Biodiversity Conservation & Protected Areas

* Metagenomics (also referred to as environmental and community genomics) is the genomic analysis of microorganisms by direct extraction and cloning of DNA from an assemblage of microorganisms. It involves: 1. Isolating DNA from an environmental sample, 2. Cloning the DNA into a suitable vector, 3. Transforming the clones into a host bacterium, 4. And screening the resulting transformants. * Such an approach helps in sampling an entire habitat at one go. Researchers have shown that environmental DNA (e-DNA) can potentially identify and monitor terrestrial animals. Animals shed DNA through their breath, saliva, fur, or faeces into the environment. These samples are called e-DNA. Hence, Statement A is correct.

Urban Forests use the Miyawaki method to create urban forests. Miyawaki urban forests are fascinating complex ecosystems, in balance with today's soil and climate conditions. This technique works worldwide irrespective of soil and climatic conditions. Over 2000 forests were successfully created using this method. Doctor Akira Miyawaki, botanist and professor, is the inventor of the technique since 1980. He is a recipient of the 2006 Blue Planet Prize, which is the equivalent of a Nobel Prize in ecology.

Biorock technology uses a low voltage electrical current to stimulate the growth of minerals on submerged structures. This creates a limestone-like material similar to that found in natural coral reefs. Biorock structures can provide a stable substrate for coral polyps to attach and grow, accelerating the restoration of degraded coral reefs. While Biorock can be used for other purposes, like creating artificial reefs for mariculture (fish farming) or promoting the growth of seacrete building materials, its application in coral reef restoration is a major area of interest.

Statement 1 is incorrect: As per the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, all wild animals in protected areas are the property of the government. But, Section 42 of Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 deals with Certificates of Ownership, empowering the Chief Wildlife Warden to issue these for lawfully possessed wild animals or animal articles (trophies, etc.) with a person. This ensures traceability, allowing identification marking and conditions for housing captive animals, and requires owners to surrender such items if no longer desired, with cancellation of the certificate. Statement 2 is correct: The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 provides for the protection of wild animals, whether they are found inside or outside the designated protected areas. Statement 3 is incorrect: As per the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, the capture or killing of a protected wild animal is strictly prohibited, even if it is perceived to be a danger to human life. Special permission is required from the authorities for any such action.

Hokera Wetland - Punjab: Incorrect. The Hokera Wetland is located in Jammu and Kashmir, not Punjab. It is a significant wetland in the region. Renuka Wetland - Himachal Pradesh: Correct. The Renuka Wetland is located in the Sirmaur district of Himachal Pradesh. It is a famous wetland in the region, particularly known for the Renuka Lake. Rudrasagar Lake - Tripura: Correct. The Rudrasagar Lake is located in Tripura. It is a large lake and a significant water body in the state. Sasthamkotta Lake - Tamil Nadu: Incorrect. The Sasthamkotta Lake is located in Kerala, not Tamil Nadu. It is the largest freshwater lake in Kerala.

Golden Mahseer is not a bird. It is a large freshwater fish also called the tiger of the water and found only in the Cauvery river basin. It known for its large size and importance in recreational fishing. Indian Nightjar is a bird species native to India. It is a nocturnal bird that is known for its cryptic plumage and ability to camouflage in its habitat. It is typically found in forests, grasslands, and agricultural areas. Spoonbill is a type of wader bird with a distinctive spoon-shaped bill. It belongs to the family Threskiornithidae and is found in wetlands, mudflats, and coastal habitats in various parts of the world, including India. White Ibis is a species of wading bird found in wetlands and coastal areas. It is recognized by its long, curved bill and white plumage and is commonly seen in India, as well as in other parts of the world.

The Polar Code is an international maritime regulation that sets safety and environmental standards for shipping in polar waters. International maritime regulation, the Polar Code, is adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for the safety and security of shipping. The code specifically addresses the unique challenges and risks associated with navigation in the Arctic and Antarctic regions. The code establishes mandatory requirements for aspects like ship design, construction, equipment, operational procedures, crew training, and pollution prevention to ensure safe and environmentally sound navigation in polar waters.

The correct statements about the New York Declaration on Forests are: 1. It was first endorsed at the United Nations Climate Summit in 2014.
2. It does endorse a global timeline to end the loss of forests, aiming for significant reduction by 2020 and ending deforestation by 2030.
4. It is endorsed by a multi-stakeholder group, including governments, companies (big and small), and indigenous communities. Incorrect statements:
3. The New York Declaration on Forests is not a legally binding international declaration. It's a voluntary political declaration.
5. The Declaration is currently endorsed by over 190 entities but it is not endorsed by India. Therefore, the correct answer is A. 1, 2, and 4.

Statement 1 is correct: Permaculture farming indeed discourages monocultural practices, promoting biodiversity and the efficient use of available resources. On the other hand, conventional chemical farming often involves monoculture practices. Statement 2 is correct: Conventional chemical farming can lead to an increase in soil salinity due to the heavy use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, while permaculture farming promotes soil health and does not contribute to soil salinity. Statement 3 is incorrect: The statement about conventional chemical farming being easily possible in semi-arid regions but permaculture farming not being so easily possible in such regions is not necessarily true. Permaculture farming can be adapted to various climates and environments, including semi-arid regions, by using appropriate design principles and techniques. Statement 4 is correct: The practice of mulching, which involves covering the soil with organic material to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and improve soil health, is an important aspect of permaculture farming, but it is not necessarily a key practice in conventional chemical farming.

Statement 1 is incorrect: Hyderabad was indeed recognized as a Tree City of the World, but not by the UNCDF and Arbor Day Foundation together.
The recognition comes from a joint program by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Arbor Day Foundation. Statement 2 is correct: Hyderabad was selected as a 2020 Tree City of the World by the Arbor Day Foundation in recognition of the city's commitment to urban forestry, including growing and maintaining its urban forests. Therefore, only the second statement is correct, and the first statement is incorrect.