Question

There is ______ biosphere reserve established in ________.
A. 408, 1994
B. 1000, 2004
C. 10000, 2004
D. 500, 1995

Answer 1

Conservation means the management of man’s use of the biosphere in such a way that maximum benefits accrue from it to the present generation while maintaining its potential to meet the requirements of the future generations. Methods of conservation of biodiversity: in situ conservation and ex-situ conservation.

Complete answer: In situ conservation is the most appropriate method to maintain species of wild animals planted in their natural habitats. This approach includes the protection of total ecosystems through a network of protected areas.
Biosphere reserves are a specified area in which multiple uses of the land are permitted by dividing it into zones, each for a particular activity. The concept of biosphere reserves has been evolved by UNESCO's man and biosphere program (MABP). A total of 408 biosphere reserves were established in the world in 1994. A biosphere reserve preserves-
(a) Wild population
(b) lifestyle of tribals
(c) genetic resources of domesticated plants and animals.
Fourteen biosphere reserves have been planned in India. Of these, the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve was declared in 1986.
So, the correct answer is option A, i.e., 408, 1994

Additional information:
a. National parks: It is a tract of land reserved and maintained by a national government solely for the welfare of its inhabitants.
b. Sanctuaries: The sanctuary is an area reserved for the conservation of animals only.
c. Ex-situ conservation: Involves cultivation of rare plants and rearing of threatened animal species in botanical and zoological gardens respectively and preserving the former in the form of seeds in seed banks etc. by means of tissue culture techniques.

Note: Conservation of wild life has three specific objectives:
(i) To maintain essential ecological processes and life-supporting systems.
(ii) To preserve the diversity of species or the range of genetic material of world organisms.
To ensure a continuous (everlasting) use of species, in fact, ecosystems, that support rural communities and urban industries.