UGC NET — Environmental Sciences (subject code 89) · India · National Testing Agency for the University Grants Commission
Original practice questions written to the published syllabus · not past papersConservation beyond the field boundary: habitat fragmentation, corridors, land sparing versus land sharing, protected-area networks and conflict between wildlife and farmers.
In the exams: ICAR AICE subject 71 Unit 2 (national parks, sanctuaries); UPSC CSE Prelims environment; Forestry track overlaps on wildlife management
GATE Ecology and Evolution and UGC NET
Patch–corridor–matrix model, landscape metrics and core area calculations, percolation thresholds, fragmentation debates, least-cost paths, land sparing and sharing, systematic conservation planning principles.
How our questions for UGC NET spread across the units of Landscape Ecology, Protected Areas & Human-Wildlife Interactions. Difficulty: 10 easy, 26 medium, 17 hard.
| Land sparing versus land sharing | 9 | |
| Habitat fragmentation and edge effects | 7 | |
| Systematic conservation planning | 7 | |
| Other effective area-based conservation measures and 30 by 30 | 7 | |
| Landscape structure: patches, corridors and matrix | 6 | |
| Connectivity and wildlife corridors | 5 | |
| Wildlife trade and CITES | 5 | |
| Community-based conservation and co-management | 4 | |
| Protected-area categories and management effectiveness | 3 |
Choose an answer, then open the working. Each explanation says why the right answer is right and why the others are not.
According to Haddad and colleagues (2015), what share of the world's forest lies within 1 km of an edge?
B. About 70 %
They found about 70 % of remaining forest within 1 km of an edge, showing how fragmented forests are.
Further reading: Haddad et al. 2015
The Biological Dynamics of Forest Fragments Project, begun in 1979, is located near which city?
A. Manaus, Brazil
The BDFFP near Manaus in the Brazilian Amazon is the longest-running fragmentation experiment.
Further reading: Laurance et al. 2011
What does circuit theory reveal in connectivity modelling?
D. All possible routes and pinch points
Circuit theory treats the landscape as a resistor network, showing diffuse movement and pinch points where flow concentrates.
Further reading: McRae et al. 2008
In density–yield analysis, which curve shape favours land sharing?
D. Convex: species decline only gradually as yield rises
If most species tolerate low-to-moderate intensity (convex curves), sharing performs well; concave curves favour sparing.
Further reading: Green et al. 2005
Under which standard are Key Biodiversity Areas identified?
C. The IUCN global KBA standard of 2016
KBAs are identified under the IUCN global standard using criteria such as threatened and restricted-range species. ISO 14001 and GRI 101 concern management systems and reporting.
Further reading: IUCN 2016
Which principle requires that all ecosystem types in a region be included in the conservation network?
D. Comprehensiveness
Comprehensiveness covers all ecosystem types; representativeness covers variation within them; efficiency minimises cost; flexibility offers alternatives.
Further reading: CAR principles
Why do naive comparisons often overstate the effect of protected areas on deforestation?
A. Parks sit where pressure is low
Matching methods compare protected and similar unprotected land; because parks are often placed in remote, low-threat areas, simple comparisons exaggerate the protection effect. The other claims are false.
Further reading: Andam et al. 2008
What distinguishes an OECM from a protected area?
B. Conservation need not be its primary objective
An OECM may be managed mainly for other purposes but must achieve sustained conservation outcomes. Ownership, exclusion and lack of value are not defining features.
Further reading: CBD Decision 14/8
A country of 1000000 km² has 18 % under protected areas and OECMs. How much more area is needed to reach 30 %?
D. 120000 km²
Additional = (0.30 − 0.18) × 1000000 = 120000 km². 300000 is the full target; 180000 the existing area; 12000 a decimal slip.
Why do some community-based conservation programmes fail?
A. Elite capture or insecure rights
Reviews find failures where benefits are captured by elites, rights are insecure, costs outweigh benefits or external pressures dominate. The other claims are false.
Further reading: CBNRM literature
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