IUCN Categories & Biodiversity — Set 11
Forest & Wildlife · IUCN श्रेणियां और जैव विविधता · Questions 101–110 of 121
What is the full form of GBIF in the context of global biodiversity data?
Correct Answer: B. Global Biodiversity Information Facility
GBIF stands for the Global Biodiversity Information Facility, an international network and data infrastructure providing open access to data about all types of life on Earth. Established in 2001 and headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark, GBIF aggregates over 2 billion records from museums, scientific institutions, and citizen science projects. It is a critical tool for biodiversity research, conservation planning, and policy development.
The Irrawaddy Dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris) found in some Indian water bodies is listed under which IUCN category?
Correct Answer: D. Endangered (EN)
The Irrawaddy Dolphin is classified as Endangered (EN) on the IUCN Red List globally, with several subpopulations listed as Critically Endangered. In India, it is found in the Chilika Lake in Odisha and in the rivers of Odisha and the Andaman Islands. It faces threats from bycatch in fishing nets, habitat degradation, and pollution.
What is the key difference between an Extinct (EX) species and a Functionally Extinct species?
Correct Answer: A. EX means no individuals remain; functionally extinct means the species cannot sustain its role in the ecosystem
Extinct (EX) means the last individual of the species has died with no reasonable doubt. Functionally Extinct refers to a species whose population is so small that it can no longer fulfill its ecological role in its ecosystem, even though individuals may still exist. Functionally extinct is not an official IUCN category but is used in ecological literature. The Northern White Rhinoceros is often cited as functionally extinct with only two females remaining.
The Kunming-Montreal GBF 2022 contains how many global targets for action by 2030?
Correct Answer: C. 23
The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework contains 23 action targets (also called the '23 Targets') to be achieved by 2030, under an overarching goal to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2050. Target 3 (30x30) is the most prominent. Other targets address reducing harmful subsidies, halving food waste, managing invasive species, and increasing biodiversity finance to developing countries.
The Fishing Cat (Prionailurus viverrinus), a wetland-dependent wild cat in India, is listed under which IUCN category?
Correct Answer: C. Vulnerable (VU)
The Fishing Cat is classified as Vulnerable (VU) on the IUCN Red List due to wetland degradation, hunting, and aquaculture development. Found in wetlands, mangroves, and rivers, it is the state animal of West Bengal. It has largely disappeared from Southeast Asia and faces continued threats from wetland destruction and indiscriminate trapping.
The Indian Wild Dog (Dhole/Cuon alpinus) is listed under which IUCN Red List category?
Correct Answer: D. Endangered (EN)
The Dhole (Indian Wild Dog) is classified as Endangered (EN) on the IUCN Red List, with a global population estimated at fewer than 2,500 mature individuals. Found in forests of India, Southeast Asia, and China, it faces threats from disease, prey depletion, and human persecution. In India, it is protected under Schedule II of the Wildlife Protection Act.
Which of the following is NOT one of India's four biodiversity hotspots?
Correct Answer: C. Thar Desert
The Thar Desert is not one of India's four biodiversity hotspots. India's four hotspots are: Eastern Himalayas, Western Ghats, Indo-Burma, and Sundaland (Nicobar Islands). The Thar Desert does have unique biodiversity, including the Great Indian Bustard and Indian Wild Ass, but does not meet the strict criteria of having 1,500+ endemic plant species with 70% habitat loss that defines a biodiversity hotspot.
The IUCN was initially named differently at its founding in 1948. What was its original name?
Correct Answer: C. International Union for the Protection of Nature
When IUCN was founded in 1948 at Fontainebleau, France, it was named the International Union for the Protection of Nature (IUPN). It was renamed the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) in 1956. The name was later simplified to IUCN - The World Conservation Union in 1990, and is now officially known simply as IUCN.
The Great Indian Bustard conservation involves protection from which specific modern infrastructure threat?
Correct Answer: C. Overhead power lines
Collision with overhead power lines is one of the leading causes of Great Indian Bustard mortality. The species cannot detect wires while flying due to limited frontal vision. The Supreme Court of India ordered that power lines in Great Indian Bustard habitats in Rajasthan and Gujarat be undergrounded to reduce collision deaths. This has been a major conservation intervention alongside habitat protection.
The global assessment report on biodiversity published by IPBES in 2019 warned that approximately how many species face extinction?
Correct Answer: C. 1 million
The IPBES Global Assessment on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (2019) estimated that around 1 million animal and plant species are now threatened with extinction, many within decades. This is more than at any other time in human history. The five main drivers identified are land/sea use change, direct exploitation, climate change, pollution, and invasive alien species.