BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION
1. BIODIVERSITY
Definition: Biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms (plants, animals, microorganisms) on Earth, including the ecosystems they form and the ecological processes they sustain.
Levels of Biodiversity:
Genetic Diversity: Variation in genes within a species (e.g., different breeds of dogs).
Species Diversity: Variety of species in a region (e.g., tigers, elephants, and deer in a forest).
Ecological Diversity: Diversity of ecosystems (e.g., forests, deserts, wetlands).
2. GLOBAL BIODIVERSITY
Total Species: Approximately 8.7 million species exist on Earth, but only 1.2 million have been identified so far.
Distribution: Biodiversity is not evenly distributed. Tropical regions (e.g., Amazon rainforest) have the highest biodiversity due to favorable climate and resources.
3. IMPORTANCE OF BIODIVERSITY
Ecological Importance:
Maintains ecosystem balance.
Supports nutrient cycling, soil formation, and climate regulation.
Economic Importance:
Provides food, medicine, and raw materials (e.g., timber, fibers).
Supports industries like agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and tourism.
Ethical and Aesthetic Importance:
Every species has an intrinsic right to exist.
Adds beauty and cultural value to nature.
4. LOSS OF BIODIVERSITY
Causes of Biodiversity Loss:
Habitat Destruction: Deforestation, urbanization, and industrialization.
Overexploitation: Overharvesting of resources (e.g., hunting, fishing).
Pollution: Air, water, and soil pollution harm species.
Climate Change: Alters habitats and affects species survival.
Invasive Species: Non-native species disrupt ecosystems (e.g., water hyacinth in Indian rivers).
Consequences of Biodiversity Loss:
Disruption of food chains and ecosystems.
Loss of potential medicinal and economic resources.
Increased vulnerability to natural disasters.
5. CONSERVATION OF BIODIVERSITY
Definition: Conservation refers to the protection, preservation, and sustainable management of biodiversity.
Types of Conservation:
In-situ Conservation: Protecting species in their natural habitats.
Examples: National parks, wildlife sanctuaries, biosphere reserves.
Biosphere Reserves in India: Nilgiri, Sundarbans, Gulf of Mannar.
Ex-situ Conservation: Protecting species outside their natural habitats.
Examples: Zoos, botanical gardens, seed banks, cryopreservation.
International Efforts:
Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD): A global agreement to conserve biodiversity.
IUCN Red List: Tracks the conservation status of species.
Project Tiger (1973): A conservation initiative in India to protect tigers.
6. BIODIVERSITY HOTSPOTS
Definition: Regions with high species richness and endemism (species found nowhere else) that are under threat.
Criteria for Hotspots:
Must have at least 1,500 endemic plant species.
Must have lost at least 70% of its original habitat.
Examples:
Western Ghats (India)
Himalayas
Amazon Rainforest
Madagascar
7. SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND BIODIVERSITY
Sustainable Development: Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Role of Biodiversity in Sustainable Development:
Provides ecosystem services (e.g., clean air, water, fertile soil).
Supports livelihoods and economic growth.
Strategies for Sustainable Development:
Promote renewable energy.
Reduce waste and pollution.
Encourage eco-friendly practices.
8. IMPORTANT TERMS
Endemism: Species native to and found only in a specific region.
Extinction: Permanent loss of a species.
Keystone Species: Species that play a critical role in maintaining ecosystem balance (e.g., tigers, sea otters).
Ecosystem Services: Benefits provided by ecosystems to humans (e.g., pollination, water purification).
