Q1. With reference to the Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve, consider the following statements:
- It extends across more than one Indian State and forms part of the Western Ghats.
- A substantial proportion of its recorded flowering-plant taxa are endemic to India, while some are restricted to highly specialised habitats within the region.
- The presence of taxa showing affinity with Sri Lankan flora is consistent with the biogeographic significance of the southern Western Ghats.
- Its designation as a Biosphere Reserve under UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere Programme means that all human activities within the reserve are prohibited.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four
Answer: (c) Only three
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is Correct: ABR spans Kerala and Tamil Nadu and lies in the southern Western Ghats.
- Statement 2 is Correct: Of the recorded taxa, 1,018 (31.2%) are endemic to India, including 245 steno-endemic taxa with highly restricted habitat ranges.
- Statement 3 is Correct: The checklist records 347 taxa with Sri Lankan affinity, highlighting the biogeographic links of the region.
- Statement 4 is Incorrect: Biosphere Reserves seek to reconcile conservation with sustainable development. They do not imply a blanket prohibition on human activities.
