🌸Chapter 13
Biodiversity and Conservation
(3 Marks)
1–10: Basics and Definition
1.
Differentiate
between species richness and species evenness.
Answer: Species richness is the number of different species in a
habitat, while species evenness measures how evenly individuals are distributed
among those species.
2.
What
is genetic diversity and why is it important?
Answer: Genetic diversity refers to the variation of genes within a
species. It is important for adaptation, survival under environmental changes,
and crop/animal improvement.
3.
Explain
ecosystem diversity with an example.
Answer: Ecosystem diversity refers to the variety of ecosystems in a
region. Example: forests, grasslands, wetlands, and deserts.
4.
Define
biodiversity and mention its three levels.
Answer: Biodiversity is the variety of life at genetic, species, and
ecosystem levels. Levels: (i) Genetic diversity, (ii) Species diversity, (iii)
Ecosystem diversity.
5.
What
is endemism? Give an example.
Answer: Endemism is the occurrence of species in a specific geographic
area only. Example: Lion-tailed macaque in Western Ghats.
6.
What
is a keystone species? Give an example.
Answer: A keystone species has a disproportionate effect on its
ecosystem. Example: Tiger, which regulates herbivore populations.
7.
Define
biodiversity hotspot. Name one in India.
Answer: A biodiversity hotspot is a region rich in endemic species and
under threat. Example: Western Ghats.
8.
Explain
the concept of megadiversity country with reference to India.
Answer: Megadiversity countries have high species richness and endemic
species. India is megadiverse due to varied ecosystems and endemic species.
9.
Differentiate
between endemic and exotic species.
Answer: Endemic species occur naturally only in a specific area; exotic
species are introduced from elsewhere. Example: Asiatic Lion (endemic),
Eucalyptus (exotic).
10.
Give
two examples each of endemic plants and animals of India.
Answer: Plants: Neelakurinji, Santalum album; Animals: Lion-tailed
macaque, Indian Peafowl.
11–20: Importance of Biodiversity
11.
Mention
two ecological and two economic values of biodiversity.
Answer: Ecological: maintains food chains, nutrient cycling; Economic:
timber, medicinal plants.
12.
How
does biodiversity contribute to medicine? Give one example.
Answer: Biodiversity provides medicinal compounds. Example: Taxol from
Yew tree for cancer treatment.
13.
Explain
the role of biodiversity in agriculture.
Answer: Provides crops, livestock, and genetic material for crop
improvement and resistance to diseases.
14.
Give
one example of a plant used in malaria treatment and its source.
Answer: Artemisia annua – source of Artemisinin.
15.
How
do sacred groves help in conservation?
Answer: They preserve native vegetation and endemic species due to
religious and cultural beliefs.
16.
Explain
the significance of species diversity for ecosystem stability.
Answer: High species diversity maintains ecological balance, resilience
against environmental changes, and supports food webs.
17.
How
does biodiversity support ecotourism?
Answer: Areas with rich biodiversity attract tourists for wildlife,
forests, and natural landscapes, supporting local economies.
18.
Give
two examples of species that are important for cultural reasons in India.
Answer: Indian Peafowl (national bird), Banyan tree (sacred in Hindu
culture).
19.
What
is the role of keystone species in an ecosystem?
Answer: Keystone species regulate population dynamics and maintain
ecological balance. Example: Tigers control herbivore numbers.
20.
Mention
one example each of economic use of plants and animals.
Answer: Plant: Bamboo – construction; Animal: Honeybee – honey and
pollination.
21–30: Biodiversity Hotspots and
Indian Species
21.
Name
the four biodiversity hotspots in India.
Answer: Himalaya, Indo-Burma, Sundalands, Western Ghats.
22.
Mention
two endemic species of the Western Ghats.
Answer: Neelakurinji (plant), Lion-tailed macaque (animal).
23.
Which
hotspot includes the Nicobar Islands?
Answer: Sundalands.
24.
Give
one endemic species of North-east Himalaya.
Answer: Red Panda.
25.
Name
one tiger reserve located in the Western Ghats.
Answer: Periyar Tiger Reserve.
26.
Give
one aquatic biodiversity hotspot of India.
Answer: Sundarbans mangroves.
27.
Mention
two endemic birds of India.
Answer: Indian Peafowl, Malabar Parakeet.
28.
Give
one example of an endemic reptile and amphibian in India.
Answer: Reptile: Indian Star Tortoise; Amphibian: Purple Frog
(Nasikabatrachus sahyadrensis).
29.
Why
are biodiversity hotspots important for conservation?
Answer: They have high endemic species under threat and need priority for
protection.
30.
Give
one example of endemic plant in India used for economic purpose.
Answer: Sandalwood (Santalum album) – timber and aromatic oil.
31–40: Threats to Biodiversity
31.
Define
habitat loss and give one example.
Answer: Habitat loss is the destruction of natural habitat. Example:
Deforestation of tropical rainforests.
32.
What
is overexploitation? Give one example.
Answer: Excessive use of species beyond sustainable limits. Example:
Overfishing of Hilsa fish.
33.
Mention
one invasive plant species in India.
Answer: Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes).
34.
Explain
the effect of pollution on biodiversity.
Answer: Pollution reduces species survival, contaminates habitats, and
affects reproduction.
35.
How
does climate change threaten biodiversity?
Answer: Alters temperature, rainfall, and habitats, leading to migration
or extinction.
36.
Define
forest fragmentation and its impact.
Answer: Division of forests into smaller patches; reduces gene flow and
isolates populations.
37.
Give
one example of extinction caused by human activity.
Answer: Dodo bird.
38.
Define
threatened species and give an example.
Answer: Species at risk of extinction due to declining population or
habitat. Example: Asiatic Lion.
39.
What
is the impact of invasive species on native species?
Answer: They compete for resources, displace native species, and reduce
biodiversity.
40.
Give
one example each of endangered animal and plant in India.
Answer: Animal: Bengal Tiger; Plant: Pitcher Plant (Nepenthes khasiana).
41–50: Conservation Strategies
41.
Differentiate
between in-situ and ex-situ conservation.
Answer: In-situ: species protected in natural habitats (National Parks,
Biosphere Reserves).
Ex-situ: species conserved outside natural habitats (Zoos, Seed banks,
Botanical gardens).
42.
Name
two examples of in-situ conservation in India.
Answer: Jim Corbett National Park, Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
43.
Give
two examples of ex-situ conservation.
Answer: Lalbagh Botanical Garden, NBPGR seed bank.
44.
Mention
the main objective of Project Tiger.
Answer: To protect tigers and their natural habitats.
45.
State
the aim of Project Elephant.
Answer: Conserve elephants and their migratory corridors.
46.
What
is a biosphere reserve? Give one example.
Answer: Protected area with core, buffer, and transition zones for
sustainable use. Example: Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
47.
What
is a seed bank?
Answer: Facility for storing seeds of plants for long-term conservation
and crop improvement.
48.
How
do sacred groves help in biodiversity conservation?
Answer: Cultural beliefs prevent tree cutting and hunting, preserving
species and ecosystem.
49.
Name
one international agreement that regulates trade in endangered species.
Answer: CITES – Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species.
50.
Give
one advantage of ex-situ conservation.
Answer: Provides protection to critically endangered species and allows
propagation in controlled conditions.
