Biodiversity-2/”>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.
Types of biodiversity
There are three interrelated hierarchical Levels of Biodiversity namely, Genetic diversity, Species diversity and community or ecosystem diversity.
Genetic diversity
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.
Human activities are causing a decline in biodiversity at an unprecedented rate. This decline is due to factors such as habitat loss, overexploitation, pollution, Climate Change, invasive species, and disease.
Habitat loss is the main threat to biodiversity. When habitats are destroyed or fragmented, species lose the places they need to live and reproduce. Overexploitation is the use of resources at a rate that is unsustainable. This can lead to the decline or extinction of species. Pollution can harm or kill plants and animals, and it can also damage ecosystems. Climate change is causing changes in temperature, Precipitation, and sea level that are disrupting ecosystems and causing the extinction of some species. Invasive species are plants or animals that are not native to an area and that can harm native species by competing with them for resources or by preying on them. Disease can also cause the decline or extinction of species.
Conservation is the protection of biodiversity. There are many different ways to conserve biodiversity, including:
- Protecting habitats
- Managing populations
- Restoring ecosystems
- Regulating trade
- Raising awareness
In situ conservation is the protection of biodiversity in its natural habitat. This can be done by establishing Protected Areas, such as national parks and nature reserves. Ex situ conservation is the protection of biodiversity outside of its natural habitat. This can be done in zoos, botanical gardens, and seed banks. Sustainable use is the use of resources in a way that does not harm the environment or the livelihoods of people.
We can all help to conserve biodiversity by making choices that support sustainable living. We can reduce our consumption of resources, recycle and compost, and support businesses that are committed to sustainability. We can also get involved in conservation efforts in our communities.
Biodiversity is essential for our planet and our well-being. We must all do our part to conserve it.
Here are some additional details about the different types of biodiversity:
- Genetic diversity is the variety of genes within a species. This diversity is important because it allows species to adapt to changes in their environment.
- Species diversity is the variety of different species on Earth. This diversity is important because it allows ecosystems to function properly.
- Ecosystem diversity is the variety of different ecosystems on Earth. This diversity is important because it allows us to enjoy the beauty of nature and to benefit from the many resources that ecosystems provide.
Here are some additional details about the threats to biodiversity:
- Habitat loss and fragmentation is the destruction or alteration of natural habitats. This can be caused by human activities such as deforestation, agriculture, and development.
- Overexploitation is the use of resources at a rate that is unsustainable. This can lead to the decline or extinction of species.
- Pollution is the contamination of the environment with harmful substances. This can harm or kill plants and animals, and it can also damage ecosystems.
- Climate change is the long-term change in the Earth’s climate. This is caused by human activities such as the burning of fossil fuels. Climate change is causing changes in temperature, precipitation, and sea level that are disrupting ecosystems and causing the extinction of some species.
- Invasive species are plants or animals that are not native to an area and that can harm native species by competing with them for resources or by preying on them.
- Disease is a condition that can cause illness or death in plants and animals. Disease can be caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi, or parasites. Disease can also be caused by environmental factors such as pollution or climate change.
- Overpopulation is the condition in which a population of organisms exceeds the carrying capacity of its environment. This can lead to a decline in the Quality Of Life for the organisms in the population, and it can also lead to the extinction of some species.
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 are the different types of biodiversity?
There are three main types of biodiversity: genetic diversity, species diversity, and ecosystem diversity. Genetic diversity is the variety of genes within a species. Species diversity is the variety of different species on Earth. Ecosystem diversity is the variety of different ecosystems on Earth.
What are the threats to biodiversity?
There are many threats to biodiversity, including habitat loss, pollution, climate change, and overexploitation. Habitat loss is the destruction of natural habitats, such as forests and wetlands. Pollution is the contamination of the environment with harmful substances. Climate change is the long-term change in the Earth’s climate. Overexploitation is the use of resources at a rate that is unsustainable.
What can we do to conserve biodiversity?
There are many things we can do to conserve biodiversity, including protecting habitats, reducing pollution, mitigating climate change, and sustainably managing resources. We can also educate others about the importance of biodiversity and encourage them to take action to protect it.
What are the benefits of conserving biodiversity?
There are many benefits to conserving biodiversity, including:
- Food Security: Biodiversity provides us with food, such as fruits, vegetables, and meat.
- Medicine: Biodiversity provides us with medicine, such as plants that can be used to treat diseases.
- Climate regulation: Biodiversity helps to regulate the climate by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing Oxygen.
- Natural disasters: Biodiversity helps to protect us from natural disasters, such as floods and landslides.
- Economic benefits: Biodiversity provides us with economic benefits, such as tourism and jobs in the conservation sector.
- Cultural benefits: Biodiversity provides us with cultural benefits, such as spiritual and recreational opportunities.
What are the challenges of conserving biodiversity?
There are many challenges to conserving biodiversity, including:
- Human Population Growth: The human population is growing rapidly, which is putting a strain on natural resources.
- Overconsumption: Humans are consuming natural resources at an unsustainable rate.
- Poverty: Poverty can lead to people exploiting natural resources in unsustainable ways.
- Conflict: Conflict can lead to the destruction of habitats and the displacement of people.
- Lack of awareness: Many people are not aware of the importance of biodiversity and the threats it faces.
- Lack of funding: Conservation efforts often lack the funding they need to be successful.
What is the future of biodiversity?
The future of biodiversity is uncertain. If we do not take action to conserve it, biodiversity will continue to decline. This will have serious consequences for humans and the planet. We need to take action now to protect biodiversity for future generations.
Question 1
Which of the following is not a type of biodiversity?
(A) Genetic diversity
(B) Species diversity
(C) Ecosystem diversity
(D) Cultural diversity
Answer
(D) Cultural diversity is not a type of biodiversity. It is the variety of human cultures.
Question 2
Which of the following is a threat to biodiversity?
(A) Habitat loss
(B) Overexploitation
(C) Pollution
(D) All of the above
Answer
(D) All of the above are threats to biodiversity. Habitat loss occurs when natural habitats are destroyed or degraded, often for Human Development. Overexploitation occurs when a species is harvested at a rate that exceeds its ability to reproduce. Pollution can damage habitats and kill or harm organisms.
Question 3
Which of the following is an example of a conservation measure?
(A) Creating a National Park
(B) Passing laws to protect endangered species
(C) Regulating hunting and fishing
(D) All of the above
Answer
(D) All of the above are examples of conservation measures. Creating a national park is a way to protect an area of land from development. Passing laws to protect endangered species makes it illegal to harm or kill these species. Regulating hunting and fishing can help to ensure that these activities do not harm populations of wild animals.
Question 4
Which of the following is a benefit of biodiversity?
(A) Biodiversity provides us with food, medicine, and other resources.
(B) Biodiversity helps to regulate the climate.
(C) Biodiversity provides us with aesthetic and recreational benefits.
(D) All of the above
Answer
(D) All of the above are benefits of biodiversity. Biodiversity provides us with food, medicine, and other resources. It helps to regulate the climate. It provides us with aesthetic and recreational benefits.
Question 5
Which of the following is a way to reduce your impact on biodiversity?
(A) Eat less meat.
(B) Recycle.
(C) Conserve water.
(D) All of the above
Answer
(D) All of the above are ways to reduce your impact on biodiversity. Eating less meat can help to reduce the demand for animal products, which can in turn reduce the amount of land that is used for agriculture. Recycling can help to reduce the amount of waste that is produced, which can in turn reduce the amount of pollution that is released into the environment. Conserving water can help to ensure that there is enough water for all living things.