NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Geography Chapter 14: Biodiversity and Conservation (NCERT 2026–27)

These Class 11 Geography Chapter 14 solutions cover Biodiversity and Conservation, the last chapter (Unit VI: Life on the Earth) of Fundamentals of Physical Geography, the NCERT textbook for the 2026–27 session. The chapter explains what biodiversity is, its three levels (genetic, species and ecosystem diversity), the ecological, economic and scientific roles it plays, the causes of the loss of biodiversity, the IUCN categories of threatened species, and the national and international efforts made for the conservation of biodiversity. Below you get step-by-step answers to every NCERT exercise question, key terms, extra practice, MCQs, Assertion–Reason questions and FAQs.

Class: 11 Subject: Geography Book: Fundamentals of Physical Geography Unit: VI – Life on the Earth Chapter: 14 Session: 2026–27
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Class 11 Geography Chapter 14 – Overview

Chapter 14, Biodiversity and Conservation, defines biodiversity as the number and variety of organisms found within a specified geographic region — the variety of plants, animals and micro-organisms, the genes they contain and the ecosystems they form. Biodiversity, the result of 2.5–3.5 billion years of evolution, is not spread evenly: it is richer in the tropics and thins out towards the poles. It is studied at three levels — genetic diversity, species diversity and ecosystem diversity — and plays ecological, economic and scientific roles. The chapter explains how rising human population, over-exploitation, deforestation, natural calamities, pollution and the introduction of exotic species cause the loss of biodiversity, and how the IUCN classifies threatened species as endangered, vulnerable and rare. It closes with conservation measures — India’s Wild Life (Protection) Act 1972, national parks, sanctuaries and biosphere reserves, the 1992 Rio Earth Summit Convention on Biodiversity, mega-diversity centres and biodiversity hotspots.

Key Terms & Concepts

Biodiversity: a combination of ‘bio’ (life) and ‘diversity’ (variety) — the number and variety of organisms found within a specified geographic region, including the variability within and between species and within and between ecosystems.

Genetic diversity: the variation of genes within a species. Genes are the basic building blocks of life; this diversity (e.g. differences in human height and colour) is essential for healthy breeding of a population.

Species diversity: the variety and number of species in a defined area, measured through richness, abundance and types. Areas rich in species diversity are called hotspots.

Ecosystem diversity: the broad differences between ecosystem types and the diversity of habitats and ecological processes within each ecosystem type; ecosystem boundaries are difficult to demarcate.

Roles of biodiversity: ecological (each species performs a function — capturing energy, decomposing matter, cycling water and nutrients, regulating climate), economic (food crops, livestock, forests, fish, medicinal resources; agro-biodiversity), and scientific (clues to how life evolved and functions).

Exotic species: species that are not natural inhabitants of a local habitat but are introduced into the system, sometimes causing extensive damage to the natural biotic community.

IUCN categories of threatened species: Endangered species (in danger of extinction, listed in the IUCN Red List), Vulnerable species (likely to become endangered in the near future if threats continue) and Rare species (very small populations confined to limited or thinly scattered areas).

Mega diversity centres: 12 tropical countries possessing a large share of the world’s species diversity — Mexico, Columbia, Ecuador, Peru, Brazil, Democratic Republic of Congo, Madagascar, China, India, Malaysia, Indonesia and Australia.

Biodiversity hotspots: areas identified by the IUCN (defined according to their vegetation) that are most vulnerable and rich in species, so that conservation resources can be concentrated there.

Key conservation milestones: India’s Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 (under which national parks, sanctuaries and biosphere reserves were established) and the Convention on Biodiversity signed at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in June 1992 by India and 155 other nations.

NCERT “Exercises” — Full Solutions

All questions below are reproduced verbatim from the NCERT textbook’s end-of-chapter Exercises. Answers are original, written in exam-ready style.

1. Multiple choice questions.

(i) Conservation of biodiversity is important for : (a) Animals    (b) Animals and plants    (c) Plants    (d) All organisms

ANSWER (d) All organisms. Biodiversity includes all plants, animals and micro-organisms, the genes they contain and the ecosystems they form. Since all forms of life are closely interlinked and every organism has a role in the ecosystem, conservation of biodiversity is important for the survival of all organisms, not just plants or animals alone.

(ii) Threatened species are those which : (a) threaten others    (b) Lion and tiger    (c) are abundant in number    (d) are suffering from the danger of extinction

ANSWER (d) are suffering from the danger of extinction. Threatened species are those whose survival is at risk. The IUCN classifies them into endangered, vulnerable and rare species — all of which face the danger of extinction if the factors threatening them continue.

(iii) National parks and sanctuaries are established for the purpose of : (a) Recreation    (b) Hunting    (c) Pets    (d) Conservation

ANSWER (d) Conservation. National parks and sanctuaries were established in India under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, to protect, preserve and propagate the variety of species within natural boundaries — that is, for conservation of biodiversity.

(iv) 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. As one approaches the polar regions, one finds larger populations of fewer species. Tropical forests are very rich in biodiversity and contain about 50 per cent of the species on the earth.

(v) In which one of the following countries, the ‘Earth Summit’ was held? (a) the UK    (b) Mexico    (c) Brazil    (d) China

ANSWER (c) Brazil. The Earth Summit was held at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in June 1992, where India along with 155 other nations signed the Convention on Biodiversity.

2. Answer the following questions in about 30 words.

(i) What is biodiversity?

ANSWER Biodiversity is the number and variety of organisms — plants, animals and micro-organisms, the genes they contain and the ecosystems they form — found within a specified geographic region. It is our living wealth, built over millions of years of evolution.

(ii) What are the different levels of biodiversity?

ANSWER Biodiversity is discussed at three levels: genetic diversity (variation of genes within a species), species diversity (variety and number of species in an area) and ecosystem diversity (differences between ecosystem types and their habitats).

(iii) What do you understand by ‘hotspots’?

ANSWER Hotspots are areas that are especially rich in species diversity and most vulnerable to threats. Identified by the IUCN and defined according to their vegetation, they help concentrate conservation resources where they are most needed.

(iv) Discuss briefly the importance of animals to human kind.

ANSWER Animals are a vital part of biodiversity. They provide food, livestock, medicinal resources and other economic commodities, help in pollination, decomposition and nutrient cycling, maintain ecological balance and offer scientific clues about how life evolves and functions.

(v) What do you understand by ‘exotic species’?

ANSWER Exotic species are species that are not the natural inhabitants of a local habitat but are introduced into the system from outside. Their introduction can sometimes cause extensive damage to the natural biotic community of the ecosystem.

3. Answer the following questions in about 150 words.

(i) What are the roles played by biodiversity in the shaping of nature?

ANSWER Biodiversity has contributed in many ways to the development of human culture, while human communities in turn have shaped the diversity of nature. It plays three major roles — ecological, economic and scientific. Ecological role: every species performs some function in an ecosystem. Species capture and store energy, produce and decompose organic materials, help cycle water and nutrients, fix atmospheric gases and help regulate the climate. The more diverse an ecosystem, the more stable and productive it is, and the better its chances of adapting to environmental change; the loss of species reduces the ecosystem’s ability to maintain itself. Economic role: biodiversity is a reservoir of resources for food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic products. Important commodities it supplies include food crops, livestock, forests, fish and medicinal resources; crop diversity (agro-biodiversity) is especially important. Scientific role: each species gives clues to how life evolved and continues to evolve, helping us understand how life functions and the role of every species in sustaining ecosystems.

(ii) What are the major factors that are responsible for the loss of biodiversity? What steps are needed to prevent them?

ANSWER Major factors responsible for the loss of biodiversity: 1. Rapid growth in human population, which has increased the consumption of natural resources and accelerated the loss of species and habitats, especially in the tropics. 2. Over-exploitation of resources and large-scale deforestation, which destroy the natural habitats — tropical rain forests that hold about 50 per cent of the earth’s species. 3. Natural calamities such as earthquakes, floods, volcanic eruptions, forest fires and droughts that damage flora and fauna. 4. Pollution from pesticides, hydrocarbons and toxic heavy metals, which destroys weak and sensitive species, and the introduction of exotic species that harm native communities. 5. Poaching and merciless hunting of animals like tigers, elephants, rhinoceros and crocodiles for horns, tusks and hides. Steps needed to prevent loss: preserve endangered species through proper planning and management; conserve varieties of food crops, forage plants, timber trees, livestock and their wild relatives; identify and protect the habitats where species feed, breed and rest; regulate international trade in wild plants and animals; establish national parks, sanctuaries and biosphere reserves (as under India’s Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972); and educate people to adopt environment-friendly, sustainable practices with the cooperation of local communities.

Project Work: Collect the names of national parks, sanctuaries and biosphere reserves of the state where your school is located and show their location on the map of India.

HOW TO DO THIS This is a map-based field activity, so the answer depends on your own state. Steps to complete it: (1) Find your state’s official forest-department or government website, or your atlas, and list its national parks (e.g. Jim Corbett in Uttarakhand, Kaziranga in Assam, Gir in Gujarat), wildlife sanctuaries and biosphere reserves (e.g. Nilgiri, Sundarbans, Nanda Devi). (2) On an outline political map of India, mark your state’s boundary, then plot each protected area with a small symbol and label. (3) Add a legend distinguishing national parks, sanctuaries and biosphere reserves, and write a short note on the key species each protects. (Names and locations will vary by state.)

Extra Practice Questions

Short Answer Type Questions

Q1. Why is biodiversity richer in the tropics than near the poles?

ANSWERThe tropics receive abundant solar energy and water, the basic inputs that drive weathering, vegetation growth and resultant biodiversity. As one moves towards the poles, these inputs decline, so the regions support larger populations of fewer species, making the tropics consistently richer in biodiversity.

Q2. What is genetic diversity and why is it important?

ANSWERGenetic diversity is the variation of genes within a species — for example, differences in human height, colour and appearance. It is important because it allows a healthy breeding of populations and gives species a better chance of adapting to environmental change and resisting disease.

Q3. Name the three IUCN categories of threatened species.

ANSWERThe IUCN classifies threatened species into three categories: endangered species (in danger of extinction), vulnerable species (likely to become endangered if threats continue) and rare species (very small populations confined to limited or thinly scattered areas).

Q4. What are mega diversity centres?

ANSWERMega diversity centres are tropical countries that possess a large number of the world’s species diversity. There are 12 such countries, including India, Brazil, Indonesia, Madagascar, China, Mexico and Australia, which together hold a major share of global biodiversity.

Q5. Why is the demarcation of ecosystem boundaries difficult?

ANSWERThe ‘boundaries’ of communities (associations of species) and ecosystems are not very rigidly defined; one ecosystem gradually merges into another and ecological processes overlap. This makes the demarcation of ecosystem boundaries difficult and complex.

Long Answer Type Questions

Q1. Explain the three levels of biodiversity with examples.

ANSWERBiodiversity is discussed at three levels. Genetic diversity is the variation of genes within a species; genes are the basic building blocks of life. For example, all human beings belong to the species Homo sapiens, yet differ considerably in height, colour and appearance — a result of genetic diversity that is essential for healthy breeding. Species diversity refers to the variety and number of species in a defined area, measured through richness, abundance and types; some areas, such as tropical rain forests, are far richer in species and are called hotspots. Ecosystem diversity covers the broad differences between ecosystem types — such as grasslands, forests, deserts and wetlands — and the diversity of habitats and ecological processes within each type, as seen in the grasslands and sholas of the Western Ghats. Because community and ecosystem boundaries are not rigid, demarcating them is difficult, but together these three levels make up the total biodiversity of the earth.

Q2. Describe the measures taken at the national and international levels for the conservation of biodiversity.

ANSWERBiodiversity is vital for human existence, so several conservation measures have been taken. At the national level, the Government of India passed the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, under which national parks and sanctuaries were established and biosphere reserves declared, to protect, preserve and propagate species within natural boundaries. People are also being educated to adopt environment-friendly, sustainable practices with the involvement of local communities, since conservation is possible only with their cooperation. At the international level, India along with 155 other nations signed the Convention on Biodiversity at the Earth Summit held at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in June 1992. The world conservation strategy suggested steps such as preserving endangered species, proper planning to prevent extinction, preserving varieties of food crops and their wild relatives, identifying and protecting habitats where species feed and breed, and regulating international trade in wild plants and animals. The IUCN has also identified biodiversity hotspots so that resources can be concentrated on the most vulnerable, species-rich areas.

MCQs & Assertion–Reason

1. The word ‘biodiversity’ is a combination of ‘bio’ and:

(a) biology    (b) diversity    (c) density    (d) ecology

2. Biodiversity is the result of how many years of evolution?

(a) 1–2 million years    (b) 100 million years    (c) 2.5–3.5 billion years    (d) 10 billion years

3. The variation of genes within a species is called:

(a) species diversity    (b) ecosystem diversity    (c) genetic diversity    (d) habitat diversity

4. The IUCN publishes information about endangered species worldwide as the:

(a) Green List    (b) Red List    (c) Blue List    (d) Black List

5. Species introduced into a habitat where they are not natural inhabitants are called:

(a) endangered species    (b) endemic species    (c) exotic species    (d) rare species

6. The Wild Life (Protection) Act was passed by the Government of India in:

(a) 1962    (b) 1972    (c) 1982    (d) 1992

7. How many countries are recognised as mega diversity centres?

(a) 8    (b) 10    (c) 12    (d) 16

8. Crop diversity is also known as:

(a) agro-biodiversity    (b) genetic diversity    (c) ecosystem diversity    (d) species richness

9. Species likely to be in danger of extinction in the near future if threats continue are called:

(a) endangered    (b) vulnerable    (c) rare    (d) extinct

10. Tropical rain forests contain about what percentage of the species on the earth?

(a) 25 per cent    (b) 40 per cent    (c) 50 per cent    (d) 75 per cent

Answer key: 1-(b), 2-(c), 3-(c), 4-(b), 5-(c), 6-(b), 7-(c), 8-(a), 9-(b), 10-(c).

For each Assertion–Reason question, choose: (A) Both true and the Reason correctly explains the Assertion; (B) Both true but the Reason is not the correct explanation; (C) Assertion true, Reason false; (D) Assertion false, Reason true.

A-R 1. Assertion: Biodiversity is richer in the tropics than near the poles.

Reason: Tropical regions receive abundant solar energy and water, the basic inputs for biodiversity.

A-R 2. Assertion: A more diverse ecosystem is generally more stable and productive.

Reason: Greater variety of species improves the system’s ability to maintain itself and adapt to change.

A-R 3. Assertion: The introduction of exotic species always strengthens a natural ecosystem.

Reason: Exotic species are the natural inhabitants of the local habitat.

A-R 4. Assertion: National parks and sanctuaries were established in India for conservation.

Reason: They were created under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, to protect and propagate species within natural boundaries.

A-R 5. Assertion: Rapid growth in human population has accelerated the loss of biodiversity.

Reason: A rising population increases the consumption of natural resources and the destruction of habitats.

Answer key: 1-(A), 2-(A), 3-(D), 4-(A), 5-(A).

Exam Tips & Common Mistakes

How to score full marks in this chapter

Memorise the three levels of biodiversity (genetic, species, ecosystem) and the three roles (ecological, economic, scientific) with one example each — these are the most common questions. Keep the IUCN categories (endangered, vulnerable, rare) and key facts ready: the Wild Life (Protection) Act 1972, the 1992 Rio Earth Summit, 12 mega-diversity centres, and tropical forests holding ~50% of species. For 150-word answers, write in clear sub-points with a one-line introduction and conclusion, and always link the loss of biodiversity to specific causes and matching prevention steps.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Confusing the three levels — genetic (within a species), species (number of species) and ecosystem (types of ecosystems) diversity.
  • Mixing up the IUCN categories — endangered (in danger now), vulnerable (likely soon) and rare (very small population).
  • Writing that biodiversity is richer near the poles — it is richest in the tropics.
  • Saying exotic species are native — they are introduced species, often harmful.
  • Forgetting key dates/places: Wild Life Act 1972; Earth Summit at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 1992.
  • Listing causes of biodiversity loss but not giving the matching prevention steps in Q3(ii).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Chapter 14 of Class 11 Geography (Fundamentals of Physical Geography) about?

Chapter 14, Biodiversity and Conservation, explains what biodiversity is, its three levels (genetic, species and ecosystem diversity), its ecological, economic and scientific roles, the causes of the loss of biodiversity, the IUCN categories of threatened species, and national and international conservation measures.

What are the three levels of biodiversity?

The three levels are genetic diversity (variation of genes within a species), species diversity (the variety and number of species in an area) and ecosystem diversity (the differences between ecosystem types and their habitats and processes).

How many questions are in the NCERT exercise for this chapter?

The NCERT Exercises for Chapter 14 contain three main questions: 5 multiple-choice questions, 5 short-answer questions (about 30 words) and 2 long-answer questions (about 150 words), plus a map-based Project Work. All are solved step by step on this page.

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