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Question 1 of 20
Which was the first Biosphere Reserve to be established in India?
🗺️ Medium Biosphere Reserves
Biosphere Reserves
50 Questions Indian Geography
This quiz covers essential static knowledge regarding India's Biosphere Reserves, their locations, and their international recognition under the MAB program.
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Question 2 of 20
The 'Nokrek' Biosphere Reserve is located in which Indian state?
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Question 3 of 20
Which Biosphere Reserve in India is famous for the 'Red Panda'?
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Question 4 of 20
Which of the following Biosphere Reserves is NOT part of the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves?
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Question 5 of 20
The 'Simlipal' Biosphere Reserve is located in which state?
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Question 6 of 20
Which Biosphere Reserve is known for being a marine ecosystem?
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Question 7 of 20
In which state is the 'Achanakmar-Amarkantak' Biosphere Reserve located?
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Question 8 of 20
Which is the largest Biosphere Reserve in India by area?
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Question 9 of 20
The 'Pachmarhi' Biosphere Reserve is located in which state?
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Question 10 of 20
Which Biosphere Reserve is spread across the states of Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu?
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Question 11 of 20
The 'Dibru-Saikhowa' Biosphere Reserve is located in which state?
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Question 12 of 20
Which Indian Biosphere Reserve is known for the 'Cold Desert' landscape?
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Question 13 of 20
The 'Agasthyamalai' Biosphere Reserve is located in which states?
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Question 14 of 20
Where is the 'Great Nicobar' Biosphere Reserve located?
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Question 15 of 20
The 'Seshachalam Hills' Biosphere Reserve is located in which state?
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Question 16 of 20
Which of the following is correctly matched with its state?
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Question 17 of 20
The 'Dehang-Debang' Biosphere Reserve is located in which state?
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Question 18 of 20
The 'Panna' Biosphere Reserve is located in which state?
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Question 19 of 20
The 'Sundarbans' Biosphere Reserve is famous for?
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Question 20 of 20
What is the primary objective of establishing Biosphere Reserves?
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Question 21 of 20
Which Biosphere Reserve is located at the confluence of the Western and Eastern Ghats?
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Question 22 of 20
The 'Manas' Biosphere Reserve is primarily located in which Indian state?
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Question 23 of 20
Which of the following Biosphere Reserves is designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO due to its mangroves?
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Question 24 of 20
The 'Cold Desert' Biosphere Reserve is situated in which state/union territory?
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Question 25 of 20
Which of the following Biosphere Reserves is famous for the 'Lion-tailed Macaque'?
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Question 26 of 20
Which Biosphere Reserve is located in the Kanchenjunga region of the Himalayas?
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Question 27 of 20
Which Biosphere Reserve in India has a core area located on an island?
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Question 28 of 20
The 'Nanda Devi' Biosphere Reserve is located in which state?
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Question 29 of 20
Which Biosphere Reserve is known for the protection of the Dugong (Sea Cow)?
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Question 30 of 20
The 'Manas' Biosphere Reserve lies along the international border of India and which country?
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Question 31 of 20
Which state houses the 'Khangchendzonga' Biosphere Reserve?
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Question 32 of 20
Which Biosphere Reserve is the only one in India located in the state of Madhya Pradesh excluding Achanakmar-Amarkantak?
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Question 33 of 20
Which Biosphere Reserve is famous for the 'One-horned Rhinoceros'?
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Question 34 of 20
In which state is the 'Gulf of Kutch' Biosphere Reserve located?
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Question 35 of 20
The 'Nokrek' Biosphere Reserve is part of which hill range?
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Question 36 of 20
Which Biosphere Reserve acts as a habitat for the wild water buffalo?
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Question 37 of 20
The 'Seshachalam Hills' Biosphere Reserve is famous for which unique tree species?
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Question 38 of 20
Which is the most recently established Biosphere Reserve among the following list?
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Question 39 of 20
The 'Achanakmar-Amarkantak' Biosphere Reserve is situated at the border of which two states?
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Question 40 of 20
Which zone of a Biosphere Reserve allows for research, education, and limited tourism?
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Question 41 of 20
Which of the following biosphere reserves is the only one located in the state of Uttarakhand?
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Question 42 of 20
The 'Manas' Biosphere Reserve is a biodiversity hotspot specifically known for the conservation of which species?
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Question 43 of 20
Which biosphere reserve is known for the presence of the 'Golden Langur'?
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Question 44 of 20
Which biosphere reserve is associated with the Maikala Hills?
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Question 45 of 20
Which zone of a biosphere reserve is dedicated to intensive human activity and settlements?
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Question 46 of 20
Which of these biosphere reserves is famous for its unique 'Shola forests'?
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Question 47 of 20
The 'Gulf of Mannar' Biosphere Reserve is primarily known for the protection of which marine organism?
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Question 48 of 20
In which state is the 'Panna' Biosphere Reserve located?
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Question 49 of 20
Which of the following is the smallest biosphere reserve in India by area?
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Question 50 of 20
Which of the following biosphere reserves falls under the 'World Network of Biosphere Reserves' but is not a World Heritage Site?
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Important Notes — Biosphere Reserves
Overview and Significance of Biosphere Reserves
Biosphere Reserves (BRs) are international designations by UNESCO for representative parts of natural and cultural landscapes extending over large areas of terrestrial or coastal/marine ecosystems. These areas are globally recognized for their biodiversity conservation, research, and sustainable development.
- Objective: To conserve the diversity of species, maintain the ecosystem, and provide a platform for research, monitoring, and education.
- UNESCO MAB Programme: The Man and the Biosphere (MAB) programme, launched in 1971, forms the framework for the global network of Biosphere Reserves.
- Governance: In India, the scheme is managed by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
Structure and Classification
A Biosphere Reserve is scientifically demarcated into three inter-related zones to balance conservation with human activity:
- Core Zone: The most protected area. It contains endemic plants and animals. No human activity is permitted except for research and monitoring. It is legally protected.
- Buffer Zone: Surrounding the core zone, this area allows for limited human activities such as educational research, recreation, and tourism.
- Transition Zone: The outermost part of the BR. It allows for sustainable development and human settlements, involving local communities in management and resource use.
Important Facts for Competitive Exams
India currently has 18 designated Biosphere Reserves. Key points for UPSC, SSC, and State PSC examinations:
- First Biosphere Reserve: The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve was the first to be established in India in 1986. It spans the states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka.
- World Network of Biosphere Reserves: As of recent data, 12 of India’s 18 Biosphere Reserves are part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR) under UNESCO.
- Recent Addition: The Panna Biosphere Reserve (Madhya Pradesh) was the most recent to be included in the UNESCO WNBR in 2020.
- Cold Desert BR: Located in Himachal Pradesh, it is known for its high-altitude, cold climate ecosystem.
- Largest/Smallest:
- The Gulf of Mannar is often cited as the largest in terms of area and marine protection.
- Dibru-Saikhowa (Assam) is among the smallest.
- Significant Sites:
- Nanda Devi (Uttarakhand) is famous for its alpine meadows.
- Sundarbans (West Bengal) is the largest mangrove forest and home to the Royal Bengal Tiger.
- Agasthyamalai (Kerala/Tamil Nadu) is a crucial hotspot for endemic plant species.
Exam Tip: Key Differences
When preparing for geography sections, distinguish between National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, and Biosphere Reserves. Unlike National Parks, which focus on individual species or habitats, Biosphere Reserves are landscape-level conservation efforts that emphasize the socio-economic development of the local communities living within the transition zone.