Biodiversity and Its Importance in India

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Questions and Answers

What percentage of India's forest land is declared as reserved forests?

About 33%

More than 50% (correct)

Less than 25%

Exactly 50%

Which of the following species is NOT included in the protected species list under the Wildlife Acts?

Dragonfly

Tiger

Elephant (correct)

Butterfly

What was the primary focus of Project Tiger launched in 1973?

Conservation of endangered species (correct)

Forest management

Biodiversity conservation

Community awareness

Which state has the largest area under permanent forests in India?

Madhya Pradesh Signup and view all the answers

What is the main characteristic of unclassed forests in India?

They can be owned by private individuals or communities. Signup and view all the answers

Which park is NOT listed as one of the tiger reserves in India?

Kanha National Park Signup and view all the answers

What proportion of India’s forest land is categorized as protected forests?

Approximately 33% Signup and view all the answers

What term is used to describe the rich variety of wildlife and flora?

Biodiversity Signup and view all the answers

Which product is NOT derived from biodiversity?

Synthetic fabrics Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a reason why biodiversity is important?

Enhancing architectural designs Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for species that are on the verge of extinction?

Critical species Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of India's recorded wild flora is currently on the threatened list?

10 percent Signup and view all the answers

Why are forests considered key components in the ecological system?

They are primary producers for most life forms Signup and view all the answers

In which tiger reserve did villagers successfully fight against mining activities?

Sariska Tiger Reserve Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for the stress experienced by many species in India?

Insensitivity towards the environment Signup and view all the answers

How much of the world's total number of species is found in India?

8 percent Signup and view all the answers

What was a major cause of deforestation during the colonial period in India?

Commercial expansion Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors contributed significantly to forest land conversion between 1951 and 1980?

Agricultural expansion Signup and view all the answers

What impact do river valley projects have on forest areas in India?

They result in the clearance of forest land Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the consequences of excessive mining activities on forests?

Degradation of soil quality Signup and view all the answers

How does overgrazing contribute to the decline of forests?

By causing soil erosion Signup and view all the answers

What is not considered a direct reason for the decline in biodiversity?

Invasive species Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following activities is primarily responsible for the degradation of wildlife habitats?

Timber harvesting Signup and view all the answers

What role does poaching play in the decline of wildlife?

It directly reduces wildlife populations. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary contributor to environmental degradation mentioned in the content?

Overpopulation Signup and view all the answers

How does the consumption of natural resources differ between wealthy and poor countries?

Wealthy countries consume more resources than poor countries. Signup and view all the answers

What impact does deforestation have on women in poor communities?

It increases their workloads. Signup and view all the answers

What is one consequence of biological loss correlated with environmental degradation?

Loss of cultural diversity. Signup and view all the answers

What challenge do tribal communities face due to environmental degradation?

Marginalization and loss of cultural practices. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary aim of the Indian Wildlife Protection Act of 1972?

To protect the natural habitats of wild species. Signup and view all the answers

What environmental consequence can result from deforestation?

Severe droughts or floods. Signup and view all the answers

Which demographic is most adversely impacted by the depletion of forest cover?

Rural women. Signup and view all the answers

What social issue has arisen due to the increased labor demands on women linked to deforestation?

Neglect of home and children. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following projects was introduced to protect the tiger population in India?

Project Tiger Signup and view all the answers

Which species of animal is NOT mentioned as being protected under various wildlife protection efforts in India?

Bengal tiger Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the consequences of increased demand for forest and wildlife products?

Increased destruction and degradation of resources. Signup and view all the answers

What is primarily emphasized as a responsibility for individuals and society regarding natural resources?

Implementing sustainable conservation policies. Signup and view all the answers

What role did the central government of India play in wildlife conservation?

To establish national parks, sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves. Signup and view all the answers

Why is conservation considered necessary for forest and wildlife resources?

To prevent excessive exploitation by humans. Signup and view all the answers

What has been a noted effect of environmental destruction specifically related to forest-dependent communities?

Increased vulnerability to natural calamities. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Biodiversity

Encompasses the rich variety of wildlife and flora along with the diversity in form and function of life forms.
All species are interdependent within ecosystems, creating a network of interactions among living organisms.

Importance of Biodiversity

Essential for ecological balance and resource availability; supports coexistence of multiple species.
Forests are primary producers, critical for the survival of all life forms.
Biodiversity supports economic development and provides resources like wood, rubber, medicines, and more.
Promotes cultural, spiritual, and recreational pursuits through tourism and traditional practices.

Biodiversity in India

India holds nearly 8% of the total species in the world, with many yet to be discovered.
Faces a decline in biodiversity with 10% of wild flora and 20% of mammals at risk.

Causes of Decline in Biodiversity

Human-induced environmental insensitivity has lead to pressures on many species.
Critical species at risk include the Asiatic cheetah, pink-headed duck, and forest spotted owlet.

Depletion of Forest and Wildlife Resources

Human dependency on nature includes wood, medicines, food, and other resources.
Major historical losses during the colonial period due to infrastructure expansion (railways, agriculture, commercial ventures).

Agricultural Expansion

Post-independence agricultural growth led to significant forest clearance (approx. 26,200 sq km from 1951-1980).
Shifting cultivation practices contribute to forest depletion.

Development Projects

Over 5,000 sq km of forest cleared for river valley projects and dam construction, such as the Narmada Sagar Project.
Mining activities greatly impact forest cover and degrade soil quality.

Overgrazing and Other Factors

Overgrazing and wood collection for fuel lead to further deforestation.
Declining biodiversity attributed to habitat destruction, hunting, poaching, overexploitation, and pollution.

Environmental Degradation

Inequitable resource access and overconsumption by wealthier groups exacerbate environmental issues.
Richer sections of society contribute more to ecological damage while poorer sections face more consequences from environmental degradation.

Biological and Cultural Loss

Loss of biodiversity correlates with diminished cultural diversity, affecting tribal communities dependent on forests.
Deforestation impacts women's daily lives by increasing the burden of fetching resources.

Conservation Strategies

Conservation aims to protect natural resources for future generations and maintain ecological balance.
The Indian Wildlife Protection Act (1972) seeks to safeguard natural habitats and endangered species, prohibiting hunting and restricting trade.

Government Initiatives

Establishment of national parks, sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves to conserve flora and fauna.
Projects like Project Tiger and Project Elephant aim to protect threatened species.

New Conservation Approaches

Conservation now includes a broader range, focusing not only on endangered species but also on biodiversity as a whole.
Protected species now include various insects and plant species under recent wildlife protection acts.

Classification of Forests in India

Forests are categorized as reserved, protected, or unclassed based on their protection status.
Reserved forests comprise over half of total forest land, prohibiting hunting and ensuring habitat protection.
Protected forests safeguard habitats and wildlife, while unclassed forests can be privately owned or under governmental control.

Community Involvement in Conservation

Local communities, such as those in the Sariska Tiger Reserve, actively resist detrimental activities like mining, adhering to conservation laws.

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Description

Explore the fascinating topic of biodiversity, focusing on its significance in ecological balance and its crucial role in sustaining life on Earth. This quiz delves into the rich variety of species in India and the alarming causes leading to their decline. Test your knowledge and understand why preserving biodiversity is vital for our ecosystem and economy.