UPSC Prelims 2014 · GS Paper I
Question 50: Environment and Ecology
The most important strategy for the conservation of biodiversity together with traditional human life is the establishment of
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (a).
Biosphere reserves are large areas set up to conserve biodiversity while allowing traditional human life: they have a core zone with strict protection, a buffer zone for limited, compatible uses and a transition zone where local people carry on their livelihoods. National parks and wildlife sanctuaries restrict or regulate human activity, and botanical gardens are ex situ collections. So biosphere reserves are the strategy that combines conservation with traditional life.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Right. Biosphere reserves conserve biodiversity and allow traditional human life.
- (b) Wrong. Botanical gardens are ex situ collections.
- (c) Wrong. National parks do not allow human settlement and use.
- (d) Wrong. Sanctuaries allow only limited, regulated human activity.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2014, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.