What advanced technology has been widely adopted across several Indian National Parks by 2026 to enhance real-time biodiversity monitoring and anti-poaching efforts, often integrating with AI for predictive analysis?
A Satellite-based GPS tracking for all animals
B AI-powered camera trap networks
C Underwater acoustic sensors
D Genetically modified sentinel plants
Answer: B
AI-powered camera trap networks are increasingly being deployed in national parks globally, including India, to monitor wildlife, detect poachers, and analyze behavioral patterns. Their integration with AI for predictive analysis represents a significant advancement in monitoring capabilities by 2026.
12.
By 2026, several Indian National Parks have significantly scaled up the use of which non-invasive technique for monitoring elusive species and assessing overall ecosystem health through genetic material found in environmental samples?
A Radio-tagging
B Satellite telemetry
C Environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis
D Direct visual surveys
Answer: C
Environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis is a rapidly advancing non-invasive technique that allows for the detection of species from genetic material left behind in water, soil, or air samples. Its scalability and effectiveness for elusive species make it a significant milestone in biodiversity monitoring by 2026.
13.
Reports on the Himalayan ecosystems suggest that climate change is leading to an upward shift in the distribution of certain plant and animal species. What is this phenomenon called?
A Altitudinal migration.
B Latitudinal shift.
C Ecological succession.
D Biogeographical adaptation.
Answer: A
As temperatures rise, species adapted to cooler climates are forced to move to higher altitudes to find suitable conditions, a process known as altitudinal migration or upward shift.
14.
Which of the following species is particularly vulnerable to climate change impacts in the Himalayan region?
A Desert reptiles.
B Arctic foxes.
C Snow leopard.
D Penguins.
Answer: C
The snow leopard's habitat, which is typically high-altitude alpine and subalpine zones, is directly threatened by rising temperatures and changes in vegetation patterns due to climate change.
15.
According to recent reports, what is a significant impact of climate change on Himalayan ecosystems?
A Increased glacial melt and subsequent water scarcity in downstream regions.
B Expansion of tropical rainforests into higher altitudes.
C Stabilization of snowlines and reduced risk of avalanches.
D A decrease in the frequency of extreme weather events.
Answer: A
Climate change is causing accelerated melting of Himalayan glaciers, which are crucial sources of freshwater for many Asian rivers, leading to potential water scarcity issues downstream.
16.
The launch of India's National Biodiversity Conservation Plan 2026 signifies a renewed commitment towards achieving which global target?
A The Paris Agreement's climate mitigation goals.
B The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 15 (Life on Land).
C The International Space Station's research objectives.
D The global eradication of infectious diseases.
Answer: B
National biodiversity plans are directly linked to global commitments like the SDGs, which aim to protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss.
17.
Which of the following is a key strategy likely to be emphasized in India's National Biodiversity Conservation Plan 2026?
A Increased deforestation for agricultural expansion.
B Strengthening protected area networks and promoting community-based conservation.
C Prioritizing economic growth over ecological concerns.
D Reducing funding for biodiversity research and monitoring.
Answer: B
Effective biodiversity conservation often involves expanding protected areas and engaging local communities, which are common strategies in national conservation plans.
18.
What is the primary objective of India's National Biodiversity Conservation Plan 2026?
A To promote industrial development in biodiversity-rich areas.
B To halt and reverse the loss of biodiversity and ecosystem degradation.
C To focus solely on the conservation of marine biodiversity.
D To encourage the introduction of invasive alien species for research purposes.
Answer: B
The National Biodiversity Conservation Plan 2026 aims to address the critical issue of biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation by setting ambitious targets for conservation and restoration.
19.
What is the primary ecological purpose of establishing wildlife corridors in the context of Project Tiger?
A To facilitate tourism activities
B To prevent human-wildlife conflict
C To connect fragmented tiger habitats
D To provide artificial water sources for tigers
Answer: C
Wildlife corridors are crucial for connecting fragmented habitats, allowing tigers to move between different protected areas, ensuring genetic diversity, and reducing isolation.
20.
As of early 2026, approximately how many Tiger Reserves are there in India under Project Tiger?
A 45
B 50
C 54
D 60
Answer: C
As of late 2023, India has 54 officially designated Tiger Reserves, with Dholpur-Karauli in Rajasthan being the 54th. This number remains current in early 2026.