Biodiversity and Forests in India

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Questions and Answers

What percentage of the world's species is estimated to be found in India?

Nearly 8% of the world's species are found in India.

How many species of flora and fauna are known in India?

There are over 81,000 species of fauna and 47,000 species of flora known in India.

What roles do forests play in the ecological system?

Forests serve as primary producers and are essential for the survival of all living beings.

What percentage of India's flora is estimated to be threatened?

At least 10% of India's flora is estimated to be threatened. Signup and view all the answers

Name one example of a species categorized as 'critical' in India.

The cheetah is an example of a species categorized as 'critical' in India. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes endangered species from vulnerable species?

Endangered species are in immediate danger of extinction, while vulnerable species are at risk of becoming endangered if negative factors continue. Signup and view all the answers

Can you name two examples of rare species?

The Himalayan brown bear and the wild Asiatic buffalo are examples of rare species. Signup and view all the answers

What are endemic species and why are they significant?

Endemic species are those found only in specific geographical areas, and they are significant because they contribute to biodiversity and can be vulnerable to extinction. Signup and view all the answers

How much forest cover is estimated in India according to the report?

India's forest cover is estimated at 79.42 million hectares, which is 24.16% of the total geographical area. Signup and view all the answers

What factors contributed to the increase in dense forest cover from 2013 to 2015 in India?

The increase in dense forest cover was likely due to conservation measures, management interventions, and plantation efforts. Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the world's species is found in India?

Nearly 8 percent of the total number of species in the world are found in India. Signup and view all the answers

What is biodiversity?

Biodiversity refers to the immense variety of living organisms and their interdependence within ecosystems. Signup and view all the answers

Why are forests vital to the ecological system?

Forests are primary producers that support all other living organisms in the ecological system. Signup and view all the answers

How many plant species are endemic to India?

About 15,000 plant species are endemic to India. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for the depletion of forest resources in South India?

Teak monoculture has damaged the natural forest. Signup and view all the answers

How has the Narmada Sagar Project affected forest areas in Madhya Pradesh?

It is expected to inundate 40,000 hectares of forest. Signup and view all the answers

What role does mining play in deforestation, specifically in areas like the Buxa Tiger Reserve?

Mining disrupts natural habitats and blocks migration routes for animals. Signup and view all the answers

Why is the Himalayan Yew considered endangered?

It is endangered due to over-exploitation for its chemical compound 'taxol'. Signup and view all the answers

What are some local practices that contribute to forest degradation?

Grazing and fuelwood collection are significant contributors to deforestation. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Flora and Fauna in India

India has a vast array of biological diversity, nearly 8 per cent of the total number of species in the world.
Over 81,000 species of fauna and 47,000 species of flora are estimated in the country.
About 15,000 flowering species are endemic (indigenous) to India.
Many of these species are realised daily life.
These diverse flora and fauna are so well integrated in our daily lives.
Species are now under great stress.

Biodiversity or Biological Diversity

Biodiversity is immensely rich in wildlife and cultivated species.
It is diverse in form and function, but closely integrated in a system through multiple networks of interdependencies .
These species play a key role in the ecosystem.

Vanishing Forests

About one-third of India's wetlands have vanished.
The forest and tree cover in India is estimated at 79.42 million hectares.
About 24.16 per cent of the total geographical area is dense forest and 12.2 per cent is open forest.
0.14 per cent is mangrove.
The state of forest report (2015) shows an increase by 3,775 sq km.
This increase is due to conservation and management interventions and plantation.

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Description

Test your knowledge on India's rich biodiversity and the crucial role of forests in the ecological system. This quiz covers various aspects of flora and fauna, endemic species, and the current status of forest cover in India. Dive deep into the threats facing species and the importance of conservation efforts.