Question 1

Multiple choice questions.

(i) Conservation of biodiversity is important for :

(a) Animals

(c) Plants

(b) Animals and plants

(d) All organisms

(ii) Threatened species are those which :

(a) threaten others

(b) Lion and tiger

(c) are abundant in number

(d) are suffering from the danger of extinction

(iii) National parks and sanctuaries are established for the purpose of :

(a) Recreation

(c) Pets

(b) Hunting

(d) Conservation

(iv) Biodiversity is richer in :
(a) Tropical Regions
(b) Polar Regions
(c) Temperate Regions
(d) Oceans

(v) In which one of the following countries, the 'Earth Summit' was held?
(a) the UK
(b) Mexico
(c) Brazil
(d) China

Accepted Answer

(i) Conservation of biodiversity is important for (d) All organisms.
Explanation: Biodiversity includes all forms of life including animals, plants, and microorganisms, all of which are important for ecosystem balance.

(ii) Threatened species are those which (d) are suffering from the danger of extinction.
Explanation: Threatened species are those at risk of extinction due to various factors like habitat loss, hunting, etc.

(iii) National parks and sanctuaries are established for the purpose of (d) Conservation.
Explanation: These protected areas conserve wildlife and their habitats.

(iv) Biodiversity is richer in (a) Tropical Regions.
Explanation: Tropical regions have warm climate and abundant rainfall, supporting diverse species.

(v) The 'Earth Summit' was held in (c) Brazil.
Explanation: The Earth Summit, also known as the Rio Summit, was held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 1992. — Each MCQ tests basic understanding of biodiversity and conservation concepts. The correct options are chosen based on definitions and facts about biodiversity, conservation, and global environmental events.

Question 2

Answer the following questions in about 30 words.
(i) What is biodiversity?
(ii) What are the different levels of biodiversity?
(iii) What do you understand by 'hotspots'?
(iv) Discuss briefly the importance of animals to human kind.
(v) What do you understand by 'exotic species'?

Accepted Answer

(i) Biodiversity is the variety of life forms on Earth including plants, animals, and microorganisms.

(ii) The different levels of biodiversity are genetic diversity, species diversity, and ecosystem diversity.

(iii) 'Hotspots' are regions with exceptionally high levels of endemic species and significant habitat loss.

(iv) Animals are important to humans for food, clothing, medicine, ecological balance, and cultural values.

(v) 'Exotic species' are species introduced to an area where they do not naturally occur, often by human activity. — Each answer provides a concise definition or explanation relevant to the question, reflecting key concepts from biodiversity and conservation.

Question 3

Answer the following questions in about 150 words.
(i) What are the roles played by biodiversity in the shaping of nature?
(ii) What are the major factors that are responsible for the loss of biodiversity? What steps are needed to prevent them?

Accepted Answer

(i) Biodiversity plays several roles in shaping nature. It maintains ecosystem stability by supporting food chains and nutrient cycles. Diverse species contribute to ecosystem services such as pollination, water purification, and climate regulation. Biodiversity also provides genetic resources for agriculture, medicine, and industry, and supports cultural and recreational values.

(ii) Major factors responsible for biodiversity loss include habitat destruction, pollution, overexploitation, invasive species, and climate change. To prevent biodiversity loss, steps such as establishing protected areas, promoting sustainable resource use, restoring degraded habitats, controlling invasive species, and raising public awareness are essential. International cooperation and legal frameworks also play a vital role. — Answers explain the ecological, economic, and cultural importance of biodiversity and identify human-induced threats along with conservation measures.

Question 4

Project Work

Collect the names of national parks, sanctuaries and biosphere reserves of the state where your school is located and show their location on the map of India.

Accepted Answer

This is a project work requiring students to research and list national parks, sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves in their state and mark them on the map of India. The solution involves:
1. Identifying the state.
2. Researching official sources or textbooks for protected areas in that state.
3. Listing the names of national parks, sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves.
4. Locating these areas on a blank map of India and marking them accurately.
This exercise helps students understand biodiversity conservation efforts in their region. — The project encourages practical learning and application of knowledge about biodiversity conservation areas in the student's own state, enhancing map skills and awareness.

Question 5

Biodiversity refers to the variety and variability of living organisms found within a specified geographic region. Which of the following best describes biodiversity?

Accepted Answer

The number and variety of organisms including plants, animals, and microorganisms in an area — Biodiversity encompasses the variety of all living organisms including plants, animals, and microorganisms within a specific geographic region, as well as the genes they contain and the ecosystems they form.

Question 6

Which one of the following is NOT a level of biodiversity?

Accepted Answer

Atmospheric diversity — Biodiversity is discussed at three levels: genetic diversity (variation within species), species diversity (variety of species), and ecosystem diversity (variety of ecosystems). Atmospheric diversity is not a recognized level of biodiversity.

Question 7

Genetic diversity refers to:

Accepted Answer

Variation of genes within a species — Genetic diversity is the variation in genes within a species, which causes differences in characteristics such as height, color, and physical appearance among individuals.

Question 8

Species diversity is best described as:

Accepted Answer

The variety and number of species in a defined area — Species diversity relates to the number and variety of species in a particular area and is measured through species richness, abundance, and types.

Question 9

Ecosystem diversity refers to:

Accepted Answer

Differences between ecosystem types and habitats — Ecosystem diversity is the variety of habitats, ecological processes, and communities within different ecosystem types, and their complex interactions.

Question 10

Which of the following best explains why biodiversity is richer in tropical regions compared to polar regions?

Accepted Answer

Higher solar energy and water availability in tropics — Tropical regions receive more solar energy and water, which support a wide variety of vegetation and hence richer biodiversity compared to polar regions where conditions are harsh.

Question 11

Why is genetic diversity important for a species?

Accepted Answer

Genetic diversity is important because it allows for variation within a species, enabling healthy breeding and adaptation to changing environments. For example, humans show genetic diversity in height and skin color which helps in survival. — Genetic diversity refers to the variation of genes within a species which is essential for healthy breeding populations. It allows species to adapt to environmental changes and resist diseases, ensuring survival over time.

Question 12

Explain the ecological role of biodiversity in an ecosystem.

Accepted Answer

The ecological role of biodiversity includes species performing functions such as capturing energy, decomposing organic material, cycling water and nutrients, fixing atmospheric gases, and regulating climate. For example, plants produce oxygen and provide food for animals, maintaining ecosystem stability. — Biodiversity ensures ecosystem functions by enabling various species to perform essential roles like energy capture, nutrient cycling, and climate regulation. A diverse ecosystem is more stable and productive, enhancing survival chances of species.

Question 13

What is meant by 'hotspots' of biodiversity?

Accepted Answer

Hotspots are areas that are rich in species diversity and have a large number of endemic species. For example, the Western Ghats in India is a biodiversity hotspot with many unique plants and animals. — Biodiversity hotspots are regions with exceptionally high species richness and endemism, often under threat from human activities. Protecting hotspots is crucial for conservation efforts.

Question 14

Describe the economic importance of biodiversity with an example.

Accepted Answer

Biodiversity provides resources like food crops, livestock, forests, fish, and medicinal plants essential for human livelihood. For example, crop diversity helps in agriculture by providing different varieties of food plants. — Biodiversity acts as a reservoir of biological resources used in food production, medicine, and industry. Agro-biodiversity ensures food security and economic stability for communities.

Question 15

What is an exotic species? Give an example.

Accepted Answer

An exotic species is a species introduced into a habitat where it is not native. For example, the introduction of minks in some ecosystems has caused damage to native species. — Exotic species are non-native organisms introduced intentionally or accidentally into new habitats. They can disrupt local ecosystems by competing with native species or spreading diseases.

Biodiversity And Conservation

Biodiversity And Conservation — Study Notes

Introduction to Biodiversity and Conservation

Levels of Biodiversity

Importance of Biodiversity

Practice Questions — Biodiversity And Conservation

All 14 Chapters in Fundamental of Physical Geography