🌸Chapter 13
Biodiversity and Conservation
(5 Marks)
1–10: Basics and Importance of
Biodiversity
1.
Define
biodiversity and explain its three levels with examples.
Answer:
Biodiversity is the variety of life at genetic, species, and ecosystem levels.
- 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.
Example: Forests, wetlands, deserts.
Importance: Maintains ecological balance, provides food, medicine, raw materials, and ecosystem services.
2.
Explain
the ecological, economic, and cultural importance of biodiversity.
Answer:
- Ecological: Maintains food webs, nutrient
cycling, soil formation, climate regulation.
- Economic: Provides timber, fuel,
medicines, fibers, ornamental plants.
- Cultural: Sacred groves, ecotourism,
aesthetic value, and spiritual significance.
3.
Explain
species richness and species evenness with examples.
Answer:
- Species richness: Number of species in an
ecosystem. Example: Rainforest may have 200 species of plants.
- Species evenness: Distribution of individuals
among species. Example: Equal numbers of five plant species in a habitat
indicate high evenness.
Both are components of species diversity, contributing to ecosystem stability.
4.
Define
keystone species and explain its role with examples.
Answer:
A keystone species has a disproportionate effect on ecosystem structure and
function.
Role: Regulates population of other species and maintains ecosystem
balance.
Examples: Tiger (controls herbivore numbers), Honeybee (pollination).
5.
What
is genetic diversity? Explain its significance in agriculture and medicine.
Answer:
Genetic diversity is the variation of genes within a species.
Significance:
- Agriculture: Different crop
varieties resistant to pests, drought, or flood. Example: Rice varieties.
- Medicine: Plants and animals
provide compounds for drugs. Example: Taxol from Yew tree.
6.
Explain
the concept of endemic species and give five examples from India.
Answer:
Endemic species are those found only in a specific geographic area.
Examples: Lion-tailed macaque, Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana),
Indian Peafowl, Purple Frog, Indian Star Tortoise.
Importance: Indicator of biodiversity and need for conservation.
7.
Why
is India considered a megadiversity country?
Answer:
- High species richness and
endemism.
- Presence of four biodiversity
hotspots: Himalaya, Indo-Burma, Western Ghats, Sundalands.
- Variety of ecosystems: deserts,
wetlands, forests, mountains.
- Supports diverse agricultural
and medicinal resources.
8.
Explain
the concept of biodiversity hotspots. Name four hotspots of India.
Answer:
Biodiversity hotspots are regions rich in endemic species but under threat.
Indian hotspots:
- Himalaya
- Indo-Burma
- Western Ghats
- Sundalands (Nicobar Islands)
Importance: High conservation priority due to species richness and endemism.
9.
Give
two examples each of endemic plants and animals of India and explain why they
need protection.
Answer:
- Plants: Neelakurinji, Santalum album.
- Animals: Lion-tailed macaque, Indian
Peafowl.
Need protection: Endemics are restricted to small areas, making them vulnerable to habitat loss, overexploitation, and climate change.
10.
Explain
species evenness and its significance in maintaining ecosystem stability.
Answer:
Species evenness is the relative abundance of individuals among species in a
habitat.
Significance: Balanced species distribution prevents dominance of a
single species, maintains ecosystem stability, and supports ecological
interactions.
11–20: Threats to Biodiversity
11.
Explain
habitat loss and fragmentation as major threats to biodiversity.
Answer:
- Habitat loss: Destruction of natural
habitats reduces species survival. Example: Deforestation of rainforests.
- Fragmentation: Division of large habitats
into small patches isolates populations, reduces gene flow, and increases
extinction risk.
12.
What
is overexploitation? Explain its impact on species with an example.
Answer:
Overexploitation is excessive use of species beyond sustainable levels.
Impact: Leads to population decline and possible extinction.
Example: Overfishing of Hilsa fish reduces population in rivers and seas.
13.
Explain
the threat posed by invasive species with an example.
Answer:
Invasive species compete with native species for resources, reduce native
populations, and disrupt ecosystems.
Example: Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) clogs water bodies, affecting
native flora and fauna.
14.
Discuss
the effects of pollution on biodiversity.
Answer:
Pollution contaminates air, water, and soil, reducing species survival and
reproduction.
Examples:
- Pesticides affect birds and
insects.
- Oil spills affect marine life.
- Air pollution impacts
respiratory health of wildlife.
15.
Explain
how climate change affects biodiversity.
Answer:
Climate change alters temperature, rainfall, and habitats, leading to
migration, altered breeding patterns, or extinction.
Example: Coral bleaching due to ocean warming.
16.
Define
threatened species. Explain the categories with examples.
Answer:
Threatened species are at risk of extinction due to declining populations or
habitat loss.
Categories:
- Vulnerable: Likely to become endangered
(Olive Ridley Turtle).
- Endangered: High risk of extinction
(Bengal Tiger).
- Critically endangered: Extremely high risk (Ganges
River Dolphin).
17.
Explain
extinction and give two examples caused by human activities.
Answer:
Extinction is the permanent loss of a species.
Examples:
- Dodo bird – hunting and habitat
loss.
- Passenger pigeon –
deforestation and hunting.
18.
Discuss
the ecological consequences of losing a keystone species.
Answer:
Loss of keystone species disrupts food webs, overpopulates prey, and
destabilizes ecosystems.
Example: Decline of tigers in forests leads to herbivore overpopulation,
overgrazing, and habitat degradation.
19.
Explain
how habitat destruction, invasive species, and overexploitation collectively
threaten biodiversity.
Answer:
- Habitat destruction reduces
living space.
- Invasive species outcompete
natives.
- Overexploitation reduces
population numbers.
Result: Decline in species diversity, imbalance in ecosystems, and increased extinction rates.
20.
Explain
the importance of conserving endemic and endangered species.
Answer:
Endemic species are restricted geographically and are vulnerable to extinction.
Endangered species face high risk of extinction.
Importance: Maintains ecosystem balance, genetic diversity, and
ecological services; protects cultural, economic, and aesthetic values.
21–30: Conservation Strategies –
In-Situ
21.
Define
in-situ conservation and explain its importance.
Answer:
In-situ conservation protects species in their natural habitats.
Importance: Maintains ecological interactions, evolutionary processes,
and natural habitats; prevents extinction.
Examples: National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries.
22.
Differentiate
between National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary.
Answer:
- National Park: Strict protection; no human
activity allowed; example: Jim Corbett.
- Wildlife Sanctuary: Limited human activity
allowed; example: Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary.
23.
Explain
the structure and function of a biosphere reserve.
Answer:
Structure: Core zone (strictly protected), buffer zone (research and
education), transition zone (sustainable use).
Function: Protects biodiversity, supports research, and allows
sustainable human activity.
Example: Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
24.
Give
two examples of tiger reserves and their significance.
Answer: Jim Corbett, Bandhavgarh.
Significance: Protect tiger population, conserve forests, and maintain
ecological balance.
25.
Explain
the role of sacred groves in biodiversity conservation.
Answer:
Sacred groves are protected due to religious beliefs.
Role: Preserve endemic species, prevent deforestation and hunting, and
maintain ecological integrity.
26.
Mention
one aquatic species protected by in-situ conservation and its habitat.
Answer: Olive Ridley Turtle – protected along Odisha’s coasts (Rushikulya
and Gahirmatha).
27.
Explain
how in-situ conservation helps in maintaining ecological balance.
Answer: Protects species in natural habitats, supports food webs,
preserves soil, water, and nutrient cycles.
28.
Give
one example each of endemic flora and fauna conserved in-situ.
Answer:
Flora: Neelakurinji (Western Ghats), Fauna: Lion-tailed macaque (Western
Ghats).
29.
Discuss
the role of National Parks in education and research.
Answer: Serve as centers for wildlife study, ecological research, and
public awareness about biodiversity.
30.
Explain
the importance of community participation in in-situ conservation.
Answer: Local communities help protect sacred groves, manage wildlife,
and reduce human-wildlife conflicts, ensuring long-term conservation.
31–40: Conservation Strategies –
Ex-Situ
31.
Define
ex-situ conservation and give examples.
Answer: Protection of species outside natural habitats.
Examples: Zoos, Botanical Gardens, Seed Banks, Tissue Culture labs.
32.
Explain
the role of botanical gardens in biodiversity conservation.
Answer: Preserve rare plants, propagate endangered species, educate
public, and support research.
33.
What
is a seed bank? Give an example.
Answer: Facility for storing seeds for long-term conservation and crop
improvement.
Example: NBPGR, New Delhi.
34.
Explain
tissue culture and its importance in plant conservation.
Answer: Laboratory technique to grow plants from tissues/cells.
Importance: Propagates rare/endangered plants and maintains genetic
diversity.
35.
Discuss
one advantage and one limitation of ex-situ conservation.
Answer:
- Advantage: Protects critically
endangered species and allows controlled breeding.
- Limitation: Expensive;
artificial environment may not preserve natural behaviors.
36.
Give
an example of an ex-situ animal conservation program in India.
Answer: Captive breeding of Indian Rhinoceros in Kaziranga National
Park.
37.
Explain
how ex-situ conservation supports in-situ conservation.
Answer: Provides propagated individuals for reintroduction into natural
habitats, enhancing population recovery.
38.
Give
one example of a critically endangered plant preserved ex-situ.
Answer: Nepenthes khasiana (Pitcher Plant) in Botanical Gardens.
39.
Explain
the role of zoos in research and education.
Answer: Conduct scientific studies, educate public about conservation,
and propagate endangered species.
40.
Discuss
the importance of global seed vaults in conservation.
Answer: Stores seeds worldwide as a backup for crop diversity, ensures
food security, and preserves genetic resources.
Example: Svalbard Seed Vault, Norway.
41–50: Community Participation and
Global Efforts
41.
Explain
the role of community participation in biodiversity conservation.
Answer: Communities protect sacred groves, engage in sustainable use,
monitor wildlife, and reduce conflicts, ensuring long-term biodiversity
protection.
42.
Give
one example of community-based conservation in India.
Answer: Sacred groves in Meghalaya and Karnataka preserve endemic
species and prevent deforestation.
43.
What
is CITES? Explain its significance.
Answer: Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species –
prevents illegal trade of threatened flora and fauna globally, helping species
survival.
44.
Name
two major conservation projects in India and explain their objectives.
Answer:
- Project Tiger: Protect tigers
and their habitats.
- Project Elephant: Conserve
elephants and migratory corridors.
45.
Explain
how biodiversity supports climate regulation and ecosystem services.
Answer: Forests and vegetation absorb CO₂, regulate temperature,
maintain rainfall patterns, and provide water, food, and pollination services.
46.
What
is the Red Data Book? Explain its importance.
Answer: Published by IUCN; lists threatened species and their status.
Importance: Helps prioritize conservation efforts and monitor species
populations.
47.
Give
one example of a species recovered through conservation efforts.
Answer: Indian Rhinoceros in Kaziranga National Park – population
increased through protection and breeding programs.
48.
Explain
the importance of biodiversity education in conservation.
Answer: Raises awareness, encourages sustainable practices, supports
policies, and reduces human-induced threats.
49.
Mention
one international effort for biodiversity conservation.
Answer: Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) – global treaty for
protection and sustainable use of biodiversity.
50.
Explain
how ex-situ and in-situ conservation can complement each other.
Answer: Ex-situ preserves species outside habitats and provides
individuals for reintroduction; in-situ maintains species in natural habitats.
Together, they ensure long-term survival and genetic diversity.
