Which one of the followings statement is incorrect with reference to biodiversity.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → A single species shows low diversity at the genetic level over its distributional range.
Biodiversity is studied at three levels: genetic diversity (within a species), species diversity (between species) and ecological diversity (between ecosystems).
(1) India has more than 50,000 genetically different strains of rice, and 1,000 varieties of mango. — A correct statement. This is an example of genetic diversity within one species.
(2) The Western Ghats have a greater amphibian species diversity than the Eastern Ghats. — A correct statement. It is an example of species diversity. The Western Ghats have more amphibian species.
(3) India, with its deserts, rain forests, mangroves, coral reefs, wetlands, has a greater ecosystem diversity than a Scandinavian country like Norway. — A correct statement. India has many kinds of ecosystems, so its ecological diversity is higher.
(4) A single species shows low diversity at the genetic level over its distributional range. — An incorrect statement. A single species might show high diversity at the genetic level over its range. The medicinal plant Rauwolfia vomitoria growing in different Himalayan ranges differs in the potency and amount of reserpine it makes.
NCERT Extract:
Biodiversity – …
