species to exist
Ethical value emphasizes that all living organisms have an inherent right to exist. This view is independent of human use or benefit.
High species diversity in an ecosystem generally leads to:
- A Lower productivity
- B Greater vulnerability to disturbances
- C Greater ecosystem stability
- D Simpler food webs
Correct answer: Greater ecosystem stability
Ecosystems with high species diversity can better absorb environmental shocks. Complex interactions increase overall stability and sustainability.
Which biodiversity level is most affected by habitat fragmentation?
- A Genetic diversity
- B Species diversity
- C Ecosystem diversity
- D Molecular diversity
Correct answer: Genetic diversity
Habitat fragmentation isolates populations and reduces gene flow. This directly lowers genetic diversity within species.
The role of biodiversity in maintaining atmospheric balance is mainly through:
- A Predation by carnivores
- B Photosynthesis and respiration
- C Decomposition of organic matter
- D Seasonal migration of animals
Correct answer: Photosynthesis and respiration
Plants and microorganisms regulate oxygen and carbon dioxide levels through photosynthesis and respiration. This maintains atmospheric balance.
Which statement correctly explains the link between biodiversity and agriculture?
- A Monoculture farming increases overall biodiversity
- B Wild relatives of crops provide genetic resources
- C Biodiversity reduces crop yield in farmlands
- D Only domesticated species matter for agriculture
Correct answer: Wild relatives of crops provide genetic resources
Wild relatives of crops carry genes for disease resistance and stress tolerance. These genes are crucial for crop improvement and food security.
The loss of a single species can affect an ecosystem because:
- A All species perform completely identical roles
- B Species interactions are interconnected
- C Only producers matter for ecosystem function
- D Consumers have no effect on overall stability
Correct answer: Species interactions are interconnected
Species are connected through food webs and ecological interactions. Loss of one species can disrupt multiple trophic levels.
Which of the following best illustrates cultural value of biodiversity?
- A Use of timber for building construction
- B Sacred animals and plants in traditions
- C Improvement of soil fertility on farms
- D Sequestration of atmospheric carbon
Correct answer: Sacred animals and plants in traditions
Cultural value refers to traditions, beliefs, and customs associated with biodiversity. Sacred plants and animals hold cultural significance in many societies.
Biodiversity hotspots are significant because they:
- A They have very low species richness
- B They contain many endemic species under threat
- C They are rich only in large mammal species
- D They are unaffected by any human activities
Correct answer: They contain many endemic species under threat
Biodiversity hotspots have high endemism and face severe threats. Conserving them protects a large number of unique species.
Which of the following contributes most to ecosystem resilience?
- A High genetic diversity
- B Large body size of organisms
- C Short food chains
- D Uniform species composition
Correct answer: High genetic diversity
Genetic diversity enables populations to adapt to environmental changes. This adaptability increases ecosystem resilience.
The aesthetic value of biodiversity primarily refers to:
- A Economic exploitation of species
- B Enjoyment from nature’s beauty
- C Ecological stability
- D Nutrient recycling
Correct answer: Enjoyment from nature’s beauty
Aesthetic value relates to visual and recreational enjoyment of nature. Landscapes, wildlife, and plant diversity enhance human well-being.
Which of the following best shows indirect economic value of biodiversity?
- A Harvesting fish for food
- B Selling timber from forests
- C Flood control by wetlands
- D Collection of medicinal herbs
Correct answer: Flood control by wetlands
Wetlands reduce flooding and protect infrastructure without direct harvesting. This represents an indirect economic benefit of biodiversity.
Why is biodiversity considered essential for human survival?
- A Humans depend on a single species
- B It provides life-supporting systems
- C It reduces competition among organisms
- D It limits evolution
Correct answer: It provides life-supporting systems
Biodiversity supports ecosystem services like food, oxygen, clean water, and climate regulation. These are essential for human survival.
Which scientific concept best supports conservation of biodiversity?
- A Survival of the strongest species
- B Interdependence of organisms
- C Artificial selection
- D Competitive exclusion only
Correct answer: Interdependence of organisms
Organisms in ecosystems depend on each other for survival. Conserving biodiversity ensures these interdependent relationships remain intact.
Reduction in biodiversity is most likely to affect which ecosystem function first?
- A Reproductive isolation
- B Energy flow
- C Speciation rate
- D Molecular evolution
Correct answer: Energy flow
Biodiversity loss disrupts food chains and trophic interactions. This directly affects the flow of energy through ecosystems.
Which statement best summarizes the overall significance of biodiversity?
- A It benefits only wildlife, not people at all
- B It is important only for future generations
- C It supports ecological balance and human welfare
- D It mainly limits technological development
Correct answer: It supports ecological balance and human welfare
Biodiversity maintains ecosystem balance and provides essential resources and services. It directly supports both environmental health and human well-being.