CBSE Class 12 Biology Question Bank: Biodiversity Conservation Hotspots 2026
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The academic year 2025-26 brings fresh challenges for science students, especially with the evolving pattern of competency-based questions. If you are looking for a comprehensive CBSE Class 12 Biology Question Bank focused on high-yield topics like "Biodiversity and Conservation," you have landed in the right place.
Biodiversity is not just a chapter in your NCERT textbook; it is the biological insurance of our planet. For the 2026 board exams, examiners are shifting focus toward real-world applications, particularly the medical importance of biodiversity and the critical role of hotspots. In this guide, we break down the most repeated questions, latest IUCN data, and official resources to help you rank at the top.
Understanding Biodiversity Conservation Hotspots 2026
Before diving into the question bank, it is essential to understand why "Hotspots" are a favorite for 3-mark and 5-mark questions. The concept, originally developed by Norman Myers, identifies regions with high species richness and high endemism (species found nowhere else).
As of 2026, there are 36 globally recognized biodiversity hotspots. India is proud to host four of these:
The Western Ghats
The Himalayas
Indo-Burma
Sundaland (Includes Nicobar Islands)
Medical Significance: Why Biodiversity Matters for Your Health
In current CBSE trends, "Value-Based Questions" often link biology to medicine. Hotspots are the world's "nature’s pharmacy." Many life-saving drugs are derived from endemic species found in these regions.
Rauwolfia vomitoria: Found in the Himalayan ranges, it produces the chemical Reserpine, used to treat high blood pressure.
Taxol: An anti-cancer drug derived from the Yew tree.
Bioprospecting: The process of exploring molecular, genetic, and species-level diversity for products of economic and medical importance.
Important Questions in CBSE Class 12 Biology Question Bank
To help you prepare effectively, we have analyzed the last 10 years of previous year papers (PYQs) and the latest 2026 sample papers.
1-Mark Questions (Objective & Assertion-Reason)
Question: Name the term used to describe the species-richness of a specific region that is under constant threat.
Answer: Biodiversity Hotspot.
Question: Who popularized the term 'Biodiversity'?
Answer: Edward Wilson.
Question: Define 'Endemism'.
Answer: It refers to species that are confined to a specific region and not found anywhere else.
2-Mark & 3-Mark Questions (Short Answer)
Question: Explain the 'Evil Quartet' in the context of biodiversity loss.
Key Points: Habitat loss/fragmentation, Over-exploitation, Alien species invasion, and Co-extinctions.
Question: Differentiate between In-situ and Ex-situ conservation with examples.
Table Hint: Use terms like Biosphere Reserves vs. Cryopreservation.
Question: Why are the tropics more biodiverse than temperate regions?
Analysis: Mention "Latitudinal Gradients," "Constant Environment," and "Solar Energy."
5-Mark Questions (Case-Based/Long Answer)
Question: Describe the Species-Area Relationship. Name the ecologist who proposed it and provide the formula name.
Answer: Alexander von Humboldt. The relationship is expressed via the Species-Area Equation (Logarithmic Scale).
Question: Discuss the role of "Sacred Groves" in biodiversity conservation in India. Give examples of regions where they are found.
High-Weightage Topics and Formula
While this chapter is largely theoretical, a few quantitative concepts are essential for the CBSE Class 12 Biology Question Bank:
Species-Area Relationship: Understand the slope of the regression (Z-value).
Robert May’s Global Estimate: The estimate that places global species diversity at approximately 7 million.
The IUCN Red List Categories: Understanding the criteria for "Extinct," "Endangered," and "Vulnerable" species.
Ready to ace your exams?
Conclusion
Preparing for the 2026 exams requires a mix of rote learning and conceptual application. By mastering the CBSE Class 12 Biology Question Bank and focusing on the critical data surrounding Biodiversity Conservation Hotspots, you ensure a strong performance. Remember to cite official IUCN data and use diagrams for Species-Area relationships to gain that extra edge.
FAQ Section: CBSE Class 12 Biology Question Bank
Q1: Where can I download the official CBSE Class 12 Biology Question Bank for 2026?
A1: You can access the official question banks, including competency-based and additional practice questions, directly from the CBSE Academic Website. Use the Official CBSE Question Bank Link to download the latest PDFs for Class 12 Biology.
Q2: What are the two main criteria for a region to be called a Biodiversity Hotspot?
A2: A region must meet two strict criteria:
It must contain at least 1,500 species of vascular plants as endemics.
It must have lost at least 70% of its original primary vegetation (it must be threatened).
Q3: Is the "Ecology and Environment" unit important for medical entrance exams like NEET?
A3: Absolutely. This unit carries a significant weightage in both CBSE Boards and NEET. Topics like Biodiversity Conservation Hotspots 2026 are frequently asked in MCQ formats, especially regarding the location of hotspots in India.
Q4: What is the medical importance of the Western Ghats?
A4: The Western Ghats are home to thousands of medicinal plants used in Ayurveda and modern pharmacology. Protecting this hotspot ensures the survival of species that could provide cures for future viral outbreaks or chronic diseases.
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