Question

17th biosphere reserve in India is
 A. Silent valley
B. Seshachalam hills
C. Aravalli hills
D. Sarguja, Bastax

Answer 1

Hint: Biosphere reserves: These are a special category of protected areas of land and/or coastal environments, where tribal people are an integral component of the system. These are representative examples of natural biomes and contain unique biological communities.

Complete answer:
The concept of Biosphere Reserves was launched in 1975 as a part of UNESCO's Man and Biosphere Programme (MAB). There are 14 biosphere reserves in India. But now some more biosphere reserves are also added. Seshachalam hills were added in 2010.
Silent valley :- it is a type of national park which is located in nilgiri hills. It is not a biosphere reserve. Nilgiri hills constitute biosphere reserve and occupy 8th number. Hence this option is not correct.
Seshachalam hills :- it was found in 2010 . It is spread in the area of Eastern Ghats in Andhra Pradesh. It is designated as the 17th biosphere reserve. Hence this option is correct.
Aravalli hills :- it is an example of sacred groove and is present in Rajasthan . It is not a biosphere reserve . So this option is not correct.
Surguja , Bastax :- it is also an example of sacred groove and not biosphere . It lies in areas of Madhya Pradesh. This option is also incorrect.

Our required answer is b that is Seshachalam hills.

Note: A Biosphere Reserve consists of core, buffer and transition zones. The natural or core zone comprises an undisturbed and legally protected ecosystem.
14 biosphere reserves are:
> Nanda Devi
> Nokrek
> Manas
> Dibru Saikhowa
> Dehang Debang
> Sundarbans
> Gulf of Mannar
> Nilgiri
> Great Nicobar
> Similipal
> Khangchendzonga
> Pachmarhi
> Agasthyamalai
> Achanakmar Amarkantak