Question

Biosphere reserves differ from national parks because

• A. they do not allow the entry of human beings
• B. people are an integral part of the biosphere reserves
• C. they focus more on the conservation of flora
• D. they bring in living organisms from all over the world for conservation

Answer 1

The correct option is B people are an integral part of the biosphere reserves

In situ conservation involves conserving and protecting organisms in their natural habitat.

Biosphere reserves and national parks are protected areas that allow the conservation of biotic (living) resources, like plants, animals, etc., in their natural environment through the protection of the entire ecosystem. So these are considered as strategies for in situ conservation of biodiversity. Hence option d is incorrect.

Biodiversity refers to the variety and variability amongst living organisms and ecosystems in a given area.

Biosphere reserves are multipurpose protected areas of habitat, in which human beings are an integral part of the system. It is a forest area which allows human activities under a regulated framework. Biosphere reserves generally cover a large area to maintain natural populations of a large size. Hence option a is incorrect.

A biosphere reserve is divided into 3 main zones as follows :

• Core zone - It is the minimally disturbed central zone of the biosphere reserve, where no human activity is allowed.
  
• Buffer zone - This zone lies just outside the core and allows limited human activity for educational and research purposes. It also allows limited human interference for restoration of damaged ecosystems, limited tourism, fishing, grazing, etc.
  
• Transition zone or area of cooperation - It is the outermost part of the biosphere reserve which involves active cooperation between forest management and the public. It includes tribal settlements, cultivated lands, managed forests and areas for intensive tourism, recreation, education and research.

This is very much in contrast to how national parks run. National parks are protected areas strictly reserved for the betterment of wildlife and do not allow any human activity such as forestry, grazing or cultivation. But they allow a limited number of visitors for tourism and recreation purposes. Thus, option b is correct.

Both national parks and biosphere reserves aim towards conservation of fauna (animals) as well as flora (plants) in their natural habitat. Hence option c is incorrect.

Figure : Gir national park