UPSC CSE Prelims Ecology & Biodiversity Concepts Flashcards

Differentiate between fundamental ecological groupings:

Arrange the following ecological roles to demonstrate the linear transfer of energy in a standard food chain, starting from the base:

Name two of the three fundamental levels at which biodiversity is typically measured.

Complete the definitions for the geographical scales of species diversity:

Consider the following processes:

1. Photosynthesis
2. Respiration
3. Decay of organic matter
4. Volcanic action Which of the above add carbon dioxide to the carbon cycle on Earth?

Complete the stages of the Nitrogen Cycle:

Consider the following statements regarding Tropical Rainforests in India:

1. They are found in areas receiving more than 200 cm of annual rainfall.
2. They host the maximum biodiversity among terrestrial ecosystems.
3. They are predominantly found in the Western Ghats, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, and North-Eastern India.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Complete the characteristics of India's most common forest type.

Identify the type of coral reef and its major Indian location.

Consider the following statements regarding Barrier Reefs:

1. They grow directly attached to the shoreline without any intervening water body.
2. The Great Barrier Reef in Australia is the most famous example of this type.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Consider the following statements regarding the ecological services provided by mangroves:

1. They act as a coastal erosion buffer and a natural shield against cyclones.
2. They serve as an important carbon sink, capturing what is termed 'blue carbon'.
3. They provide critical nursery habitats for various marine fish species.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Complete the following passage regarding the Sundarbans:

Consider the following statements regarding Keystone species in India:

1. Fig trees (Ficus) act as keystone species because they provide fruit year-round, sustaining frugivores during lean seasons.
2. The Indian elephant is considered a keystone species due to its role as a habitat modifier and seed disperser. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Complete the ecological chain that demonstrates a classic keystone species interaction:

Consider the following statements regarding the Pyramid of Energy:

1. It can be inverted in certain marine ecosystems.
2. It strictly follows the 10% rule of energy transfer. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The Pyramid of Biomass is generally {{1}} in terrestrial ecosystems like grasslands, but it is {{2}} in aquatic ecosystems (like oceans) because the standing crop of phytoplankton is much lower than that of {{3}}.