✅ Answer: A) Norman Myers (1988)The concept of biodiversity hotspots was proposed by British ecologist Norman Myers in 1988. A hotspot must have at least 1,500 endemic plant species AND have lost at least 70% of its original habitat. There are 36 hotspots globally, covering only 2.5% of Earth’s land area but containing more than 50% of the world’s endemic plant species. India has 4 hotspots: Western Ghats, Himalayas, Indo-Burma, and Sundaland (Andaman & Nicobar).

✅ Answer: C) Deccan PlateauIndia’s 4 biodiversity hotspots are: Western Ghats & Sri Lanka, Himalayas (Eastern Himalayas), Indo-Burma (Northeast India), and Sundaland (Andaman & Nicobar Islands). The Deccan Plateau is NOT a biodiversity hotspot. The Western Ghats is the most biodiverse region in India with over 5,000 plant species and many endemic species like the lion-tailed macaque, Nilgiri tahr, and Malabar giant squirrel.

✅ Answer: A) Critically Endangered (CR)The Great Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps) is classified as Critically Endangered (CR) by IUCN. Fewer than 150 individuals remain, mainly in Rajasthan (Desert National Park). Major threats: power line collisions, habitat loss, hunting. India’s Supreme Court ordered underground power lines in GIB habitat. Other CR species in India: Gharial, Hangul (Kashmir Stag), Malabar Large-spotted Civet, Namdapha Flying Squirrel.

✅ Answer: A) Earth Summit, Rio de Janeiro (1992)The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) was signed at the Earth Summit (UNCED) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 1992. It has three objectives: conservation of biodiversity, sustainable use of biological resources, and fair sharing of benefits from genetic resources. The Nagoya Protocol (2010) addresses access and benefit sharing. The Cartagena Protocol (2000) addresses biosafety. India’s Biological Diversity Act 2002 implements CBD.

✅ Answer: D) Seed BankEx-situ conservation means conservation outside the natural habitat. Examples: Seed banks (National Gene Bank, NBPGR, New Delhi; Svalbard Global Seed Vault, Norway), Zoos, Botanical Gardens, Gene Banks, Cryopreservation. In-situ conservation means conservation in natural habitat: National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Biosphere Reserves, Sacred Groves. In-situ is preferred as it conserves entire ecosystems, not just individual species.

✅ Answer: B) 17There are 17 megadiverse countries in the world, identified by Conservation International. These countries together harbour more than 70% of the world’s biodiversity. They include: Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Mexico, USA, Congo, Madagascar, China, India, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Australia, South Africa, Venezuela. India has ~7-8% of world’s species on just 2.4% of world’s land area.

✅ Answer: A) Access and benefit sharing of genetic resources (preventing biopiracy)The Nagoya Protocol (2010) is a supplementary agreement to the CBD that addresses access to genetic resources and fair sharing of benefits arising from their use. It aims to prevent biopiracy — the unauthorised use of biological resources or traditional knowledge. India’s famous biopiracy cases: Neem, Turmeric, Basmati rice. The Cartagena Protocol (2000) regulates the movement of GMOs (Living Modified Organisms) across borders.

✅ Answer: A) Lantana camaraLantana camara is one of the most invasive plant species in India, threatening native biodiversity in forests. It was introduced from Central America as an ornamental plant. It forms dense thickets that prevent native plants from growing. Other invasive species in India: Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) in water bodies, Parthenium (Congress grass), Prosopis juliflora (Vilayati babul). Invasive species are the 2nd biggest threat to biodiversity after habitat loss.

✅ Answer: B) NorwayThe Svalbard Global Seed Vault is located on the Norwegian island of Spitsbergen in the Arctic. It is the world’s largest seed bank, storing over 1.3 million seed samples from around the world. It is built inside a mountain to protect seeds from natural and man-made disasters. It is called the “Doomsday Vault.” India’s National Gene Bank is at NBPGR (National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources) in New Delhi, storing seeds of crop varieties.

✅ Answer: A) Protect 30% of land and ocean by 2030The “30×30” target, adopted at COP15 (Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, 2022), aims to protect at least 30% of the world’s land and ocean areas by 2030. Currently, about 17% of land and 8% of ocean are protected. The framework also includes targets to restore 30% of degraded ecosystems and reduce the rate of species extinction. India currently protects about 5% of its land area through national parks and sanctuaries.