<<–2/”>a >a href=”https://exam.pscnotes.com/Biodiversity-2/”>Biodiversity is defined as the variability among living organisms from all sources including, inter alia, terrestrial, marine and other aquatic Ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they are a part; this includes diversity within species, between species, and of ecosystems. Basically biodiversity is the total number of genes, species and ecosystems of a region. It includes (i) Genetic diversity, (ii) Species diversity and (iii) ecosystem diversity. Plants and animals constitute only a small component of biodiversity.
A biodiversity hotspot is a region with a high level of endemic species. Endemic species are those species that are found in a certain limited area. Two of the twelve biodiversity hotspots in the world are in India. They are the North-Eastern region and the Western Ghats. 
Convention on Biodiversity
- Opened for signature at the Earth Summit in 1992 and entered into force on December 29, 1993
- There are 193 parties. Its secretariat is based in Montreal, Canada.
- US has signed but not ratified the treaty.
- It is an internationallegally-binding treaty with three main goals:
- conservationof biodiversity
- sustainable useof biodiversity
- fair and equitable sharingof the benefits arising from the use of genetic Resources
- Its overall objective is to encourage actions which will lead to sustainable future
- CBD covers biodiversityat all levels: ecosystems, species and genetic resources
- It also covers Biotechnology through theCartagena Protocol on Biosafety
- Its governing body is the Conference of Parties (COP). They meet every two years
- TheEcosystem Approach, an integrated strategy for the management of resources, is the framework for action under the Convention
- Precautionary principle: it states that where there is threat of significant reduction or loss of biological diversity, lack of full scientific certainty should not be used as a reason for postponing measures to avoid or minimize such threat.
- 2010 is the International Year of Biodiversity.
COP-10 of CBD
- Held at Nagoya, Japan in October 2010.
- It achieved three inter-linked goals
- Adoption of a new ten year strategic plan to save biodiversity
- Resource mobilization strategy to increase official development assistance for biodiversity
- A new international protocol on access to and sharing the benefits from the use of the genetic resources of the planet (Nagoya Protocol)
- Japan Biodiversity Fund was established
- COP-11 will take place in 2012 in India
Nagoya Protocol
- Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from Their Utilization
- The protocol creates a framework that balances access to genetic resources on the basis ofprior informed Consent and mutually agreed terms with a fair and equitable sharing
- Expected to enter into force in 2012
- The Strategic Plan of CBD, which aims to arrest biodiversity loss throughout the world by 2020, will be called the Aichi Target. <Aichi is the prefecture in which Nagoya is situated>
Aichi Target
- The Strategic Plan of the CBD or the ‘Aichi Target’ adopted by the meeting include 20 headline targets, organised under five strategic goals that address the underlying causes of biodiversity loss, reduce the pressures on biodiversity, safeguard biodiversity at all levels, enhance the benefits provided by biodiversity, and provide for capacity building.
- The Aichi target will be the overarching framework on biodiversity not only for the biodiversity-related conventions, but for the entire UN system.
- Some targets
- 17 pc inland and 10 pc marine ecosystem
- Conserving coral reefs
- Restore 15 pc of degraded areas
- Halve or bring to zero the rate of loss of natural habitats including forests
- Target is that by 2020, at least 17 pc of terrestrial and inland water, and 10 pc of coastal and marine areas, especially areas of particular importance for biodiversity and ecosystem are conserved
- The conservation is to be done through effectively and equitably managed, ecologically representative and well connected systemsof Protected Areas and other effective area-based conservation measures, and integrated into the wider landscapes and seascapes.
,
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 protect us from natural disasters.
- It is a source of inspiration and beauty.
Biodiversity is declining at an alarming rate. This is due to a number of factors, including habitat loss, overexploitation, pollution, Climate Change, invasive species, disease, and genetic erosion.
Habitat loss is the main threat to biodiversity. This is caused by deforestation, Urbanization, and agriculture. When habitats are destroyed, the plants and animals that live there lose their homes and are forced to move or die.
Overexploitation is another major threat to biodiversity. This is when we take too many resources from the Environment, such as fish, timber, and water. This can lead to the decline or extinction of species.
Pollution is also a major threat to biodiversity. This can be caused by Air Pollution, Water Pollution, and land pollution. Pollution can kill plants and animals, and it can also make it difficult for them to reproduce.
Climate change is a major threat to biodiversity. This is because climate change is causing changes in the Earth’s temperature and weather patterns. These changes can lead to the decline or extinction of species.
Invasive species are another major threat to biodiversity. These are species that are not native to an area, and they can outcompete native species for resources. This can lead to the decline or extinction of native species.
Disease is also a major threat to biodiversity. This is because diseases can kill plants and animals, and they can also make it difficult for them to reproduce.
Genetic erosion is the loss of genetic diversity within a species. This can be caused by inbreeding, habitat loss, and climate change. Genetic erosion can make a species more vulnerable to extinction.
Extinction is the permanent loss of a species. This is the ultimate threat to biodiversity. When a species goes extinct, it is lost forever.
We need to take action to protect biodiversity. We can do this by reducing our impact on the environment, conserving habitats, and protecting endangered species. We also need to support research into the causes of biodiversity loss and how to prevent it.
Biodiversity is essential for our survival. We need to protect it for the sake of our planet and for the sake of future generations.
Here are some additional details on each of the threats to biodiversity:
- Habitat loss and fragmentation: Habitat loss is the destruction of an area of land or water that is home to a particular species or community of species. This can be caused by deforestation, urbanization, agriculture, and other human activities. Habitat fragmentation is the division of a habitat into smaller pieces. This can make it difficult for animals to move between different areas, and it can also make them more vulnerable to predators and other threats.
- Overexploitation of resources: Overexploitation is the use of a resource at a rate that is greater than its rate of renewal. This can lead to the depletion of the resource, and it can also have a negative impact on the species that depend on the resource.
- Pollution: Pollution is the introduction of harmful substances into the environment. This can be caused by human activities, such as industrial pollution, agricultural pollution, and air pollution. Pollution can kill plants and animals, and it can also make it difficult for them to reproduce.
- Climate change: 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, which release greenhouse gases into the Atmosphere. Climate change can lead to changes in the Earth’s temperature and weather patterns. These changes can have a negative impact on biodiversity, as they can lead to the decline or extinction of species.
- Invasive species: Invasive species are species that are not native to an area, and they can outcompete native species for resources. This can lead to the decline or extinction of native species.
- Disease: Disease is a condition that affects the Health of an organism. This can be caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi, or parasites. Disease can kill plants and animals, and it can also make it difficult for them to reproduce.
- Genetic erosion: Genetic erosion is the loss of genetic diversity within a species. This can be caused by inbreeding, habitat loss, and climate change. Genetic erosion can make a species more vulnerable to extinction.
- Extinction: Extinction is the permanent loss of a species. This is the ultimate threat to biodiversity. When a species goes extinct, it is lost forever.
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 biodiversity hotspots?
Biodiversity hotspots are areas that have a high concentration of plant and animal species that are found nowhere else on Earth. They are also home to a large number of endangered species. Biodiversity hotspots are under threat from deforestation, habitat loss, and climate change.
What are the threats to biodiversity?
The main threats to biodiversity are habitat loss, overexploitation, pollution, and climate change. Habitat loss occurs when forests are cleared for agriculture or development. Overexploitation occurs when too many animals are hunted or harvested. Pollution can harm plants and animals directly, or it can damage their habitats. Climate change can cause changes in temperature and Precipitation, which can disrupt ecosystems and make it difficult for plants and animals to survive.
What can we do to protect biodiversity?
There are many things we can do to protect biodiversity. We can reduce our impact on the environment by conserving energy, recycling, and using less water. We can also support organizations that are working to protect biodiversity. And we can educate others about the importance of biodiversity and the threats it faces.
What is the future of biodiversity?
The future of biodiversity is uncertain. If we do not take action to protect it, many species will become extinct. This would have a devastating impact on the planet, and it would also threaten our own survival. We need to act now to protect biodiversity, or we will lose it forever.
Question 1
Which of the following is not a threat to biodiversity?
(A) Habitat loss
(B) Overexploitation
(C) Pollution
(D) Climate change
(E) Genetic engineering
Answer
(E) Genetic engineering is not a threat to biodiversity. It is a technique that can be used to improve crop yields, develop new medicines, and protect endangered species.
Question 2
Which of the following is not a biodiversity hotspot?
(A) The Amazon rainforest
(B) The Mediterranean Basin
(C) The Himalayas
(D) The Congo Basin
(E) The Arctic Tundra
Answer
(E) The Arctic tundra is not a biodiversity hotspot. It is a cold, dry region with a relatively low diversity of plants and animals.
Question 3
Which of the following is not a benefit of biodiversity?
(A) Biodiversity provides us with food, medicine, and other resources.
(B) Biodiversity helps to regulate the climate.
(C) Biodiversity helps to prevent Soil erosion.
(D) Biodiversity provides us with aesthetic enjoyment.
(E) Biodiversity does not provide us with any benefits.
Answer
(E) Biodiversity provides us with many benefits. It is essential for our survival and well-being.
Question 4
What is the main cause of biodiversity loss?
(A) Habitat loss
(B) Overexploitation
(C) Pollution
(D) Climate change
(E) All of the above
Answer
(E) All of the above are causes of biodiversity loss. Habitat loss is the main cause of biodiversity loss. Overexploitation is the use of resources at a rate that is greater than the rate at which they can be replenished. Pollution is the introduction of harmful substances into the environment. Climate change is a change in the Average weather patterns that have come to define Earth’s local, regional and global climates.
Question 5
What can we do to conserve biodiversity?
(A) Protect and restore habitats
(B) Reduce pollution
(C) Manage resources sustainably
(D) Educate people about the importance of biodiversity
(E) All of the above
Answer
(E) All of the above are things that we can do to conserve biodiversity. Protecting and restoring habitats is essential for the survival of many species. Reducing pollution helps to protect the environment and the organisms that live in it. Managing resources sustainably ensures that they are available for future generations. Educating people about the importance of biodiversity helps to raise awareness of the issue and encourage people to take action.