Full Chapter Summary & Detailed Notes - Biodiversity and Conservation Class 11 NCERT
Overview & Key Concepts
- Chapter Goal: Understand biodiversity as result of evolution, its levels (genetic, species, ecosystem), importance (ecological, economic, scientific), causes of loss (overexploitation, habitat destruction, exotic species), threatened categories (endangered, vulnerable, rare), and conservation strategies (in-situ/ex-situ, hotspots, mega diversity centers). Exam Focus: Definitions, levels, roles, loss factors, conservation steps, hotspots map. 2025 Updates: Emphasis on sustainable use, Earth Summit 1992, IUCN Red List, Wild Life Act 1972, biosphere reserves. Fun Fact: Earth has 2-100 million species; 99% extinct over 3.5 billion years. Core Idea: Biodiversity is living wealth; richer in tropics due to solar energy/water. Real-World: Tropical forests hotspots; over 50% species in 25% area. Ties: To weathering (Ch 5) as basis for diversity; human impact on ecosystems. Expanded: Biodiversity evolves constantly; average species half-life 1-4 million years. Global estimates: 10 million best guess; new discoveries ongoing, e.g., 40% South American freshwater fishes unclassified. Ethical aspect: Every species has intrinsic right to exist; humans must live and let live.
- Wider Scope: System in evolution; uneven distribution (tropics rich, poles sparse); variability within/between species/ecosystems; role in human culture and vice versa.
- Expanded Content: Biodiversity supports ecosystems; loss reduces stability/adaptability. Agro-biodiversity for food security; conflicts over resource appropriation. India: Mega diversity nation with Western Ghats/Eastern Himalayas hotspots. Examples: Red Panda endangered; Humbodtia decurrens rare endemic. Global hotspots: 34 areas with high endemism/vulnerability. Conservation: Involves local communities; institutional structures needed. Human overpopulation (3/4 in tropics) accelerates deforestation; 50% species in rainforests at risk.
Introduction
Links to geomorphic processes (weathering mantle basis for vegetation/biodiversity) from Ch 5; variations due to solar energy/water inputs. Rich inputs = wide biodiversity spectrum. Biodiversity: Result of 2.5-3.5 billion years evolution; pre-human peak, now rapid decline due to overuse. Estimates: 2-100 million species (10 million best); new discoveries/classifications ongoing. Tropics richest; constant evolution at species/individual levels. Half-life: 1-4 million years; 99% extinct. Uneven distribution: Tropics richer, poles fewer/larger populations. Definition: Bio (life) + diversity (variety); number/variety of organisms in geographic region. Includes plants/animals/micro-organisms/genes/ecosystems. Living wealth from evolutionary history. Expanded: Humans accelerated extinction; e.g., South American fishes unclassified. Biodiversity as system: Viewpoint species/organism. Polar regions: Larger populations fewer species due to harsh conditions. Examples: Tropical forests house 50% species; weathering depth varies climatically affecting soil/vegetation diversity.
- Examples: Equatorial rainforests vs polar tundra; solar energy drives photosynthesis/biodiversity.
- Point: Basic cause weathering variations/solar-water inputs.
- Expanded: Pre-human earth more diverse; human emergence led to decline. Global variation: 2-100 million; regular discoveries.
Extended: Biodiversity levels: Genetic (gene variation within species), Species (variety in area), Ecosystem (habitat/ecological process diversity). Boundaries fluid; difficult demarcation. Evolutionary history: Hundreds millions years; constant evolution.
Biodiversity Levels
Genetic: Variation genes within species; building blocks life. Species: Groups similar physical characteristics; e.g., humans homo sapiens vary height/colour due genetics. Essential healthy breeding/population. Species: Variety/number in defined area; measured richness/abundance/types. Hotspots: Areas rich diversity (Fig 14.5). Ecosystem: Broad differences types; diversity habitats/processes within. Communities/ecosystems boundaries not rigid; complex demarcation. Expanded: Genetic ensures adaptability; e.g., crop varieties resist diseases. Species: E.g., Indira Gandhi NP grasslands/sholas (Fig 14.1). Ecosystem: Includes grasslands/forests/wetlands; processes like nutrient cycling. Interlinks: Genetic base for species; species form ecosystems. Global: Tropics high due stable climate; poles low. Examples: Amazon 50,000 plant species; Madagascar unique endemics.
- Examples: Human genetic diversity; hotspots like Western Ghats.
- Point: Three levels interlinked; variability within/between.
- Expanded: Genes for breeding; species hotspots; ecosystem boundaries fluid.
Extended: Genetic: Homo sapiens group differences; species: Richness/abundance; ecosystem: Associations species/communities.
Importance of Biodiversity
Ecological: Species perform functions; extract/contribute needs. Capture/store energy; produce/decompose organics; cycle water/nutrients; fix gases; regulate climate. Diverse ecosystem stable/productive; better survival adversities. Loss decreases maintenance; high biodiversity adapts change. Economic: Resource day-to-day; crop/agro-biodiversity for food/pharma/cosmetics. Commodities: Crops/livestock/forests/fish/medicinal. Reservoir resources; deterioration origin but conflicts division. Scientific: Clues evolution/life functions; role sustaining ecosystems/humans. Expanded: Ecological: Humans contribute? E.g., pollination aids. Economic: Overuse deteriorates; new conflicts appropriation. Scientific: Understand evolution/continuation; sustaining humans. Interlinks: Ecological stability for economic uses; scientific for conservation. Examples: Forests oxygen; fish protein; medicines plants like quinine. Cultural shaping: Human communities shape diversity; vice versa.
- Examples: Energy cycling; food crops; evolution clues.
- Point: Roles ecological/economic/scientific; development human culture.
- Expanded: Diverse better adversities; agro-biodiversity; clues life functions.
Extended: Nothing ecosystem without reason; species interdependencies. More variety = stable. Biodiversity shaped human culture; ethical responsibility.
Loss of Biodiversity
Human population growth increased consumption; accelerated loss species/habitats. Tropics (1/4 area, 3/4 population) overexploitation/deforestation rampant. Rainforests 50% species; destruction disastrous biosphere. Natural calamities: Earthquakes/floods/eruptions/fires/droughts damage flora/fauna. Pollutants: Pesticides/hydrocarbons/heavy metals destroy weak species. Exotic species: Introduced non-native; damage biotic communities. Poaching: Tigers/elephants/rhinos/crocodiles/birds hunted horns/tusks/hides; endangered. IUCN categories: Endangered (danger extinction; Red List), Vulnerable (likely danger if threats continue), Rare (small/thinly scattered). Expanded: Population: Over-fulfill needs large pop. Deforestation: Rampant tropics. Calamities: Change affected regions biodiversity. Pollutants: Toxic destroy sensitive. Exotic: E.g., Lantana in India. Poaching: Merciless; certain organisms endangered. Interlinks: Human causes main; natural secondary. Examples: Tigers poached skins; earthquakes destroy habitats.
- Examples: Tropical rainforests destruction; poaching elephants.
- Point: Growth consumption; overexploitation; calamities; exotics; poaching.
- Expanded: 50% species rainforests; pollutants hydrocarbons; exotic damage examples.
Extended: Last decades accelerated; tropics human pop high; habitats destroyed; species introduced harm.
Conservation of Biodiversity
Important human existence; interlinked forms; disturbance imbalance threatens humans. Educate environment-friendly; sustainable development harmonious. Consciousness: Conservation sustainable use with local cooperation. Institutional structures local. Government India signed Convention Biodiversity Earth Summit Rio 1992 with 155 nations. World strategy: Preserve endangered; proper planning/management; varieties crops/forage/timber/livestock/wild relatives; identify habitats wild relatives/protect; safeguard feed/breed/nurse; regulate international trade. India: Wild Life Act 1972; national parks/sanctuaries/biosphere reserves (details India Physical Environment). Mega diversity: 12 countries (Mexico/Colombia/Ecuador/Peru/Brazil/Congo/Madagascar/China/India/Malaysia/Indonesia/Australia); large species diversity. Hotspots: IUCN identified; vegetation-based; species-rich; vulnerable. E.g., Madagascar 85% unique; Hawaii threatened introduced/land development. Expanded: Urgent educate/reorient; critical continuation process. Earth Summit: Convention signed. Steps: Preserve endangered/extinction prevention/varieties/wild relatives/habitats/trade. India: Act 1972; reserves. Mega: Tropical nations. Hotspots: 34 global; plants primary productivity; rely food/firewood/cropland/timber. Interlinks: Local involvement; sustainable. Examples: Western Ghats hotspot; Biosphere reserves like Nilgiri.
- Examples: Rio Summit; hotspots Madagascar; mega India.
- Point: Educate sustainable; local cooperation; strategy steps; mega/hotspots.
- Expanded: Institutional local; signed 155 nations; hotspots pressures.
Extended: Harmonious other life; imbalance degradation. Vulnerable areas concentrate resources.
Summary
- Biodiversity: Evolution result; levels genetic/species/ecosystem; importance roles; loss causes; conservation strategies/hotspots/mega.
Why This Guide Stands Out
Complete: All subtopics, examples, Q&A, quiz. Geography-focused. Free 2025.
Key Themes & Tips
- Aspects: Evolutionary, uneven, interlinked, ethical.
- Organizations: IUCN, Earth Summit.
- Tip: Levels classify; causes analyze; hotspots map; conservation debate.
Exam Case Studies
Western Ghats hotspot, Red Panda endangered, Chipko movement.
Project & Group Ideas
- Map national parks/sanctuaries/biosphere reserves India.
- Debate exotic species impacts.
60+ Questions & Answers - NCERT Based (Class 11)
Part A (1 mark short), B (4 marks medium), C (8 marks long). Based on NCERT, exercises. Answer lengths: 1 mark ~2 lines, 4 marks ~5 lines, 8 marks ~10 lines.
Part A: 1 Mark Questions
1. What is biodiversity?
1 Mark Answer: Biodiversity is the number and variety of organisms in a geographic region, including plants, animals, microbes, genes, and ecosystems. It is the result of billions of years of evolution.
2. Name the three levels of biodiversity.
1 Mark Answer: The three levels are genetic diversity, species diversity, and ecosystem diversity. They cover variations within and between species and ecosystems.
3. What is genetic diversity?
1 Mark Answer: Genetic diversity refers to the variation of genes within species. It is essential for healthy breeding and population adaptation.
4. Define species diversity.
1 Mark Answer: Species diversity is the variety of species in a defined area, measured by richness, abundance, and types. Hotspots are areas rich in it.
5. What is ecosystem diversity?
1 Mark Answer: Ecosystem diversity refers to broad differences between ecosystem types, habitats, and ecological processes. Boundaries are fluid and complex.
6. Where is biodiversity richest?
1 Mark Answer: Biodiversity is richest in tropical regions due to high solar energy and water inputs. It decreases towards polar regions.
7. What is the average half-life of a species?
1 Mark Answer: The average half-life of a species is estimated at 1 to 4 million years. 99% of species that ever lived are extinct.
8. Name one ecological role of biodiversity.
1 Mark Answer: Biodiversity helps in nutrient cycling, energy storage, and climate regulation. Diverse ecosystems are more stable and productive.
9. What is agro-biodiversity?
1 Mark Answer: Agro-biodiversity refers to crop diversity, important for food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. It is a reservoir of economic resources.
10. Give one cause of biodiversity loss.
1 Mark Answer: Overexploitation of resources due to human population growth leads to habitat destruction. Deforestation is rampant in tropics.
11. What are exotic species?
1 Mark Answer: Exotic species are non-native organisms introduced into an ecosystem. They cause extensive damage to local biotic communities.
12. Define endangered species.
1 Mark Answer: Endangered species are those in danger of extinction. IUCN publishes them in the Red List of threatened species.
13. What is a vulnerable species?
1 Mark Answer: Vulnerable species are likely to become endangered if threats continue. Their population has reduced greatly.
14. Define rare species.
1 Mark Answer: Rare species have small populations confined to limited areas or thinly scattered. They are at risk over wider areas.
15. Name one mega diversity center.
1 Mark Answer: India is a mega diversity center with large species diversity. Others include Brazil and Madagascar.
16. What is a biodiversity hotspot?
1 Mark Answer: Hotspots are areas with species-rich ecosystems and high vulnerability. They are defined by vegetation and endemism.
17. When was the Earth Summit held?
1 Mark Answer: The Earth Summit was held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in June 1992. It led to the Convention on Biodiversity.
18. What is the Wild Life Act?
1 Mark Answer: The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 in India established national parks, sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves. It protects species.
19. Name one conservation step.
1 Mark Answer: Preserve endangered species through proper planning and management. Protect habitats of wild relatives.
20. What is IUCN?
1 Mark Answer: International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources classifies threatened species. It identifies hotspots.
Part B: 4 Marks Questions
1. What is biodiversity?
4 Marks Answer: Biodiversity is the variety of life forms on Earth, including plants, animals, microbes, genes, and ecosystems. It results from 2.5-3.5 billion years of evolution and is richer in tropics due to solar energy and water. Global estimates range from 2-100 million species, with 10 million as the best guess. It evolves constantly at species and individual levels, with 99% of past species extinct. Biodiversity is our living wealth and an integral part of human cultures.
2. What are the different levels of biodiversity?
4 Marks Answer: Biodiversity has three levels: genetic, species, and ecosystem. Genetic diversity is gene variation within species, essential for breeding. Species diversity is the variety of species in an area, measured by richness and abundance. Ecosystem diversity covers differences in habitats and processes between ecosystem types. Boundaries of ecosystems are fluid and complex. These levels interlink variability within and between species and ecosystems.
3. What do you understand by ‘hotspots’?
4 Marks Answer: Hotspots are areas with high species diversity and vulnerability, identified by IUCN for conservation priority. They are defined by vegetation, as plants determine primary productivity. Examples include Madagascar with 85% unique species and Hawaii threatened by introduced species. Hotspots rely on ecosystems for food, firewood, and timber. There are 34 global hotspots facing pressures like land development.
4. Discuss briefly the importance of animals to human kind.
4 Marks Answer: Animals contribute to biodiversity's economic and ecological roles for humans. They provide food like livestock and fish, and medicinal resources. Ecologically, they help in pollination, nutrient cycling, and pest control. Scientifically, they offer clues to evolution and ecosystem functions. Loss of animal species reduces ecosystem stability and human survival chances. Examples include bees for pollination and birds for seed dispersal.
5. What do you understand by ‘exotic species’?
4 Marks Answer: Exotic species are non-native organisms introduced into an ecosystem, often causing extensive damage. They disrupt local biotic communities by outcompeting natives. Examples include Lantana in India, which invades habitats. Introduction leads to biodiversity loss as they alter food chains. Conservation strategies aim to control exotics to protect endemic species. They are a major threat alongside habitat destruction.
6. Explain genetic diversity with example.
4 Marks Answer: Genetic diversity is the variation of genes within a species, forming the building blocks of life. It ensures healthy breeding and adaptation to changes. For example, humans (Homo sapiens) vary in height, color, and appearance due to genetics. In crops, it provides resistance to diseases. This diversity is crucial for population survival against adversities. Loss reduces breeding potential.
7. Describe species diversity.
4 Marks Answer: Species diversity refers to the variety and number of species in a defined area. It is measured through richness, abundance, and types of species. Areas rich in it are called hotspots, like tropical forests. For example, South American freshwater fishes show high unclassified diversity. It relates to variability between species. Higher diversity indicates healthier ecosystems.
8. What is ecosystem diversity?
4 Marks Answer: Ecosystem diversity encompasses broad differences between ecosystem types and the diversity of habitats and processes within them. Boundaries of communities and ecosystems are not rigidly defined, making demarcation complex. Examples include grasslands and sholas in Indira Gandhi National Park. It constitutes the variety of ecological interactions. Fluid boundaries highlight interconnectedness.
9. Explain ecological role of biodiversity.
4 Marks Answer: Ecologically, biodiversity ensures species perform functions like energy capture, organic decomposition, and nutrient cycling. It fixes gases and regulates climate for ecosystem stability. Diverse systems survive adversities better and are more productive. Loss decreases system maintenance ability. High biodiversity adapts to environmental changes, enhancing human survival.
10. Describe economic role of biodiversity.
4 Marks Answer: Economically, biodiversity provides resources for food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. Crop diversity (agro-biodiversity) is key for manufacture. Commodities include crops, livestock, forests, fish, and medicinals. It is a reservoir drawn upon, but overuse causes deterioration and conflicts over appropriation. Sustainable use is essential to avoid degradation.
11. What is scientific role of biodiversity?
4 Marks Answer: Scientifically, each species offers clues to how life evolved and will continue. It helps understand life functions and species roles in sustaining ecosystems, including humans. Biodiversity aids in studying evolutionary history. This knowledge is vital for ecosystem management. It underscores interdependencies for survival.
12. Give causes of biodiversity loss.
4 Marks Answer: Loss is due to population growth accelerating resource consumption and habitat destruction. Overexploitation and deforestation are rampant in tropics. Natural calamities like floods and earthquakes damage flora/fauna. Pollutants destroy weak species; exotic introductions harm locals. Poaching renders species endangered through illegal hunting.
13. Explain endangered species.
4 Marks Answer: Endangered species are in danger of extinction, listed in IUCN's Red List. Examples include Red Panda due to habitat loss. Survival is critical; threats like poaching continue. Conservation focuses on them worldwide. Population has declined drastically, requiring immediate protection.
14. What are vulnerable species?
4 Marks Answer: Vulnerable species are likely to become endangered if threats persist. Their population has reduced greatly, survival not assured. IUCN classifies them for monitoring. Examples include certain large mammals. Factors like habitat fragmentation contribute. Protection needed to prevent escalation.
15. Define rare species.
4 Marks Answer: Rare species have small populations in the world, confined to limited areas or thinly scattered. Examples include Humbodtia decurrens in Western Ghats. They are vulnerable over wider areas. IUCN includes them in threatened categories. Conservation aims to safeguard their habitats.
16. What are mega diversity centers?
4 Marks Answer: Mega diversity centers are 12 countries with large global species diversity, mostly tropical. Examples: India, Brazil, Madagascar. They possess majority of world's biodiversity. Conservation resources concentrate here. High endemism and vulnerability characterize them.
17. Explain biodiversity hotspots.
4 Marks Answer: Hotspots are species-rich areas vulnerable to threats, identified by IUCN. Defined by vegetation for primary productivity. Examples: Madagascar (85% unique), Hawaii (introduced species threats). They face pressures like deforestation. 34 global hotspots prioritize conservation.
18. What is the Wild Life Act 1972?
4 Marks Answer: The Act protects, preserves, and propagates species within natural boundaries in India. It established national parks, sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves. Details in India: Physical Environment. Aims to regulate trade and hunting. Essential for endangered species safeguard.
19. Name conservation steps from world strategy.
4 Marks Answer: Preserve endangered species; proper planning to prevent extinction; conserve crop varieties and wild relatives. Identify/protect habitats; safeguard breeding areas; regulate international trade in wild plants/animals. Involves sustainable use. Local communities key for implementation.
20. Why conserve biodiversity?
4 Marks Answer: Biodiversity is interlinked; disturbance causes imbalance threatening humans. Ethical responsibility for species' intrinsic right. Indicator of relationships with life. Essential for ecosystem functions and survival. Sustainable development requires harmonious practices.
Part C: 8 Marks Questions
1. What are the roles played by biodiversity in the shaping of nature?
8 Marks Answer: Biodiversity shapes nature through ecological, economic, and scientific roles. Ecologically, species capture energy, decompose organics, cycle nutrients, fix gases, and regulate climate for stability. Diverse ecosystems survive adversities better and are productive. Loss reduces system maintenance; high biodiversity adapts to changes. Economically, it provides food crops, livestock, forests, fish, and medicinals as resources. Agro-biodiversity is a reservoir for manufacture, but overuse causes deterioration and conflicts. Scientifically, species give clues to evolution and life functions, sustaining ecosystems including humans. Biodiversity contributes to human culture development, while communities shape it. Ethical aspect: Intrinsic right to exist; morally wrong to cause extinction. Overall, it ensures interdependencies and balance in nature.
2. What are the major factors that are responsible for the loss of biodiversity? What steps are needed to prevent them?
8 Marks Answer: Major factors include human population growth increasing consumption and habitat loss, especially in tropics (1/4 area, 3/4 population). Overexploitation and deforestation destroy rainforests with 50% species. Natural calamities like earthquakes, floods, eruptions, fires, and droughts damage flora/fauna. Pollutants such as pesticides, hydrocarbons, and heavy metals destroy weak species. Exotic species introductions cause extensive biotic damage. Poaching hunts animals like tigers and elephants mercilessly, rendering them endangered. Steps to prevent: Educate for environment-friendly practices; involve local communities in sustainable use. Develop local institutions; preserve endangered through planning. Conserve crop varieties/wild relatives; protect habitats for feeding/breeding. Regulate international trade; establish parks/sanctuaries/reserves under Wild Life Act. Concentrate on hotspots/mega centers; follow Earth Summit convention for global strategy.
3. Discuss biodiversity as a system in evolution.
8 Marks Answer: Biodiversity is a constantly evolving system from species and individual viewpoints. Result of 2.5-3.5 billion years evolution; pre-human earth more diverse, now declining due to humans. Estimates 2-100 million species; new discoveries like South American fishes. Average half-life 1-4 million years; 99% extinct. Uneven: Tropics rich due to solar/water; poles fewer/larger populations. Definition: Variety organisms/geographic region; includes variability within/between species/ecosystems. Living wealth from evolutionary history. Levels: Genetic (gene variation for breeding), species (richness/abundance/hotspots), ecosystem (habitats/processes/boundaries fluid). Evolution constant; weathering mantle basis from Ch 5. Human impact accelerates loss; ethical to preserve intrinsic rights.
4. Analyze the importance of biodiversity.
8 Marks Answer: Biodiversity is crucial for ecological stability, economic resources, and scientific insights. Ecologically, species functions ensure energy capture, decomposition, nutrient/water cycling, gas fixation, and climate regulation. Diverse systems are productive and adapt to changes better; loss decreases maintenance. High genetic/ecosystem diversity enhances survival. Economically, it supplies food crops, livestock, forests, fish, and medicinals; agro-biodiversity reservoir for products. Overuse causes deterioration/conflicts over appropriation. Scientifically, clues to evolution/life functions; role in sustaining ecosystems/humans. Contributes to human culture development; communities shape diversity. Ethical: Intrinsic right exist; indicator relationships other species. Overall, vital for human existence and nature's balance.
5. Examine causes and categories of biodiversity loss.
8 Marks Answer: Loss accelerated by population growth/consumption; tropics overexploitation/deforestation rampant, destroying rainforests with 50% species. Calamities like earthquakes/floods/eruptions/fires/droughts change regions. Pollutants (pesticides/hydrocarbons/metals) destroy sensitive. Exotic species introductions damage communities. Poaching (tigers/elephants/rhinos) renders endangered. IUCN categories: Endangered (danger extinction; Red List), Vulnerable (likely danger if threats continue; reduced population), Rare (small/confined/thinly scattered). Survival not assured for vulnerable; rare over wider areas. Conservation needed for all. Human causes dominant; natural secondary. Ethical responsibility to prevent voluntary extinction.
6. Discuss conservation strategies and hotspots.
8 Marks Answer: Conservation essential as interlinked life; disturbance threatens humans. Educate sustainable harmonious practices; involve locals/cooperation. Develop local institutions; critical continuation process. India/155 nations signed Rio 1992 Convention. World strategy: Preserve endangered/planning extinction prevention; conserve varieties crops/forage/timber/livestock/wild relatives. Identify/protect habitats wild relatives; safeguard feed/breed/nurse; regulate trade. India Wild Life Act 1972: Parks/sanctuaries/reserves. Mega centers: 12 countries like India/Brazil large diversity. Hotspots: IUCN identified vulnerable species-rich; vegetation-based; e.g., Madagascar 85% unique, Hawaii introduced/land threats. Concentrate resources hotspots; plants productivity; face food/firewood pressures.
7. Analyze ethical and cultural aspects of biodiversity.
8 Marks Answer: Biodiversity integral many human cultures; contributed development human culture. Communities played role shaping diversity at genetic/species/ecological levels. Ethical responsibility consider each species intrinsic right exist along us. Morally wrong voluntarily cause extinction any species. Level biodiversity good indicator state relationships other living species. Live let others live; humans contribute sustenance ecosystems. Concept part cultures; loss decreases ability system maintain itself. Ethical drives conservation sustainable use. Interlinks ecological/economic roles; without ethics, overuse continues.
8. Examine mega diversity centers and their significance.
8 Marks Answer: Mega diversity centers 12 countries situated mostly tropics possessing large world's species diversity. Examples: Mexico, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Brazil, Congo, Madagascar, China, India, Malaysia, Indonesia, Australia. Significance: Concentrate conservation resources vulnerable areas; house majority global biodiversity. High endemism; e.g., India Western Ghats/Eastern Himalayas. Tropical location ensures stable climate/high inputs solar/water. Interlinks hotspots within them. Global strategy prioritizes; sustainable development essential. Loss here impacts biosphere disastrously. Involves international cooperation like Earth Summit.
9. Discuss IUCN threatened categories.
8 Marks Answer: IUCN classifies threatened species into endangered, vulnerable, rare for conservation. Endangered: Danger extinction; Red List publishes world-wide info; e.g., Red Panda. Vulnerable: Likely danger near future if threats continue; population reduced greatly; survival not assured. Rare: Population small world; confined limited areas/thinly scattered wider area; e.g., Humbodtia decurrens. Categories help prioritize protection. Threats: Habitat loss/poaching/pollutants/exotics. Red List guides actions. Interlinks loss causes; conservation steps target them.
10. Analyze role of humans in biodiversity loss and conservation.
8 Marks Answer: Humans cause loss through population growth/overexploitation/deforestation/poaching/exotic introductions. Tropics 3/4 population; rainforests destruction disastrous. Pollutants/calamities exacerbate. Pre-human more diverse; now rapid decline. For conservation, educate environment-friendly/reorient activities sustainable. Involve locals/cooperation; develop institutions. Ethical: Live let live; intrinsic rights. India signed Rio Convention; Wild Life Act parks/reserves. World strategy: Preserve endangered/varieties/habitats/trade regulation. Humans can reverse through harmonious development.
11. Examine biodiversity distribution and evolution.
8 Marks Answer: Biodiversity uneven: Tropics richer due solar/water; poles fewer/larger populations. Result 2.5-3.5 billion evolution; estimates 2-100 million (10 million best). New discoveries; e.g., South American fishes 40% unclassified. Constant evolution species/individual; half-life 1-4 million years; 99% extinct. Weathering mantle basis diversity from Ch 5. System viewpoint species/organism. Human emergence decline; overuse brunt extinction. Links geomorphic processes; rich inputs wide spectrum.
12. Discuss project work on national parks.
8 Marks Answer: Collect names national parks, sanctuaries, biosphere reserves state school located; show locations map India. Relevance: Applies conservation concepts; understands in-situ protection. Examples: Indira Gandhi NP Tamil Nadu; Western Ghats. Ties Wild Life Act; protects species natural boundaries. Project highlights distribution; e.g., Nilgiri biosphere. Interlinks hotspots/mega centers. Demonstrates practical mapping; awareness local biodiversity. Expands to discuss roles in propagation/preservation.
13. Analyze economic and conflicts from biodiversity.
8 Marks Answer: Economic: Reservoir food/pharma/cosmetics; commodities crops/livestock/forests/fish/medicinals. Agro-biodiversity key. Deterioration from overuse; origin new conflicts division/appropriation natural resources. Examples: Timber income hotspots; overexploitation leads degradation. Interlinks ecological stability needed for economic sustainability. Conflicts: Rules sharing; e.g., indigenous vs commercial. Sustainable use prevents; involves local communities. Ethical balances economic gains.
14. Examine scientific insights from biodiversity.
8 Marks Answer: Each species clues how life evolved/continues; understands functions/role sustaining ecosystems/humans. Examples: Study adaptations diseases; evolutionary patterns. Interlinks ecological roles like cycling. Biodiversity helps comprehend interdependencies. Loss limits insights; diverse better clues. Ties history hundreds millions years. Scientific drives conservation; e.g., IUCN data. Essential human survival knowledge.
15. Discuss exotic species impacts.
8 Marks Answer: Exotic non-native introduced; cause extensive damage biotic communities. Outcompete natives; alter habitats/food chains. Examples: During decades, animals like minks hunted but exotics harmed. In hotspots like Hawaii, introduced threaten uniques. Interlinks loss factors; alongside poaching/pollutants. Conservation: Regulate introductions; protect locals. Impacts biodiversity reduction; ethical wrong disrupt. Global issue; trade regulation key.
16. Analyze tropical biodiversity significance.
8 Marks Answer: Tropics richest due solar/water; wide spectrum. Forests very rich; 50% species. Population 3/4 world; overexploitation/deforestation rampant. Destruction disastrous biosphere. Interlinks hotspots/mega centers mostly tropical. Examples: South America fishes; Amazon diversity. Significance: Global wealth; loss impacts all. Conservation priority; Earth Summit addresses.
17. Examine biosphere reserves role.
8 Marks Answer: Reserves protect/preserve/propagate species natural boundaries. India: Declared under Wild Life Act; details Physical Environment. Examples: Nilgiri; multi-zones core/buffer. Role: In-situ conservation; sustainable use. Interlinks parks/sanctuaries. Involve locals; education key. Ties hotspots; vulnerable areas. Essential imbalance prevention.
18. Discuss poaching and endangered examples.
8 Marks Answer: Poaching illegal hunting horns/tusks/hides; merciless poachers. Examples: Tigers/elephants/rhinos/crocodiles/minks/birds; rendered endangered. Last decades extensive. Interlinks loss; categories IUCN. Conservation: Act 1972 regulates; Red List monitors. Ethical wrong; intrinsic rights. Impacts populations; survival threatened.
19. Analyze natural calamities effects.
8 Marks Answer: Calamities earthquakes/floods/eruptions/fires/droughts damage flora/fauna; change regions biodiversity. Examples: Forest fires destroy habitats; floods alter ecosystems. Interlinks human causes; exacerbate loss. Conservation: Safeguard vulnerable; planning recovery. Ties pollutants/exotics. Impacts sensitive species most.
20. Examine sustainable conservation need.
8 Marks Answer: Sustainable needed harmonious life; interlinked forms. Disturbance imbalance threatens humans. Consciousness involvement locals/cooperation. Institutional local; continuation process critical. Rio Convention signed; world strategy steps. Ethical live let live. Ties economic without deterioration.
Tip: Relate levels examples; causes analyze; hotspots debate; conservation discuss.
