India is a land of incredible biodiversity, home to a vast array of flora and fauna that thrive in its diverse ecosystems. From the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger to the sacred Banyan tree, India’s natural heritage is both unique and fascinating.
In this article titled Flora and Fauna of India GK MCQs With Answer & Explanation in English, you will explore multiple-choice questions designed to deepen your knowledge about India’s rich wildlife, plants, and their habitats. Each question comes with detailed explanations to help you understand and learn effectively.
1. Which state in India is the only home to White Asiatic Tigers in the world?
- West Bengal
- Gujarat
- Orissa
- Madhya Pradesh
Show Answer
Answer: Madhya Pradesh
The white tiger is a pigmentation variant of the Royal Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris). It is not a distinct species but rather a result of a genetic mutation that affects the pigmentation of the tiger’s fur. White tigers have a coat that appears white with black or dark brown stripes, and they often have blue eyes. They are not albinos, as they still have pigmented stripes and colored eyes. In India, white tigers have been reported in various states, including Madhya Pradesh, Assam, West Bengal, Bihar, and the Sunderbans region of Odisha and West Bengal. The world’s first ‘White Tiger Safari’ is situated in Madhya Pradesh, providing visitors with the opportunity to observe and learn about these unique tigers.
2. India is one of the select mega biodiversity countries of the world. In this context, approximately what fraction of the recorded species of the world does India account for?
- 2-3%
- 7-8%
- 11-12%
- 15-16%
Show Answer
Answer: 7-8%
India is renowned for its incredible biodiversity, hosting a vast array of plant and animal species. Despite covering only 2.4% of the world’s land area, India is home to 7-8% of the world’s recorded species. The Botanical Survey of India and the Zoological Survey of India have documented over 46,000 species of plants and 81,000 species of animals in the country. India’s diverse ecosystems, from Himalayan mountains to tropical rainforests, contribute to this high level of biodiversity.
3. Out of the 81,000 animal species so far described from India, Invertebrates have a lion’s share with about 68,000 organisms and microorganisms. Which among the above emphasize(s) upon conservation of the Invertebrates?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- 3 only
- 2 & 3 only
Show Answer
Answer: 2 & 3 only
The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, are crucial legislative measures aimed at conserving India’s wildlife and biodiversity. While the Wildlife (Protection) Act primarily focuses on the conservation of vertebrate animals, it also recognizes the importance of invertebrates in ecosystems.
4. Consider the following statements:
1. National Tiger Conservation Authority is a statutory authority with legal backing to ensure tiger conservation.
2. Project Tiger had no statutory status.
Which among the above statements is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 & 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Show Answer
Answer: Both 1 & 2
The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) is a statutory authority established in 2005 with legal backing to oversee and ensure the conservation of tigers and their habitats in India. It plays a critical role in implementing Project Tiger, which is a comprehensive tiger conservation program initiated in 1973. However, Project Tiger itself did not have statutory status until it was incorporated into the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, through an amendment in 2006. The NTCA’s formation has strengthened tiger conservation efforts in the country.
5. The quality and demand for Shahtoosh shawls has led to the endangerment of which of the following species of the antelopes in India?
- Blackbuck
- Chiru (Tibetan Antelope)
- Goa Antelope (Tibetan Gazelle)
- Goat antelope
Show Answer
Answer: Chiru (Tibetan Antelope)
Shahtoosh, also spelled Shahtush, is a luxurious and highly prized wool fabric made from the hair of the Tibetan antelope, commonly known as the Chiru (Pantholops hodgsonii). Due to the protection of the Chiru under wildlife conservation laws and international agreements, the trade in Shahtoosh is illegal and banned. However, there is still a clandestine market for Shahtoosh, particularly in regions like Kashmir.
6. Dodo or Raphus cucullatus, a flightless bird which got extinct in the 17th century was endemic to which among the following countries?
- Sri Lanka
- Mauritius
- Maldives
- India
Show Answer
Answer: Mauritius
The dodo, scientifically known as Raphus cucullatus, was an extinct, flightless bird that was endemic to the island of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean. The dodo is famous for its peculiar appearance, inability to fly, and unfortunate extinction. It primarily lived on the ground and subsisted on fruits that had fallen from trees. The dodo’s closest living relative is believed to be the Nicobar pigeon (Caloenas nicobarica). The dodo’s extinction is often attributed to human activities, including habitat destruction, hunting, and the introduction of non-native species to the island.
7. Endangered Cape Mountain Zebra is located at?
- South Africa
- Hawaii
- Australia
- Canada
Show Answer
Answer: South Africa
The Cape Mountain Zebra (Equus zebra zebra) is a species of zebra that is native to South Africa. It was previously classified as “Endangered” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List due to a very small population size and a restricted range. Specifically, it was listed as “Endangered” because there were fewer than 997 mature individuals in the wild. However, conservation efforts have been made to protect and conserve this species, leading to an increase in its population.
8. Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) is located at?
- Mumbai
- Veraval
- Vishakhapatnam
- Kottayam
Show Answer
Answer: Kottayam
The Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) is a prominent research institution in India dedicated to marine fisheries research. It was established in 1947 and later became part of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) in 1967. CMFRI’s headquarters is located in Kochi, Kerala, and it plays a crucial role in conducting research, surveys, and studies related to marine fisheries and aquaculture in India.
9. “Bengal Desi” is a Hybrid variety of which of the following crops?
- Jute
- Cotton
- Sesame
- Gram
Show Answer
Answer: Cotton
Cotton is one of India’s important cash crops, and the country is known for its diverse varieties of cotton. Different regions of India cultivate various types of cotton, each with its unique characteristics. Some of the cotton varieties mentioned in the statement include: Bengal Desi (West Bengal): This is a traditional variety of cotton grown in the West Bengal region. Cernuum cotton (Meghalaya): This variety is found in Meghalaya and is adapted to the local climate. Karung Kanni Parthi (Tamil Nadu): A cotton variety cultivated in Tamil Nadu, known for its specific characteristics. Wagad and Kala cotton (Gujarat): Gujarat is known for cultivating these types of cotton, each with its distinct properties. Pundur (Andhra Pradesh): This cotton variety is grown in Andhra Pradesh, catering to local agricultural needs. Jayadhar (Karnataka): Karnataka cultivates this particular cotton variety, which has its own unique traits.
10. Kudakrumia rangnekari, which is in news recently, is associated with which kind of species?
- Ape
- Snake
- Wasp
- None of the above
Show Answer
Answer: Wasp
Kudakrumia rangnekari is a newly discovered species of primate wasp. Indian scientists made this discovery within the genus Kudakrumia in the state of Goa. Primate wasps are a diverse group of insects, and the discovery of a new species adds to our understanding of the biodiversity of this family of wasps. It’s worth noting that Goa, with its rich natural diversity, continues to be a region of scientific interest and discovery.
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