UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

Statements A, B and C are correct because they express recognised ecological functions of wetlands and the role of the Ramsar Convention. Wetlands support rich biodiversity including migratory birds, help filter pollutants and moderate floods and are the focus of an international treaty on their conservation and wise use. Statement D is incorrect as wetlands are crucial for maintaining regional biodiversity. Therefore, the correct combination is A, B and C only.

Option A:
Option A is correct since it includes all the true statements and excludes D, which denies the biodiversity role of wetlands. It presents a comprehensive view of wetland functions and governance. Hence, it satisfies the requirement of the question.

Option B:
Option B is incorrect as it claims that all four statements are correct. Accepting D would wrongly downplay the importance of wetlands for biodiversity. Including a false statement invalidates the option.

Option C:
Option C is incomplete because it includes only A and B and omits C. While A and B are valid, C is also true and specifically mentions the international legal framework for wetlands. The omission makes this option insufficient.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect because it accepts D along with B and C and leaves out A. Statement D is false, and excluding A misses the direct link between wetlands and wildlife habitat, so the option cannot be chosen.

The Ramsar Convention,adopted in the Iranian city of Ramsar in 1971,is dedicated specifically to the conservation and wise use of wetlands. It establishes a list of wetlands of international importance and promotes integrated management. The stem clearly refers to an agreement on wetlands,so the correct answer is the Ramsar Convention.

Option A:
The Basel Convention deals with the control of transboundary movements of hazardous wastes and their disposal. It is an important environmental treaty but does not focus on wetlands,so it does not match the description in the question.

Option B:
The Ramsar Convention encourages countries to designate suitable wetlands and to maintain their ecological character through national planning. This emphasis on wise use aligns perfectly with the stem.

Option C:
The Stockholm Convention targets persistent organic pollutants,aiming to eliminate or restrict their production and use. It is not concerned primarily with wetlands conservation.

Option D:
The Montreal Protocol is an agreement to phase out ozone depleting substances to protect the ozone layer. Although also environmental,it has a different focus from wetlands management.

Natural wetlands slow the flow of water, trap sediments and nutrients and store floodwaters, thereby purifying water and moderating flood peaks.

Option A:
Incorrect; treating wetlands as wastelands ignores their important ecological and hydrological functions.

Option B:
Incorrect; intact wetlands generally reduce downstream flooding by temporarily storing and slowly releasing water rather than rapidly conveying it.

Option C:
Correct; it recognises wetlands as natural filters and buffers that improve water quality and moderate floods.

Option D:
Incorrect; wetlands are also rich habitats that support high biodiversity, so their role goes far beyond recreation.