Biosphere Reserves of India — Set 8
Forest & Wildlife · भारत के जैव मंडल आरक्षित क्षेत्र · Questions 71–80 of 140
Which of India's 18 Biosphere Reserves is NOT yet recognized by UNESCO?
Correct Answer: B. Thar (Rajasthan)
The Thar Biosphere Reserve (2023) is India's newest Biosphere Reserve and has not yet been nominated to or recognized by UNESCO. Out of India's 18 Biosphere Reserves, 12 have received UNESCO recognition. Newly designated national Biosphere Reserves undergo assessment before being nominated for UNESCO inclusion.
The Panchmarhi Biosphere Reserve contains which National Park?
Correct Answer: B. Satpura National Park
The Panchmarhi Biosphere Reserve contains the Satpura National Park along with Bori and Pachmarhi Wildlife Sanctuaries. Satpura National Park is located in the Satpura range in Madhya Pradesh. The reserve is known for its significant geological formations, wildlife, and the hill station of Pachmarhi.
What is the significance of Agasthyamalai Hill in the context of the Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve?
Correct Answer: C. It is a mega-diversity centre of plants in the Western Ghats with very high endemism
Agasthyamalai Hill is a mega-diversity centre in the southern Western Ghats, known for extremely high plant species richness and endemism. The hill is named after the sage Agastya and is considered sacred. The Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve based around it is recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve for its exceptional biodiversity value.
Which of the following Biosphere Reserves is part of the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot?
Correct Answer: D. Agasthyamalai BR
The Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve in the southern Western Ghats is part of the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot, one of the world's top eight biodiversity hotspots. Other Western Ghats Biosphere Reserves include the Nilgiri and the Gulf of Mannar (adjacent to the Ghats coast). The Western Ghats hotspot is characterized by very high plant and vertebrate endemism.
The Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve in Himachal Pradesh encompasses which valley?
Correct Answer: C. Lahaul-Spiti Valley and Pin Valley
The Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve encompasses the Lahaul-Spiti Valley and Pin Valley in Himachal Pradesh. These are high-altitude trans-Himalayan cold desert valleys characterized by sparse rainfall and extreme temperatures. The Pin Valley National Park is within this biosphere reserve.
Biosphere Reserves differ from Wildlife Sanctuaries primarily because:
Correct Answer: B. They have three functional zones allowing sustainable human use in outer zones
Biosphere Reserves differ from Wildlife Sanctuaries primarily because they have three functional zones — Core, Buffer, and Transition — that allow for a gradient of human use, with sustainable human activities permitted in outer zones. Wildlife Sanctuaries have a single legal boundary with regulated activities throughout. Biosphere Reserves integrate conservation with sustainable development in a zoned approach.
India's two Biosphere Reserves in Northeast India designated in 1989 are:
Correct Answer: A. Dibru-Saikhowa and Manas
Dibru-Saikhowa (1986, Assam) and Manas (1989, Assam) are among the Northeast India Biosphere Reserves. However, in 1989 specifically, Manas and Great Nicobar were both designated. Northeast India is part of the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot, one of the world's richest biodiversity regions. The region's Biosphere Reserves protect critical habitats for many endemic and threatened species.
The highest peak entirely within India, Nanda Devi (7,816 m), is part of which Biosphere Reserve?
Correct Answer: D. Nanda Devi BR
Nanda Devi (7,816 m), the highest mountain peak entirely within India, is part of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve in Uttarakhand. The reserve includes Nanda Devi National Park and Valley of Flowers, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Nanda Devi peak is considered sacred by local people of Uttarakhand.
Which Biosphere Reserve in India is associated with the origin of three rivers — Narmada, Son, and Johila?
Correct Answer: C. Achanakmar-Amarkantak BR
The Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve is the origin point of three rivers — the Narmada, Son, and Johila — making it a critical watershed for central India. Amarkantak plateau is often called the 'cradle of rivers'. The Biosphere Reserve spans Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh and is a UNESCO recognized Biosphere Reserve.
The Pygmy Hog, found in Manas Biosphere Reserve, is the world's:
Correct Answer: C. Smallest wild pig species
The Pygmy Hog (Porcula salvania) found in the Manas Biosphere Reserve is the world's smallest wild pig species, standing only about 25 cm tall. It is classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. The Pygmy Hog Conservation Programme, headquartered in Guwahati, has successfully bred and reintroduced this species back into the Manas area.