Question

Of the following statements about protected areas that have been established to preserve biodiversity, which one is not correct?

(A) About 25% of Earth’s land area is now protected.

(B) National parks are one of many types of protected areas.

(C) Management of a protected area should be coordinated with management of the land surrounding the area.

(D) It is especially important to protect biodiversity hot spots.

Short answer

1. The option “About 25% of Earth’s land area is now protected.” is true.
2. The option “National parks are one of many types of protected areas.” is false.
3. The option “Management of a protected area should be coordinated with management of the land surrounding the area.” is false.
4. The option “It is especially important to protect biodiversity hot spots.” is false.

Step-by-step solution

Protected areas

Protected areas are established on the earth to conserve and protect nature and biodiversity. It is a geographic area that receives protection for its natural or ecological values

Explanation for option “(A)”

Roughly, only 7% of the earth's surface is protected. It exists in the form of conservation reserves in various forms.

Thus, the protected areas established by the government cover fewer areas than 25%.

Therefore, the given statement is true.

Explanation for option “(B)”

Protected areas exist as national parks, biosphere and community reserves, and national parks. National parks aim to conserve biodiversity along with sustainable use of natural resources and promote recreational activities.

Thus, a national park is one of the protected areas.

Therefore, the given statement is false.

Explanation for option “(C)”

Protected areas have a specific management plan to support the conservation plans. It involves the management of surrounding land to keep human activities in check.

It also aims to ensure that such actions do not harm the protected habitats and life forms.

Thus, the management of surrounding land of the protected area is a part of the protected area management strategies.

Therefore, the given statement is false.

Explanation for option “(D)”

Biodiversity hotspots are places enriched with biodiversity and shelter a lot of endemic species. Human activities threaten such areas. These biogeographic regions of utmost ecological importance are now protected.

Thus, biodiversity hotspots are taken under protected areas to conserve the rich biodiversity.

Therefore, the given statement is false.