🌸Chapter 13
Biodiversity and Conservation
(4 Marks)
1–10: Basics and Definitions
1.
Explain
the three levels of biodiversity with examples.
Answer:
- Genetic diversity: Variation of genes within a
species. Example: Different varieties of rice.
- Species diversity: Number and abundance of
species in a habitat. Example: Tropical rainforest species.
- Ecosystem diversity: Variety of ecosystems in a
region. Example: Forests, wetlands, deserts.
2.
Define
biodiversity and explain its importance in brief.
Answer:
Biodiversity is the variety of life at genetic, species, and ecosystem levels.
Importance: Maintains ecological balance, provides food, medicine, raw
materials, supports ecosystem services, and ensures sustainability.
3.
Differentiate
between endemic and exotic species with examples.
Answer:
- Endemic species: Found only in a specific
geographic area. Example: Lion-tailed macaque.
- Exotic species: Introduced from another
region. Example: Eucalyptus.
4.
What
is species richness and species evenness? Explain with examples.
Answer:
- Species richness: Total number of species in a
habitat. Example: Rainforest may have 200 species of plants.
- Species evenness: Distribution of individuals
among species. Example: If 5 species have equal numbers of individuals,
evenness is high.
5.
Define
keystone species and give two examples.
Answer:
A keystone species has a significant effect on ecosystem structure and
function.
Examples: Tiger (controls herbivore population), Honeybee (pollination).
6.
Explain
the term megadiversity country with reference to India.
Answer:
A megadiversity country has high species richness and endemic species.
India is megadiverse because it has diverse ecosystems, four biodiversity
hotspots, and numerous endemic species.
7.
Explain
biodiversity hotspot with one Indian example.
Answer:
A biodiversity hotspot is a region with high endemic species under threat.
Example: Western Ghats – rich in endemic plants (Neelakurinji) and animals
(Lion-tailed macaque).
8.
Give
two examples each of endemic plant and animal species in India.
Answer:
- Plants: Neelakurinji, Santalum album.
- Animals: Lion-tailed macaque, Indian
Peafowl.
9.
Why
is genetic diversity important in crops? Give an example.
Answer:
Genetic diversity allows crops to adapt to diseases, pests, and environmental
changes.
Example: Different varieties of rice for drought or flood tolerance.
10.
Mention
two cultural and aesthetic values of biodiversity.
Answer:
- Sacred groves preserve
ecosystems due to religious beliefs.
- Ecotourism attracts people to
scenic areas, supporting local economy.
11–20: Threats to Biodiversity
11.
Explain
habitat loss and fragmentation as threats to biodiversity.
Answer:
- Habitat loss: Destruction of natural
habitats reduces species survival. Example: Deforestation of rainforests.
- Fragmentation: Dividing forests into small
patches isolates populations, reducing gene flow.
12.
What
is overexploitation? Give one example.
Answer:
Excessive use of species beyond sustainable limits.
Example: Overfishing of Hilsa fish leading to population decline.
13.
How
do invasive species threaten biodiversity? Give one example.
Answer:
Invasive species compete with native species for resources, reducing native
populations.
Example: Water hyacinth in Indian rivers.
14.
Explain
the effects of pollution on biodiversity.
Answer:
Pollution contaminates air, water, and soil, harming species survival and
reproduction.
Example: Oil spills affect marine life; pesticides harm birds and insects.
15.
Discuss
the impact of climate change on biodiversity.
Answer:
Climate change alters temperature, rainfall, and habitats, causing migration,
altered breeding, or extinction.
Example: Coral bleaching due to ocean warming.
16.
Give
two examples of species extinct due to human activity.
Answer:
- Dodo bird – hunted to
extinction.
- Passenger pigeon – habitat loss
and hunting.
17.
Explain
the term ‘threatened species’ and give two examples in India.
Answer:
Species at risk of extinction due to declining population or habitat loss.
Examples: Bengal Tiger, Asiatic Lion.
18.
Define
IUCN Red List. Why is it important?
Answer:
IUCN Red List provides the global conservation status of species.
Importance: Helps identify endangered species and prioritize
conservation efforts.
19.
Differentiate
between endangered and critically endangered species with examples.
Answer:
- Endangered: High risk of extinction.
Example: Bengal Tiger.
- Critically endangered: Extremely high risk of
extinction. Example: Ganges River Dolphin.
20.
Explain
one ecological consequence of losing a keystone species.
Answer:
Loss of a keystone species disrupts food chains, leads to overpopulation of
some species, and ecosystem imbalance.
Example: Decline in tigers leads to overgrazing by herbivores.
21–30: Conservation Strategies –
In-Situ
21.
Define
in-situ conservation and give two examples.
Answer:
Protection of species in their natural habitats.
Examples: Jim Corbett National Park, Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
22.
Explain
the role of National Parks in biodiversity conservation.
Answer:
Provide strict protection to species and habitats, prevent hunting, and
maintain ecological balance.
23.
Differentiate
between National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary.
Answer:
- National Park: Human activity
strictly prohibited; higher protection.
- Wildlife Sanctuary: Some
regulated human activity allowed.
24.
What
are biosphere reserves? Give an example.
Answer:
Protected areas with core, buffer, and transition zones for conservation and
sustainable use.
Example: Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
25.
Explain
the importance of sacred groves in India.
Answer:
Preserve native vegetation and endemic species due to cultural beliefs; prevent
deforestation and hunting.
26.
Name
two tiger reserves in India.
Answer: Jim Corbett National Park, Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve.
27.
Mention
one aquatic species protected by in-situ conservation.
Answer: Olive Ridley Turtle in Odisha’s Rushikulya and Gahirmatha
coasts.
28.
How
do biosphere reserves promote sustainable development?
Answer: By zoning: core zone for protection, buffer for research, and
transition zone for sustainable human use.
29.
Give
one example of endemic flora protected in-situ.
Answer: Neelakurinji (Western Ghats).
30.
Explain
how in-situ conservation maintains ecological balance.
Answer: Species survive in natural habitats, continue ecological
interactions, and sustain food webs.
31–40: Conservation Strategies –
Ex-Situ
31.
Define
ex-situ conservation and give two examples.
Answer:
Conservation outside natural habitats.
Examples: Zoos, Botanical gardens, Seed banks.
32.
Explain
the role of botanical gardens in ex-situ conservation.
Answer: Preserve rare plants, propagate species, educate the public, and
support research.
33.
What
is a seed bank? Give one example.
Answer: Facility for storing seeds for long-term conservation.
Example: NBPGR, New Delhi.
34.
Explain
tissue culture in plant conservation.
Answer: Technique to propagate rare or endangered plants in controlled
lab conditions.
35.
Mention
one advantage and one limitation of ex-situ conservation.
Answer:
- Advantage: Protects critically
endangered species.
- Limitation: Expensive,
artificial environment, and loss of natural behaviors.
36.
Give
an example of an ex-situ program for animals in India.
Answer: Captive breeding of Indian Rhinoceros in Kaziranga.
37.
Explain
how zoos help in biodiversity conservation.
Answer: Provide captive breeding, protect endangered species, educate
the public, and conduct research.
38.
Name
one global seed vault and its purpose.
Answer: Svalbard Seed Vault, Norway – stores seeds worldwide as backup
for food security.
39.
How
does ex-situ conservation support in-situ conservation?
Answer: Provides propagated individuals for reintroduction into natural
habitats.
40.
Give
one example of a critically endangered plant preserved ex-situ.
Answer: Nepenthes khasiana (Pitcher Plant) in Botanical Gardens.
41–50: Community Participation and
Global Efforts
41.
Explain
the role of community participation in biodiversity conservation.
Answer: Communities protect sacred groves, promote sustainable resource
use, engage in ecotourism, and help reduce human-wildlife conflicts.
42.
Give
one example of community-based conservation in India.
Answer: Sacred groves in Meghalaya and Karnataka.
43.
What
is CITES and why is it important?
Answer: Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species –
prevents illegal trade of endangered flora and fauna globally.
44.
Mention
two major conservation projects in India.
Answer: Project Tiger (tigers), Project Elephant (elephants).
45.
Explain
how biodiversity supports climate regulation.
Answer: Forests and vegetation absorb CO₂, reduce greenhouse gases, and
maintain local and global climate stability.
46.
What
is the Red Data Book?
Answer: Published by IUCN; lists threatened species with their conservation
status to prioritize protection efforts.
47.
Give
one example of a species recovered through conservation efforts.
Answer: Indian Rhinoceros in Kaziranga National Park.
48.
Explain
the importance of biodiversity education.
Answer: Raises awareness, promotes conservation action, and fosters
sustainable use of natural resources.
49.
Give
one example of an international effort for biodiversity conservation.
Answer: Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) – global treaty for
sustainable use and protection of biodiversity.
50.
Explain
how ex-situ and in-situ conservation can complement each other.
Answer: Ex-situ preserves species outside natural habitats; reintroduced
individuals can bolster in-situ populations, ensuring long-term survival.
