Ethnic and Indigenous Peoples of India

Podcast Beta

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

Which of the following tribes is associated with the conservation of specific rice cultivars such as Pattambi and Champara?

Kurichya (correct)

Santhal

Birhor

Munda

What is one characteristic in which the indigenous rice cultivars have been found to be genetically superior?

Greater resistance to drought

Faster growth rate

Better aroma and grain quality (correct)

Higher yield per acre

Which of the following regions is NOT mentioned as a location where indigenous communities conserve rice cultivars?

Karnataka (correct)

Assam

Meghalaya

Bihar

Which of the following types of wild species do ethnic people depend on for edible purposes?

Fruits and bulbs Signup and view all the answers

Which organization is involved in the multiplication of superior indigenous rice cultivars?

Central Rice Research Institute Signup and view all the answers

What is one primary way ethnic and indigenous people contribute to biodiversity conservation?

By conserving wild edible plants in their natural habitat Signup and view all the answers

Which type of plants are commonly conserved by ethnic and indigenous communities?

Wild edible plants and traditional agricultural cultivars Signup and view all the answers

How are indigenous cultivars used in agricultural programs?

They are applied in cultivar improvement for increasing resistance to pests and diseases. Signup and view all the answers

What unique knowledge do ethnic and indigenous people possess that aids in environmental management?

They possess traditional knowledge useful for eco-restoration. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following does NOT represent the uses of plants conserved by ethnic people?

Developing video games Signup and view all the answers

Where is in situ conservation commonly practiced by indigenous people?

In sacred groves and abandoned shifting agriculture sites Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the localities where indigenous and ethnic people typically reside?

They are generally rich in biodiversity. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of indigenous people is highlighted as beneficial for living in harmony with nature?

Their traditional knowledge and lifestyle adaptations. Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the world’s biodiversity is conserved by ethnic people in India?

11.95% Signup and view all the answers

Which racial stock is NOT mentioned as part of the six racial stocks in India?

Caucasoid Signup and view all the answers

How many tribal communities exist in India?

573 Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the number of plant species in India used for food by tribals?

3,900 species Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the uses of the 300 plant species extracted by tribals?

Insecticides and pesticides Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following plant parts are typically eaten raw according to the dietary practices of tribals?

Flowers and fruits Signup and view all the answers

What is the number of ethnobotanically important species identified in India?

9,500 species Signup and view all the answers

Which region in India is recognized as one of the biodiversity hotspots?

Western Ghat Signup and view all the answers

Which edible plant is harvested for its fruits, according to the list?

Aegle marmelos Signup and view all the answers

What part of Amorphophallus paenonflodium is used as a vegetable?

Petiole Signup and view all the answers

Which plant is noted for its use as an antidote for snake bites and scorpion stings?

Acorus calamus Signup and view all the answers

What action do tribals take to harvest Dioscorea tubers?

They wait until the leaves turn yellow. Signup and view all the answers

What is prepared from the rhizomes of some plants for medicinal purposes?

A paste Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following plants is used by tribal herbal healers for orthopedic treatment?

Bauhinia purpurea Signup and view all the answers

Which family does Aegle marmelos belong to?

Rutaceae Signup and view all the answers

What are the seeds of Entada pursaetha used for?

Vegetable consumption Signup and view all the answers

Which plant is used for treating muscular pain and other ailments?

Jatropha curcus Signup and view all the answers

What common practice is associated with shifting agriculture among tribal societies?

Felling trees and burning plant biomass Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following plants is mentioned as being conserved for its significance in sacred groves?

Rhus spps. Signup and view all the answers

What role do herbal healers play in the conservation of plants according to the content?

Conserving plants for orthopedic treatments Signup and view all the answers

Which plant is NOT mentioned as having medicinal applications in the provided content?

Zea mays Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary benefit of the ashes collected from burnt biomass in shifting agriculture?

They enhance soil fertility Signup and view all the answers

Which plant is specifically associated with treating white discharge in urine for tribal women?

Curculigo orchiodes Signup and view all the answers

What does the practice of sacred groves primarily aim to achieve?

Enhance biodiversity conservation Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Ethnic and Indigenous People & Biodiversity

Ethnic and Indigenous People are biodiversity stewards. They have a deep and extensive understanding of natural resources and traditional knowledge of plant uses.
India houses a vast ethnic community. There are 68 million people belonging to 227 ethnic groups and 573 tribal communities.
Diverse plant uses. Indigenous peoples utilize over 7,500 plant species for medicinal purposes. Of these, 3,900 are eaten; 525 are used for fiber, 400 as fodder, 300 for chemical extraction, and 300 for gum, resins, dyes, and perfume.

Indigenous Cultivar Conservation

Ethnic groups conserve diverse agricultural cultivars. They safeguard a rich diversity of rice, maize, millets, grains, legumes, fruits, and vegetables, originating in different climatic zones across India.
Traditional genetic material. Indigenous cultivars often exhibit superior traits, such as aroma, grain quality, protein content, digestibility, and resistance to insects, pests, and diseases.
Cultivar integration. Indigenous cultivars are incorporated into rice breeding programs to enhance existing varieties, conducted by institutions like the Central Rice Research Institute and the International Rice Research Institute.

Wild Edible Food

Wild plants serve as a valuable food source. Ethnic communities rely on wild fruits, seeds, bulbs, roots, and tubers as edible staples.
Traditional harvesting practices. Tribals utilize sustainable practices, such as harvesting tubers when leaves turn yellow, ensuring ecological prudence.

Medicinal Uses

Plants serve as traditional remedies. Ethnic communities have a deep understanding of plant-based medicine and have used plants to treat various ailments. Examples include treatments for snakebites, scorpion stings, bone fractures, muscular pain, fever, and menstrual problems.

Conservation Methods

Shifting agriculture. Jhoom farming practices, common in Northeast India, involve clearing forests and burning biomass. This creates temporary fields that are later abandoned to allow soil regeneration. Ethnic communities maintain valuable plant species during this process.
Sacred Groves. Ethnic people often designate protected areas, sacred groves, where they actively conserve plant and animal life. This plays an important role in in-situ conservation of biodiversity.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Explore the profound connection between ethnic and indigenous peoples and biodiversity in India. Learn how traditional knowledge and practices contribute to the conservation of agricultural cultivars and the use of diverse plant species. This quiz delves into the important role these communities play in maintaining ecological balance and preserving genetic diversity.