Biodiversity Hot Spots and Endangered Species

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following regions is NOT considered a biodiversity hot spot in India?

The Western Ghats

The Thar Desert (correct)

Sundaland

The Eastern Himalayas

What term is used for species that are likely to become endangered without improvements in their threatening circumstances?

Threatened species

Vulnerable species (correct)

Rare species

Endangered species

Which of the following species is considered an endangered animal species of India?

Nilgiri Langur

Gharial (correct)

Sarus crane

Common Myna

What is the purpose of the Red Data Book?

To catalog rare and endangered species Signup and view all the answers

Which animal is referred to as 'kala hiran' in India?

Black buck Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes rare species from endangered species?

Rare species are found in isolated geographical locations Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following species is categorized as vulnerable in India?

Nilgiri Langur Signup and view all the answers

Which organization is responsible for maintaining the Red Data Book?

International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary consequence of large-scale poaching and habitat destruction related to black bucks?

They are now restricted to specific regions. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements accurately describes endemic species?

They are confined to a particular region and originated there. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered an EDGE species?

Asian elephant Signup and view all the answers

What habitat do black bucks primarily prefer?

Open plains Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following plants is not endemic to India?

Eucalyptus Signup and view all the answers

What does endemism refer to in relation to species distribution?

The restriction of species or taxa to a small region. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the key roles of ecosystems in relation to soil?

Prevention of soil erosion Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following animals is not listed as an endemic species of India?

Giraffe Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about biodiversity hotspots is correct?

They are regions with a significant amount of biodiversity facing human threats. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about EDGE species is true?

They often represent unique evolutionary history. Signup and view all the answers

How does biodiversity contribute to health and healing?

By offering many plants used for medicines. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the phytogeographical regions of India?

The Northern Plains Signup and view all the answers

Which zoogeographical region is located in the southern part of India?

Malabar Region Signup and view all the answers

What are some ethical values associated with biodiversity?

The existence of species provides aesthetic pleasure, regardless of their use. Signup and view all the answers

What is one economic value of biodiversity?

Providing the base for fossil fuels like coal and petroleum. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of diversity is NOT mentioned as a field of diversity in India?

Economic diversity Signup and view all the answers

In which year did Conservation International identify India as one of the mega-diverse countries?

1998 Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes 'endemism' in the context of biodiversity hotspots?

Species that are unique to a specific ecosystem. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following regions is NOT included in India's phytogeographical regions?

Nilgiri Region Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern regarding the decline in biodiversity?

It results in serious economic, ecological and health impacts. Signup and view all the answers

How does eco-tourism relate to biodiversity?

It allows people to appreciate and enjoy the aesthetic value of biodiversity. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of wildlife conservation?

To protect animal species and their habitats Signup and view all the answers

What does in situ conservation refer to?

Protection of species in their natural habitats Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about national parks is true?

All forestry operations and grazing of domestic animals are prohibited. Signup and view all the answers

What is prohibited in a wildlife sanctuary?

Hunting and capturing animals Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes wildlife sanctuaries?

They are areas where conservation considers species' needs first. Signup and view all the answers

What is a core characteristic of a national park?

It conserves the environment and wildlife with strict regulations. Signup and view all the answers

How does ex situ conservation differ from in situ conservation?

Ex situ conservation protects species away from their natural habitat. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is accurate regarding the legal status of wildlife in sanctuaries?

Wildlife sanctuaries make it illegal to interfere with natural life. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Hot Spots of Biodiversity

Biodiversity hotspots are biogeographic regions with significant biodiversity under threat.
India has four major biodiversity hotspots:
- The Western Ghats
- The Eastern Himalayas
- Indo-Burma
- Sundaland (Nicobar Islands)

Endangered Species

Endangered species face imminent extinction threats.
Notable endangered animals in India include:
- Red panda
- Gir lion
- Gharial
- Great Indian bustard

Vulnerable Species

Vulnerable species are likely to become endangered without improved survival conditions.
Examples in India include:
- Sarus crane
- Nilgiri Langur
- Barasingha

Rare Species

Rare species are uncommon and often found in isolated locations.
The term "rare" designates species that are not endangered but considered at risk.

Red Data Book

Compiled by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Documents rare and endangered species of plants, animals, fungi, and local species within specific regions.

Black Buck

Known as kala hiran in India.
Previously widespread across India, now limited to certain states like Punjab, Gujarat, and Haryana.
Open plains need conservation efforts for black buck survival.

Values of Biodiversity

Survival relies on biodiversity for food, fuel, and medicines.
Ethical and aesthetic values stem from appreciation of existence and beauty in nature, fostering eco-tourism.

Endemic Species

Species endemic to a region are confined there or have originated there.
Examples include:
- True Cardamom
- Peepal tree
- One-horned rhino

EDGE Species

Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered (EDGE) species have unique evolutionary history.
Examples include:
- Asian elephants
- Chinese pangolin
- Malayan tapir

Conservation of Biodiversity

Wildlife conservation focuses on protecting species and their habitats through two approaches:
- In situ Conservation: Protection within natural habitats.
- Ex situ Conservation: Protection away from natural habitats.

In-situ Conservation

National Parks: Areas dedicated to conserving wildlife and natural scenery; no human inhabitation allowed.
Wildlife Sanctuaries: Protected areas where interference with natural life is prohibited; hunting and capturing are restricted.

Phyto-geographical Regions of India

India is classified into several phytogeographical regions based on flora:
- Western Himalayas
- Eastern Himalayas
- Western Deserts
- Gangetic Plains
- Central India
- Western Coast
- Deccan Plateau
- North-East India
- Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Zoo-geographical Regions of India

India's faunal diversity is categorized into:
- Himalayan Region
- Malabar Region
- Nilgiri Region
- Northern Plains
- Desert Lands
- Deccan Plateau Region

India: A Mega-diversity Nation

India is recognized as one of the 18 mega-diverse countries identified by Conservation International in 1998.
Areas of diversity include geographical, climatic, biodiversity, habitat, and cultural diversity.

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Description

This quiz explores the hot spots of biodiversity in India, focusing on regions such as the Western Ghats, Eastern Himalayas, Indo-Burma, and Sundaland. Additionally, it covers endangered species, both plant and animal, that are on the verge of extinction. Prepare by reading the specified resources from your syllabus.