Q.1 What is biogeography primarily concerned with?
The study of human populations
The study of the distribution of plants and animals
The study of rock formations
The study of climate change
Explanation - Biogeography examines how plants and animals are distributed across different regions and the factors influencing this distribution.
Correct answer is: The study of the distribution of plants and animals
Q.2 Which factor is most important in determining species distribution?
Soil type
Climate
Altitude
All of the above
Explanation - Species distribution is influenced by multiple factors including climate, soil, altitude, and biotic interactions.
Correct answer is: All of the above
Q.3 Who is considered the father of modern biogeography?
Charles Darwin
Alexander von Humboldt
Alfred Russel Wallace
Carl Linnaeus
Explanation - Alfred Russel Wallace is known for his studies on species distribution and the formulation of biogeographic regions.
Correct answer is: Alfred Russel Wallace
Q.4 Which of the following is an example of a biogeographic realm?
Neotropical
Mediterranean
Alpine
Steppe
Explanation - Biogeographic realms are large regions defined by the distinct assemblages of species; Neotropical is one of them.
Correct answer is: Neotropical
Q.5 What does endemic species mean?
Species found worldwide
Species found only in a specific region
Species that migrate seasonally
Species that are extinct
Explanation - Endemic species are unique to a specific geographic location and are not naturally found elsewhere.
Correct answer is: Species found only in a specific region
Q.6 Which type of island is most likely to have high levels of endemism?
Continental island
Volcanic island
River island
Coastal island
Explanation - Volcanic islands are often isolated, leading to unique species evolving there, resulting in high endemism.
Correct answer is: Volcanic island
Q.7 Which concept explains the similarity of species in distant but ecologically similar regions?
Convergent evolution
Adaptive radiation
Speciation
Endemism
Explanation - Convergent evolution occurs when unrelated species evolve similar traits due to similar environmental pressures.
Correct answer is: Convergent evolution
Q.8 Biomes are primarily classified based on:
Soil type
Vegetation and climate
Animal species
Altitude
Explanation - Biomes are major ecological communities distinguished by dominant vegetation types and climate patterns.
Correct answer is: Vegetation and climate
Q.9 Which of these is NOT a terrestrial biome?
Tundra
Savanna
Coral reef
Temperate forest
Explanation - Coral reefs are marine biomes, not terrestrial ones.
Correct answer is: Coral reef
Q.10 The study of the geographic distribution of species through time is called:
Ecology
Phylogeography
Paleobiogeography
Evolution
Explanation - Paleobiogeography studies the historical distribution of species using fossils and geological evidence.
Correct answer is: Paleobiogeography
Q.11 Which oceanic factor affects marine species distribution the most?
Salinity
Ocean currents
Temperature
All of the above
Explanation - Marine species distribution is influenced by salinity, temperature, nutrient availability, and ocean currents.
Correct answer is: All of the above
Q.12 Which biome is characterized by permafrost?
Tundra
Taiga
Desert
Temperate forest
Explanation - Tundra has permanently frozen subsoil known as permafrost, limiting tree growth.
Correct answer is: Tundra
Q.13 Island biogeography theory was proposed by:
MacArthur and Wilson
Darwin and Wallace
Humboldt and Hooker
Linnaeus and Buffon
Explanation - The theory predicts species richness based on island size and distance from the mainland.
Correct answer is: MacArthur and Wilson
Q.14 Which of these is a key factor in species richness on islands?
Island size
Distance from mainland
Habitat diversity
All of the above
Explanation - Species richness is influenced by island area, isolation, and habitat heterogeneity.
Correct answer is: All of the above
Q.15 The term 'biotic provinces' refers to:
Areas with similar climate
Regions with similar species assemblages
Regions with the same soil type
Regions of similar altitude
Explanation - Biotic provinces are geographic areas characterized by similar plant and animal species.
Correct answer is: Regions with similar species assemblages
Q.16 Which type of speciation is common on islands?
Allopatric speciation
Sympatric speciation
Parapatric speciation
Peripatric speciation
Explanation - Peripatric speciation occurs when a small population becomes isolated at the edge of a larger population, typical in islands.
Correct answer is: Peripatric speciation
Q.17 Which of the following is an example of a cosmopolitan species?
Polar bear
House sparrow
Kangaroo
Koala
Explanation - Cosmopolitan species are widespread and found in many parts of the world.
Correct answer is: House sparrow
Q.18 The Wallace Line separates the faunas of which regions?
Asia and Australia
Africa and Asia
Europe and Asia
North and South America
Explanation - The Wallace Line is a biogeographic boundary separating Asian and Australasian species.
Correct answer is: Asia and Australia
Q.19 Which factor contributes least to biogeographical barriers?
Mountains
Rivers
Oceans
Soil pH
Explanation - Mountains, rivers, and oceans act as physical barriers limiting species movement; soil pH affects growth but is not a barrier.
Correct answer is: Soil pH
Q.20 The study of plant distribution specifically is called:
Zoology
Botany
Phytogeography
Ecology
Explanation - Phytogeography deals with the geographic distribution of plants.
Correct answer is: Phytogeography
Q.21 Which type of biome has the highest biodiversity?
Tropical rainforest
Tundra
Desert
Taiga
Explanation - Tropical rainforests are rich in species due to favorable climate, abundant rainfall, and stable conditions.
Correct answer is: Tropical rainforest
Q.22 The concept of refugia in biogeography refers to:
Areas of human settlement
Regions where species survive during unfavorable periods
Mountain peaks
Desert oases
Explanation - Refugia are habitats where species persist during adverse climate conditions, allowing later recolonization.
Correct answer is: Regions where species survive during unfavorable periods
Q.23 Which of the following is a classic example of adaptive radiation?
Darwin's finches in Galapagos
Wolves in North America
Polar bears in Arctic
Kangaroos in Australia
Explanation - Darwin's finches evolved different beak shapes to exploit various food sources, an example of adaptive radiation.
Correct answer is: Darwin's finches in Galapagos
Q.24 Which of the following regions is considered a biodiversity hotspot?
Southeast Asia
Sahara Desert
Arctic tundra
Gobi Desert
Explanation - Biodiversity hotspots are regions with high species richness and endemism; Southeast Asia is one of them.
Correct answer is: Southeast Asia
Q.25 Which term describes the process of species gradually replacing each other along an environmental gradient?
Ecotone
Succession
Zonation
Endemism
Explanation - Zonation is the spatial arrangement of species in different zones according to environmental conditions.
Correct answer is: Zonation