Chapter 16 – Biodiversity and Conservation
What is biodiversity?
Biodiversity is the variety of all life forms on Earth—plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms—and the ecosystems they form. It ensures ecosystem stability and supports life processes.
What are the types of biodiversity?
Three main types: Genetic (variety of genes), Species (variety of species), and Ecosystem (variety of ecosystems in a region like forests, wetlands, deserts).
Why is biodiversity important?
It maintains ecological balance, supports food chains, provides resources like food and medicine, and ensures sustainability of ecosystems under environmental changes.
What are biodiversity hotspots?
Regions with high species richness and endemism under threat. India has four hotspots: Himalayas, Indo-Burma, Western Ghats–Sri Lanka, and Sundaland.
What is species richness?
It refers to the number of different species in a given area. Higher species richness means more ecological diversity and resilience.
What is endemism?
Endemism refers to species that are found only in a particular region and nowhere else in the world. These species are especially vulnerable to extinction.
What are the main causes of biodiversity loss?
Habitat destruction, pollution, overexploitation, invasive species, and climate change are major threats to biodiversity worldwide.
What is deforestation and how does it affect biodiversity?
Deforestation is the clearing of forests for agriculture or development. It leads to habitat loss, species extinction, and disruption of ecological processes.
How do invasive species harm biodiversity?
Invasive species compete with native species for resources, disrupt food webs, and often cause extinction of local flora and fauna.
What is habitat fragmentation?
Breaking of large habitats into smaller, isolated patches due to roads, farming, or settlements. It reduces species movement and genetic exchange.
What is overexploitation?
Excessive use of natural resources, like overfishing or overhunting, reduces populations of species and threatens ecosystem sustainability.
What is climate change’s impact on biodiversity?
It alters habitats, migratory patterns, and breeding seasons, increasing extinction risk, especially for species with narrow ranges or specific needs.
What is ex-situ conservation?
Protecting biodiversity outside natural habitats, like in zoos, botanical gardens, seed banks, and aquariums, for scientific research and reintroduction programs.
What is in-situ conservation?
Conservation within natural habitats, allowing species to live and evolve in their native ecosystems. Examples include national parks, biosphere reserves, and wildlife sanctuaries.
What is a biosphere reserve?
A large protected area preserving biodiversity and promoting sustainable development. Includes core, buffer, and transition zones. Example: Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
What is a national park?
A protected area for wildlife conservation and public recreation, where human activity like hunting or grazing is prohibited. Example: Kaziranga National Park.
What is a wildlife sanctuary?
A protected area for wild animals where some human activities like grazing or firewood collection may be allowed under regulation. Example: Periyar Sanctuary.
What is a botanical garden?
A place for scientific study and conservation of plant species, often including rare, endangered, or exotic plants. Also used for education and recreation.
What is the IUCN Red List?
A global list published by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, classifying species based on their extinction risk (e.g., endangered, vulnerable, extinct).
What is an endangered species?
A species at high risk of extinction in the near future due to rapid population decline or habitat loss. Example: Bengal tiger.
What is a critically endangered species?
Species facing an extremely high risk of extinction. Example: Great Indian Bustard. These species need urgent conservation efforts.
What is a vulnerable species?
Species likely to become endangered unless threats are addressed. They face population decline but not as severe as endangered species.
What are conservation strategies?
Strategies include establishing protected areas, restoring habitats, enforcing laws, educating communities, and promoting biodiversity-friendly practices like organic farming.
What is community-based conservation?
Conservation efforts involving local people, respecting their rights and knowledge, and encouraging sustainable use of biodiversity. Example: Joint Forest Management (JFM) in India.
What is afforestation?
Planting trees in deforested or barren areas to restore ecosystems, reduce carbon dioxide, and enhance biodiversity.
What is the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)?
An international treaty adopted in 1992 to conserve biodiversity, promote sustainable use, and ensure fair benefit-sharing from genetic resources.
What is sustainable forest management?
A method of managing forests to meet current needs without compromising their ability to provide ecological, economic, and social benefits for future generations.
What is eco-tourism?
Environmentally responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, supports local communities, and educates travelers about conservation.
Why should we conserve biodiversity?
Biodiversity ensures ecosystem health, resilience to climate change, supports agriculture, medicine, and cultural values, and provides essential ecosystem services.
What can individuals do to help conservation?
Use resources wisely, reduce waste, avoid single-use plastic, plant native species, support eco-friendly products, and raise awareness about the importance of biodiversity.