Bio diversity and conservation

<<–2/”>a >a href=”https://exam.pscnotes.com/Biodiversity-2/”>Biodiversity and conservation

Biodiversity, or biological diversity, is the variety of all life forms.Sum total of all the variety of living organisms on earth constitute biodiversity. There are three Levels of Biodiversity:

 Genetic diversity—the variety of genetic information contained in individual Plants, animals and micro-organisms

 Species diversity—the variety of species

 ecosystem diversity—the variety of habitats, ecological communities and ecological processes.

Biodiversity is not static; it is constantly changing. It can be increased by genetic change and evolutionary processes, and it can be reduced by threats which lead to Population decline and extinction.

Biodiversity is not uniformly distributed across the geographical regions of the earth. Certain regions of the world are very rich in biodiversity. We call such areas as ―mega diversity zones‖. We also refer to them as ―hot-spots‖. For example, India accounts for only 2.4 % of the land area of the world; but it contributes approximately 8% species to the global diversity due to existence of such pockets.

Humans depend for their sustenance, Health, well being and cultural Growth on nature. Biotic Resources provide food, fruit, seed, fodder, medicines and a host of other goods and Services. Importance of Biodiversity is due to:-

 Food, fibre, medicines, fuel wood and ornamental plants

 Protection of Water Resources

 Soil protection

 Breeding material for crop improvement

 Nutrient storage and cycling

 Pollution reduction

 Climate stability

 Maintenance of ecological processes

Causes of Loss of Biodiversity:-

 Direct ways: Deforestation, hunting, poaching, commercial exploitation

 Indirect ways: Loss or modification of the natural habitats, introduction of exotic species, pollution, etc.

 Natural causes – Climate Change.

International efforts for Biodiversity conservation:-

 Convention on Biological Diversity :-The objectives of the CBD are the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components, and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising from commercial and other utilization of genetic resources. The agreement covers all Ecosystems, species, and genetic resources. CITES Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild

Fauna and Flora (CITES) The CITES aims to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival. Through its three appendices, the Convention accords varying degrees of protection to more than 30,000 plant and animal species.

 CMS Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals :-The CMS, or the Bonn Convention aims to conserve terrestrial, marine and avian migratory species throughout their range. Parties to the CMS work together to conserve migratory species and their habitats by providing strict protection for the most endangered migratory species, by concluding regional multilateral agreements for the conservation and management of specific species or categories of species, and by undertaking co-operative research and conservation activities.

 International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and agriculture :-The objectives of the Treaty are the conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of their use, in harmony with the Convention on Biological Diversity, for Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security. The Treaty covers all plant genetic resources for food and agriculture, while its Multilateral System of Access and Benefit-sharing covers a specific list of 64 crops and forages. The Treaty also includes provisions on Farmers’ Rights.

 Ramsar Convention On Wetlands (popularly known as the Ramsar Convention) :-The Ramsar Convention provides the framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources. The convention covers all aspects of wetland conservation and wise use, recognizing wetlands as ecosystems that are extremely important for biodiversity conservation in general and for the well-being of human communities.

 WHC World Heritage Convention (WHC) :-The primary mission of the WHC is to identify and conserve the world’s cultural and natural heritage, by drawing up a list of sites whose outstanding values should be preserved for all humanity and to ensure their protection through a closer co-operation among nations.

 IPPC International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) :-The IPPC aims to protect world plant resources, including cultivated and wild plants by preventing the introduction and spread of plant pests and promoting the appropriate measures for their control. The convention provides the mechanisms to develop the International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPMs), and to help countries to implement the ISPMs and the other obligations under the IPPC, by facilitating the national capacity development, national reporting and dispute settlement. The Secretariat of the IPPC is hosted by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

There are several strategies which are adapted for conservation of Biodiversity. Some of these are:

Legislation Formal policies and programmes for conservation and sustainable utilisation of biodiversity resources dates back to several decades. The concept of environmental protection is enshrined in the Indian constitution in articles 48a and 51a(g). Major central acts relevant to biodiversity include:

Environment Protection Act, 1986 • Fisheries-2/”>Fisheries Act, 1897 • Forest Act, 1927 • Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 • Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972 and Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act 1991

In-situ conservation Conserving the animals and plants in their natural habitats is known as in situ conservation. The established natural habitats are: • National parks and sanctuaries • Biosphere-reserves/”>Biosphere reserves • Nature reserves • Reserved and protected forests • Preservation plots • Reserved forests

Ex-situ conservation like Boatanical and Zoological parks Recording Indigenous Knowledge Community Participation in Biodiversity Conservation,

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. It provides us with food, medicine, and other resources. It also helps to regulate the climate and clean the air and water. Biodiversity loss is the decline in the variety of life on Earth. It is caused by human activities such as habitat loss, overexploitation, pollution, and climate change. Biodiversity loss is a serious problem because it threatens our way of life. It also threatens the survival of many species of plants and animals. Biodiversity conservation is the protection of biodiversity. It is important because it helps to ensure the survival of species and ecosystems. Biodiversity conservation can be achieved through a variety of methods, such as Protected Areas, Sustainable Development, and wildlife trade regulations.

Conservation biology is the scientific study of the nature and causes of biodiversity loss, and the development of strategies for its conservation. Conservation biology is a relatively new field, but it has already made significant contributions to our understanding of biodiversity and its conservation.

An endangered species is a species that is at risk of extinction. Extinction is the permanent loss of a species. There are many reasons why species become endangered, including habitat loss, overexploitation, pollution, and climate change. Conservation efforts are underway to protect endangered species, but many species are still at risk of extinction.

Genetic diversity is the variety of genes within a species. Genetic diversity is important because it allows species to adapt to changes in their environment. Genetic diversity can be lost through inbreeding, genetic drift, and habitat loss. Genetic diversity loss can make species more vulnerable to extinction.

Habitat loss is the destruction or degradation of an organism’s natural habitat. Habitat loss is a major cause of biodiversity loss. Habitat loss can be caused by human activities such as deforestation, agriculture, and Urbanization. Habitat loss can also be caused by natural disasters such as floods and fires.

Invasive species are species that are not native to an area and that have a negative impact on the environment. Invasive species can outcompete native species for resources, spread diseases, and alter ecosystems. Invasive species are a major threat to biodiversity.

Overexploitation is the use of a resource at a rate that is greater than its rate of renewal. Overexploitation can lead to the depletion of resources, such as fish stocks and forests. Overexploitation is a major cause of biodiversity loss.

Population decline is a decrease in the number of individuals in a population. Population decline can be caused by a variety of factors, such as habitat loss, overexploitation, and disease. Population decline can lead to the extinction of a species.

Protected areas are areas of land or water that are set aside for the conservation of biodiversity. Protected areas can be national parks, nature reserves, and wilderness areas. Protected areas play an important role in biodiversity conservation.

Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Sustainable development is important for biodiversity conservation because it helps to ensure that human activities do not damage the environment.

Wildlife trade is the commercial exchange of wild animals and their products. Wildlife trade can be legal or illegal. Legal wildlife trade can be sustainable if it is managed in a way that does not harm the environment. Illegal wildlife trade is a major threat to biodiversity.

Biodiversity is essential for the health and well-being of humans and the planet. We must take action to conserve biodiversity and protect our planet for future generations.

What is biodiversity?

Biodiversity is the variety of life on Earth. It includes all living things, from plants and animals to bacteria and fungi. Biodiversity is important because it provides us with food, medicine, and other resources. It also helps to regulate the climate and protect us from natural disasters.

What is conservation?

Conservation is the protection of Natural Resources. It includes activities such as protecting endangered species, managing forests, and reducing pollution. Conservation is important because it helps to protect the environment and the resources that we rely on.

What are the benefits of biodiversity?

Biodiversity provides us with many benefits, including:

Food: We rely on plants and animals for food. Biodiversity ensures that we have a variety of food sources to choose from.
Medicine: Many plants and animals are used to make medicines. Biodiversity ensures that we have a variety of medicines to treat different diseases.
Resources: We use plants and animals for many other resources, such as wood, paper, and fuel. Biodiversity ensures that we have a variety of resources to meet our needs.
Climate regulation: Biodiversity helps to regulate the climate. Plants absorb carbon dioxide from the Atmosphere, which helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Natural disasters: Biodiversity can help to protect us from natural disasters. For example, forests can help to prevent flooding and landslides.

What are the threats to biodiversity?

The main threats to biodiversity are:

Habitat loss: Habitat loss is the destruction of natural habitats, such as forests and wetlands. This can be caused by human activities such as deforestation, agriculture, and development.
Overexploitation: Overexploitation is the use of natural resources at a rate that is unsustainable. This can lead to the depletion of resources, such as fish stocks and forests.
Pollution: Pollution is the release of harmful substances into the environment. This can cause damage to plants and animals, and can also contaminate water supplies.
Climate change: Climate change is the long-term change in the Earth’s climate. This can cause changes in temperature, Precipitation, and sea level. These changes can have a negative impact on biodiversity, as plants and animals may not be able to adapt to the new conditions.

What can we do to conserve biodiversity?

There are many things that we can do to conserve biodiversity, including:

Reduce our impact on the environment: We can reduce our impact on the environment by making changes to our lifestyle, such as driving less, recycling, and conserving energy.
Support conservation organizations: We can support conservation organizations by donating Money or time.
Get involved in conservation projects: We can get involved in conservation projects in our community, such as planting trees or cleaning up a river.
Educate others about biodiversity: We can educate others about biodiversity by talking to them about the importance of protecting nature.

What is the future of biodiversity?

The future of biodiversity is uncertain. If we do not take action to conserve biodiversity, it is likely that many species will become extinct. This would have a devastating impact on the environment and on our own well-being. We must all do our part to conserve biodiversity, so that future generations can enjoy the benefits of a healthy planet.

Which of the following is not a type of biodiversity?
(A) Genetic diversity
(B) Species diversity
(C) Ecosystem diversity
(D) Biodiversity of the human race
Which of the following is the most important reason for conserving biodiversity?
(A) To maintain the balance of nature
(B) To ensure the survival of endangered species
(C) To provide us with food, medicine, and other resources
(D) To protect the environment for future generations
Which of the following is the best way to conserve biodiversity?
(A) Create protected areas where wildlife can live without being disturbed
(B) Reduce pollution and habitat destruction
(C) Educate people about the importance of biodiversity
(D) All of the above
Which of the following is an example of an endangered species?
(A) The giant panda
(B) The blue whale
(C) The African elephant
(D) All of the above
Which of the following is an example of a threatened species?
(A) The polar bear
(B) The tiger
(C) The rhinoceros
(D) All of the above
Which of the following is an example of a keystone species?
(A) The sea otter
(B) The beaver
(C) The elephant
(D) All of the above
Which of the following is an example of an invasive species?
(A) The zebra mussel
(B) The kudzu vine
(C) The cane toad
(D) All of the above
Which of the following is an example of a sustainable practice?
(A) Recycling
(B) Composting
(C) Using energy-efficient appliances
(D) All of the above
Which of the following is an example of a non-sustainable practice?
(A) Driving a car
(B) Eating meat
(C) Using disposable products
(D) All of the above
Which of the following is the best way to reduce your impact on the environment?
(A) Recycle
(B) Compost
(C) Use energy-efficient appliances
(D) All of the above