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Patterns in Distribution of Diversity

• Local endemic species: These species are found only in a very small area, but can be abundant within that area. They typically live in isolated geographic areas like mountains, islands, peninsulas, specific soil types, or patches of forests.

Sparsely Distributed Species

• Sparsely distributed species: These species are found across wide geographical regions, but their populations are not large anywhere.

Migratory Species

• Migratory species: These species face challenges because they need habitats along their migration routes, both at the start and end points.

Island Biogeography

• Island biogeography: Islands serve as natural laboratories to study the connection between area and species variety. The biodiversity of islands is usually simpler than continental areas, and interactions are more straightforward to understand.

Biodiversity of Monera, Protista, and Fungi

Monera Kingdom

• Prokaryotes: These organisms are microscopic and lack a nucleus. They can be either photosynthetic or chemosynthetic, or heterotrophic. They are single-celled.

Protista Kingdom

• Protista: This kingdom includes all eukaryotes that are not plants, animals, or fungi. It includes unicellular and some simple multicellular organisms.

Fungi Kingdom

• Fungi: These are eukaryotic organisms, mostly multicellular. Their cells have cell walls containing chitin. They are heterotrophic, obtaining nutrients by releasing digestive enzymes into food sources.

Meaning of Flora and Fauna

• Flora: This describes all types of plants in a specific area, including details like scientific and common names, habitats, locations, flowering times, and favorable climates. Formal descriptions began in 1600.

• Fauna: This encompasses all animal life in a particular place, usually focusing on native animals.

The Animal Kingdom

• Animal kingdom classification is complex compared to plants. For categorization:
  • Birds are grouped as Avifauna.
  • Fishes are categorized as Pisci Fauna.
  • Microorganisms (bacteria and viruses) are considered Microfauna.
  • Unknown animals are Cryptofauna.

Importance of Flora and Fauna

• Ecological Balance: Flora and fauna are critical to maintaining ecological balance.
• Local Economies: They contribute to local economic growth.
• Gene Bank: They are a significant source of genetic material for all species.