MCQs on Biosphere Reserves of India | JKSSB Mock Test

🌍 Biosphere Reserves of India – Complete Notes

1. Biosphere Reserve (BR) is a protected area under UNESCO Man and Biosphere Programme (MAB), started in 1971.
2. Aims to balance biodiversity conservation with human development and research.

🗂️ Objectives of Biosphere Reserves

1. Conservation of genetic resources, species, and ecosystems.
2. Sustainable development for local communities.
3. Scientific research, education, and awareness.

🧩 Structure of a Biosphere Reserve

1. Core Zone: Strictly protected. No human activity.
2. Buffer Zone: Limited activities like research, education, eco-tourism.
3. Transition Zone: Sustainable development, settlements, agriculture allowed.

🗓️ Overview of Biosphere Reserves in India

1. Total Biosphere Reserves (2025): 18
2. UNESCO Recognized Biosphere Reserves: 12

📊 List of Biosphere Reserves in India

Biosphere Reserve	State(s)	Year	UNESCO
Nilgiri	Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka	1986	✅
Nanda Devi	Uttarakhand	1988	✅
Nokrek	Meghalaya	1988	✅
Great Nicobar	Andaman & Nicobar	1989	✅
Gulf of Mannar	Tamil Nadu	1989	✅
Sundarbans	West Bengal	1989	✅
Manas	Assam	1989	✅
Simlipal	Odisha	1994	✅
Pachmarhi	Madhya Pradesh	1999	❌
Achanakmar-Amarkantak	Chhattisgarh & MP	2005	❌
Khangchendzonga	Sikkim	2000	✅
Agasthyamalai	Tamil Nadu & Kerala	2001	✅
Dibru-Saikhowa	Assam	1997	❌
Panna	Madhya Pradesh	2011	❌
Cold Desert	Himachal Pradesh	2009	❌
Seshachalam Hills	Andhra Pradesh	2010	❌
Great Rann of Kutch	Gujarat	2008	❌

🧭 Significance of Biosphere Reserves

1. Protects rare and endangered species.
2. Preserves tribal and cultural diversity.
3. Promotes eco-development and sustainable livelihoods.

📖 Difference Between National Park & Biosphere Reserve

1. National Park: Focus on wildlife conservation; no human activity.
2. Biosphere Reserve: Focus on entire biodiversity; limited human activity in buffer/transition zones.

🔍 SSC & JKSSB Previous Year One-Liners

1. SSC CGL 2019: First Biosphere Reserve in India? – Nilgiri (1986)
2. SSC CHSL 2020: Nilgiri BR covers which states? – Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka
3. JKSSB 2021: Largest BR in India? – Great Rann of Kutch
4. SSC CGL 2022: UNESCO BR in Sikkim? – Khangchendzonga
5. SSC GD 2023: BR in West Bengal? – Sundarbans
6. SSC MTS 2022: Lion-tailed Macaque habitat? – Nilgiri
7. SSC CPO 2020: BR in Andaman? – Great Nicobar
8. SSC JE 2021: Core zone meaning? – Strictly Protected Area