Question

Select the mismatched pair :

• A. Mega diversity countries in the world - 12
• B. Genetically different strains of rice in India - Less than 1000
• C. Robert Mays estimation on global species diversity - 7 million species worldwide
• D. Zoological parks - Ex-situ conservation

Hint:

Be careful with numbers in ecology:
Rice = >50,000 strains.
Mango => 1,000 varieties.
Global Diversity (May) = 7 million.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This question tests factual knowledge regarding biodiversity statistics and conservation methods mentioned in standard ecological textbooks.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
(A) Mega diversity countries: There are 17 identified megadiverse countries, but standard biological texts often highlight the initial group of 12 major ones. India is one of them. This is a correct match.
(B) Rice strains in India: India has more than 50,000 genetically different strains of rice and more than 1,000 varieties of mango. The statement says "Less than 1000", which is highly inaccurate. This is a mismatched pair.
(C) Robert May's estimate: Robert May placed the global species diversity at a more conservative and scientifically sound estimate of about 7 million. This is a correct match.
(D) Zoological parks: These are places where wild animals are kept in protected environments under human care. This is a form of ex-situ (off-site) conservation. This is a correct match.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The mismatched pair is option (B) because India has over 50,000 strains of rice, not less than 1,000.