English Comprehension for Competitive Exams

The Importance of Biodiversity

Biodiversity, the variety of life on Earth, is crucial for the stability and resilience of ecosystems. It encompasses the diversity of species, genetics, and ecosystems, each playing a vital role in maintaining ecological balance. High biodiversity ensures natural sustainability for all life forms, providing us with a wide range of resources, including food, medicine, and raw materials.

Human activities, however, have significantly impacted biodiversity. Deforestation, pollution, climate change, and overfishing are some of the primary causes of biodiversity loss. This decline has severe consequences, not only for the environment but also for human well-being. For example, the loss of a single species can disrupt food chains, leading to cascading effects that affect other species and ecosystems.

Protecting biodiversity is therefore essential. Conservation efforts, such as establishing protected areas, promoting sustainable practices, and restoring degraded habitats, are vital steps toward preserving the planet’s rich natural heritage. Additionally, raising awareness about the importance of biodiversity can help foster a more sustainable and harmonious relationship between humans and nature.

MCQs:

Q. What does biodiversity refer to in the context of the passage?

a) The diversity of human cultures
b) The variety of life on Earth, including species, genetics, and ecosystems
c) The technological advancements in environmental science
d) The economic benefits derived from natural resources

Answer: b) The variety of life on Earth, including species, genetics, and ecosystems

Explanation: The passage defines biodiversity as the variety of life on Earth, including the diversity of species, genetics, and ecosystems. This definition aligns with option (b).

Q. According to the passage, which of the following is NOT a cause of biodiversity loss? 

a) Deforestation
b) Pollution
c) Climate change
d) Space exploration

Answer: d) Space exploration

Explanation: The passage lists deforestation, pollution, and climate change as causes of biodiversity loss. Space exploration is not mentioned and is unrelated to the topic, making option (d) the correct answer.

Q. Why is biodiversity important, as mentioned in the passage? 

a) It helps in technological innovation.
b) It ensures natural sustainability and provides various resources.
c) It supports the growth of urban areas.
d) It increases economic wealth only.

Answer: b) It ensures natural sustainability and provides various resources.

Explanation: The passage states that high biodiversity ensures natural sustainability and provides a range of resources such as food, medicine, and raw materials. This directly supports option (b).

Q. What is one effect of the loss of a single species mentioned in the passage?

a) It leads to technological advancements.
b) It can disrupt food chains and affect other species.
c) It reduces economic benefits immediately.
d) It improves the resilience of ecosystems.

Answer: b) It can disrupt food chains and affect other species.

Explanation: The passage mentions that the loss of a single species can disrupt food chains, leading to cascading effects on other species and ecosystems, which supports option (b).

Q. What does the passage suggest as a solution to biodiversity loss?

a) Expanding urban development
b) Increasing industrial production
c) Establishing protected areas and promoting sustainable practices
d) Enhancing genetic modification techniques

Answer: c) Establishing protected areas and promoting sustainable practices

Explanation: The passage suggests conservation efforts such as establishing protected areas, promoting sustainable practices, and restoring degraded habitats as solutions to biodiversity loss, aligning with option (c).