Q.53 The transition zone in biosphere reserve –
1. covers the buffer zone and lies, in between the buffer zone and the core zone.
2. covers the core zone and lies, in between the core zone and the buffer zone.
3. is the inner most zone of the biosphere reserve.
4. is the outer most zone of the biosphere reserve.
Biosphere reserves, designated by UNESCO, protect biodiversity while allowing sustainable human activities. They feature three concentric zones: core, buffer, and transition. This article solves a key MCQ on the transition zone biosphere reserve, with full explanations.
Correct Answer: Option 4
The transition zone is the outermost zone of a biosphere reserve. It surrounds the buffer zone, allowing sustainable development like agriculture, settlements, and eco-tourism while fostering cooperation between communities and conservation efforts. This outermost position balances human needs with inner protected areas.
Biosphere Reserve Zones Overview
Biosphere reserves have a nested structure for conservation and sustainability:
| Zone | Position | Key Functions |
|---|---|---|
| Core Zone | Innermost | Strictly protected; no human activity; preserves ecosystems and genetic diversity. |
| Buffer Zone | Middle (surrounds core) | Limited activities like research, monitoring, and eco-tourism; supports core protection. |
| Transition Zone | Outermost (surrounds buffer) | Sustainable human activities, economic development, and education; promotes harmony with nature. |
This design ensures biodiversity thrives amid human presence.
Why Other Options Are Incorrect
Option 1: Covers buffer zone, between buffer and core
Wrong. No zone “covers” another; zones are concentric. Transition is outside buffer, not between buffer and core.
Option 2: Covers core zone, between core and buffer
Wrong. Transition does not cover or lie between core and buffer; buffer separates core from outer transition.
Option 3: Innermost zone
Wrong. Core zone is innermost; transition is farthest out for human-focused activities.
These errors confuse the radial layout from core (protected) to transition (cooperative).
Exam Tips for Biosphere Reserve Questions
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Remember order: Core (inner, no humans) → Buffer (middle, limited) → Transition (outer, sustainable).
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India examples: Nilgiri, Sundarbans—transition zones support local livelihoods.
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Link to UPSC/NEET: Focus on UNESCO MAB programme functions.
