Answer: A

Explanation:

According to the Indian Institute of Marine Science, there are four major coral reef areas in India – Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Gulf of Mannar and Gulf of Kutch. Hence, option (a) is the correct answer.

Answer: C

Explanation:

The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund was established in 2000 with the aim of empowering civil societies in developing countries and transitional economies 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:

leopard, bear, sambar, wild boar, wolf, peacock and nilgai, are found in Bhim Dam Sanctuary. This sanctuary is located in Munger district. Vikramshila Ganga Sanctuary It has been recognized as a dolphin sanctuary by the Government of Bihar in the year 1990. This sanctuary is located in Bhagalpur. Sanjay Gandhi Sanctuary ranks first in the country in terms of rhinoceros breeding. It is situated in Patna. Parman Sanctuary was established in Araria. It is also known for dolphins. Hence, option (b) is correct.

Answer: C

Explanation:

Mangrove areas in India Mangroves are plant communities found in saline areas. They are found in tropical and sub-tropical intertidal regions of the world, where rainfall is 1000-3000 mm and temperature is 26-35°C. Adaptations are found in these to grow in high salinity. Among these adaptations, vivipary and presence of pneumatophores are prominent. Hence, statement I is correct.

According to the India State Forest Report (ISFR ) -2013 , the mangrove area in India is 4,628 sq km which is about 3% of the total mangrove vegetation of the world. Almost half of the total mangrove area found in India is located only in the Sunderbans of West Bengal. Hence, statement II is incorrect.

Answer: B

Explanation:

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) came into force on July 1, 1975. This treaty was adopted in the year 1973. The purpose of CITES is to ensure that international trade (import/export) of specimens of animals and plants covered under CITES does not jeopardize the survival of the species in the wild.