Answer: b

Explanation:

A keystone species is an organism that helps to hold the system together. These species influence the structure and function of an ecosystem. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.

This species affects its community by creating, modifying, or maintaining physical habitat for itself and other species. Pollination of fruits and flowers, plankton: food for many fish, starfish, sea otters, etc. are examples of keystone species. Species that first reach areas where there was no life before are called pioneer species. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Answer: c

Explanation:

In September 2020, about 500 whales were found washed up on beaches in Tasmania, Australia.

About 100 of them could be saved but the rest died. In January 2016, more than 80 short-finned pilot whales were washed ashore near Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu and most of them died. Even whales that were rescued and pushed out to sea came back to die. This incident is not a common incident. In the year 1973, 147 whales beached in the same area and died. Whale beaching and dying with increased frequency and severity around the world may be a combination of marine pollution, shipping noise, and military use of sonar. Between 1925 and 1975, 1.5 million whales were hunted, driving many species to the brink of extinction. The International Whaling Commission (IWC) was established in the year 1946 to set annual hunting quotas for countries. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

In 1986 , the International Whaling Commission finally announced a moratorium on whaling , resulting in a sharp decline in the number of kills. However, the IWC has no power to enforce its own rules. Japan, Norway and Iceland continue to hunt whales. Japan left the IWC and began whaling without limits in 2019. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Answer: c

Explanation:

The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund was established in 2000 to empower civil societies and transition economies of developing countries to conserve the world's biodiversity hotspots. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

CEPF is a joint program of the French Development Agency, Conservation International, the European Community, the Global Environment Facility, the Government of Japan, the MacArthur Foundation and the World Bank. CEPF is funded by more than 2,000 civil societies, organizations and individuals around the world to protect endangered species and biodiversity hotspots. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Answer: b

Explanation:

The International Union for Conservation of Nature is the world's oldest and largest global environmental organization. It includes members from 1,300 government and non-governmental organizations and more than 15,000 volunteer experts from 185 countries. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

Established in 1948 as the world's first global environmental organization, this organization is headquartered in Gland, Switzerland. IUCN is funded by governments, bilateral and multilateral agencies, foundations, member organizations and corporations. It has the status of official observer in the United Nations General Assembly. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.

The main objective of IUCN is to conserve biodiversity in the world. Through its research, reports and field projects, IUCN demonstrates how biodiversity is fundamental to addressing the world's greatest challenges, such as climate change, sustainable development and food security. IUCN is a neutral platform for governments, NGOs, scientists, entrepreneurs and local communities to find practical solutions to conservation and development challenges. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

Answer: a

Explanation:

Butea monosperma is called ''wildfire''. It is known as Dhak or Palash. Palash flower has been declared the state flower of Uttar Pradesh. Hence, option (a) is correct.