Biodiversity Concepts and Conservation

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Questions and Answers

What is biodiversity?

Biodiversity is the combined diversity at all levels of biological organization, including genetic, species, and ecological diversity.

Who popularized the term biodiversity?

Charles Darwin

Edward Wilson (correct)

Carl Linnaeus

David Attenborough

How many species of ants are there?

More than 20,000 species of ants.

What is an example of genetic diversity?

The medicinal plant Rauwolfia vomitoria shows genetic variation in potency and concentration of reserpine. Signup and view all the answers

How many species of beetles have been identified?

300,000 species of beetles. Signup and view all the answers

What type of diversity does the Western Ghats exhibit?

Greater amphibian species diversity than the Eastern Ghats. Signup and view all the answers

How many genetically different strains of rice does India have?

More than 50,000 genetically different strains. Signup and view all the answers

According to the IUCN, how many plant and animal species have been described so far?

Slightly more than 1.5 million. Signup and view all the answers

What is the estimated total number of species on Earth according to some estimates?

20 to 50 million Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of all recorded species are animals?

70% Signup and view all the answers

Which taxonomic group comprises more than 70% of all animal species?

Insects Signup and view all the answers

What is the estimated percentage of total species that have been recorded globally?

22% Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following groups has species diversity that exceeds the combined total of fishes, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals?

Fungi Signup and view all the answers

What is India's estimated share of global species diversity despite its land area?

8.1% Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of biodiversity loss related to habitat?

Fragmentation and loss of habitats Signup and view all the answers

Which example illustrates over-exploitation leading to extinction?

Passenger pigeon Signup and view all the answers

What has contributed to the extinction of many fish species in marine environments?

Overharvesting and overfishing Signup and view all the answers

What was the main consequence of introducing the Nile perch into Lake Victoria?

Extinction of several species of cichlid fish Signup and view all the answers

How has human activity primarily driven habitat loss in tropical rain forests?

Conversion to agriculture and grazing land Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Biodiversity

Earth's biodiversity is vast, ranging from macromolecules within cells to biomes.
Biodiversity refers to the combined diversity at all levels of biological organization.
The most important types of biodiversity are:
- Genetic diversity: Variation in the genetic makeup within a species.
  - Example: Different strains of rice or mango varieties in India.
- Species diversity: The number of different species in a given area.
  - Example: The Western Ghats have a greater amphibian species diversity than the Eastern Ghats.
- Ecological diversity: The variety of ecosystems within a region.
  - Example: India's deserts, rainforests, mangroves, and alpine meadows provide greater ecological diversity than a Scandinavian country like Norway.

Biodiversity Conservation

Biodiversity is a vital environmental concern due to potential losses at alarming rates.
The global species diversity estimate varies significantly due to the difficulty of discovering and identifying all species.
Estimates for the total number of species on Earth range from 20 to 50 million, with a more conservative estimate of approximately 7 million.
Tropical regions are estimated to house a large percentage of undiscovered species.

Biodiversity & Earth

More than 70% of documented species are animals; plants make up less than 22%
Insects are the most numerous animal group, making up 70% of all animals
Fungi species outnumber fishes, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals combined
Microbial species, like bacteria and archaea, are difficult to count; numbers could be in the millions

Biodiversity in India

India holds 8.1% of global biodiversity despite only 2.4% of the land
India is one of 12 mega-diversity countries; home to 45,000 plant species and 90,000 animals
Estimated that over 100,000 plant and 300,000 animal species remain undiscovered in India

Causes of Biodiversity Loss

Habitat loss and fragmentation is the primary cause of extinction.
- Tropical rainforests have been reduced from 14% to 6% of Earth's land surface.
- The Amazon rainforest, known as the 'lungs of the planet', is being cleared for agriculture and cattle ranching.
- Pollution also degrades habitats, affecting species survival.
- Fragmentation impacts species with large territories and migratory habits, causing population declines.
Over-exploitation of resources for food, shelter, and other needs leads to species depletion.
- Examples include the Steller's Sea Cow and Passenger Pigeon, extinct due to overhunting.
- Overfishing is a current threat, endangering commercially valuable fish populations.
Alien species invasions occur when non-native species are introduced, sometimes intentionally, and impact native populations.
- The Nile Perch introduced into Lake Victoria in East Africa decimated over 200 cichlid fish species.

Ecosystem Services and Biodiversity

Ecosystems provide services essential for human survival.
- Pollination, crucial for plant reproduction, is performed by bees, bumblebees, birds, and bats.
- Oxygen production, a vital service, is provided primarily by plants.
- Other services include flood control, soil erosion prevention, and aesthetic enjoyment.
The ethical argument for biodiversity conservation emphasizes the intrinsic value of all species and our moral responsibility to protect them.

Conservation Efforts: In Situ

In situ conservation aims to protect species within their natural habitats, ensuring ecosystem integrity.
Biodiversity hotspots are regions with high species richness and endemism (species found only in that area).
- The Convention on Biological Diversity (1992) encourages nations to conserve biodiversity and its benefits.
- The World Summit on Sustainable Development (2002) committed to reducing biodiversity loss.
India has established 14 biosphere reserves, 90 national parks, and over 450 wildlife sanctuaries for in situ conservation.

Conservation Efforts: Ex Situ

Ex situ conservation protects species outside their natural habitats, especially when facing imminent extinction.
Methods include:
- Zoological parks and botanical gardens
- In vitro fertilization (fertilization outside the body)
- Tissue culture propagation (growing plants from tissue)
- Cryopreservation (freezing gametes or tissues for storage)

Importance of Biodiversity

Biodiversity is crucial for ecosystem functioning, leading to stability, productivity, and resistance to invasions.
High biodiversity generally translates to less variability, more productivity, and greater resistance to invasions.
Mass extinctions have occurred throughout Earth's history but current rates, largely caused by humans, are much higher.
Over 700 species have become extinct recently, and over 15,500 are threatened globally, including over 650 in India.
Conservation of biodiversity is essential for human survival, offering direct benefits (food, medicine) and indirect benefits (ecosystem services).

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Description

This quiz delves into the essential concepts of biodiversity, including genetic, species, and ecological diversity. Explore examples and the importance of conserving our planet's rich biological variety to prevent alarming losses. Test your understanding of these critical environmental topics.