Biological Diversity Levels

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Questions and Answers

What is a significant characteristic of the Coastal Plains region in India?

Includes tropical rainforests

Home to the Lion-tailed macaque

Contains semi-arid climate

Supports unique ecosystems like mangrove forests (correct)

Which species is specifically mentioned as being significant to the Island Region of India?

Tiger

Andaman dolphin (correct)

Chital

Sloth bear

What type of forests are characteristic of the Central Highlands region in India?

Wet temperate forests

Coral reefs

Tropical rainforests

Tropical dry deciduous forests (correct)

Which of the following species is found in the Semi-Arid Region of India?

Desert fox Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the key features of the characteristics of India's biodiversity?

Known for high levels of endemism Signup and view all the answers

Which region is characterized by sparse vegetation and seasonal rainfall?

Semi-Arid Region Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following areas is notable for supporting species like Olive Ridley sea turtles?

East and West Coast Plains Signup and view all the answers

What is a shared characteristic of the East and West Coast Plains and Ghat Region?

Rich in coral reefs and mangroves Signup and view all the answers

What is ecosystem diversity primarily concerned with?

The number of different ecosystems in a given area Signup and view all the answers

How do diverse ecosystems contribute to climate regulation?

By acting as carbon sinks and regulating temperature Signup and view all the answers

Which ecosystem is NOT typically considered to be highly diverse?

Deserts Signup and view all the answers

What role do wetlands play in ecosystem diversity?

They provide services like water purification and wildlife habitat. Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of high ecosystem diversity regarding disturbances?

Greater resilience and recovery from disturbances Signup and view all the answers

What contributes to the high biodiversity found in stable climates?

Continuous resources Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a benefit of biodiversity?

Prevents any form of environmental change Signup and view all the answers

Why do older ecosystems tend to have higher biodiversity?

They accumulate more endemic species over time Signup and view all the answers

How does genetic diversity within a species support ecosystem diversity?

By enabling adaptation to various habitats Signup and view all the answers

Which criterion must a region meet to be classified as a biodiversity hotspot?

It must contain at least 1,500 endemic plant species Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes the interconnections between ecosystem, species, and genetic diversity?

Ecosystem diversity influences habitats available for species and genetic variation. Signup and view all the answers

What is a major threat to biodiversity in the Amazon Rainforest?

Climate change Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following regions is recognized as a biodiversity hotspot?

The Western Ghats Signup and view all the answers

Which species is NOT associated with the Western Ghats?

Amazon river dolphin Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of Earth’s land surface do biodiversity hotspots cover?

2.3% Signup and view all the answers

Which animal is primarily associated with the Congo Basin?

Gorilla Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary habitat of the Ganges River Dolphin?

Freshwater rivers in the Ganges system Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following threats does the Olive Ridley Sea Turtle face?

Accidental capture in fishing nets Signup and view all the answers

What makes the Indian Peafowl significant in India?

It is known for its magnificent plumage Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following animals is endangered due to poaching and climate change?

Lion-Tailed Macaque Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of national parks?

To provide strict protection against human exploitation. Signup and view all the answers

Where is the habitat of the Nilgiri Tahr primarily located?

Western Ghats Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best describes biosphere reserves?

They incorporate both conservation efforts and sustainable use of resources. Signup and view all the answers

What type of animal is the Malabar Large-spotted Civet known for?

Nocturnal behavior Signup and view all the answers

What role do wildlife corridors play in conservation?

They connect fragmented habitats allowing wildlife movement. Signup and view all the answers

Which species is classified as vulnerable and is known for its unique nesting behavior?

Olive Ridley Sea Turtle Signup and view all the answers

What are some challenges faced by in-situ conservation efforts?

Ongoing habitat destruction due to human activities. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common threat to the Red Panda?

Poaching Signup and view all the answers

Which of these areas allows for some level of human activities while still protecting wildlife?

Wildlife sanctuaries. Signup and view all the answers

What advantage does in-situ conservation have over ex-situ conservation?

It is generally more cost-effective in the long run. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of sacred groves?

They are protected for spiritual or cultural reasons. Signup and view all the answers

Which example illustrates in-situ conservation practices effectively?

Kaziranga National Park protecting rhinos. Signup and view all the answers

What is a major advantage of ex-situ conservation?

It provides immediate protection for endangered species. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a challenge associated with ex-situ conservation?

Limited genetic diversity due to smaller population sizes. Signup and view all the answers

In-situ conservation is described as:

The ideal method for protecting biodiversity by keeping species in their natural habitats. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it essential to integrate both in-situ and ex-situ conservation strategies?

To provide a backup for species at risk while addressing threats in the wild. Signup and view all the answers

One ethical concern related to ex-situ conservation involves:

The welfare of animals kept in captivity. Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is NOT a research opportunity provided by ex-situ conservation?

Analyzing wild populations in their natural habitats. Signup and view all the answers

What role do gene and seed banks play in conservation?

They serve as backup for preserving genetic diversity. Signup and view all the answers

One major limitation of ex-situ conservation relates to:

The scale of success in reintroducing species to the wild. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Levels of Biological Diversity

Biological diversity, or biodiversity, refers to the variety of life on Earth.
It's crucial for the stability and functioning of ecosystems.
Biodiversity exists at three main levels: genetic diversity, species diversity, and ecosystem diversity.
Each level plays a unique role in sustaining life and maintaining ecological balance.

1. Genetic Diversity

Definition: Genetic diversity refers to the variation in genetic material within and among populations of organisms.
It encompasses differences in DNA sequences within a species or across different species.
Importance:
- Adaptability: Enables populations to adapt to changing environmental conditions (e.g., diseases, climate change).
- Evolution: Provides raw material for evolution through natural selection.

2. Species Diversity

Definition: Species diversity refers to the variety of different species within a given area or ecosystem.
It includes species richness (number of species) and species evenness (relative abundance of each species).
Importance:
- Ecosystem Services: Supports ecosystem services (e.g., pollination, water purification, pest control).
- Ecological Balance: Maintains ecosystem balance and function (e.g., food chains, food webs).
- Economic Value: Many species are crucial to industries like agriculture, medicine, and tourism.

3. Ecosystem Diversity

Definition: Ecosystem diversity refers to the variety of ecosystems in a given place.
This level encompasses the different types of habitats, biotic communities, and ecological processes in a particular area (e.g., terrestrial, freshwater, marine).
Importance:
- Habitat Variety: Provides various habitats for species to thrive.
- Resilience to Change: Higher diversity allows ecosystems to better withstand disturbances.
- Climate Regulation: Ecosystems play a role in regulating the Earth's climate.

Interconnections

Genetic diversity within a species allows it to adapt to its environment, thus supporting species diversity.
Species diversity creates the foundation for healthy ecosystem diversity.
Ecosystem diversity influences the habitats available to species and their genetic variation.

Biodiversity Patterns

Latitude Gradient: Biodiversity tends to increase as one moves from the poles towards the equator.
Altitude Gradient: Biodiversity tends to decrease with increasing altitude.
Area-Size and Habitat Fragmentation: Larger areas typically support more species than smaller areas, and fragmented habitats support fewer species.
Climate and Environmental Factors: Areas with stable climates tend to have higher biodiversity than areas with fluctuating or extreme climates.
Evolutionary History and Age of Ecosystems: Older ecosystems tend to have higher biodiversity.

Biodiversity Hotspots

A biodiversity hotspot is a region that is both rich in endemic species and under threat from human activities.
These regions contain high levels of endemic species and significant proportions of the world's plant, animal, and amphibian species.
Key hotspots include the Western Ghats and Sri Lanka, the Amazon rainforest, the Congo Basin, Indo-Burma, and others.

Endangered and Endemic Species

Endangered species are those facing extinction due to factors like habitat loss, poaching, or climate change.
Endemic species are those found nowhere else in the world.
India is home to several endangered and endemic species, many of which are unique to the region.

Threats to Biodiversity

Habitat Loss and Degradation: Deforestation, urbanization, agriculture expansion are major causes.
Poaching: Illegal hunting, capturing, and trading of wildlife (e.g., for body parts, for traditional medicine)
Man-Wildlife Conflicts: Conflicts occur when human populations encroach on wildlife habitats
Biological Invasions: Introduction of non-native species that can disrupt ecosystems.
Water Scarcity: Animals migrating into agricultural zones to access water.
- Other Threats: Climate change, pollution.

Conservation of Biodiversity

In-situ Conservation: Protection of species within their natural habitats (e.g., National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries).
- Advantages: Maintains ecosystem dynamics, cost-effective, ecological balance.
Ex-situ Conservation: Efforts to protect species outside their natural habitats (e.g., zoos, seed banks).
- Advantages: immediate threat protection, research possibilities, backup for genetic diversity.
International and National Agencies play crucial roles in biodiversity conservation, and addressing biodiversity loss.

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Description

Explore the three main levels of biological diversity: genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity. This quiz covers the definitions, importance, and roles each level plays in sustaining life and maintaining ecological balance. Test your understanding of biodiversity and its significance.