Important Questions and Answers for Class 11 Geography Chapter 14 2025-26

Q1. Biodiversity is richer in:

• (a) Tropical regions
• (b) Polar regions
• (c) Temperate regions
• (d) Oceans

Answer: (a) Tropical regions. 

Biodiversity is consistently richer in the tropics due to abundant solar energy and water, as mentioned in the chapter.

Q2. The introduction of exotic species can lead to:

• (a) Improvement of native habitats
• (b) Increase of rare species only
• (c) Extensive damage to natural biotic communities
• (d) None of these

Answer: (c) Extensive damage to natural biotic communities. 

Exotic species can disrupt local habitats and harm native species.

Q3. The IUCN Red List includes information about:

• (a) Threatened species worldwide
• (b) Soil types
• (c) Weather patterns
• (d) Renewable energy sources

Answer: (a) Threatened species worldwide. 

The Red List publishes status and data about endangered species globally.

Q4. Endangered species are those which:

• (a) Are abundant in number
• (b) Suffer the danger of extinction
• (c) Threaten other species
• (d) Have no economic value

Answer: (b) Suffer the danger of extinction. 

According to the IUCN, endangered species face a very high risk of extinction.

Q5. Conservation of biodiversity is important for:

• (a) Animals only
• (b) Animals and plants
• (c) Plants only
• (d) All organisms

Answer: (d) All organisms. 

Conservation of biodiversity supports the balance of all living forms, not just any one group.

2. Very Short Answer (VSA).

Q1. Define biodiversity.

Answer: Biodiversity refers to the number and variety of organisms found in a specified region, including the diversity among plants, animals, micro-organisms, genes, and ecosystems.

Q2. What are ‘hotspots’ of biodiversity?

Answer: Hotspots are regions rich in species diversity but highly threatened by habitat loss and other pressures, often needing urgent conservation efforts.

Q3. Name two levels at which biodiversity can be observed.

Answer: Biodiversity can be observed at the genetic level and at the species level.

Q4. What is an exotic species?

Answer: An exotic species is one that is not native to the local habitat but is introduced from another region, often disrupting the native biotic community.

Q5. Mention any one role of biodiversity in an ecosystem.

Answer: Biodiversity helps in sustaining ecological balance by supporting the cycling of nutrients and maintaining ecosystem stability.

3. Short Answer Questions.

Q1. Distinguish between endangered and vulnerable species.

Answer: Endangered species are at immediate risk of extinction, as recognized by the IUCN Red List. Vulnerable species are not yet endangered, but may become so in the near future if threats to their survival persist and are not managed.

Q2. Explain the ecological role of biodiversity with an example.

Answer: Biodiversity ensures that species capture energy, decompose organic materials, and help regulate climate. For example, diverse grasslands in the Western Ghats support complex food webs and nutrient cycling.

Q3. Why is genetic diversity important for a population?

Answer: Genetic diversity enables healthy breeding, provides resilience against diseases and environmental changes, and ensures the long-term survival of a species.

Q4. How do natural calamities affect biodiversity?

Answer: Natural calamities like floods, droughts, or forest fires can damage flora and fauna, change habitat structure, and result in loss or alteration of biodiversity in affected regions.

Q5. What steps have been suggested by the World Conservation Strategy to protect biodiversity?

Answer: Recommended steps include preserving endangered species, proper planning, safeguarding critical habitats, regulating international trade, and involving local communities in conservation.

4. Long Answer Questions.

Q1. Discuss the importance of biodiversity for human existence, highlighting ecological, economic, and scientific roles.

Answer: Biodiversity plays key ecological roles by ensuring ecosystem functions such as energy flow, nutrient cycles, and climate regulation. Economically, it offers resources like food, timber, medicine, and livestock. Scientifically, studying diverse life forms helps us understand how life evolves and functions. Each species contributes to ecosystem stability, and their loss can disrupt human well-being, food security, and scientific progress.

1. Ensures ecosystem balance and resilience
2. Provides variety of resources for humans
3. Advances our scientific knowledge

Q2. Analyze the major factors responsible for biodiversity loss and suggest steps for its conservation.

Answer: Biodiversity loss is mainly due to human activities like deforestation, overexploitation of resources, introduction of exotic species, and pollution. Natural disasters also play a role. Conservation measures include preserving endangered species, protecting habitats, regulating trade in wild species, enforcing legal frameworks, and promoting community involvement. Education for sustainable practices is essential for the effective protection of biodiversity.

1. Addressing root causes such as habitat destruction
2. Implementing legal and community-based actions
3. Educating people for sustainable resource use

Q3. Describe the different levels of biodiversity with suitable examples.

Answer: Biodiversity is observed at three levels: genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity. Genetic diversity refers to variation within species (e.g., different breeds of cattle). Species diversity means the number of different species (e.g., a tropical forest has many species of trees). Ecosystem diversity involves different ecosystem types, like forests, grasslands, or wetlands, each supporting various organisms and ecological processes.

1. Genetic – e.g., varieties of rice
2. Species – e.g., animal and plant species in the Western Ghats
3. Ecosystem – e.g., forests, grasslands, wetlands

5. Assertion–Reason type questions.

Assertion (A): Introduction of exotic species may cause harm to native species.
Reason (R): Exotic species are always beneficial for the new environment.

• (a) A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
• (b) A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A
• (c) A is true, but R is false
• (d) A is false, but R is true

Answer: (c) A is true, but R is false. Exotic species often harm native species and are not always beneficial for the new environment.

Assertion (A): Ecosystem diversity ensures greater stability.
Reason (R): A diverse ecosystem can better withstand environmental changes and disturbances.

• (a) A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
• (b) A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A
• (c) A is true, but R is false
• (d) A is false, but R is true

Answer: (a) Both statements are true and R correctly explains A. Diversity allows ecosystems to adapt and remain stable.

Assertion (A): Sustainable development requires conservation of biodiversity.
Reason (R): Biodiversity loss does not affect ecosystem productivity.

• (a) A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
• (b) A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A
• (c) A is true, but R is false
• (d) A is false, but R is true

Answer: (c) A is true, but R is false. Biodiversity loss directly reduces ecosystem productivity and stability.

Why learning Biodiversity and Conservation Matters?

Explore class 11 geography chapter 14 important questions for a deeper understanding of ecological balance. Learning about biodiversity and conservation helps students recognize nature’s value and prepares them for exam questions, concept discussions, and real-world challenges in geography.

Get ahead with geography chapter 11 Biodiversity and Conservation quizlet-style practice and tests. This chapter covers conservation steps, endangered species, and ecosystem diversity—important terms for both world geography chapter 11 test quizlet and classroom applications.