The Core Books

Chapter 14: Life on the Earth MCQs

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Sri

in

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Class 11 • Geography

Chapter 14: Life On The Earth

Source: NCERT Official Textbook

This chapter focuses on Biodiversity, defined as the variety of life forms (plants, animals, microorganisms), the genes they contain, and the ecosystems they form. It emphasizes that biodiversity is our planet’s “living wealth,” the result of billions of years of evolution, and is richest in tropical regions.

The chapter breaks down biodiversity into three hierarchical levels: Genetic Diversity (variation of genes within a species), Species Diversity (the variety of species in an area), and Ecosystem Diversity (the diversity of habitats and ecological processes).

It elaborates on the critical roles biodiversity plays: an Ecological Role (maintaining ecosystem functions like nutrient cycling and climate regulation), an Economic Role (as a reservoir of resources for food, medicine, and materials), and a Scientific Role (providing clues about evolution and life’s functioning).

The second half addresses the alarming Loss of Biodiversity, citing causes like human overpopulation, overexploitation, deforestation, natural calamities, pollution, and the introduction of exotic species. The IUCN’s classification of threatened species into Endangered, Vulnerable, and Rare categories is explained.

The chapter concludes with the Conservation of Biodiversity, stressing the need for sustainable development, community involvement, and international cooperation, referencing the Earth Summit (1992) and the Convention on Biodiversity.

It introduces the concepts of mega-diversity countries and biodiversity hotspots—areas with high species richness facing severe threats—and highlights legal frameworks like India’s Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, for establishing protected areas.

Topics Covered:

Section A: Descriptive Questions

  1. What is biodiversity? Explain it in simple terms. (Pg. 2) Page 115
  2. Name and briefly explain the three levels at which biodiversity can be discussed. (Pg. 2-3) Page 115-116
  3. What is Species Diversity and how can it be measured? (Pg. 3) Page 116
  4. List the three main roles (ecological, economic, and scientific) played by biodiversity. (Pg. 3-4) Page 116-117
  5. Why is the scientific role of biodiversity important? (Pg. 4) Page 117
  6. What are the major causes for the loss of biodiversity as mentioned in the chapter? (Pg. 4) Page 117
  7. What are the steps suggested by the world conservation strategy for biodiversity conservation? (List key points). (Pg. 5) Page 118
  8. What are biodiversity hotspots? How are they defined? (Pg. 5) Page 118

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Section B1: Objective MCQs

Page 115

Biodiversity is consistently richer in which regions? (Pg. 2)

A) Polar RegionsB) Temperate RegionsC) Tropical RegionsD) Desert Regions
View Answer
Correct Answer: C
Reference: NCERT Page 115
Page 115

What does Genetic Diversity refer to? (Pg. 2)

A) Variety of ecosystemsB) Variation of genes within speciesC) Number of species in an areaD) Diversity of habitats
View Answer
Correct Answer: B
Reference: NCERT Page 115
Page 116

Areas rich in species diversity are called: (Pg. 3)

A) Mega diversity centresB) Hotspots of diversityC) Biosphere reservesD) Genetic pools
View Answer
Correct Answer: B
Reference: NCERT Page 116
Page 116

Which role of biodiversity includes the concept of ‘crop diversity’ or agro-biodiversity? (Pg. 3)

A) Ecological RoleB) Scientific RoleC) Economic RoleD) Ethical Role
View Answer
Correct Answer: C
Reference: NCERT Page 116
Page 117

According to the chapter, what is our ethical responsibility towards other species? (Pg. 4)

A) To use them for human benefitB) To consider they have an intrinsic right to existC) To protect only economically useful onesD) To introduce them to new habitats
View Answer
Correct Answer: B
Reference: NCERT Page 117
Page 117

Species which are not natural inhabitants but are introduced into a local habitat are called: (Pg. 4)

A) Endangered SpeciesB) Vulnerable SpeciesC) Exotic SpeciesD) Rare Species
View Answer
Correct Answer: C
Reference: NCERT Page 117
Page 118

The Convention on Biodiversity was signed at the Earth Summit in 1992 in: (Pg. 5)

A) Geneva, SwitzerlandB) Rio de Janeiro, BrazilC) Kyoto, JapanD) New York, USA
View Answer
Correct Answer: B
Reference: NCERT Page 118
Page 119

(Exercise) Conservation of biodiversity is important for: (Pg. 6)

A) AnimalsB) Animals and plantsC) PlantsD) All organisms
View Answer
Correct Answer: D
Reference: NCERT Page 119
Page 119

(Exercise) Threatened species are those which: (Pg. 6)

A) threaten othersB) are abundant in numberC) are suffering from the danger of extinctionD) are exotic
View Answer
Correct Answer: C
Reference: NCERT Page 119
Page 119

(Exercise) National parks and sanctuaries are established for the purpose of: (Pg. 6)

A) RecreationB) HuntingC) PetsD) Conservation
View Answer
Correct Answer: D
Reference: NCERT Page 119
Page 120

(Exercise) Biodiversity is richer in: (Pg. 7)

A) Tropical RegionsB) Polar RegionsC) Temperate RegionsD) Oceans
View Answer
Correct Answer: A
Reference: NCERT Page 120
Page 120

(Exercise) In which country was the ‘Earth Summit’ held? (Pg. 7)

A) the UKB) MexicoC) BrazilD) China
View Answer
Correct Answer: C
Reference: NCERT Page 120

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Section B2: Factual One-Liners

Biodiversity is a combination of two words: Bio (life) and ______ (variety). (Pg. 2) Page 115

Reveal Answer
diversity (Page 115)

Groups of individual organisms having certain similarities in their physical characteristics are called ______. (Pg. 2) Page 115

Reveal Answer
species (Page 115)

The broad differences between ecosystem types and the diversity of habitats constitute ______ diversity. (Pg. 3) Page 116

Reveal Answer
ecosystem (Page 116)

Species capture and store energy, produce and decompose organic materials, and help cycle water and nutrients, fulfilling the ______ role of biodiversity. (Pg. 3) Page 116

Reveal Answer
ecological (Page 116)

The International Union for Conservation of Nature publishes the ______ List of threatened species. (Pg. 4) Page 117

Reveal Answer
Red (Page 117)

The IUCN classifies threatened species into three categories: Endangered, Vulnerable, and ______ Species. (Pg. 4) Page 117

Reveal Answer
Rare (Page 117)

Countries situated in tropical regions that possess a large number of the world’s species are called ______ centres. (Pg. 5) Page 118

Reveal Answer
mega diversity (Page 118)

(Exercise) The different levels of biodiversity are genetic, species, and ______. (Pg. 7) Page 120

Reveal Answer
ecosystem (Page 120)

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