Class 12 Medical Biology - Biodiversity And Its Conservation

Forests are "biodiversity hot spots". Justify this statement.

Forests are the biodiversity hot spots because there are numbers of species varieties of plants and animals inhabiting the forest.

All the living things have the right to live on this earth along with us. Prepare slogans to promote awareness in public about the conservation of biodiversity.

Some slogans which can be sued for making the public aware of the conservation of biodiversity. The more the variety, the better is the society.

Protect the wildlife and protect the nature.

Protect the diversity or else you may not be protected.

How do elephants living in the tropical rainforests adapt themselves?

The elephant has adapted to the conditions of rainforest in many remarkable ways. It has a trunk that it uses as a nose because of this it has a strong sense of smell. The trunk is also used by it for picking up food. Its tusks are modified teeth. These can tear the bark of trees that an elephant loves to eat. So, the elephant is able to handle the competition for food very well. Large ears of the elephant help it to hear even very soft sounds. They also help the elephant to keep cool in the hot* humid climate of the rainforest.

Explain with examples, why we find animals of certain kind living in particular climatic conditions.

Animals are adapted to survice in the conditions in which they live. Features and habits which help them to adapt to their surroundings are the result of evolution. So, to survive in a particular type of climate the animals must have certain adapted features. This is the reason we find animals of certain kind living in particular climate conditions. For example, animals in the polar region are adapted to the extremely cold climate. They have special characteristics, such as white fur, strong sense of smell, a layer of fat under the skin, wide and large paws for swimming and walking in snow etc.

Why according to you flora and fauna should be conserved?

Flora and fauna need to the conserved due to the following reasons.
(i) Milch animals provide milk. They also provide us meat, eggs, fish and help in transportation.
(ii) Insects help in pollution of crops and fruit trees and exert biological control on such insects, which are harmful.
(iii) Plants provide us food, shelter and many more useful items. Several medicinal plants are of great value of human beings such as Sarpagandha, Jamun, Kachnar, Tulsi plant, Neem, Babool, Arjun etc.
(iv) Every species has a role to play in the ecosystem. Hence, conservation is essential.

Forests are ...................... hot spots.

Forests are biodiversity hotspots. Hotspots are the areas which are extremely rich in biodiversity. They are habitats for a diverse group of species of plants, animals and microorganisms. They are under constant threat due to climate change and habitat loss. All forests are not biodiversity hotspots. A characteristic feature of hotspots is high degree of endemism. Tropical rain forests are richest ecosystems in terms of diversity of vegetation.

So, the correct answer is 'biodiversity'.

Define bio-diversity.

Biodiversity is the degree of variation of life, it can either be genetic variation, species variation or ecosystem variation within an area of the biome. It includes the difference in genes among individual of some species, their variety and richness.

What do you understand by the term genetic diversity?

Genetic diversity is the total number of genetic characteristics in the genetic makeup of the species, it also distinguished from genetic variability.
Genetic diversity serves as a way for the population to adapt to changing environments. With more variation, it is more likely that some individual in a population will possess a variety of alleles that are suited for the environment.

Match column I with column II and select the correct option from the given codes.

High endemism	Hotspots
Ex situ conservation	Off situ conservation
In situ conservation	On-site conservation
Rhinoceros	Kaziranga

so the correct match is '4,3,2,1'.

Explain two different ways of biodiversity conservation.

In-situ and ex-situ are two different ways of biodiversity conservation:

1. In-situ conservation:- When we conserve and protect the whole ecosystem, its biodiversity at all levels is protected - we save the entire forest to save the tiger. This approach is called in-situ (on-site) conservation. Example -biosphere reserves, national parks, and biodiversity hotspots.

2. Ex situ conservation:- When there are situations where an animal or plant is endangered or threatened and needs urgent measures to save it from extinction, ex-situ (off-site) conservation is the desirable approach. Example - zoological parks, botanical garden and wildlife safaris.

Describe the uses of biodiversity.

Humans derive countless direct economic benefits from nature- food (cereals, pulses, fruits), firewood, fiber, construction material, industrial products (tannins, lubricants, dyes, resins, perfumes ) and products of medicinal importance. More than 25 percent of the drugs currently sold in the market worldwide are derived from plants and 25,000 species of plants contribute to the traditional medicines used by native peoples around the world. Indirect uses of biodiversity include ecosystem services such as atmospheric regulation, nutrient cycling, and pollination.

Why are forest considered "biodiversity hotspots"? List two ways in which an individual can effectively contribute to the management of forests and wildlife.

Forests are called biodiversity hotspots because they contain high levels of species diversity that are threatened with extinction.

The ways in which individual conserve wild life and forests :

(i) One should protest against the cutting of trees (deforestation).

(ii) One should protest against the poaching of wild animals.

(iii) One should stop the annexation of forest land for personal use.

Explain the term biodiversity.

The definition of biodiversity refers to the amount of diversity between different plants, animals and other species in a given habitat at a particular time. Three main types of biodiversity includes diversity within species (genetic diversity), between species (species diversity) and between ecosystems (ecosystem diversity).

Explain the importance of biodiversity hot spots and sacred groves.

Biodiversity hotspots are regions with very high levels of species richness and a high degree of endemism (that is, species confined to that region and not found anywhere else). Although all the biodiversity hotspots put together cover less than 2 percent of the earth’s land area, the number of species they collectively harbor is extremely high and strict protection of these hotspots could reduce the ongoing mass extinctions by almost 30 percent.

Sacred groves are tracts of forest with rich diversity, which have been protected by the local people for centuries for their cultural and religious beliefs. Sacred groves act as an ideal center for biodiversity conservation. Several plants and animals that are threatened in the forest are still well conserved in some of the sacred groves. It has been observed that several medicinal plants that are not to be found in the forest are abundant in the sacred groves. Further, rare, endangered, threatened and endemic species are often concentrated in sacred groves.

State aim of biodiversity.

Biodiversity is the variety of living organisms on the earth. The aim of conservation of biodiversity is to protect, preserve and manage natural resources.

India has wild life sanctuaries,_ Biosphere reserves and national parks.

India has wild life sanctuaries, 18 Biosphere reserves and 166 national parks.

"We can't imagine the world without insects and birds". Suggest two methods to conserve them.

Methods of conservation for Birds:

Captive breeding, or ex-situ conservation, has been used in a number of instances to save species from extinction. The principle is to create a viable population of a species in either zoos or breeding facilities, for later reintroduction back into the wild.
As the loss and destruction of habitat is the most serious threat facing many bird species, conservation organizations, and government agencies tasked with protecting birds work to protect areas of natural habitat. This can be achieved through purchasing land of conservation importance, setting aside land or gazetting it as a national park or other protected areas, and passing legislation preventing landowners from undertaking damaging land use practices or paying them not to undertake those activities.

Methods of conservation for Insects:

The key to insect conservation is to protect and - where necessary - to enhance or create habitats throughout the landscape so that even the least mobile species can find somewhere to live when conditions become locally unsuitable.
Harm from pesticides can be reduced by using methods such as integrated control, in which different methods are combined so as to minimize or eliminate the dosage. If pesticides have to be applied, they should be kept away from hedgerows, watercourses and other non-target habitats.

Mention any two reasons for which environmentalist protested against raising height of the Sardar Sarovar Dam' on river Narmada.

The two reasons for which the environmentalists protested against raising height of 'Sardar Sarovar Dam' on river Narmada

I)improper rehabilitation facilities for people/adivasis in the vicinity of the dam.

II) Lack of communication between the authorities and the people living in that region

III) Damage to the environment, not being considered while approving the project.

This protest was majorly led by Medha Patkar

What is biodiversity?

Biodiversity means the diversity of life forms. It is a word commonly used to refer to the variety of life forms found in a particular region. Diverse life forms share the environment, and are affected by each other too. As a result, a stable community of different species comes into existence.

The various kinds of species of organisms and their range found in a particular area is called ........................

Biodiversity is variation in life which can be a genetic variation or species variation or even ecosystem variation. It differs from place to place as a particular habitat has its distinct biota. Basically, biodiversity is the variation in different species of organisms and their range found in a particular area. Loss of biodiversity can lead to a reduction in the gene pool of species, interaction in biota and may also make species unable to adapt to change in environmental conditions.

So, the correct answer is 'biodiversity'.

All naturally occuring animals, plants and other forms of life in the forest are collectively called ........................

Wildlife includes the plants, animals and other forms of life that are not domesticated and reside in their natural habitat. Wildlife is an important part of an ecosystem. Different ecosystems have distinct wildlife. Humans depend on wildlife for many things like for food and other products from plants like medicinal compounds, resins, gums etc. However, there is threatening to wildlife with increased population, urbanisation and climatic changes like global warming, so many initiatives have been taken for conservation of wildlife.

So, the correct answer is 'wildlife'.

How is designation of certain areas as hotspots a step towards biodiversity conservation? Name any two hotspots in India.

As biodiversity hotspots regions have very high levels of species richness and high degree of endemism. Hence, are astep towards biodiversity conservation. Two hotspots in India are Western Ghats and Himalayas.

Explain the narrowly utilitarian, broadly utilitarian and ethical arguments in favour of conservation of biodiversity.

The narrowly utilitarian arguments for conserving biodiversity as they provide direct economic benefits from nature like food, firewood, fibre, construction material, industrial products and products of medicinal importance.

The broadly utilitarian argument for conserving biodiversity is the oxygen supplement, 20 per cent of the total oxygen in the earth atmosphere are released through photosynthesis by the rich biodiversity of the Amazon forest.

The ethical argument is that we share biodiversity with millions of plant, animal and microbe species. Every species has an intrinsic value, even if it may not be of any economic value to us. We also have a moral duty to care for their well-being and pass on our biological legacy in good order to future generations.

Why do we need to use our resources carefully?

We need to use our resources carefully as :

(a) our resources' are limited and the demand for all resources is increasing at an exponential rate.

(b) sustainable management of natural resources is required so that these resources last for the generations to come.

(a) A tiger from a wildlife sanctuary was shifted in a Zoological garden. Where do you think the tiger will be happier?
(b) What is the difference between a Zoological garden and a wildlife sanctuary?

$$\textbf{Option (a)}$$

$$\textbf{Solution}$$

$$\bullet$$ Wildlife Sanctuary is a natural habitat and it comes under the category of in situ conservation method. In this habitat the animals can freely roam around without any cages.

$$\bullet$$ Animals always prefer to stay in in actual habitat where they can easily rome and explore.

$$\bullet$$ In this case the tiger will be much happier in the wildlife sanctuary as compared to a zoological garden, which is an artificially created habitat where there is no freedom for the animals.

$$\bullet$$ The tiger will be happier choose wildlife sanctuary the zoological garden.

$$\textbf{Option (b)}$$

$$\textbf{Solution}$$

$$\textbf{Zoological Garden}$$	$$\textbf{Wildlide sanctuary}$$
$$\bullet$$ It is an artificially created space where the animals are kept for public exhibition and entertainment.	$$\bullet$$ It is a natural space and habitat for the animals to live in.
$$\bullet$$ It is a ex situ conservation method in which the species are taken out of their natural habitat kept somewhere else.	$$\bullet$$ It is an in situ conservation method in which the are protected in their own natural habitat.
$$\bullet$$ These gardens are made for public visit in a zoo in which the animals are kept inside the cages. Zoological garden contains the animals which are brought from different part of the world for exhibition.	$$\bullet$$ These wildlife sanctuaries are not for public visits and animals can freely roam and explore their natural habitat. Wildlife sanctuary contains the animals which are found locally in their habitat.
$$\bullet$$ Example:- Mysore zoo, Delhi Zoo, Nehru Zoological Park.	$$\bullet$$ Example:- Bhadra wildlife sanctuary, Sanjiv Gandhi wildlife sanctuary.

Give two examples of each flora and fauna of Pachmarhi biosphere reserve.

Sal and teak are the flora and chinkara and leopard are examples of Fauna of Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve.

What is biodiversity? What will happen if biodiversity of an area is not preserved? Mention one effect of it.

Biodiversity is defined as the variety of living organisms in a particular area. If biodiversity of an area is not preserved it can lead to environmental disasters such as forest fires and floods. It can lead to soil erosion and habitat loss of plants and animals which ultimately will cause the extinction of vulnerable species. It can cause climatic changes and ecosystem instability.

What is meant by biodiversity? List two advantages of conserving forest and wildlife as regions of biodiversity.

Biodiversity refers to the sum total of diversity at all levels of biological organisation.
Two advantages of conserving forests and wildlife:

It maintains balance in the ecosystem.
It increases rainfall and reduces noise and air pollution.
We depend on upon them for food, clothing, medicine and many other purposes.

Explain, giving three reasons, why tropics show greatest levels of species diversity.

There are three different reasons which explain why there is species richness in the tropics.

Tropical latitudes receive more solar energy than temperate regions, which leads to high productivity and high species diversity.
Tropical regions have less seasonal variations and have a more or less constant environment. This promotes the niche specialization and thus, high species richness.
Temperate regions were subjected to glaciations during the ice age, while tropical regions remained undisturbed which led to an increase in the species diversity in this region.

What is the difference between a national park and a biosphere reserve?

National Parks	Biosphere reserve
1.) Covers area from 0.04 to around 3614 sq km.	1.) Animals are protected in their original habitat.
2.) Made for the protection of a particular wildlife species.	2.) It includes national parks, wildlife sanctuary as well.
3.) It is open for tourism.	3.) No outside species are allowed except locals flora and fauna.
4.) No human activity is allowed inside it.	4.) It is used for conservation as well as research.
5.) Outside species are allowed to be habitat.	5.) It extends up to the area of 5000-6000 sq km.
6.) Examples:- (1)Kaziranga National Park (Assam), (2) Sundarbans National Park (West Bengal)	6.) Examples:- (1)Panna, M.P. (2)Nilgiri (Tamil Nadu-Kerala)

There are many animals that have become extinct in the wild but continue to be maintained in Zoological parks.
(i) What type of biodiversity conservation is observed in this case?
(ii) Explain any other two ways which help in this type of conservation.

(i) It is an example of ex-situ conservation (off-site conservation). In this approach, threatened plants and animals are taken out of their natural habitat and placed into suitable settings and given special care.

(ii) The ways by which ex-situ conservation can be done are:
Cryopreservation and tissue culture are two ways that help in ex-situ conservation.

In cryopreservation, gametes of threatened species are preserved in viable and fertile conditions at sub-zero temperatures, which help in preserving these cells for longer periods.

In tissue culture, plants are propagated from a small mass of tissue, called callus.

List any four techniques where the principle of ex-situ conservation of biodiversity has been employed.

Four techniques where the principle of ex-situ conservation of biodiversity has been employed are as follows:

Aquarium
Zoological parks
Botanical garden
Seed bank
Tissue culture
Gene bank

Many plants and animals species are on the verge of their extinction because of loss of forest land by indiscriminate use by the humans. As biology student what method would you suggest along with its advantages that can protect such threatened species from getting extinct?

As a biology student, I would think of the following methods that can protect these threatened species from becoming extinct:

Ex-situ conservation - The threatened species of plants and animals are taken out of their habitats and are kept in special settings such as zoological parks, botanical gardens and wildlife parks.
Nowadays, the gametes of endangered species can be preserved by methods such as cryopreservation and can be fertilized in vitro followed by propagation through tissue culture methods.
Seeds can be preserved in seed banks. This method is an off-site conservation method.

Name the type of biodiversity represented by the following.
(a) 50,000 different strains of rice in India
(b) Estuaries and alpine meadows in India

(a) 50,000 different strains of rice in India: Genetic diversity

(b) Estuaries and alpine meadows in India: Ecological diversity

How can you say that India is rich in its fanna?

Our country has more than $$89,000$$ of animal species. It has more than $$1200$$ species of birds. They constitute $$13\%$$ of the world's total. There are $$2500$$ species of fish, which account for nearly $$12\%$$ of the world's stock. It also shares between $$5$$ and $$8$$ per cent of the world's amphibians, reptiles and mammals.

Give three hypotheses for explaining why tropics show greatest levels of species richness.

Explanation:

The tropics are abundant in biodiversity because:

Tropical latitudes receive greater solar energy than temperate zones, leading to ] greater productivity and biodiversity.
There are limited seasonal alterations in tropical areas and they have a more or less stable environment. This facilitates the specialization of the niche and greater speciation.

During the ice age, temperate regions were sensitive to glaciations, whereas tropical areas stayed steady, participating in an increase in species diversity in the region.

Attempt giving a clear definition of the term species.

A group of organisms which have the ability to interbreed and produce fertile offspring are called as species. The member of species does not breed with members of other species.

How is biodiversity important for ecosystem functioning?

Biodiversity is the variety of life forms in an ecosystem. An ecosystem that is rich in biodiversity stabilizes the net productivity and makes the ecosystem more resistant to exotic species. It maintains the ecosystem by maintaining the food chain. A healthy food chain contains a variety of organisms in each trophic level which helps in energy flow in the successive trophic levels. Therefore, biodiversity is important to the ecosystem.

Discuss the role of women and communities in protection and conservation of forests.

Local communities in sacred groves have religious sentiments for the local flora. Bishnoi woman named Amrita Devi along with her daughter and several other women of Bishnoi village laid the foundation of Chipko movement in 1731 by embracing the trees to stop king personnel from cutting them and lost their lives. The Chipko movement, 1974 in the Garhwal region of the Himalayas was another brave step from villagers to prevent cutting the forest by embracing them.

How are moist deciduous forests different from dry deciduous forests?

Difference between moist deciduous forests different from dry deciduous forests:

Moist Deciduous Forests	Dry Deciduous Forests
(i) Found in areas receiving rainfall between $$200$$ and $$100$$cm.	(i) Found in areas having rainfall between $$100$$cm and $$70$$cm.
(ii) These forests exist, therefore, mostly in the eastern part of the country-northeastern states, along the foothills of the Himalayas, Jharkhand, West Orissa and Chhattisgarh, and on the eastern slopes of the Weestern Ghats.	(ii) These forests are found in the rainier parts of the peninsular plateau and the plains of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
(iii) Teak is the most important species of this forest. Bamboo, sal, shisham, khair, kusum are other commercial species.	(iii) Important trees found in these forests are teak, sal, peepal, neem.

Name the three important components of biodiversity.

Biodiversity is the various types of organisms in the ecosystem. Genetic diversity, species diversity and ecosystem diversity are three important components of biodiversity. Genetic diversity takes into account the genetic variations present in a species whereas ecosystem diversity refers to types of ecosystem present on earth. Species diversity refers to species richness.

The species diversity of plants ($$22$$ percent) is much less than that of animals ($$72$$ percent). What could be the explanations to how animals achieved greater diversification?

Adaptations are the modifications in behavior, physiology, anatomy or any other aspect of living organisms that allow them to inhabit a wide range of habitats. Further, the animal becomes adapted to changing climate more quickly as compared to that of plant species. This results in higher species diversity of animals on earth as compared to that of plants. For example, animals have developed the complex nervous system and endocrinal system to regulate the body function whereas plants have only hormonal regulation.

Write the medicianl properties of the following plants.
$$\bullet$$ Sarpagandha
$$\bullet$$ Kachnar
$$\bullet$$ Jamun
$$\bullet$$ Arjun
$$\bullet$$ Babool
$$\bullet$$ Neem

Sarpagandha: It is used to treat blood pressure.
Kachnar: It is used to cure asthma and ulcers. It buds and roots are good for digestive problems.
Jamun: The powder of its seeds is used for controlling diabetes. The juice prepared from its ripe fruit is used to prepare vinegar.
Babool: Its leaves are used as a cure for eye sores.
Neem: It has high antibiotic and anti-bacterial properties.

Why does a candle get extinguished when covered with a tumbler?

Flame needs oxygen for burning and covered flame will extinguish as soon as the supply of oxygen is finished.

Why is it necessary to add manure or fertiliser to the field to get a good crop?

Plants take nutrients from the soil to grow and fertilisers supply these nutrients.

What steps you would like to follow on your part to conserve biodiversity?

The regions in which there is biodiversity of plants can be protected. The plants which are endangered can be protected and new plants of the same species can be cultivated and preserved. Reduce the waste, recycle the wastes and reuse the resources. Use of organic foods to enhance biodiversity. Hunting of animals and birds should not be performed.

Write any four national efforts for the conservation of natural resources.

(i) Centre for Science and Environment, Delhi deals with the national environmental problems and send their suggestion for its remedial steps to the central government.

(ii) Some of the national parks of India such as Corbett National park in Uttar Pradesh, Kanha National Park Madhya Pradesh are for conservation of tigers. The Gir Sanctuary in Gujrat harbors the lion and Kaziranga National Park in Assam are for the protection of the Indian rhinos.

(iii) In India, 66 national parks and 365 sanctuaries have been established for vegetation and wildlife protection.

(iv) Zoological survey of India and Botanical survey of India have made a ten year plan to protect the ecological system.

a) What is endemism?
b) Mention 'The Evil Quartet' of biodiversity loss.

a) Endemism is the condition in which the species of the organism is found specific in certain specific regions. For example, the species of lemurs are found isolated in certain regions of Madagascar.

b) The evil quartet is the concept which describes the reasons which cause a decrease in the number of species. There is a loss of biodiversity due to main four reasons which were known as the four horsemen. The reasons are overexploitation, loss of habitat, the introduction of the exotic species and the extinction of species continuously. These reasons were studied by the researchers and were put forward as the main reasons for the future extinction of the species.

What are sacred groves? Mention any two examples.

The sacred grooves are the trees which are considered as socially, culturally, medicinally or religiously important. The common examples of sacred grooves are Ficus Religiosa (Peepal) tree and Ficus benghalensis (Banyan) tree. Tese trees are considered as religiously important due to their huge production of oxygen and helping in maintaining the balance in the atmosphere.

On earth, life exists even in extreme and harsh conditions. Mention any two major biomes in India.

India is rich in biodiversity. Two of its harsh biomes are

1)The Himalayan Alpine ranges in India is at a high altitude. The air is very thin and dry with very low precipitation level. Rhododendron Oak, laurel and chestnut trees are found in these regions. Animals such as yak, tiger, leopard and the Asian elephant are found.

2) Another biome is the desert biome that occupies most of Rajasthan and parts of Gujrat. It is part of Thar desert and has monsoon rains and dust storms. In the winter the temperatures fall below freezing point and the temperature in summer reaches more than 125 degrees Fahrenheit. But still, it supports life in the form of plants such as cactus. Animals such as camels, desert cats, blackbucks Indian Gazelle and Great Indian Bustard are found here.

Suggest two practices giving one example of each, that help protect rare or threatened species.

The rare and threatened species can be protected and conserved by the development of national parks and sanctuaries.
The area with these species can be included under biodiversity hotspots which will prevent the death and loss of species due to hunting and poaching.

What is biodiversity? Write three efforts for conservation of biodiversity.

Bio-diversity is the variety of organisms which include plants, animals, and microbes in a particular habitat.

The effects for the conservation of bio-diversity are as follows:

(1) In order to conserve bio-diversity, the government has stepped up 85 national parks, 447 wildlife sanctuaries in the country.

(2) Species that have been identified as threatened or particularly endangered or anyhow important for bio-diversity can be preserved in suitable locations outside their natural habitat.

(3) Seed banks are the most efficient and effective method of long-term storage of a large number of accessions of diverse orthodox seed species which could not be maintained at ultra low temperature $$(20^oC)$$ with reduced seed moisture.

Answer in 3 to 5 sentences:
Define biodiversity. Write any two types of biodiversity.

Biodiversity is the variation of life found on earth. It is of two types-

1) Genetic biodiversity and 2) Ecological biodiversity

1) Genetic biodiversity is the diversity in genes present within a species.

2) Ecological biodiversity is the diversity of ecosystems and habitats. It includes the different ways in which species interact with each other and the environment.

a) Distinguish between two types of bio diversity conservations.
b)"Nature provides all for the need of man but not for his greed."
Do you agree with his statement? Justify your answer.

In-situ conservation	In-situ conservation
In-situ means conservation in the natural habitat.	Ex-situ means offsite conservation.
It is the conservation of genetic resources in natural populations of plant or animal species. Example- Biosphere reserve.	It is the process of protecting an endangered species of plant or animal outside its natural habitat Example- seed bank, botanical garden.

b) Enough of resources are available to sustain life on earth. But man has been exploiting these resources to such a great extent that some of them are on the verge of extinction.

Cutting down of trees on a large scale for urbanization, cultivation and other selfish needs of man ha resulted in a decrease in the number of flora and fauna. Fossil fuels are also being depleted due to their continuous use. These components cannot be replenished in a short duration of time as they are nonrenewable. Hence, 'Nature provides all for the need of man but not for his greed'.

We have a moral responsibility to take good care of earth's biodiversity and pass it on in good order to next generation.
(a) Define biodiversity.
(b) Write causes for biodiversity losses.
(c) Name two types of biodiversity conversation.

Biodiversity is the genetic variation of the life forms found on the earth. It is of two types- 1) Genetic biodiversity and 2) Ecological biodiversity.

Causes of biodiversity loss:

Overpopulation
Pollution
Deforestation
Invasive species
Habitat loss and fragmentation

There are two types of biodiversity conservation methods as: in situ and ex situ conservation. The in situ conservation includes the national parks and sanctuaries. The ex-situ conservation includes herbarium and botanical gardens.

Explain how animals dwelling in the forest help it grow and regenerate

Different types of animals like herbivores, carnivores, micro-organisms, etc. are found in the forests. They help in growing and regenerating forests in many ways

(i) The dead plants and animals are converted to humus by the microorganisms. This humus helps in returning the nutrients back to the soil which is absorbed by the plants.

(ii) Herbivores clear the ground by eating grass and in a way help in the growth of new vegetation.

(iii) Animals also help in dispersing the seeds of certain plants.

(iv) The decaying animal dung provides nutrients to various types of seedlings to grow.

(v) Dungs of animals provide nutrient to various types of seedlings to grow.

Explain why there is a need of variety of animals and plants in a forest

Forests are the essential life on earth. All plants and animals continue to live in forest life.
Forest plays an important role in the ecological balance, environmental balance, etc.
Each and every living being in the forest is interconnected so that the carbon dioxide and oxygen cycle will be balanced and when anyone among them is out of balance it results in the entire organisms being weakened.
When animals and plants die, the various microorganisms present in the soil helps to convert the dead and decayed matter into humus and thus the fertility of soil can be increased which boosts up the plant growth.
All food chains and food webs need a variety of plants and animals.

Observe the concept diagram of the Evil Quartet of biodiversity loss.
(a) Write A and B.
(b) What is Co-Extinction?

(a) Evil Quartet is the four highlighted threats to the biodiversity such as over-exploitation, co-extinction, habitat destruction or fragmentation and the introduction of new species.

(b) Co-extinction is the process of loss of one species due to the loss of another species or the loss of host species due to the loss of parasite population.

The tropical rainforests has a large population of animals. Explain why it is so.

Because of continuous warmth and rain, the tropical region supports an enormous number and a wide variety of animals.

Which regions of the earth would show rich biological diversity ?

Tropical rainforest shows rich biological diversity. About 50% of the living organisms are found in this region. It occupies about 8% of the total area of the earth.

Why do the wild animals rarely reproduce in zoo ?

The area for free movement of wild animals is reduced which retard reproductive capacity of certain wild animals like rhino, tiger, bison, etc. This is one of the reasons why the wild animals in the zoo rarely reproduce.

Match the columns and find out the correct combination.

A) Rhinoceros is being protected at Kaziranga national park in Assam.

B) Bandipur national park is famous for tigers located in Karnataka.

C) Assemblage protection is given to many birds in the Keoladeo national park, Bharatpur.

D) Silent Valley is a tropical evergreen forest in Kerala.

So, the correct answer is 'A-3, B-5, C-1, and D-2'.

Match the lists and find the correct option.

A) Jim Corbett National Park is located in Uttarakhand and is famous for tigers.

B) Kaziranga National Park is located in Assam and is famous for one-horned rhinoceros.

C) Mahavir Harina Vanasthalli National Park is located in Andhra Pradesh and is famous for deer.

D) Keoladeo Ghana National Park is located in Rajasthan and is famous for Siberian cranes.

So, the correct answer is 'A-4, B-5, C-2, and D-3'.

Define hotspots.

A hotspot is a geographic region that is a reservoir of biodiversity and is highly vulnerable because of destruction. There are 35 biodiversity hotspots identified around the world. Forest is an example of biodiversity hotspot.

Who first coined the term biodiversity and in which year?

The term biodiversity coined by Walter G. Rosen in 1985.

Give a reason for the following.
Equilibrium of a forest ecosystem can be disturbed by uncontrolled hunting of big predators.

Equilibrium of a forest ecosystem can be disturbed by uncontrolled hunting of big predators as the population of herbivores will increase rapidly due to hunting of big predator. It may result in exhaustion of vegetation and lead to the death of organisms.

What are hot spots? Define it.

The concept of hot spots was given by Norman Myers in 1988. Hot spots are the areas that are extremely rich in species diversity, have high endemism, and are under constant threat. Among the 34 hotspots of the world, two are found in India extending into neighboring countries- the Western Ghats and the Indo Burma region covering Eastern Himalayas.

The criteria for determining a hotspot is:

1. The number of endemic species i.e. the species which are found nowhere else.

2. The degree of threat, which is measured in terms of habitat loss.

Define the term biodiversity.

The sum total of species richness, i.e., the number of species of plants, animals and micro-organisms inhabiting in a given habitat is known as biodiversity.

What is the importance of preserving germplasm of wild species?

Germplasm preservation is important to maintain the genetic diversity in the population , to study the local genetic material and under utilised species and also to choose species suited to these areas .

What is so special about tropics that might account for their greater biological diversity?

Ecologists and evolutionary biologists have proposed various hypotheses; some important ones are (a) speciation is generally a function of time, unlike temperate regions subjected to frequent glaciations in the past, tropical latitudes have remained relatively undisturbed for millions of years and thus, had a long evolutionary time for species diversification; (b) tropical environments, unlike temperate ones, are less seasonal, relatively more constant and predictable. Such constant environments promote niche specialization and lead to a greater species diversity, and (c) there is more solar energy available in the tropics which contributes to higher productivity; this in turn might contribute indirectly to greater diversity.

How can you differentiate genomic library and cDNA library?

A genomic library is prepared from the total DNA of a cell line or tissue, whereas acDNA library represents the population of mRNAs in a tissue.
Genomic DNA libraries are prepared by performing partial digestion of total DNA with a restriction enzyme that cuts DNA frequently. On the other hand, cDNA libraries are prepared by first isolating all the mRNAs in a tissue and then copying these molecules into double-stranded DNA, using the enzymes reverse transcriptase and DNA polymerase.

How many categories can biodiversity be divided into?

Biodiversity is the sum of all the different species of plant, animal, microbial organism, fungi living on Earth and the variety of habitats in which they live. Biodiversity is mainly divided into three types:

1. Genetic diversity

2. Species diversity

3. Ecosystem diversity

Write short note on cryopreservation.

Cryopreservation is the use of very low temperature to preserve structurally intact living cells and tissues.
Unprotected freezing is normally lethal and this seeks involved process in cooling to produce stable condition that preserve life.
It is the process preserve organelles, cells, tissue, or any other biological constructs by cooling the sample to very low temperature.

Name the type of biodiversity represented by $$50,000$$ different strains of rice in India

$$50,000$$ different strains of rice in India are due to genetic and specific diversity

Give three hypotheses for explaining why tropics show the greatest levels of species richness.

Explanation:

The various hypotheses proposed by ecologists and evolutionary biologists for explaining greater biological diversity in tropics are:
Unlike temperate regions, there are no glaciations in tropical areas. As there is no large-scale destruction, the organisms living in the tropics continued to flourish and had along evolutionary time for the formation of new species.
The tropical environment is non-seasonal, a nearly more constant and predictable environment promotes niche specialization and increased species diversity.
There is high productivity due to the availability of more solar energy, which indirectly contributes to higher species diversity.

Name animal species for which India is centre of biodiversity.

The animal species for which India is a centre of biodiversity are Mithun (Bos frontalis), Indian giant squirrel (Ratufa indica), Peacock (Pavo cristatus), Gaur (Bos gaurus), snow leopard (Panthera uncia)

The species diversity of plants $$(22\%)$$ is much less that that of animals $$(72\%)$$. What could be the explanations to how animals achieved greater diversification?

Animals have achieved greater diversification than plants due to reasons :
(i) They have nervous system to receive stimuli and respond against them Most of their responses are adaptive for their survival in changing environment.
(ii) They are mobile and to avoid competition. They show niche specialization.
(iii) They are subjected to less seasonal and more constant environment. Plants are fixed and require fewer evolutionary adaptations in order to obtain their requirement of water, minerals and sunlight or avoid destruction due to excessive herbivory. All this has resulted in higher species diversity among animals than plants.

India has more than $$50,000$$ strains of rice. Mention the level of biodiversity it represents.

India has more than 50,000 strains of rice the level of biodiversity is genetic diversity because the genetic composition is variable among individuals within the same species. It can be caused due to recombination, random mating, mutation etc. It helps in better adaptation towards changing environment.

In the biospere immense biological diversity exists at all levels of biological organisation. Explain any two levels of biodiversity.

The biological diversity is divided in hierarchy level -genetic diversity, species diversity and community, and ecosystem diversity.

Genetic diversity is the diversity in the number and type of genes as well as chromosome present in different species and the variation in the genes and their aliens in the same species.

Species diversity is the variety in the number and richness of a species of a region. The number of species per unit area is known as species richness. The number of individuals of different species represents species evenness.

Where would you expect more species biodiversity in tropics or in polar regions ? Give reasons in support of your answer.

It is generally seen that there is more biodiversity in the tropical region than the temperate region because of a variety of factors.First being the constant temperature and climate. The temperate region has a severe climate which makes it very hard for animals to survive in such extreme climatic condition. The tropical forest has a stable ecosystem as well as a suitable climatic condition and favourable reproductive environment for animal and species to thrive. The tropical region has undergone very fewer changes over the course of evolution which give them better stability and the species that evolved there as compared to the temperate region which has undergone massive calamities in the past.

One Mark Questions :
Name the type of biodiversity represented by the following :
$$1000$$ varieties of mangoes in India.

Genetic diversity is the total number of genetic characteristics in the genetic makeup of a species. It is distinguished from genetic variability, which describes the tendency of genetic characteristics to vary.

Genetic diversity serves as a way for populations to adapt to changing environments. With more variation, it is more likely that some individuals in a population will possess variations of alleles that are suited for the environment. Those individuals are more likely to survive to produce offspring bearing that allele. The population will continue for more generations because of the success of these individuals.

1000 varieties of mangoes in India is thus an example of genetic diversity.

Giving two reasons explain why there is more species of biodiversity in tropical latitudes than in temperate ones.

It is generally seen that there is more biodiversity in the tropical region than the temperate region because of a variety of factors:

First is the constant temperature and climate. The temperate region has a severe climate which makes it very hard for animals to survive in such extreme climatic condition. The tropical forest has a stable ecosystem as well as a suitable climatic condition and favorable reproductive environment for animal and species to thrive. The tropical region has undergone very fewer changes over the course of evolution which give them better stability and the species that evolved there as compared to the temperate region which has undergone massive calamities in the past.

Why certain regions have been declared as biodiversity "hot spots" by environmentalists of the world? Name any two "hot spot" regions of India.

Biodiversity refers to the variety and variability among living organism and their classical complexes in which they occur. Hotspot of biodiversity are the areas which have a high density of biodiversity or megadiversity which are the most threatened points. All over the world, 25 terrestrial hotspots have been identified for the conservation of biodiversity. Out of these 15 hotspots have the tropical forest, 5 acres and Mediterranean time zones and 9 hotspots are present in tropics. Out of 25 hotspots of the world tour found in India. These are the Western Ghats and the eastern Himalayas.

State the use of biodiversity in modern agriculture.

Biodiversity provides numerous direct and indirect services to human beings for example-

A variety of plants and animals provide a vast variety of food and fabrics.

Maintenance of ecological balance and ecological stability.

Reserve in biodiversity provides economic benefits which include improving the desirable characteristics of the crops, making plants more pest resistant, providing medicines to treat and cure illness, supporting eco-tourism and providing enjoyment to individuals.

Justify with example where a deliberate attempt by humans has led to the extinction of particular species.

Threats to biodiversity are-

Destruction of habitat which leads to deprivation of shelter and food for animals. Pollution which is a subtle form of habitat destruction which may reduce and eliminate the population of sensitive species.

Introduction of exotic species- new species may kill or eat native species to the point of extinction or may alter the habitat that many natives are no longer able to persist. Disturbance and degradation of habitat-natural disturbances and degradation are caused by spontaneous jungle fire, pest infection deforestation, by an insect, locust attack etcetera. Man-made disturbances and degradation and more severe. They include felling of trees use of fire for clearing forest areas, a collection of litter and overexploitation for other economic important products point disturbances and degradation result in a loss of biodiversity.

Differentiate between in situ and ex situ approaches of conservation of biodiversity.

In situ conservation is the production and management of important components of biological diversity through a network of protected areas. This can be wildlife sanctuaries, national parks, biosphere reserves etc.

Ex situ conservation is the conservation of selected rare plants or animals in places outside the natural forms. Ex-situ conservation includes off-site collection and gene banks.

"Stability of a community depends upon its species richness" Write how did David Tilman show this experimentally.

David Tilman's long term ecosystem experiment shows that plots with more species show less year-to-year variation in total biomass. Hence, the stability of the community depends on the species richness.
He also showed in his experiment that, increased diversity contributed to higher productivity.

List any four techniques where principle of ex-situ conservation of biodiversity has been employed.

Ex situ conservation is conserving the animals and plant outside the natural habitat.

Ex situ conservation includes offsite collection and gene banks.

Offsite collections are the live collection of file and domesticated species in the botanical garden.

Gene bank is an institution where available plant material is preserved in a viable condition.

Seed Bank stores seed in viable state

Zoos or zoological arks are places where animals are kept in captivity and bred.

Explain giving three reasons, why tropics show greatest levels of species diversity

It is generally seen that there is more biodiversity in the tropical region than the temperate region because of a variety of factors.

First is the constant temperature and climate. The temperate region has a severe climate which makes it very hard for animals to survive in such extreme climatic condition. The tropical forest has a stable ecosystem as well as a suitable climatic condition and favorable reproductive environment for animal and species to thrive.

The tropical region has undergone very fewer changes over the course of evolution which give them better stability and the species that evolved there as compared to the temperate region which has undergone massive calamities in the past.

A particular species of wild cat is endangered. In order to save it from extinction which is a desirable approach, in situ or ex situ. Justify your answer.

Ex situ is a desirable approach to protect the wild cat. The organism is protected outside their natural habitat where special care is taken to protect them.

By using cryopreservation techniques, gametes of threatened species can be preserved under very low temperature.

Why should we conserve biodiversity? How can we do it?

Biodiversity provides numerous direct and indirect services to human beings. The diversity of plants and animals produces a vast variety of food and fabrics.

Maintenance of ecological balance for ecosystem stability.

Preserving biodiversity provides an economic benefit which includes improving the desirable characters of crop making plants more pest resistant, providing medicine to treat and cure illness and supporting ecotourism and providing enjoyment for individuals.

Biodiversity integers the life of people and industrialized old and developed countries and provide the means of survival for people and developing countries. Conservation of biodiversity conservation in protected area network which has national parks and biosphere reserves.

Compare narrowly utilitarian and broadly utilitarian approaches to conserve biodiversity with the help of suitable examples.

Narrow utilitarian approach for the conservation of biodiversity is because of all the advantages that human-derived from the biodiversity and the nature around it. It includes all the word commercial things that the forests provide us. A narrow utilitarian aspect usually deals with the benefits of the human.

The broad utilitarian method or approach for conservation of biodiversity is basically protecting the nature because of all the benefit and the moral responsibility that humans have towards nature.

What is biodiversity? Why has it become important recently?

Biodiversity is the variety and variability among living organism and the ecological complexes in which they occur. It differs from place to place and habitat to habitat. There is a loss of biodiversity due to increased destruction of habitats disturbances and degradation of habitats, pollution, introduction to exotic species and a large number of extinction of a variety of species.

Biodiversity is important as there is a dire need to conserve the extinct biodiversity.

Many plant and animal species are on the verge of their extinction because of loss of forest land by indiscriminate use by humans. As a biology student what method would you suggest along with its advantage that can protect such threatened species from getting extinct.

New species entering the geographical region are known as alien species. Introduction of alien species causes a significant loss to the biological community. However, some of the species are able to establish the area. Such successful exotic species eliminate the native species to the point of extinction, and so alter the habitat that many native species are no longer able to persist.

For example introduction of Nile perch into Lake Victoria disturbed the ecosystem of the lake by eliminating several native species of small cichlid fishes.

The destruction of natural habitat is the primary threat to biodiversity. When the natural habitats are diminished then the flora and fauna have no place to survive and thrive and it will lead to the extinction.

California Condor a sky scavenger, which is the largest flying bird has been severely affected by human cleanliness.

There are many animals that have become extinct in the wild but continue to be maintained in zoological parks.
(a) What type of biodiversity conservation is observed in this case?
(b) Explain any other two-ways which help in this type to conservation.

(i)It is an example of ex-situ conservation. In this approach, threatened plants and animals are taken out of their natural habitat and placed in suitable settings and given special care.
(ii) Cryopreservation and tissue culture are two ways that help in ex-situ conservation. In cryopreservation, gametes of threatened species are preserved in viable and fertile conditions at subzero temperatures, which helps in preserving these cells for longer periods. In tissue culture, plants are propagated from a small mass of tissue called callus.

Write short notes on the following.
Ex-situ conservation

Ex situ conservation is the conservation of selected rare plants or animals in places outside the natural forms.

Ex-situ conservation includes off-site collection and gene banks. Ex situ conservation is conserving the animals and plant outside the natural habitat.

Ex situ conservation includes offsite collection and gene banks.

Offsite collections are the live collection of file and domesticated species in the botanical garden.

Gene bank is an institution where available plant material is preserved in a viable condition.

Seed Bank stores seed in the viable state

Zoos or zoological parks are places where animals are kept in captivity and bred.

Write short notes on the following.
Hot spots of biodiversity

A Biodiversity Hotspot is a region with a significant reservoir of plants, animals, and other life that is under threat from humans. These areas are with very high levels of species richness and high degree of endemism (that is, species confined to that region and not found anywhere else.

Around the world, 35 areas qualify as hotspots. Three of these hotspots – Western Ghats and Sri Lanka, Indo-Burma and Himalaya – cover our country’s exceptionally high biodiversity regions. Although all the biodiversity hotspots put together cover less than 2 percent of the earth’s land area, the number of species they collectively harbour is extremely high and strict protection of these hotspots could reduce the ongoing mass extinctions by almost 30 per cent.

Name the type of biodiversity represented by the following :
Variations in terms of potency and concentration of reserpine in Rauwolfia vomitoria growing in different regions of Himalayas.

It is an example of genetic diversity.

Genetic diversity is the diversity at the genetic level. It enables a population to adapt to its environment. Genetic variation in the medicinal plant Rauwolfia vomitoria growing in different Himalayan ranges might be in terms of the potency and concentration of the active chemical (reserpine) that the plant produces.

Name the type of biodiversity represented by the Estuaries and alpine meadows in India

$$\textbf {Solution:} $$ $$\textbf {Ecological Diversity} $$

$$\textbf {Estuary:} $$

$$\bullet$$ An estuary is a river's tidal mouth or a coastal bay where fresh and saltwater combine.

$$\bullet$$ Turbulence makes an estuary very productive.

$$\bullet$$ Temperature and salinity are both subject to change.

$$\bullet$$ Phytoplanktons, zooplankton, Nekton, and Benton are the most common living forms.

$$\textbf {Alpine meadows:} $$

$$\bullet$$ Alpine meadows is a habitat found at high elevations such as the Himalayas. It does not contain trees.

$$\bullet$$ Alpine forests are present at very high altitudes above 3500m such as in the Himalayas.

$$\bullet$$ Permafrost is the characteristic of this forest.

$$\bullet$$ It is a treeless region thus dwarf shrubs mainly of junipers, silver firs, and Rhododendrons are mainly present in this area.

White Bengal tigers are protected in a special setting in zoological parks.
Tiger reserves are maintained in the Western Ghats.
(a) How do these two approaches differ from each other? Mention the advantages of each one.

Zoological parks are an example of ex-situ conservation. Ex- situ conservation involves conservation of organisms outside their natural habitat.

Tiger reserves in the Western Ghats are examples of in-situ conservation. In-situ conservation involves the conservation of organisms in their natural habitat. The major aim of this type of conservation is to preserve natural areas of the organisms and maintain their number.

Ex-situ conservation has following advantages -

It involves protection of species from external threats like predation and poaching. The white tiger is an example.
It involves reintroduction of several organisms that have left their natural habitat.

In-situ conservation has following advantages -

It doesn’t involve removing species from their natural ecosystems.
It is not as disruptive as ex situ conservation, i.e. ecological integrity is maintained.
It involves protection of larger populations and conservation of organisms and their habitat as a whole.
The organism gets the opportunity to evolve.

Write two slogans to spread awareness about biodiversity.

1. Biodiversity we must keep, so in the future, we don’t weep.

2. Biodiversity is key to variety.

Write a note on largest bird sanctuary of Asia?

Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, now known as Keoladeo National Park is considered the largest in Asia. The Keoladeo National Park or Keoladeo Ghana National Park in Rajasthan, India is a famous avifauna sanctuary that sees (or saw) thousands of rare and highly endangered birds such as the Siberian Crane come here during the winter season. Over 230 species of birds are known to have made the National Park their home. It is also a major tourist centre with scores of ornithologists arriving here in the hibernal season. It was declared a protected sanctuary in 1971. It is also a declared World Heritage Site.

Write a note on only one floating National Park in India?

The Keibul Lamjao National Park (Kei- Tiger, Bul - vast, Lamjao-Land) is a national park in the Bishnupur district of the state of Manipur in India. It is the only floating park in the world, located in North East India, and an integral part of Loktak Lake. The national park is characterized by many floating decomposed plant materials locally called phumdis. To preserve the natural refuge of the endangered Manipur Eld's deer or brow-antlered deer (Cervus eldi eldi), or sangai also called the dancing deer, listed as an endangered species by IUCN, the park which was initially declared to be a sanctuary in 1966, was subsequently declared to be a national park in 1977 through a gazette notification. The act has generated local support and public awareness.

What is cryopreservation?

Cryopreservation is a technique used to preserve intact living cells, tissues, organelles, organs etc., by freezing them at a temperature of -196° C in liquid nitrogen. At such a low temperature, any chemical or enzymatic activity that can damage the biological material is stopped so the material is preserved for a long period of time.

When you see a park, sanctuary or a zoo with many kinds of plants and animals, how would you express your happiness? Write a few lines on them.

When I see a park or a sanctuary or a zoo with many kinds of plants and animals, I feel really very happy. I immerse myself in appreciating the nature, the flowers on the plants, the shade given by the trees. I watch in awe the various animals that are rarely seen. I appreciate their nature, shape, behavior and special reactions to seeing people.I will feel my happiness and pleasure in buying some food for the animals, if possible and affordable. It helps us to re-freshen our weary minds, after being completely fatigued by our regular works. Besides, observing the free life-styles of various animals and birds, their movements and their wandering-around provides much pleasure.

Animals like tiger are dangerous for humans; even then Project Tiger has been launched. Why should we protect such animals?

The tiger is a unique animal which plays a pivotal role in the health and diversity of an ecosystem. It is a top predator which is at the apex of the food chain and keeps the population of wild ungulates in check, thereby maintaining the balance between prey herbivores and the vegetation upon which they feed.

Project Tiger aims at ensuring a viable population of Bengal tigers in their natural habitats, protecting them from extinction, and preserving areas of biological importance as a natural heritage forever represented as close as possible the diversity of ecosystems across the tiger's distribution in the country.

Complete the statements using the given options and justify those statements.
(Geographic favourability, climate, weather, observatory)
Of the abiotic factors that affect biodiversity by far the most important is__________

The abiotic factor that affects biodiversity, by far the most is climate. The climatic conditions are responsible for the distribution of species. The equatorial region shows the largest biodiversity and it decreases towards the poles due to a cold climate.

Name the national park famous for lion and rhinoceros.

Rhinos, Tigers and Asiatic Lions itinerary integrates the most popular national parks of India. Kaziranga National Park is a national park is in the northeast state of Assam, India. A World Heritage Site, the park hosts two-thirds of the world's Great One-horned Rhinoceroses. On the other hand, Gir National Park is dry and deciduous which provides best habitat for Asiatic Lions. As per the new statics of 2015, the entire Saurashtra Region is inhabited by 523 Lions.

The population of an ...........animals is very small. If the population reduces to zero, the animal will becomes ...........

The population of an Endangered animal is very small. If the population reduces to zero, the animal will become Extinct.

Which National Park is called Mougli's land in India?

Pench National Park or Tiger Reserve is one of the premier tiger reserves of India is called Mougli's land. It is the first one to straddle across two states - Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. Ordinarily, the reference to Pench is mostly always to the tiger reserve in Madhya Pradesh(M.P).

The portion of the reserve that is in Madhya Pradesh is nestled in the southern slopes of the Satpura range of Central India. Pench Tiger Reserve comprises the Indira Priyadarshini Pench National Park, the Pench Mowgli Sanctuary and a buffer.

........... sanctuary of West Bengal is observed for tigers.

In Sundarban wildlife sanctuary mainly two animal species are observed, Royal Bengal Tiger and Saltwater Crocodile. In the case of Sundarban, it is difficult to categorize into a specific category like the national park, a biosphere or a sanctuary.

What happens when two animals having similar habits share one ecosystem? could you conserve this type of biodiversity?

When two animals having similar habits share one ecosystem, then the ecosystem will collapse. Both the organism will eat the same food, due to this shortage of food will arise.
Then this will create the competition between both the organism for their survival. Competition leads to the extinction of the one organism and the other organism will die after some time due to the shortage of food.
This type of biodiversity can be conserved, when both the animals change their food habit as well migrate to that place where the resource is available in excess for their survival.

Define genetic diversity.

Genetic diversity is the differences in DNA among individuals within a species or population. It can be caused by mutation, random mating, random fertilization, and recombination between homologous chromosomes during meiosis. Examples of genetic diversity include: A single species might show high diversity at the genetic level over its distributional range. The genetic variation shown by the medicinal plant Rauwolfia vomitoria growing in different Himalayan ranges might be in terms of the potency and concentration of the active chemical (reserpine) that the plant produces. India has more than 50,000 genetically different strains of rice and 1,000 varieties of mango.

'Organic manure is helpful to biodiversity'. How do you support this statement?

Organic fertilizers are fertilizers derived from animal matter, animal excreta, human excreta, and vegetable matter. Farmers can boost it by avoiding the use of pesticides, replacing chemical weeding with mechanical. Instead of using artificial fertilizers, organic manures should be used. Using this technique, the fertility of the soil is maintained. The fertility maintains the survival of many species and continuity of life on earth.

Setting up of National parks and wildlife sanctuaries helps in saving endangered animals.Discuss how?

Many animal species face extinction, because of their natural habitats being destroyed. National parks safeguard these habitats and provide a safe space for wildlife in which animals are kept in captivity in order to preserve the species. breed and survive. Without national parks, certain animal species are at greater risk of becoming extinct.

Natural pest controlling methods are useful to biodiversity. Explain.

Natural pest controlling methods includes using organic oils, genetically modified organisms, various agricultural methods, etc. The methods such as intercropping, crop rotation, mixed cropping, etc encourage the growth of different plants on the same piece of land. This not only replenishes the soil but also improves the biodiversity of that area. Growing the same crop over a long time rips the soil off its nutrients. Hence natural methods also help in improving biodiversity.

Differentiate between in situ and ex situ approaches to conserve biodiversity.

In - situ	Ex-situ
1) Done in the natural habitats of the biodiversity components	1) Done outside of their natural habitats
2) More dynamic	2) More static
3) Involves designation, management and monitoring of target taxa their natural habitats	3) They are not involving the natural evolution process
4) Populations remain within the ecosystem involving the process of evolution	4) They are not involve the natural evolution process
5) Time consuming but some sustainable	5) Aimed use in conserving genetic components, in immediate occasions.

Write a short note on 'Sacred Groves'.

Sacred groves are forest fragments of varying sizes, which are communally protected, and which usually have a significant religious connotation for the protecting community. Hunting and logging are usually strictly prohibited within these patches. Other forms of forest usage like honey collection and deadwood collection are sometimes allowed on a sustainable basis. In India, they are found in Rajasthan, Western Ghats of Karnataka,and Maharashtra, Meghalaya, and Madhya Pradesh.

Short answer question:
Why have forest reserves been established?

A forest reserve is a protected area of forest of importance for wildlife, flora, fauna or features of geological or other special interest, which is reserved and managed for conservation and to provide special opportunities for study or research. They have been established as a conservation scheme. By protection a forest you indirectly protect the animals living in it. It also not only saves animals but also plant species of the area. It is a great technique towards the conservation of plants and animals without rehabilitating them.

Short answer question:
What is biodiversity ? Why is it different in different places?

Biodiversity can be described as the sum total of all plants and animals found in a particular area. It is basically a measure of all variations found at the genetic, species, and ecosystem level. It is mainly influenced by the environmental, geographical, climatic and topographical conditions of an area. Only the animals that can adapt to a particular environment can live there. For example, freshwater fish rohu cannot survive in marine water bodies. Because of this, the fishes that survive on rohu can also not survive in marine habitats. Hence, the environmental conditions of an area govern the nature of its biodiversity and result in different places having different forms of biodiversity.

What are biodiversity hot spots? Name the biodiversity hot spots in India.

A biodiversity hotspot is a biogeographic region with significant levels of biodiversity that is threatened by human intervention.
The British biologist Norman Myers coined the term “biodiversity hotspot” in 1988.
The main four biodiversity hot spots of India are -

1. Himalaya
2. Indo-Burma
3. Western Ghats
4. Sundalands

Short answer question:
What do you understand by conservation?

Conservation is planned management of a natural resource to prevent exploitation, destruction, or neglect of the resource. It may more specifically be used for preserving biodiversity, environment or natural resources. It is done so that future generations can also have the advantage of the resources. Various programs are made for conservation of different resources like Project Tiger for tigers, Save Ganga for Ganga river.

Write short notes.
Biodiversity

Biodiversity defines the variety of living beings on the planet. The variation includes the life of animals, plants, microorganisms, ecosystem, deserts, forests, etc.
Biodiversity deals with the amount and especially habitat of different species sustaining within a particular area.
Human activities have destroyed the habitat of other living beings which has impacted the ecosystem badly. Various species of life depend on each other for survival which keeps the ecological pyramid going.

A zoo serves the same purpose as a wildlife sanctuary. Do you agree ? Give reasons for your answer.

Zoological parks or zoo and wildlife sanctuaries are both areas constructed for the conservation of animals. While wildlife sanctuaries are natural habitats of the animals, in zoos they are kept in captivity. Even with the differences, the main aim of both zoos and wildlife sanctuaries is to protect animals. Their norms and regulations might vary but their purpose is the same.

Which natural resources are called the ''biodiversity hot spots"? How these hot spots maintain ecological balance

Forests are known as Biodiversity Hotspots. They have a number of different species of birds, animals, and plants and hence are rich in biodiversity. They help in maintaining ecological balance by recycling and storing nutrients, provide oxygen and remove carbon dioxide from the air, combat pollution, stabilize the climate, protect water resources, form and protect soil and maintain eco-balance.

What are the types of mounting involved in the preparation of slides?

There are four common ways to mount a microscope slide as described below:

Dry Mount
Wet Mount
Section Mount

Prepare an essay to give a talk on biodiversity and conservation?

Biodiversity includes the diversity of the plant and animal species present in the earth including the microorganisms and the environment in which these organisms live. Several in-situ and ex-situ conservation strategies have been introduced that helps preserve the biodiversity. The conservation of the biodiversity of the earth is necessary due to several reasons:

They help keep the food chain balanced and maintain the ecological diversity of the earth.
It helps preserve the genetic diversity of plant and animal species.

Explain two argument that are put forward in support of biodiversity conversation.

Biodiversity is important on earth as it is seen that the ecosystem in which biodiversity is higher productivity is also more. Maintaining biodiversity will help us to have a more productive ecosystem.

It is well said that no species can live in isolation not even humans, so rich biodiversity is very important for us to live. Therefore biodiversity should be conserved to have a healthy, productive ecosystem.

Why have the Western Ghats in India been considered as biological hot spot?

A hotspot of Biodiversity in India. The Western Ghats. a 1600 km long mountain range that runs parallel to the western coast of India is one of the world's eight “hottest” hotspots in terms of their significance for biodiversity conservation efforts.

Explain patterns of bio diversity w.r.t latitude gradients and species area relationship.

The latitude gradients basically refer to the change in biodiversity at various latitude, it is observed that the diversity decreases with high latitude due which it is observed that the diversity is much vast at the equator than at the poles. As we move away from the equator the diversity tends to decrease while the latitude is increasing.

Species-area relationship refers to the number of species, type of species living in a particular habitat.

What are Sacred-grooves ?

Sacred groves are tracts of forests that have religious significance for a community and hence, are protected by the community. They are helpful to the environment because due to their religious significance, no logging or hunting activity takes place there. Hence, these forests remain in their pristine form providing a safe habitat to many animal species. Hence, the area around such sacred groves is protected from environmental degradation.

Prepare some slogans or a pamphlet to make aware of people about conservation of biodiversity.

Flora and fauna all are co-related, animals and flowers need not to be hated.
Don’t let species go extinct, in this world we are all linked.
Protect nature to be protected.
All for one and one for all, keep Biodiversity or our future may fall.

What do you understand by biodiversity? How can you say that there are variations present in them?

The biological diversity of flora and fauna present in an ecosystem along with the surrounding environment is known as the biodiversity of a region. Several different species of plants and animals that are widely diverse in their genetic composition is seen to be present in the biodiversity of a region. Across a region variations in the flora and fauna is seen and multiple species may be seen in a single region.

How can one conserve the biodiversity in india?

India is one among the 17 mega diverse countries of the world. But many plants and animals are facing threat of extinction. To protect the critically endangered and other threatened animal and plant species, Government of India has adopted many steps, laws and policy initiatives.

List six advantages of ''ex-situ'' approach to conservation of biodiversity.

Advantages of ex-situ approach –

Threatened plants and animals can be protected and given special cases.
Animals that have become extinct in the wild but can continued to be maintained in zoological parks.
Gametes of threatened species can be preserved in viable and fertile conditions for long periods using cryopreservation techniques.
Eggs can be fertilized in vitro and plants can be propagated using tissue culture methods.
Seeds of commercially important plants can be kept for long periods in seed banks
Endangered or threatened plants can be saved from extinction by keeping them in botanical gardens.

"Forests are Bio-diversity hot spots"? Justify this statement.

Forests are Bio-diversity hot spots because forests consists different life forms and number of species . There are large number of species of microorganisms, plants, animals, fungi etc. Biodiversity of a particular area is defined by number of species found in the place. So, forests are hot spot of biodiversity.

Explain any two most important levels of biological organisation showing biodiversity with the help of an example each.

The two important levels of biological organization showing biodiversity are -

(i) Genetic Diversity- A single species might show high diversity at the genetic level over its distribution range.

Example - The genetic variation shown by the medicinal plant Rauwolfia vomitoria growing in different Himalayan ranges might be in terms of potency and concentration of the active chemical that the plant produces. India has more than 50,000 genetically different strains of rice and 1000 varieties of mango.

(ii) Species Diversity - The diversity at the species level.

Example- the Western Ghats have a greater amphibian species diversity than the Eastern Ghats.

Answer the following.

How biodiversity can be conserved?

Two approaches followed for the conservation of biodiversity are:
• In-situ conservation: In order to conserve biodiversity better, biodiversity hotspots all around the world have been identified and protected. In India, biosphere reserves, wildlife sanctuaries, and national parks have been developed for this purpose.

• Ex-situ conservation: The threatened species of plants and animals are taken out of their habitats and are kept in special settings such as zoological parks, botanical gardens, and wildlife parks. Nowadays, the gametes of endangered species can be preserved by methods such as cryopreservation. They can also be fertilized in-vitro followed by propagation through tissue culture methods. Similarly, seeds can be preserved in seed banks.

Write on the types and examples of biodiversity.

Answer:

Biodiversity describes the richness and variety of life on earth. It is the most complex and important feature of our planet. Without biodiversity, life would not sustain.

It includes the number of different organisms and their relative frequencies in an ecosystem. It also reflects the organization of organisms at different levels.

There are the following three different types of biodiversity:

Genetic Biodiversity: Species diversity refers to the variety of different types of species found in a particular area. For example, humans show a lot of diversity among themselves.
Species Biodiversity: It refers to the variations among the genetic resources of the organisms. For example: There are different varieties in the same species of rice, wheat, maize, barley, etc.
Ecological Biodiversity: An ecosystem is a collection of living and non-living organisms and their interaction with each other. Diversity in different ecosystems like deserts, rainforests, mangroves, etc., include ecological diversity.

Write the names of biodiversity hot spots.

Biodiversity hotspots are regions with high species richness and high degree of endemism.
Endemism is the indigenousness of a species to a particular region.
Western Ghats, Sri Lanka, Himalaya and Indo-Burma are the high biodiversity regions that cover India.

Explain any three ways other than zoological parks, botanical gardens and wildlife safaries, by which threatened species of plants and animals are being conserved 'ex situ'.

Ways other than zoological parks, botanical gardens and wildlife safaris, by which threatened species of plants and animals are being conserved 'ex-situ' -

Seed banks - A seed bank is a type of gene bank where seeds of different crops and rare plant species are stored for future use. Seed banks are created to maintain and protect biodiversity, where samples of all species are collected and stored.
cryopreservation - Preservation at $$-196^oC$$ in liquid nitrogen can maintain tissue culture, embryos, animal cells or tissues, gametes indefinitely. The cryopreserved material is revived through special techniques when required. To prevent extinction, endangered organisms are being cryopreserved are being so that they can be revived to help in conservation.
Home garden - They helps in preserving important plants like shrubs, medicine plant.

State the meaning of biodiversity hotspots. What is the criteria for measuring biodiversity of an area?

Forests where a large number of flora and fauna species are found are termed as biodiversity hotspots. The criteria for measuring biodiversity are-
a. Number of species found in that area.
b. Range of different life forms like algae, bacteria, mosses, flowering plants, insects, animals, birds etc.

Which projects will you run in relation to environmental conservation? How?

Environmental conservation is a broad term that refers to the actions we take in order to protect our planet and conserve its natural resources. Environment conservation can have various components like conservation of forests, conservation of water resources, etc. There are various projects which can be carried out to conserve our environment:

Water conservation- Conservation of water is of utmost importance for human survival because almost all forms of life depend on water. Conservation of water is essential for securing food grain production and sustaining various life-forms. In order to conserve water, we can run programs on various levels to bring awareness about water conservation and its methods. The most talked-about method is rainwater harvesting. We can persuade people to practice rainwater harvesting and the government can provide loans and expert advice for this purpose.

Forest conservation- Forest conservation not only deals with the conservation of trees of a forest but it also implies the protection of wildlife that exists there. Forest is a huge resource of wood and other products which is why they are exploited at a greater scale. In order to protect forests, the government and the public need to work in harmony. We need to start projects which is aimed at recycling products like paper etc. so that fewer trees are cut down. We need to take responsibility that the loss of forest cover that is destroyed for urbanisation projects. We need to start projects which highlight the importance of sustainable development and how we can achieve that.

What are biodiversity hotspots?

Answer:

A biodiversity hotspot is a biogeographic region that is both a significant reservoir of biodiversity and is threatened with destruction.

The term biodiversity hotspot specifically refers to 25 biologically rich areas around the world that have lost at least 70 percent of their original habitat.

Examples of biodiversity hotspots are forest habitats as they constantly face destruction and degradation due to illegal logging, pollution and deforestation.

What is meant by biodiversity?

The variety of plants, animals and other species on the earth or in a particular habitat is known as biodiversity. It is used to measure the ecological health of a particular area and it's species richness.

What are the reasons that lead to endangering of many species of plants and animals? How can we save those?

The last 20 years have seen the loss of 27 species. Some of the causes of this loss are:
1. Habitat loss and fragmentation: This is the major cause of loss of biodiversity. Habitat destruction is caused by human activities such as deforestation and increasing pollution, leading to the loss of many plants and animals. Habitat fragmentation is the breaking up of the habitat of a particular species into fragments.

2. Over-exploitation: Humans, because of their greed and increased exploitation of natural resources, have contributed to the endangerment of commercially important species of plants and animals. Species such as the Steller's sea cow and passenger pigeons have become extinct as a result of over-exploitation by humans.

3. Co-extinction: When plants or animals become extinct, other plants or animals that are dependant on it in an obligatory way also become extinct.

Endangered plant and animal species can be saved by adopting methods that do not disturb their environment. We need to protect the habitats in which they survive and also protect them from poachers and hunters. A lot of steps are being taken at personal and public levels to ensure their protection.

Write two aims of conservation?

Aims of conservation:
1. To preserve the quality of environment, i.e., maintain pollution free environment.
2. To ensure a continuous yield of useful plants, animals and materials for generations to come.

Define national parks and sanctuaries in india.

National parks: National Park is an area strictly reserved for the betterment of wildlife and where activities like Forestry, grazing, or cultivation are not permitted. No private ownership is allowed. There are 89 national parks in India. Notable among them Gir National Park for Asiatic lions, Kaziranga National Park for Rhinoceros, Jim Corbett National Park for Tigers and Kanha National Park for Tigers.
Sanctuary: It provides protection to fauna only. Operations like harvesting of timber, collection of minor forest products, and private ownership rights are permitted as long as they do not interfere with the well-being of animals.

What are steps taking by the government towards conserving biodiversity?

The Government of India passed the Wildlife Protection Act in 1972. Hunting has been completely banned, and National Parks, Sanctuaries and Biosphere Reserves have been set up by the government as steps towards conserving biodiversity.

Biosphere Reserves A Biosphere Reserve is a specified area in which multiple use of land is permitted for preserving the biodiversity. The reserves also preserve traditional life of people. These reserves have been set up recently by 'man and biosphere (MAB) programme of the UNESCO. There are 243 biosphere reserves in our country which mainly .conserve the biodiversity of the specific areas and provide protected areas for ecological and environmental research.

What efforts have been taken for biodiversity conservation? Write in detail.

National parks: These are protected areas reserved exclusively for preserving the flora and fauna, landscape and buildings, i.e., the entire ecosystem, and monuments of historic importance of an area. In these areas grazing and cultivation are not permitted. There are some 92 national parks in our country.
Wildlife Sanctuaries: These provide protection and suitable condition for wild animals to flourish. These are areas where hunting is not allowed at all. Animals which are on the verge of extinction are protected here. Private ownership rights are permitted only to such an extent that the animals are not harmed. There are about 492 Wildlife sanctuaries in our country.
Biosphere Reserves: A biosphere reserve is a specified area in which multiple use of land is permitted to preserve the biodiversity. The reserves also preserve traditional life of people. These reserves have been set up recently by 'man and biosphere (MAB) programme of the UNESCO. There are 243 biosphere Reserves in our country which mainly conserve the biodiversity of the specific areas and provide protected areas for ecological and environmental research.

Which are the three levels of biodiversity?

The levels of biodiversity are Species diversity, Genetic diversity and Ecosystem diversity .

Which are the Biodiversity hotspots of India?

The biodiversity hotspots of India are Eastern Himalayas, Western Ghats , Indo-Burma region and Sundaland (Nicobar island).

India is at which position in world, in terms of biodiversity?

India is among the $$17$$ countries with mega biodiversity and has about $$7-8$$ % of the total biodiversity of the word. India holds $$8^{th}$$ position in terms of biodiversity.

Write a short note on biodiversity in eastern Himalayas.

Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim and some areas of West Bengal come under this biodiversity hotspot The Himachal mountain range is well endowed with biodiversity. This hotspot is spread over $$750,000$$ square km. There are about $$10,000$$ species, out of which $$3,160$$ are endemic species. Some important animals found in this region are. Himalayan Tahr, Golden Langur, Hoolock Gibbon, Pigmy Hog, Flying Squirrel, Snow Leopard, Takin, Gangetic Dolphin, etc.

Who proposed biodiversity hotspots?

Norman Myers a British environmentalist coined the term biodiversity hotspots in 1988.

Which countries come under Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot?

China, India, Myanmar, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia and Malaysia come under Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot.

What do you understand by biodiversity?

Biodiversity is an all-encompassing term because living beings include plants, animals, and microbes. Biodiversity encompasses all living beings, starting from microscopic algae to giant banyan trees. microscopic zooplanktons to the huge elephant and whale. As per Technology Assessment Report 1987, biodiversity is defined as follows: 'The variety, differences, and ecological complexity, found among creatures is called biodiversity.'

What is the significance of biodiversity?

The importance of biodiversity can be in three forms, viz. economic value, medicinal value and environmental value.
1. Economic Value: Biodiversity has immense economic value. We get food, fuel, fodder, timber. industrial raw materials, etc. directly from biodiversity. We are able to get different types of food, like rice, wheat, pulses, vegetables, fruits, etc. because of biodiversity.
2. Medicinal Value: Herbs are being used as cure for many diseases since ancient times. As per one estimate, about 40% of the medicines are obtained from plants. Many incurable diseases have appeared on earth from time to time. Cure for such disease has been searched in the biodiversity. For example, Malaria was considered as incurable but bark of Cinchona gave its cure.
3. Environmental Value: Biodiversity has immense environmental value, as it helps in conservation of food chain, nutrient cycle, etc.

What do you understand by biodiversity hotspots?

To be eligible to be categorized as biodiversity hotspot, a region must fulfill following criteria:
1. It should have more than $$0.5$$% of total endemic species of the world. It should have at least $$1500$$ endemic species.
2. At least $$70$$% of original habitat of the region should have been destroyed, i.e. is under threat because of human activities.
3. Such regions are in immediate need of conservation and hence are categorized as biodiversity hotspots. Conservation programs are implemented at large scale in such regions. The $$34$$ biodiversity hotspots of the world are home to $$42$$% endemic species, 55% freshwater fish and $$50$$% endemic species of plants. Some important biodiversity hotspots of the world are, Atlantic forest, group of east Malaysian islands, Mountains of south west China, islands of Madagascar. Central America. Columbia, Central Chile, Eastern Himalayas, Western Ghats, Sri Lanka, Indo-Burma, etc.

Which biodiversity hotspot is partially in India?

Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot is partially in India.

Write about national efforts on biodiversity conservation.

India is one of the signatories to Convention on Biodiversity (CBD). In context of this, the Union Government enacted the Biodiversity Act $$2002$$.
This act has three main goals which are as follows:
Conservation of biodiversity
Sustainable use of biodiversity
Equitable distribution of bio-resources to ensure their reach to maximum number of people.

Write an essay on efforts for conservation of biodiversity.

Many efforts are on to save endangered species, at local, national and international levels.

International Efforts:
The United Nations constituted International Union for Conservation of Nature in 1968. This organization studied different species of plants and animals for four years and came with a book named 'Red Data Book'. A comprehensive list of endangered species, their habitat and their current population was included in this book.
IUCN organized the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) in $$1973$$. In this convention, the participant countries gave their consensus on controlling the trade of endangered species. The earth summit held in $$1992$$ at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil resulted in Convention on Biodiversity (CBD). The CBD is now accepted by $$193$$ countries. These countries have expressed their commitment towards conservation of biodiversity.
National Efforts: India is one of the signatories to Convention on Biodiversity (CBD). In context of this, the Union Government enacted the Biodiversity Act 2002. This act has three main goals which are as follows:
Conservation of biodiversity
Sustainable use of biodiversity
Equitable distribution of bio-resources to ensure their reach to maximum number of people.

What are the different types of biodiversity conservation?

Following are the two types of biodiversity conservation:
In-situ conservation: The conservation which is carried out in natural habitat and with human intervention is called in-situ conservation.
Ex-situ Conservation When an endangered species is given protection in an artificial habitat, it is called ex-situ conservation. e.g. in a zoo or botanical garden.

Write a short note on Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot.

This region is spread over China, India, Myanmar, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia and Malaysia. This is spread over $$2,373,000$$ square km. This huge hotspot is home to $$13500$$ species of plants, $$433$$ species of mammals, 1266 types of amphibians and $$1262$$ types of fish.

What could have triggered mass extinctions of species in the past?

Following are the reasons of mass extinctions of species in the past:
(a) Natural disturbances
(b) Alien invasion

Which biodiversity hotspots are completely in India?

Eastern Himalayas and Western Ghats are the biodiversity hotspots that are completely in India.

Write a short note on the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot.

The Western Ghats is along the western coast of Indian peninsula. It is one of the important biodiversity hotspots of the world. This is spread over $$160,000$$ square km. The state of Kerala comes within the Western Ghats. There are $$5916$$ species of plants and animals in this hotspot, out of which about $$50$$% are endemic species.

What do you understand by invasion by foreign species? How does it affect biodiversity?

Sometimes. intentional or non-intentional introduction of a foreign species endangers the existence of indigenous species. This creates an imbalance in the whole ecosystem. Lantana and water hyacinth were introduced for beautification. Lantana was brought by the British in $$1807$$ and it was first planted in the Botanical Garden in Calcutta. Gradually, this plant proliferated in the entire subcontinent. Now, this plant poses great danger to the local biodiversity because no other plant can grow near it and none of the animals eat this plant. Similarly. water hyacinth was brought from Brazil. Today, it has spread to water bodies throughout India. Some foreign species of grass came along with imported food grains. e.g. Gajar grass (Parthenium) came along with wheat which was imported from America in $$1950$$. Parthenium is among the most notorious weeds which is not even eaten by animals. This plant has many chemicals which cause allergy. Parthenium has become a threat for our biodiversity.

What do you understand by species biodiversity?

The total number of species of plants and animals in a given region is called species diversity of that region. Species diversity is considered as the most common meaning of biodiversity. This is taken as a unit of measurement for balance of any ecosystem.

In a given habitat we have $$20$$ plant species and $$20$$ animal species. Should we call this as 'diversity' or 'biodiversity'? Justify your answer.

Whenever we discuss biodiversity, we consider all the life forms on the earth. In other words, the term 'biodiversity' is a universal term that composed all the living organisms on the earth. But when we consider a smaller geographical area; like an ecosystem or a particular habitat; then the term 'diversity' is used. In other words, diversity is the variety of life found in one place at one time. So, the given example of the habitat visualizes diversity.

Explain as to how protection of biodiversity hot spots alone can reduce up to 30% of the current rate of species extinction.

A region is considered as a biodiversity hotspot if

I) it contains atleast 1500 species of vascular plants that are endemic.

II) It must have lost about 70% of its primary native vegetation.

Hence, protection of biodiversity hotspot can prevent atleast the remaining 30% of the primary native species from extinction.

The number and kinds of organism is not constant. How do you explain this statements

Both the number and kinds of organisms depends on the environmental conditions that are prevalent during a particular period. These conditions will undergo change with time resulting in extinction of certain species, evolution and adaption in others to emergence of new species.

For example, the reptiles dominated the Mesozoic era, with dinosaurs abundant in number and diversity, while the flowering plants had just emerged.

However, at the beginning of Cenozoic era, that is , about 66 MYA the dinosaurs became extinct.

The Cenozoic era was named the age of mammals, modern humans came into existance, while many large sized birds and mammals faced extinction, while grasses emerged.

What steps have been taken by India to conserve biodiversity?

India is one of the signatories to Convention on Biodiversity (CBD). In context of this, the Union Government enacted the Biodiversity Act $$2002$$. Under the Biodiversity Act $$2002$$, there is a provision for a three-tier organization. National Biodiversity Authority works at national level, State Biodiversity Board is in states and Biodiversity Management Committees work at local level. National Green Tribunal was constituted on $$2$$nd June $$2010$$ to bring all the laws related to environment, forest, water, air and biodiversity, to the High Court but to the National Green Tribunal so that these cases can be quickly dealt with the headquarter of NGT at Bhopal, under one umbrella.

Elaborate how invasion by an alien species reduces the species diversity of an area.

When an alien species is deliberately or accidentally introduced into an area, it may become invasive and threaten other species. Invasive species can be a serious competitor; competing for the same resources. It can also turn out to be predator for some species. There are many examples of invasive species which played havoc with the local biodiversity. Some examples are as follows:
(a) Water Hyacinth: Water Hyacinth is originally from amazon basin. It has proved to be invasive species in many countries. This plant grows at rapid rate and covers the whole pond and lake. By covering the surface of the pond. this plant reduces the supply of sunlight and oxygen to the bottom of the pond. Thus, it proves detrimental for other organisms in the pond.
(b) Parthenium or Carrot Grass: This plant came as contaminant along with imported wheat from America. This plant proved to he highly Invasive in India. This is a notorious breed which becomes a big problem for the farmers in India.

How does species diversity differ from ecological diversity?

Species diversity	Ecological diversity
It is the number of different species and the abundance of each species that are present in a particular community	Ecological diversity means diversity in ecosystems
Example, different types of trees present in a particular forest, different species of fishes found in the ocean, crabs and crustaceans found on a particular reef.	Example, Marine ecosystem, fresh water ecosystem, desert ecosystem etc

What is the expanded form of IUCN?

The expanded form of IUCN is International Union for the Conservation of Nature.

How can you, as an individual, prevent the loss of biodiversity?

We have studied that human interventions have hastened the loss of biodiversity and loss of habitat Is a major cause for this. If we can work towards reducing the loss of habitat, then it will help in preventing the loss of biodiversity. Following steps can be taken to achieve this:
(i) Reduce: I will reduce my consumption of various Items. Reduction in demand will help in reducing the demand for natural resources. This will help in reducing deforestation and thus will help In preventing the loss of biodiversity.
(ii) Reuse: I will reuse old items whenever possible. Old containers can be used for keeping household items. Reuse also helps in reducing the drain of natural resources.
(iii) Recycle: I will recycle various Items. For example; old newspaper can be used for making papier mache items. Old and discarded clothes can be used for making shopping bags and curtains.
Apart from reducing the drain on natural resources; three Rs also help in minimizing pollution. If pollution can be checked, it will surely help in protecting the biodiversity.

A species-area curve is drawn by plotting the number of species against the area. How is it that when a very large area is considered the slope is steeper than that for smaller areas?

When we consider a large area to assess species-area curve, we need to understand advantages offered by large area. A larger area means more resources and a higher number of plants. This will provide more food to sustain more individuals. Thus, it will result in a greater number of species than what is possible in a confined area. This explains the occurrence of steeper slope when we draw species-area curve for a large area.

What are sacred groves and their role in biodiversity conservation?

In many tribal areas, a part of the forest is set aside. All the plants and animals in this part are worshipped and no harm is done to them. This part is called sacred grove.
Sacred grove helps in creating awareness about biodiversity conservation. This consciousness has been passed down through generations to tribal people. This has definitely helped the tribals in conservation of flora and fauna around their dwelling.

List any two major causes other than anthropogenic causes for the loss of biodiversity.

Two major causes; (other than anthropogenic causes) for the loss of biodiversity are as follows:
(a) Glaciations and Global warming: The earth had been through many phase of glaciations and global warming. Mammoths are believed to have existed during the Ice Age. Global warming led to end of the Ice Age which resulted in mass extinction.
(b) Meteor hit: Dinosaurs are believed to become extinct because of meteor hit.

Define the term Endemism

Endemism: Certain geographical regions have high prevalence of endemic species. This phenomenon its called endemism.

Can you think of a scientific explanation, besides analogy used by Paul Ehrlich, for the direct relationship between diversity and stability of an ecosystem?

An ecosystem works on continuous Interaction and Interdependencies among various components. All the living beings depend on various abiotic factors to obtain raw material and energy. Producers depend on soil, air and sunlight to produce food. Primary consumers depend on producers for food. Secondary consumers depend on primary consumers for food. Now let us consider following scenario.
Imagine two herbivores A and B. Animal A can feed on a variety of plants, while animal B can feed on only one plant. If the sole plant which is eaten by animal B is somehow wiped out from the area, then animal B will also face extinction. But loss of a few plant species will not pose any danger to the existence of animal A. This shows the advantage of diversity in terms of available plants for animal A.
The above logic applies to other organisms as well. This means that if there is rich biodiversity in the ecosystem, then primary and secondary productivity is at optimum level. This helps in maintaining stability in the ecosystem.

What do the arrows in a food chain represent?

The arrows usually point to the organisms that are doing the eating.

Explanation:

For that reason, we can say that the arrows represent the flow or transfer of energy in an ecosystem. It also specifies the direction of the flow of energy.

1950773_1883057_ans_6318dc47961d470bab54996d1319881a.jpg

What is the importance of biodiversity in an ecosystem?

Biodiversity is the variety of life forms in an ecosystem. An ecosystem that is rich in biodiversity stabilizes the net productivity and makes the ecosystem more resistant to exotic species. It maintains the ecosystem by maintaining the food chain. A healthy food chain contains a variety of organisms in each trophic level which helps in energy flow at successive trophic levels. Therefore, biodiversity is important to the ecosystem.

Explain briefly the 'rivet popper hypothesis' of Paul Ehrlich.

Paul Ehrlich gave the 'rivet' (species) popper hypothesis' which can be explained as follows:
(a) An aeroplane has thousands of rivets which are important for joining different parts of the plane.
(b) Some rivets are more Important (key species) than others because they may be present on a part which is structurally crucial (has major ecosystem function) for aeroplane.
(c) If a person takes out a rivet from a seat to keep It as a memento (causing a species to extinct): nothing is going to happen to the aeroplane. Even if all the rivets from a seat are taken out by subsequent passengers, the only damage will be the collapse of that particular seat.
(d) If a person takes out a rivet from the wing of the aircraft (key species), there can be some issue of stability during flight. If all the rivets form the wing are taken out, then the flight will end In a disastrous crash.
This analogy shows that If an organism is highly crucial for an ecosystem, then its extinction can spell doom for the ecosystem.

Species diversity decreases as we move away from the equator towards the poles. What could be the possible reasons?

Following are the reasons for greater species diversity near equator than at the poles.
Equator receives direct illumination and hence had experienced more or less uniform climatic conditions throughout the history of evolution. Stable conditions near equator has given rise to large number of species. When we consider about the temperate regions; the climatic conditions have changed dramatically in these regions. Many species which lived in these regions become extinct during dramatic climatic changes. Hence, we find a lower number of species in these regions. In polar regions due to extreme cold climatic condition and less availability of sunlight species diversity is very less.

What is biodiversity hotspot? Why is india considered as a mega biodiversity hotspot?

Answer
A biodiversity hotspot is a biogeographic region that is both a significant reservoir of biodiversity and is threatened with destruction.

Mega biodiversity refers to the diversity in various life forms. India is one of the megadiverse countries where diversity of global species is found.

There are 4 biodiversity hotspots (the area where large species diversity is present) in India, they are Himalayas, Indo-Burma, Sundaland, The Western Ghats and Sri Lanka.

What are the three problems which crop up due to building of large dams?

The three problems that arise due to construction of large dams are:1.(i)Social problem : Displacement of large number of peasants and tribals.(ii)Economic problem: These projects swallow up large amounts of public money without the generation of proportionate benefits.(iii) Environmental problem : As they contribute to deforestation and the loss of biodiversity.

How can you as an individual contribute or make a difference to the management of (a) forests and wildlife, (b) water resources, and (c) coal and petroleum?

(I) I will not allow cutting of tree and overgrazing in a forest.(ii) Use water in such a way that there is no wastage at all.(iii) I will not burn coal to heat my room in winters instead use an extra sweater. Walk to school instead of insisting my parents to drop use in school on their bike/car.

Mention anyone drawback of Indira Gandhi Canal.

Drawback of lndira Gandhi Canal, There is disproportionate benefits to upstream and down-stream users.

Find out the source of water in your region/locality.Is water from this source available to all people living in that area?

In our--locality water is mostly supplied by government agencies through taps. This water is mainly drawn from the river or tube wells. However, this water is available only in those areas which are approved by local civic authority.Note: (The answer of the question will be different for rural and urban areas.)

Can you suggest some changes in your school which would make it environment-friendly?

(i) Planting trees around school campus.
(ii) Separation of biodegradable and non-biodegradable wastes.
(iii) Minimise use of fans and other electrical appliances by switching them off when not required.
(iv) Avoiding waste of drinking water.

Identify the animals and name them. Also find out in which parts of India these animals are found.

(i)Siberian crane (Rajasthan, Bharatpur bird sanctuary)
(ii)Asiatic Lion (Gujarat, Gir sanctuary)
(iii) Neelgai (Gujarat, Gir sanctuary)
(iv)One horned Rhinoceros (Assam, Kaziranga National Park)
(v)Great Indian Bustard (Thar, Desert National Park)
(v)Tiger (Uttar Khand, Corbett National Park)
(vii) Elephant (Karnataka, Bandipur sanctuary)

What are the causes of extinction of Wild Life?

Causes of extinction of wildlife
(i)Habitat loss
(ii)Poaching
(iii) Introduction of new species
(iv)Natural calamities
(v)Lack of strict wildlife laws.

The human activity that is responsible for loss of biodiversity is

Urban development has led to a large scale destruction of forest and loss of biodiversity.

"Stability of a community depends on its species richness". Write how did David Tilman show this experimentally.

David Tilman used outdoor plot in his experiments. In his experiment, he found plots with more species but with fewer variations in total biomass from previous years. He also concluded that increasing diversity contributed to higher productivity. Thus, David Tilman shows that " stability of a community depends on its species richness".

Differentiate between In-situ conservation and Ex-situ conservation.

In-situ conservation	Ex-situ conservation
In-situ means being in the original position; not having been moved.	Ex-situ means offsite conservation.
It is onsite conservation or the conservation of genetic resources in natural populations of plant or animal species.	It is the process of protecting an endangered species of plant or animal outside its natural habitat
Example- Biosphere reserve.	Example- seed bank, botanical garden.

(a) "India has greater ecosystem diversity than Norway". Do you agree with the statement? Give reasons in support of your answer.
(b) Write the different between genetic biodiversity and species biodiversity that exists at all the levels of biological organisation.

(a) Ecological diversity refers to the different types of habitats. It includes various biological zones, like lake, desert, coast, estuaries, wetlands, mangroves, coral reefs etc. A geographical region having different ecosystems will have more ecologically diverse organisms. At the ecosystem level, India, for instance, with its deserts, rainforests, mangroves, coral reefs, wetlands, estuaries, and alpine meadows has a greater ecosystem diversity than a Scandinavian country like Norway. Although India has only 2.4 percent of the world’s land area, its share of the global species diversity is an impressive 8.1 percent. That is what makes India one of the 12 megadiversity countries of the world. Nearly 45,000 species of plants and twice as many of animals have been recorded from India.

(b) Difference between genetic biodiversity and species biodiversity

Genetic biodiversity	Species biodiversity
Amount of variation in the genetic material within all members of a population	Amount of variation and variability of species in a particular area or volume at a particular time
It influences adaptability and distribution of a species in diverse habitats	It influences biotic interactions and stability of the community
Can be measured by evaluating the number of genes	Can be measured by evaluating the number of species and their evenness
Genetic diversity may not be directly viewed	Species diversity is always tangible
Genetic diversity has more potential to affect the species diversity	Species diversity has very less potential to affect the genetic diversity

Give one significant contribution of the following scientist.
E. Wilson

Edward Wilson is called as the Father of Biodiversity. He is a pioneer in making efforts to preserve and protect the biodiversity of the planet. He is also called as the father of sociobiology.

Define Ramsar Sites.

Ramsar Sites are wetland sites designed of international importance under the Ramsar convention. The Ramsar Convention is an intergovernmental treaty that provides the framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources. India currently has 26 sites designated as Ramsar sites.

Mention the kind of biodiversity of more than a thousand varieties of mangoes in India represent. How is it possible?

Genetic diversity is the diversity in the number and type of gene as well as chromosome present and different species and their variation in the genes in the same species for example.

The genetic variation existing within a species is known as genetic diversity.

A thousand varieties of mango are found in India and is an example of genetic diversity.

What is DNA libraries, write their types, advantages and disadvantages?

DNA library or the gene library is the collection of DNA sequences from different organisms. These DNA sequences have been extracted, purified, sequenced and associated with a vector so as to use them for the purpose of analysis, comparative detection etc.

Depending on the source of DNA, the DNA library can be of the following two types:

A) Genomic Library: In these libraries, the whole genome of an organism is used. The information of the whole genome is made available. These can be further of two types:

1. Nuclear Genomic Library: Nuclear DNA is purified and stored.

2. Organelle Genomic Library: Organellar DNA (from mitochondria or chloroplast) Is purified and stored

B) cDNA Library: When the mRNAs from a cell are extracted and DNA is made from mRNA through reverse transcription, such a DNA is called cDNA (complementary DNA). In cDNA library, only the cDNA (that are functional in a cell) are made and stored. In other words, cDNA library has a collection of mRNAs of an organism, in the form of cDNA.

Advantages of DNA libraries:

Ease of studying the genome of different organisms
Identification of genes in an organism.
Creation of transgenic organisms.
Gene therapy.
Pharmaceutical applications through the study of genetic defects.

Disadvantages of DNA libraries:

Extraction and sequencing of larger genome is a difficult task.
cDNA libraries give a picture of exons only, the alternative splicing os not considered.
Contamination of DNA

Which are the broadly utilatrian area of biodiversity?

Biodiversity represents the variety and differences among all living organism from various sources such as marine, aquatic and terrestrial ecosystem. The need for conserving the biodiversity arises due to two primary reasons: narrow utilitarian and broadly utilitarian of biodiversity. Broadly utilitarian area of biodiversity includes amazon forest that provides approximately twenty percent of the total oxygen to the atmosphere. It also provides pollinators such as birds, bee and bats that help in the pollination process of plants.

Short answer question:
Differentiate between zoological parks and botanical gardens

A Zoological Park is a place where animals are kept for public viewing. For eg-Indira Gandhi Zoological Park. Botanical gardens are helpful in the conservation of plant species so that there are several instances when plants believed to be extinct, were found living only in botanical gardens.

Does the occurrence of diversity of animals on earth suggest their diverse ancestry also?
Discuss this point in the light of evolution.

Animals present today show a vast diversity in their bodies so, they must have diverse ancestry too. Common ancestry would greatly limit the extent of diversity.

For example, all birds are closely related and have common ancestors, but bats too have wings (analogous organs) and are closely related to them.

Therefore, if we classify species according to the evolutionary relationship, we can build up small groups of organisms with recent common ancestors. These can be further classified as super-groups with most distinct common ancestors. Likewise, we can keep going backwards in this classification to come to a single species at the very beginning of evolutionary time.

But having a single ancestor would limit the diversity seen in the organisms today.

Thus, it can be said that the occurrence of animals on Earth suggests their diverse ancestry also.

Some animals and plants survive only in certain conditions. Now-a-days, human activities cause damage to these conditions. What do you think about this?

Some animals have adapted their bodies to live more successfully in their habitats. Like polar bears have a thicker layer of fat to survive the extreme winters. But due to human activities like deforestation, chemical production, etc. many animals are not only facing habitat loss but also are unable to survive the changes that are taking in their natural habitat. Like for eg., the increasing temperature in the polar regions due to global warming has caused a lot of inconvenience for the polar bears. Human beings should stop this destruction before it's too late and there is no other way to protect these organisms.

What is herbarium technique?

A Herbarium is characterized as an accumulation of plants that normally have been dried, squeezed, saved on sheets and masterminded by any acknowledged arrangement of grouping for future reference and study.

The readiness of a herbarium includes: (a) Field visits and example accumulation (b) Pressing and drying (c) Mounting (f) Preservation (e) Labeling (f) Storage

Do you think the biodiversity is as high in a city park as it is in a farm or a rainforest ? why , or why not ?

No, the biodiversity is not as high in a city park as it is in a farm or rainforest because, in an urban city park, only the species with the most general habitat and resource requirements have generally remained in the urban park.

Differentiate in situ and ex situ conservation.

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What are biodiversity hotspots?

Answer:

A biodiversity hotspot is a biogeographic region that is both a significant reservoir of biodiversity and is threatened with destruction. The term biodiversity hotspot specifically refers to 25 biologically rich areas around the world that have lost at least 70 percent of their original habitat.

Examples of biodiversity hotspots are forest habitats as they constantly face destruction and degradation due to illegal logging, pollution and deforestation. e.g Western Ghats

Humans play a major role in the destruction of biodiversity. But with various strategies, they play a major role in protecting it.

a) Discuss two ways in which humans are destroying biodiversity.

b) Explain how humans can protect biodiversity.

a) A few major causes of loss of biodiversity are as follows

Population explosion is the sudden increase in the population when it exceeds its carrying capacity.

Pollution is the addition of contaminants that adversely affect the environment.

b) Biodiversity can be conserved with various conservational strategies and management of abiotic and biotic resources. Listed below are a few conservational strategies:

Natural conservation or protection of useful plants and animals in their natural habitats.
Conserving crucial habitats like breeding and feeding areas, facilitating the growth and multiplication of endangered species
Regulation or banning hunting activities
Through bilateral or multilateral agreements, habitats of migratory entities should be conserved
Spreading awareness of the significance of conservation of biodiversity
Avoiding over-exploitation of natural resources

What is the definition of biodiversity as per Technological Assessment Report $$1987$$ USA?

According to the Technological Assessment Report 1987, Biodiversity is "The variety, differences and ecological complexity, found among creatures"

American water plant that has become a troublesome water weed in India is?

Answer-

Eichhornia crassipes, commonly known as water hyacinth, is an aquatic plant native to the Amazon basin. It is often considered a highly problematic invasive species outside its native range.
When not controlled, water hyacinth will cover lakes and ponds entirely; this dramatically impacts water flow, blocks sunlight from reaching native aquatic plants, and starves the water of oxygen, often killing fish and other aquatic animals.

Biodiversity And Its Conservation - Class 12 Medical Biology - Extra Questions

Forests are "biodiversity hot spots". Justify this statement.

All the living things have the right to live on this earth along with us. Prepare slogans to promote awareness in public about the conservation of biodiversity.

How do elephants living in the tropical rainforests adapt themselves?

Explain with examples, why we find animals of certain kind living in particular climatic conditions.

Why according to you flora and fauna should be conserved?

Forests are ...................... hot spots.

Define bio-diversity.

What do you understand by the term genetic diversity?

Match column I with column II and select the correct option from the given codes.

Explain two different ways of biodiversity conservation.

Describe the uses of biodiversity.

Why are forest considered "biodiversity hotspots"? List two ways in which an individual can effectively contribute to the management of forests and wildlife.

Explain the term biodiversity.

Explain the importance of biodiversity hot spots and sacred groves.

State aim of biodiversity.

India has wild life sanctuaries,_________ Biosphere reserves and ________ national parks.

"We can't imagine the world without insects and birds". Suggest two methods to conserve them.

Mention any two reasons for which environmentalist protested against raising height of the Sardar Sarovar Dam' on river Narmada.

What is biodiversity?

The various kinds of species of organisms and their range found in a particular area is called ........................

All naturally occuring animals, plants and other forms of life in the forest are collectively called ........................

How is designation of certain areas as hotspots a step towards biodiversity conservation? Name any two hotspots in India.

Explain the narrowly utilitarian, broadly utilitarian and ethical arguments in favour of conservation of biodiversity.

Why do we need to use our resources carefully?

(a) A tiger from a wildlife sanctuary was shifted in a Zoological garden. Where do you think the tiger will be happier?(b) What is the difference between a Zoological garden and a wildlife sanctuary?

Give two examples of each flora and fauna of Pachmarhi biosphere reserve.

What is biodiversity? What will happen if biodiversity of an area is not preserved? Mention one effect of it.

What is meant by biodiversity? List two advantages of conserving forest and wildlife as regions of biodiversity.

Explain, giving three reasons, why tropics show greatest levels of species diversity.

What is the difference between a national park and a biosphere reserve?

There are many animals that have become extinct in the wild but continue to be maintained in Zoological parks.(i) What type of biodiversity conservation is observed in this case?(ii) Explain any other two ways which help in this type of conservation.

List any four techniques where the principle of ex-situ conservation of biodiversity has been employed.

Many plants and animals species are on the verge of their extinction because of loss of forest land by indiscriminate use by the humans. As biology student what method would you suggest along with its advantages that can protect such threatened species from getting extinct?

Name the type of biodiversity represented by the following.(a) 50,000 different strains of rice in India(b) Estuaries and alpine meadows in India

How can you say that India is rich in its fanna?

Give three hypotheses for explaining why tropics show greatest levels of species richness.

Attempt giving a clear definition of the term species.

How is biodiversity important for ecosystem functioning?

Discuss the role of women and communities in protection and conservation of forests.

How are moist deciduous forests different from dry deciduous forests?

Name the three important components of biodiversity.

The species diversity of plants ($$22$$ percent) is much less than that of animals ($$72$$ percent). What could be the explanations to how animals achieved greater diversification?

Write the medicianl properties of the following plants.$$\bullet$$ Sarpagandha $$\bullet$$ Kachnar$$\bullet$$ Jamun$$\bullet$$ Arjun$$\bullet$$ Babool$$\bullet$$ Neem

Why does a candle get extinguished when covered with a tumbler?

Why is it necessary to add manure or fertiliser to the field to get a good crop?

What steps you would like to follow on your part to conserve biodiversity?

Write any four national efforts for the conservation of natural resources.

a) What is endemism?b) Mention 'The Evil Quartet' of biodiversity loss.

What are sacred groves? Mention any two examples.

On earth, life exists even in extreme and harsh conditions. Mention any two major biomes in India.

Suggest two practices giving one example of each, that help protect rare or threatened species.

What is biodiversity? Write three efforts for conservation of biodiversity.

Answer in 3 to 5 sentences:Define biodiversity. Write any two types of biodiversity.

a) Distinguish between two types of bio diversity conservations.b)"Nature provides all for the need of man but not for his greed." Do you agree with his statement? Justify your answer.

We have a moral responsibility to take good care of earth's biodiversity and pass it on in good order to next generation.(a) Define biodiversity.(b) Write causes for biodiversity losses.(c) Name two types of biodiversity conversation.

Explain how animals dwelling in the forest help it grow and regenerate

Explain why there is a need of variety of animals and plants in a forest

Observe the concept diagram of the Evil Quartet of biodiversity loss.(a) Write A and B.(b) What is Co-Extinction?

The tropical rainforests has a large population of animals. Explain why it is so.

Which regions of the earth would show rich biological diversity ?

Why do the wild animals rarely reproduce in zoo ?

Match the columns and find out the correct combination.

Match the lists and find the correct option.

Define hotspots.

Who first coined the term biodiversity and in which year?

Give a reason for the following.Equilibrium of a forest ecosystem can be disturbed by uncontrolled hunting of big predators.

What are hot spots? Define it.

Define the term biodiversity.

What is the importance of preserving germplasm of wild species?

What is so special about tropics that might account for their greater biological diversity?

How can you differentiate genomic library and cDNA library?

How many categories can biodiversity be divided into?

Write short note on cryopreservation.

Name the type of biodiversity represented by $$50,000$$ different strains of rice in India

Give three hypotheses for explaining why tropics show the greatest levels of species richness.

Name animal species for which India is centre of biodiversity.

The species diversity of plants $$(22\%)$$ is much less that that of animals $$(72\%)$$. What could be the explanations to how animals achieved greater diversification?

India has more than $$50,000$$ strains of rice. Mention the level of biodiversity it represents.

In the biospere immense biological diversity exists at all levels of biological organisation. Explain any two levels of biodiversity.

India has wild life sanctuaries,_ Biosphere reserves and national parks.

(a) A tiger from a wildlife sanctuary was shifted in a Zoological garden. Where do you think the tiger will be happier?
(b) What is the difference between a Zoological garden and a wildlife sanctuary?

There are many animals that have become extinct in the wild but continue to be maintained in Zoological parks.
(i) What type of biodiversity conservation is observed in this case?
(ii) Explain any other two ways which help in this type of conservation.

Name the type of biodiversity represented by the following.
(a) 50,000 different strains of rice in India
(b) Estuaries and alpine meadows in India

Write the medicianl properties of the following plants.
$$\bullet$$ Sarpagandha
$$\bullet$$ Kachnar
$$\bullet$$ Jamun
$$\bullet$$ Arjun
$$\bullet$$ Babool
$$\bullet$$ Neem

a) What is endemism?
b) Mention 'The Evil Quartet' of biodiversity loss.

Answer in 3 to 5 sentences:
Define biodiversity. Write any two types of biodiversity.

a) Distinguish between two types of bio diversity conservations.
b)"Nature provides all for the need of man but not for his greed."
Do you agree with his statement? Justify your answer.

We have a moral responsibility to take good care of earth's biodiversity and pass it on in good order to next generation.
(a) Define biodiversity.
(b) Write causes for biodiversity losses.
(c) Name two types of biodiversity conversation.

Observe the concept diagram of the Evil Quartet of biodiversity loss.
(a) Write A and B.
(b) What is Co-Extinction?

Give a reason for the following.
Equilibrium of a forest ecosystem can be disturbed by uncontrolled hunting of big predators.

One Mark Questions :
Name the type of biodiversity represented by the following :
$$1000$$ varieties of mangoes in India.

There are many animals that have become extinct in the wild but continue to be maintained in zoological parks.
(a) What type of biodiversity conservation is observed in this case?
(b) Explain any other two-ways which help in this type to conservation.

Write short notes on the following.
Ex-situ conservation

Write short notes on the following.
Hot spots of biodiversity

Name the type of biodiversity represented by the following :
Variations in terms of potency and concentration of reserpine in Rauwolfia vomitoria growing in different regions of Himalayas.

White Bengal tigers are protected in a special setting in zoological parks.
Tiger reserves are maintained in the Western Ghats.
(a) How do these two approaches differ from each other? Mention the advantages of each one.

Complete the statements using the given options and justify those statements.
(Geographic favourability, climate, weather, observatory)
Of the abiotic factors that affect biodiversity by far the most important is__________

Short answer question:
Why have forest reserves been established?

Short answer question:
What is biodiversity ? Why is it different in different places?

Short answer question:
What do you understand by conservation?

Write short notes.
Biodiversity

Answer the following.

How biodiversity can be conserved?