Biodiversity-Defination, types, importance, hotspots, threats and conservation
The term biodiversity was coined as a contraction of biological diversity by E.O. Wilson in 1985. Biodiversity may be defined as the variety and variability of living organisms and the ecological complexes in which they exist. In other words, biodiversity is the occurrence of different types of Ecosystems, different species of organisms with the whole range of their variants and genes adapted to different climates, environments along with their interactions and processes.
It describes the variation in the number and types of genes as well as Chromosomes present in different species. The magnitude of variation in genes of a species increases with increase in size and environmental parameters of the habitat. The genetic variation arises by gene and chromosome mutation in individuals and in sexually reproducing organisms and it is spread in the Population by recombination of genetic materials during cell division after sexual Reproduction.
Species diversity
It describes the variety in the number and richness of the spices with in a region. The Species richness may be defined as the number of species per unit area. The richness of a species tells about the extent of biodiversity of a site and provides a means for comparing different sites. The species richness depends largely on climatic conditions. The number of individuals of different species with in a region represents Species evenness or species equitability. The product species richness and species evenness give species diversity of a region. When a species is confined entirely to a particular area, it is termed as endemic species.
Ecosystem diversity
It describes the assemblage and Interaction of spices living together and the physical Environment a given area. It relates varieties of habitats, biotic communities ecological processes in Biosphere. It also tells about the diversity within the ecosystem. It is referred as Land escape diversity because it includes placement and size of various ecosystems. For example, the landscapes like grass lands, deserts, Mountains etc. show ecosystem diversity. The ecosystem diversity is due to diversity of niches, trophic levels and ecological processes like nutrient cycling, food webs, energy flow, role of dominant species and various related biotic interactions. Such type of diversity can generate more productive and stable ecosystems or communities capable of tolerating various types of stresses e.g. drought, flood etc.
Importance of biodiversity
The biodiversity has the following importance’s:
Productive values
Biodiversity produces a number of products harvested from nature and sold in commercial markets. Indirectly it provides economic benefits to people which include water quality Soil protection, equalisation of Climate, environmental monitoring, scientific research, recreation etc.
Consumptive value
The consumptive value can be assigned to goods such as fuel woods, leaves, forest products etc. which may be consumed locally and do not figure in national and international market.
Social value
The loss of biodiversity directly influences the social life of the country possibly through influencing ecosystem functions (energy flow and biogeochemical cycle). This be easily understood by observing detrimental effects of Global Warming and Acid Rain which cause an unfavorable alteration in logical processes.
Aesthetic value
Aesthetic values such as refreshing fragrance of the flowers, taste of berries, softness of mossed, melodious songs of birds, etc. compel the human beings to preserve them. The earth’s natural beauty with its colour and hues, thick forest, and graceful beasts has inspired the human beings from their date of birth to take necessary steps for its maintenance. Similarly botanical and zoological gardens are the means of Biodiversity conservation and are of aesthetic values.
Ecological value
Biodiversity holds great ecological value because it is indispensable to maintain the ecological balance. Any disturbance in the delicately fabricated ecological balance maintained by different organisms, will lead to severe problems, which may threaten the survival of human beings.
Biodiversity hotspots
A biodiversity hotspot is a biogeographic region that is both a significant reservoir of biodiversity and is threatened with destruction.
Indian Biodiversity Hotspot area
Western Ghats (Sahyadri Hills)
The Western Ghats, also known as the Sahyadri Hills , is a mountain chain running from the north to the South and is isolated by the Arabian Sea to the West, the arid Deccan Plateau to the East, and the Vindhya-Satpura ranges to the North. They have different vegetation types: scrub jungles and grasslands at low altitudes, dry and moist deciduous forests, montane grasslands and shoals, and the precious tropical evergreen and semi evergreen forests. Complex topography, high rainfall and relative inaccessibility have helped the region retain its biodiversity. Of the 15,000 flowering plant species in India, there are an estimated 4,780 species in the Western Ghats region. There is also a great diversity of traditional crop Plants and an equal diversity of animal life. A large number of amphibians, freshwater fishes and invertebrate groups are endemic to Western Ghats.
Indo-Burma (Eastern Himalayas )
The hotspot contains the Lower Mekong catchment. It begins in eastern Bangladesh and then extends across north-eastern India, south of the Bramaputra River, to encompass nearly all of Myanmar, part of southern and western Yunnan Province in China, all of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Cambodia and Vietnam, the vast majority of Thailand and a small part of Peninsular Malaysia. In addition, the hotspot covers the coastal lowlands of southern China (in southern Guangxi and Guangdong), as well as several offshore islands, such as Hainan Island (of China) in the South China Sea and the Andaman Islands (of India) in the Andaman Sea. The hotspot contains the Lower Mekong catchment.
Threats to biodiversity
Biodiversity is considered as a reservoir of Resources to be used for the manufacture of food, medicine, industrial products, etc. But with an increased demand of rapid population Growth, biodiversity is gradually depleting.
Habitat destruction
The primary cause of loss of biodiversity is habitat loss or destruction which is resulted due to the large industrial and commercial activities associated with agriculture, Irrigation, construction of Dams, mining, fishing etc.
Habitat fragmentation
With increased population, the habitats are fragmented into pieces by roads, fields, canals, power lines, towns etc. The isolated fragment of habitats restricts the potential of species for dispersal and colonization. In addition, the habitat fragmentation also brings about microclimatic changes in Light, temperature, wind etc.
Pollution
The most dreaded factor inducing loss of biodiversity is environmental pollution which include Air Pollution, Water Pollution, industrial pollution, pollution due to chemical Pastes, pesticides radioactive materials etc.
Over exploitation
The Natural Resources are over exploited to meet growing rural POVERTY, intensive technological growth and Globalization/”>Globalization-3/”>Globalization of economy. All these factors together may be responsible for the extinction of a number of species.
Conservation of Biodiversity
Biodiversity is being depleted by the loss of habitat, fragmentation of habitat, over exploitation of resources, human sponsored ecosystems, climatic changes, pollution invasive exotic spices, diseases, shifting cultivation, poaching of wild life etc.
Since the human beings are enjoying all the benefits from biodiversity, they should take proper care for the preservation of biodiversity in all its form and good Health for the future generation i.e., the human being should prevent the degradation and destruction of the habitats thereby maintaining the biodiversity at its optimum level.
Conservation of biodiversity is protection, upliftment and scientific management of biodiversity so as to maintain it at its threshold level and derive sustainable benefits for the present and future generation. In other words, conservation of bio-diversity is the proper management of the biosphere by human beings in such a way that it gives maximum benefits for the present generation and also develops its potential so as to meet the needs of the future generations.
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Biodiversity is the variety of life on Earth. It includes the variety of plants, animals, Fungi, and Microorganisms, as well as the variety of ecosystems in which they live. Biodiversity is important for many reasons, including:
It provides us with food, medicine, and other resources.
It helps to regulate the climate and clean the air and water.
It provides us with places to enjoy nature and recreation.
It is a source of inspiration and wonder.
Unfortunately, biodiversity is declining at an alarming rate. This is due to a number of factors, including habitat loss, overexploitation, pollution, and Climate Change. The loss of biodiversity has serious consequences for humans, including:
A biodiversity hotspot is a region that contains a high concentration of plant and animal species that are found nowhere else on Earth. These regions are also home to a high proportion of threatened species. Biodiversity hotspots are under threat from habitat loss, overexploitation, and climate change.
Biodiversity loss
Biodiversity loss is the decline in the variety of life on Earth. This decline is due to a number of factors, including habitat loss, overexploitation, pollution, and climate change. Biodiversity loss has serious consequences for humans, including reduced food security, increased risk of disease, damage to ecosystems, and loss of cultural heritage.
Biodiversity offsetting
Biodiversity offsetting is a process that aims to compensate for the loss of biodiversity caused by development projects. This is done by creating or restoring habitats elsewhere, or by providing financial compensation to conservation organizations. Biodiversity offsetting is controversial, as it is not always clear whether it is effective in preventing or offsetting biodiversity loss.
Biodiversity protection
Biodiversity protection is the process of conserving the variety of life on Earth. This is done through a variety of measures, including habitat protection, species conservation, and ecosystem management. Biodiversity protection is essential for the future of our planet, as it helps to ensure that we have a healthy and sustainable environment.
Biodiversity restoration
Biodiversity restoration is the process of returning an ecosystem to its original state or a close approximation of its original state. This is done through a variety of measures, including habitat restoration, species reintroduction, and ecosystem management. Biodiversity restoration is important for a number of reasons, including:
It helps to protect endangered species.
It helps to restore ecosystems that have been damaged by human activities.
Biodiversity services are the benefits that humans derive from the variety of life on Earth. These benefits include:
Food
Medicine
Water purification
Pollination
Climate regulation
Biodiversity services are essential for human well-being. However, these services are being threatened by biodiversity loss. It is important to conserve biodiversity in order to protect these essential services.
Biogeography
Biogeography is the study of the distribution of plants and animals on Earth. Biogeography is important for understanding the factors that influence the distribution of life on Earth. These factors include climate, geology, and human activity. Biogeography can also be used to predict the effects of climate change on the distribution of life on Earth.
Conservation biology
Conservation biology is the science of protecting and managing the variety of life on Earth. Conservation biology is concerned with the causes of biodiversity loss, as well as the development of strategies to conserve biodiversity. Conservation biology is a multidisciplinary field that draws on a variety of sciences, including biology, ECOLOGY, economics, and Sociology.
Ecosystem services
Ecosystem services are the benefits that humans derive from ecosystems. These benefits include:
Food
Water purification
Pollination
Climate regulation
Recreation
Ecosystem services are essential for human well-being. However, these services are being threatened by human activities, such as habitat loss, pollution, and climate change. It is important to conserve ecosystems in order to protect these essential services.
Endangered species
An endangered species is a species that is at risk of extinction. Extinction is the permanent loss of a species from Earth. There are a number of factors that can lead to extinction, including habitat loss, overexploitation, pollution, and climate change. Endangered species are protected by law in many countries. However, many endangered species are still at risk of extinction.
Genetic diversity
Genetic diversity is the variety of genes
What is the difference between a virus and a bacterium?
A virus is a tiny infectious agent that can replicate only inside the living cells of other organisms. Viruses are not considered living because they do not have cells of their own. They are much smaller than bacteria and can only be seen with an electron Microscope.
Bacteria are single-celled organisms that are found in almost every environment on Earth. They can be beneficial or harmful to humans. Some bacteria help us digest food, while others can cause diseases such as pneumonia and strep throat.
What is the difference between a gene and a chromosome?
A gene is a unit of heredity that is located on a chromosome. Genes are made up of DNA, which is a molecule that contains the instructions for how an organism develops and functions. Chromosomes are structures in the nucleus of a cell that contain DNA. Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes, for a total of 46 chromosomes.
What is the difference between a mutation and a genetic disorder?
A mutation is a change in the DNA of an organism. Mutations can be caused by errors in DNA replication, exposure to radiation or chemicals, or viruses. Most mutations are harmless, but some can cause genetic disorders.
A genetic disorder is a condition that is caused by a mutation in a gene. Genetic disorders can range from mild to severe, and some can be life-threatening. Some common genetic disorders include cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, and Down syndrome.
What is the difference between a phenotype and a genotype?
A phenotype is the physical appearance of an organism. It is determined by the organism’s genotype, which is the genetic makeup of the organism. The phenotype can be affected by environmental factors, such as diet and exercise.
A genotype is the genetic makeup of an organism. It is made up of the organism’s genes, which are located on chromosomes. The genotype determines the organism’s phenotype, which is the physical appearance of the organism.
What is the difference between a dominant and a recessive gene?
A dominant gene is a gene that will be expressed in the phenotype of an organism, even if it is only present on one copy of the chromosome. A recessive gene is a gene that will only be expressed in the phenotype of an organism if it is present on both copies of the chromosome.
What is the difference between a sex chromosome and an autosome?
A sex chromosome is a chromosome that determines the sex of an organism. Humans have two sex chromosomes, X and Y. Females have two X chromosomes, while males have one X chromosome and one Y chromosome.
An autosome is a chromosome that is not a sex chromosome. Humans have 22 pairs of autosomes.
What is the difference between mitosis and meiosis?
Mitosis is a type of cell division that results in two daughter cells that are genetically identical to the parent cell. Meiosis is a type of cell division that results in four daughter cells that are each half the genetic makeup of the parent cell. Meiosis is used to produce gametes, which are the cells that are involved in sexual reproduction.
What is the difference between asexual reproduction and sexual reproduction?
Asexual reproduction is a type of reproduction that does not involve the fusion of gametes. In asexual reproduction, a new organism is produced from a single parent organism. Sexual reproduction is a type of reproduction that involves the fusion of gametes from two parent organisms. In sexual reproduction, a new organism is produced from the genetic material of both parent organisms.
What is the difference between a population and a community?
A population is a group of individuals of the same species that live in the same area. A community is a group of populations of different species that live in the same area.
What is the difference between an ecosystem and an environment?
An ecosystem is a community of organisms and their physical environment. An environment is the surroundings or conditions in which an organism lives.
What is the difference between a habitat and a Niche?
A habitat is the physical environment in which an organism lives. A niche is the role that an organism plays in its ecosystem.
What is the difference between a keystone species and an indicator species?
A keystone species is a species that has a large impact on its ecosystem, even though it may make up a small proportion of the total number of organisms in the ecosystem. An indicator species is a species that is sensitive to changes in its environment and can be used to monitor the health of the environment.
What is the difference between a conservationist and an environmentalist?
A conservationist is someone who works to protect and manage natural resources. An environmentalist is someone who works to protect the environment.
Sure, here are some MCQs without mentioning the topic Biodiversity:
Which of the following is not a type of biodiversity? (A) Genetic diversity (B) Species diversity (C) Ecosystem diversity (D) Cultural diversity
Which of the following is the most important factor in determining the biodiversity of an area? (A) Climate (B) Soil type (C) Landform (D) Human activity
Which of the following is the most common cause of biodiversity loss? (A) Habitat loss and fragmentation (B) Overexploitation (C) Pollution (D) Climate change
Which of the following is the most effective way to conserve biodiversity? (A) Create Protected Areas (B) Reduce pollution (C) Manage land sustainably (D) All of the above
Which of the following is the most important benefit of biodiversity? (A) It provides us with food, medicine, and other resources. (B) It helps to regulate the climate. (C) It provides us with aesthetic and spiritual values. (D) All of the above.
Which of the following is the most serious threat to biodiversity? (A) Habitat loss and fragmentation (B) Overexploitation (C) Pollution (D) Climate change
Which of the following is the most effective way to reduce the impact of human activities on biodiversity? (A) Create protected areas (B) Reduce pollution (C) Manage land sustainably (D) All of the above
Which of the following is the most important thing that individuals can do to help conserve biodiversity? (A) Reduce their consumption of resources (B) Support conservation organizations (C) Get involved in local conservation efforts (D) All of the above
Which of the following is the most important thing that governments can do to help conserve biodiversity? (A) Create protected areas (B) Reduce pollution (C) Manage land sustainably (D) All of the above
Which of the following is the most important thing that businesses can do to help conserve biodiversity? (A) Reduce their environmental impact (B) Support conservation organizations (C) Get involved in local conservation efforts (D) All of the above