With reference to 'Endemic Species', consider the following statements: 1. They are species found universally across all continents. 2. A specific type of plant or animal can be endemic to a zone, a state, or a country. 3. The introduction of new species can affect the natural habitat of endemic species. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is (c). Explanation Endemism refers to the ecological state of a species being unique to a defined geographic location, such as an island, nation, country, or other defined zone, or habitat type. Organisms that are indigenous to a place are not endemic to it if they are also found elsewhere. Statement-wise Analysis: - Statement 1 is Incorrect: Endemic species are strictly restricted to a specific geographical area and are not found universally across all continents. Species that have a global or very wide distribution are termed cosmopolitan species. - Statement 2 is Correct: The scope of endemism varies. A species can be endemic to a wide variety of geographic scales, ranging from a specific zone, a state, or a country to a small island or a single mountain top. For example, the Sal tree is endemic to the Indian subcontinent, while the Asiatic Lion is endemic specifically to the Gir National Park in Gujarat. - Statement 3 is Correct: The introduction of new species (invasive alien species) is a major threat to endemic biodiversity. Invasive species often outcompete endemic species for resources, alter habitats, or introduce diseases, leading to the decline or extinction of the native endemic population which may not have evolved defenses against the new competitors. Key Takeaway: Endemic species are those found exclusively in a specific region and nowhere else in the world, making them particularly vulnerable to extinction due to habitat loss or the introduction of exotic species.

NCERT Class 8 Environment & Ecology — Chapter 1: Conservation of plants and animals

mcqmedium

With reference to 'Endemic Species', consider the following statements:

They are species found universally across all continents.
A specific type of plant or animal can be endemic to a zone, a state, or a country.
The introduction of new species can affect the natural habitat of endemic species.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 and 2 only
B2 only
C2 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is (c).

Explanation

Endemism refers to the ecological state of a species being unique to a defined geographic location, such as an island, nation, country, or other defined zone, or habitat type. Organisms that are indigenous to a place are not endemic to it if they are also found elsewhere.

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Incorrect: Endemic species are strictly restricted to a specific geographical area and are not found universally across all continents. Species that have a global or very wide distribution are termed cosmopolitan species.
Statement 2 is Correct: The scope of endemism varies. A species can be endemic to a wide variety of geographic scales, ranging from a specific zone, a state, or a country to a small island or a single mountain top. For example, the Sal tree is endemic to the Indian subcontinent, while the Asiatic Lion is endemic specifically to the Gir National Park in Gujarat.
Statement 3 is Correct: The introduction of new species (invasive alien species) is a major threat to endemic biodiversity. Invasive species often outcompete endemic species for resources, alter habitats, or introduce diseases, leading to the decline or extinction of the native endemic population which may not have evolved defenses against the new competitors.

Key Takeaway:

Endemic species are those found exclusively in a specific region and nowhere else in the world, making them particularly vulnerable to extinction due to habitat loss or the introduction of exotic species.

Your note

More from Chapter 1: Conservation of plants and animals

In ecological studies, a species confined naturally to a particular geographical region is described as:

easy

Which of the following pairs is correctly matched regarding the Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve? 1. Satpura : National Park 2. Tawa : Reservoir 3. Panarpani : Gate Select the correct answer using the code given below:

medium

With reference to 'Wildlife Sanctuaries', consider the following statements: 1. They provide protection and suitable living conditions to wild animals. 2. Killing or capturing animals is generally permitted in these sanctuaries. 3. They are completely closed to all human activities including grazing and firewood collection.

medium

Which of the following animals were once found in Satpura National Park? 1. Lions 2. Elephants 3. Wild Buffaloes 4. Barasingha

medium

Consider the following statements regarding the 'Satpura National Park': 1. It preserves only the flora and fauna, excluding landscape and historic objects. 2. Rock paintings found here depict figures of animals and men fighting, hunting, and dancing. 3. There are more than fifty rock shelters identified in this park.

medium

Keep practising Chapter 1: Conservation of plants and animals

Work through every question from this NCERT chapter.

Browse all NCERT Class 8 Environment & Ecology chapters

The correct option is (c).

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Incorrect: Endemic species are strictly restricted to a specific geographical area and are not found universally across all continents. Species that have a global or very wide distribution are termed cosmopolitan species.
Statement 2 is Correct: The scope of endemism varies. A species can be endemic to a wide variety of geographic scales, ranging from a specific zone, a state, or a country to a small island or a single mountain top. For example, the Sal tree is endemic to the Indian subcontinent, while the Asiatic Lion is endemic specifically to the Gir National Park in Gujarat.
Statement 3 is Correct: The introduction of new species (invasive alien species) is a major threat to endemic biodiversity. Invasive species often outcompete endemic species for resources, alter habitats, or introduce diseases, leading to the decline or extinction of the native endemic population which may not have evolved defenses against the new competitors.

Key Takeaway: