Answer: (B)

Explanation:

• Mangroves are salt-tolerant forest ecosystems found mainly in tropical and sub-tropical inter-tidal regions of the world. They comprise of trees or shrubs that have the common trait of growing in shallow and muddy salt water or brackish waters, especially along quiet shorelines and in estuaries. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• They have a remarkable capacity for saltwater tolerance. Mangrove forests are one of the most productive and biodiverse wetlands on earth. Yet, these unique coastal tropical forests are among the most threatened habitats in the world. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
• West Bengal has the maximum mangrove cover in the country, followed by Gujarat and Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Mangroves in India account for about five per cent of the world’s mangrove vegetation and are spread over an area of about 4,500 km2 along the coastal States/UTs of the country. Sunderbans in West Bengal accounts for a little less than half of the total area under mangroves in India. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.

Answer: (A)

Explanation:

Statement-1:

• The Western Ghats region is considered to be one of the most important biogeographic zones of India.
• The Western Ghats is a mountain range that stretches approximately 1,600 kilometers along the western coast of India, parallel to the Arabian Sea. It is recognized as one of the most important biogeographic zones of India due to its exceptional biodiversity and ecological significance. Hence statement-I is correct.

Statement-2: It is one of the richest centers of endemism.

Due to its unique geological history, isolation, and diverse habitats, the Western Ghats have become a hotspot for speciation. The region has a high number of plant and animal species that are found nowhere else on the planet. The Western Ghats is home to several iconic and endemic species, including the Nilgiri tahr (a mountain goat), lion-tailed macaque (a primate), Malabar giant squirrel, Malabar pit viper, and many rare and endemic species of frogs, birds, butterflies, and plants. Hence statement-II is correct.

Western Ghats region is indeed considered one of the most important biogeographic zones of India due to its rich biodiversity and ecological significance. Additionally, it is recognized as one of the richest centers of endemism in the world, hosting numerous species that are unique to this region. The high level of endemism further reinforces the importance of the Western Ghats as a biogeographic zone.

Hence, both Statement-1 and Statement-2 are correct. and statement 2 is correct explanation of statement 1

Answer: (A)

Explanation:

• Coral reefs are underwater structures made from calcium carbonate secreted by corals. Coral reefs are colonies of tiny animals found in marine waters that contain few nutrients. Most coral reefs are built from stony corals. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect and statement 2 is correct.
• Coral reefs are found in the deep sea away from continental shelves, around oceanic islands and as atolls. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.
• Coral reefs are often called “rainforests of the sea”. Coral reefs form some of the most diverse ecosystems on Earth. They occupy less than 0.1% of the world’s ocean surface, about half the area of France, yet they provide a home for 25% of all marine species, including fish, mollusks, worms, crustaceans, echinoderms, sponges, tunicates and other cnidarians.

Answer: (B)

Explanation: In-situ conservation is on-site conservation or the conservation of genetic resources in natural populations of plant or animal species, such as forest genetic resources in natural populations of tree species. It is the process of protecting an endangered plant or animal species in its natural habitat, either by protecting or cleaning up the habitat itself, or by defending the species from predators. It is applied to conservation of agricultural biodiversity in agro ecosystems by farmers, especially those using unconventional farming practices. In India, ecologically unique and biodiversity-rich regions are legally protected as biosphere reserves, national parks and sanctuaries. India now has 18 biosphere reserves, 106 national parks and 567 wildlife sanctuaries. India has also a history of religious and cultural traditions that emphasised protection of nature. In many cultures, tracts of forest were set aside, and all the trees and wildlife within were venerated and given total protection. Such sacred groves are found in Khasi and Jaintia Hills in Meghalaya, Aravalli Hills of Rajasthan, Western Ghat regions of Karnataka and Maharashtra and the Sarguja, Chanda and Bastar areas of Madhya Pradesh. In Meghalaya, the sacred groves are the last refuges for a large number of rare and threatened plants. Hence, option (b) is correct.

Answer: (B)

Explanation:

• CITES is international agreement to regulate worldwide commercial trade in wild animal and plant species. Its aim is to ensure that international trade does not threaten the survival of the species in the wild. Hence, statement 1 and 2 are correct.
• It was drafted as a result of a resolution adopted in 1963 at a meeting of members of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). It entered into force in July 1975. CITES is legally binding on state parties to the convention, which are obliged to adopt their own domestic legislation to implement its goals. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.