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BIODIVERSITY & BIOTIC RESOURCES

The document provides an overview of biodiversity, including its definitions, values, and the significance of India as a mega-diverse nation. It discusses threats to biodiversity, conservation methods, and the National Biodiversity Act of 2002. Additionally, it includes multiple choice questions for competitive examination preparation and tips for effective study.

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16 views

BIODIVERSITY & BIOTIC RESOURCES

The document provides an overview of biodiversity, including its definitions, values, and the significance of India as a mega-diverse nation. It discusses threats to biodiversity, conservation methods, and the National Biodiversity Act of 2002. Additionally, it includes multiple choice questions for competitive examination preparation and tips for effective study.

Uploaded by

hod.mec
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Biodiversity and Biotic Resources: Study Materials for Competitive

Examinations
Introduction to Biodiversity
Biodiversity refers to the variety of life on Earth and encompasses genetic,
species, and ecosystem diversity.
Definition:
1. Genetic Diversity: Variability in genes within a species (e.g., different
rice varieties).
2. Species Diversity: Variety of species within a region.
3. Ecosystem Diversity: Variety of ecosystems in a region (e.g., forests,
wetlands, deserts).

Value of Biodiversity
1. Consumptive Use Value: Direct use of resources (e.g., food,
medicine, fuel).
2. Productive Use Value: Commercial products derived from
biodiversity (e.g., timber, pharmaceuticals).
3. Social Value: Cultural and social importance (e.g., sacred groves).
4. Ethical Value: Moral responsibility to conserve species.
5. Aesthetic Value: Beauty and inspiration from nature.
6. Optional Value: Potential future use (e.g., undiscovered medicinal
plants).

India as a Mega-Diversity Nation


 India is one of the 17 mega-diverse nations.
 Home to approximately 8% of global biodiversity.
 Hosts 4 biodiversity hotspots:
1. Himalayas
2. Indo-Burma region
3. Western Ghats
4. Sundaland (Nicobar Islands)
Hotspots of Biodiversity
 Hotspots are regions rich in species but facing significant threats.
 Criteria:
o At least 1,500 species of vascular plants as endemics.
o Loss of at least 70% of its original habitat.

Threats to Biodiversity
1. Habitat Loss:
o Deforestation, urbanization, and agriculture reduce natural
habitats.
2. Poaching of Wildlife:
o Illegal hunting for trade.
3. Man-Wildlife Conflicts:
o Competition for resources, resulting in harm to both humans and
animals.

Conservation of Biodiversity
1. In-Situ Conservation:
 Conserving species in their natural habitats.
 Examples:
o National Parks
o Wildlife Sanctuaries
o Biosphere Reserves
o Sacred Groves
2. Ex-Situ Conservation:
 Protecting species by removing part of the population to artificial
settings.
 Examples:
o Zoos
o Seed Banks
o Botanical Gardens
o Cryopreservation

National Biodiversity Act, 2002


 Enacted to conserve biodiversity, promote sustainable use, and ensure
equitable sharing of benefits.
 Key Features:
1. Establishment of National Biodiversity Authority (NBA).
2. Regulation of access to biological resources.
3. Conservation of biological knowledge.

Field Visit
 Field visits provide practical exposure to biodiversity.
 Observing local flora and fauna enhances understanding and
awareness.

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)


1. Introduction to Biodiversity
1. Genetic diversity refers to: a. Variety of species in a region b.
Variability of genes within a species c. Variety of ecosystems in a
region d. Number of individuals in a population Answer: b
2. Ecosystem diversity includes: a. Genetic variation within species b.
Variety of habitats c. Number of individuals in a species d. All of the
above Answer: b
2. Value of Biodiversity
3. Which value of biodiversity is related to future potential uses? a.
Consumptive use b. Ethical c. Optional d. Productive use Answer: c
4. Timber is an example of: a. Consumptive use b. Productive use c.
Ethical value d. Social value Answer: b
3. India as a Mega-Diversity Nation
5. Which of the following is NOT a biodiversity hotspot in India? a.
Himalayas b. Sahara Desert c. Western Ghats d. Indo-Burma region
Answer: b
6. India accounts for approximately what percentage of global
biodiversity? a. 2% b. 5% c. 8% d. 10% Answer: c
4. Threats to Biodiversity
7. The major cause of habitat loss is: a. Urbanization b. Poaching c. Zoos
d. Cryopreservation Answer: a
8. Man-wildlife conflict arises mainly due to: a. Deforestation b.
Conservation efforts c. Introduction of invasive species d. Climate
change Answer: a
5. Conservation of Biodiversity
9. Which is an example of in-situ conservation? a. Botanical gardens b.
Zoos c. Wildlife sanctuaries d. Seed banks Answer: c
10. Cryopreservation is a method of: a. In-situ conservation b. Ex-situ
conservation c. Habitat restoration d. Ethical conservation Answer: b
6. National Biodiversity Act
11. The National Biodiversity Act was enacted in: a. 1992 b. 2000 c.
2002 d. 2010 Answer: c
12. The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) was established under:
a. Wildlife Protection Act b. Environmental Protection Act c. National
Biodiversity Act d. Forest Conservation Act Answer: c

Tips for Competitive Examinations:


1. Focus on hotspot regions and their significance.
2. Understand the differences between in-situ and ex-situ conservation.
3. Memorize key features of the National Biodiversity Act.
4. Practice questions on biodiversity values and threats.
5. Relate conservation strategies to real-world examples for better
retention.

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