BIODIVERSITY

SYLLABUS: wild life, human greed, pollution, destruction of native places, destruction of natural habitat, legal lapse,
Deforestation, reasons for deforestation, consequences of deforestation, reduces rain fall, soil erosion, imbalance of atmospheric
gases, change in climate, transpiration, natural calamities, destruction of natural habitat, scarcity of forest product, reducing
water table, global warming, conservation of forest, the species in danger of extinction, protected areas in India, national parks,
sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves, endemic species, wild life breeding projects in India, red data book, migration ,
conservation of biodiversity.

INTRODUCTION
The variety and variability of all animals, plants and microorganisms found on the earth is called
biodiversity. In simple words it represents the variety of all kinds of living organisms in a region.
It also includes their interrelationships and their relationship with the environment.

Maximum biodiversity occurs in India because we have a variety of habitats such as desert,
grassland, tropical and temperate forests.
The plants and animals found in a particular region are called flora and fauna respectively.
The regions which are rich in biodiversity are called mega diversity centers. There are 12 mega
diversity centers in the world. India is one of them.
Loss of Biodiversity
Due to human activities the population of many wild life species has been decreasing.
Excessive use of resources in the recent decades has disturbed the ecosystem.
As a result many species have become extinct and many are in danger.

1. WILD LIFE
Plants, animals and microorganisms constitute wildlife.
Various causes of depletion of wild life are-

1. Human Greed-
Some species of animals have become extinct due to their hunting by man for food and animal
products like skin, teeth, horns etc.

2. Pollution –
Pollution of air, water and soil caused by the use of fossil fuels, insecticides and pesticides is
endangering many species. Deforestation also increases pollution.

3. Destruction of Native species –

The introduction of new or exotic species at a particular place may bring native species in
danger or sometimes becomes the reason of their extinction, due to competition between
them.

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4. Destruction of Natural Habitat –
Man has destroyed the natural habitats of wildlife for his settlement, mining, and raising of
dams. This has become the major reason for the destruction of many species.

5. Legal lapse –
The failure of enforcement of the existing laws of wildlife management is yet another reason
for the rapid depletion of wildlife.

2. DEFORESTATION
Large scale cutting of trees is called deforestation. It results in serious threat to our resources,
economy, quality of life and environment.

3. REASONS FOR DEFORESTATION

a. Procuring land for agricultural use.
b. Procuring timbers for building houses, roads, railway tracks, dams, etc.
c. Procuring land for setting up industries and mining.
d. Procuring land for setting up special economic zones (SEZ)
e. To obtain forest products like wood, food, rubber, honey, resins, etc.
f. Trees provide herbs and other medicinal plants.
g. Wood is also used for making paper.
h. Due to urbanization.
i. Overgrazing by cattle.

4. CONSEQUENCES OF DEFORESTATION
The consequences of deforestation on the environment are very serious. Some of the harmful
effects are given below.

a. Reduced rainfall - Water cycle gets disrupted due to deforestation. The area gets less
rainfall which may create drought-like situations.

b. Includes more soil erosion - The top soil is easily carried away by wind or water in the
absence of the tree cover, thus increases soil erosion. The soil thus loses its fertility. Gradually a
fertile land gets converted into a desert. It is called desertification.

c. Imbalance of atmospheric gases - Deforestation disturbs the balance between carbon

dioxide (co2) and oxygen (02) level in the atmosphere. It results in increase in the concentration
of carbon dioxide which leads to global warming.

d. Change in climate - Deforestation brings about change in climate and increases pollution
level on the earth.

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e. Transpiration - Due to deforestation the amount of water vapor in the atmosphere get
reduced, thus affects the rains and climate of the area.

f. Natural calamities - Deforestation increases the chances of natural calamities such as

floods, droughts, land-slides, cloudburst, etc.

g. Destruction of natural habitat - Cutting of trees on a large scale destroys the natural
habitat of several plants, animals and microorganism. This disturbs the ecological balance in
nature. Several food chains and food webs get affected due to the imbalance.

h. Scarcity of forest products - Clearing of trees from forests results in shortage of forest
products.

i. Reducing water table - In the absence of tree cover, rainwater cannot infiltrate into the
ground to charge the aquifer. It leads to the lowering of ground water level in the absence of
replenishment.

j. Global warming – Deforestation increases the level of CO2 in the atmosphere thus
increases the temperature of the earth giving rise to global warming.

5. CONSERVATION OF FOREST
The maintenance and upkeep of forest is called forest conversation.
The following steps should be taken to conserve them:
1. Massive afforestation work should be undertaken to cover large areas of land with
appropriate trees.
2. Falling of trees in the forest should be banned.
3. Every piece of barren land should be planted with trees.
4. Weeds, damaged trees, crowded trees, diseased trees, etc. should be removed.
5. Forest fire must be prevented.
6. Forest nurseries should be established on a large scale.

6. THE SPECIES IN DANGER OF EXTINCTION

Species is a group of population which are capable of inter breeding.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural resources (IUCN) has identified
and categorized the species of plants and animals which are under the possible or imminent
danger of becoming extinct in the near or distant future into three groups.

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A) Endangered Species
These are the species which face immediate threat of extinction. Their number has been
drastically reduced to a critical level either due to their indiscriminate hunting or due to
destruction of their habitats. If the same factors continue, these species would soon become
extinct. Indian rhino, Asiatic lion and great Indian bustard are some examples of endangered
species.

B) Vulnerable Species
These are species that are declining but still have sufficient number of individuals in their
natural habitat. However, in near future they might represent the category of endangered
species, in case the causal factors for their decline are not removed. Musk deer, Sāmbhar,
spotted deer and black buck are a few examples of vulnerable species.

C) Rare species
These are localized in certain geographical areas and exhibit scattered population considering
the global environment. Thus their overall population in the world is small. In future these
species may enter into the category of vulnerable or endangered species. Indian elephant, wild
buffalo and Asiatic wild ass are a few examples of this category.
A species belonging to any one of the above three categories is classified as threatened species.
These species are to be identified and conserved to avoid their entry into the category of rare,
vulnerable or endangered species.

7. PROTECTED AREAS IN INDIA

To protect and conserve the wildlife in India, a large number of national parks, sanctuaries and
biosphere reserves have been established in different parts of the country.

8. NATIONAL PARKS
It is characterized by an area reserved for the betterment of wildlife where foresting, grassing
or cultivation is prohibited.
It protects the flora and fauna of the reserved area.
For eg -
Jim Corbett National Park – Uttarakhand,
KanhaNational Park – Madhya Pradesh
Palamau National Park – Jharkhand

9. SANCTUARIES
In a wildlife sanctuary, cutting of trees for timber and other forest products is permitted to
private operators with specific instructions to ensure that the wildlife should not be harmed.
For eg -
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Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary – Rajasthan
Kaziranga Wildlife Sanctuary - Assam
Bandipur Wildlife Sanctuary - Karnataka
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary – Kerala

10. BIOSPHERE RESERVES

A Biosphere Reserve is designed to provide protection to the both wildlife as well as to the
traditional life styles of the tribal of that area.
Biosphere Reserves is organized into 3 zones.
1. Core Zone - Here no human activity is permitted.
2. Buffer Zone - Where limited human activity is allowed.
3. Manipulation zone - Where several human activities are permitted.
Examples of Biosphere Reserves –
Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve
Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve
Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve

11. ENDEMIC SPECIES

Endemic species are those which remain confined to a specific geographical area. They are not
naturally found everywhere. Peacock is an endemic species to India.

12. WILD LIFE BREEDING PROJECTS IN INDIA

Project Tiger – It was launched in 1973 to save Tigers from poaching. Under this project, 28
tiger reserves have been established in India.

Gir Lion Project –It was started by Gujarat Government in 1972 to protect the Asiatic Lion.

13. RED DATA BOOK

It contains a record of all species of plants and animals which are under the threat of extinction
or are rare and vulnerable for extinction.
It is maintained by IUCN. (International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural
resources)

14. MIGRATION
The mass movement of animals and birds from one place to another and back to their original
homes is called migration. Animals migrate in search of food, shelter, favorable climatic
conditions or for breeding.
Arctic tern is a sea bird which travels from the North Pole to the South Pole each year.
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15. CONSERVATION OF BIODIVERSITY
1. Threaten species should be taken care of.
2. Proper utilization of natural resources.
3. Forestation should be done on a large scale.
4. Deforestation should be stopped.
5. Development of natural habitats.
6. Development of zoos, botanical garden, biosphere reserves, sanctuaries and national parks
should be developed.
7. Strict laws are needed to regulate hunting or poaching of animals.
8. Recycling of paper will save many trees.
9. Prevention of forest fires.
10. Restoration of rivers, streams, ponds and other water bodies.
11. Awareness should be spread regarding proper use of natural resources.
12. People should be educated about environmental problems.

OBJECTIVE
1. Maximum biodiversity occurs in India because
a. of climate
b. we have a variety of habitats
c. of whether condition
d. rivers

2. How many mega diversity centers are there in the world?

a. 11 b. 12 c. 13 d. 14

3. Hunting of animals is done for

a. food b. their skin
c. their teeth and hors d. all of these

4. Which of the following is not the reason of deforestation?

a. Procuring land for setting up special economic zones (SEZ)
b. To obtain forest products like wood, food, rubber, honey, resins, etc.
c. Green revolution
d. Due to urbanization

5. Due to deforestation the amount of water vapor in the atmosphere get

a. increased b. reduced
c. remains the same d. none of these

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6. Deforestation ______ the level of ____ in the atmosphere leading to rise in the temperature
thus leading to global warming.
a. increase, carbon dioxide
b. decrease, carbon dioxide
c. increase, oxygen
d. decrease, oxygen

7. IUCN stands for

a. International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural resources
b. Indian Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural resources
c. International Union for care of Nature and Natural resources
d. Indian Union for care of Nature and Natural resources

8.IUCNidentified and categorized the species of plants and animals which are under the
possible or imminent danger of becoming extinct in the near or distant future into
a. Four Groups b.Three Groups.
c. Two Groups d. Five Groups

9. As per IUCN Indian rhino, Asiatic lion and great Indian bustard are
a. Extinct Species b. Vulnerable Species
c. Endangered Species d. Rare Species

10. Which of the following species are localized in certain geographical areas and exhibit
scattered population considering the global environment.
a. Extinct Species b. Vulnerable Species
c. Endangered Species d. Rare Species

11. Among the following which one is rare species?

a.Musk Deer b.Sāmbhar
c. Indian Elephant d. Spotted Deer

12. Vulnerable species that are declining but still have sufficient number of individuals in
a. Sanctuaries b. Their Natural Habitat.
c. National Park d. None of these

13. Kanha National Park is situated in

a. Karnataka b. Uttarakhand
c. Madhya Pradesh d. Punjab

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14. Which of the following wildlife sanctuaries is situated in Kerala?
a. Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
b. Kaziranga Wildlife Sanctuary
c. Bandipur Wildlife Sanctuary
d. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

15. In which zone of the Biosphere Reserve no human activity is permitted?

a. Core b. Buffer
c, Manipulation c. Both Core and Buffer

16. Biosphere Reserves is organized into

a. 4 Zones b. 2 Zones
c. 3 Zones d. 5 Zones

17. Project Tiger was launched in

a. 1947 b. 1937
c. 1973 d. 1983

18. Gir Lion project was started by

a. Madhya Pradesh Government
b. Gujarat Government
c. Uttarakhand Government
d. Indian Government

19. The mass movement of animals and birds from one place to another and back to their
original homes is called
a. Shifting b. Migration
c. Mass Movement d. None of these

20. Arctic tern is a sea bird which travels from the North Pole to the South Pole
a. Every 2 Year
b. Every 6 Month
c. Each Year
d. Every 5 Years

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ANSWERS
1. b 2. b 3. d 4. c 5. b 6. a 7. a
8. b 9. c 10.d 11. c 12. b 13. c 14. d
15. a 16. c 17. c 18. b 19. b 20. c

SUBJECTIVE
1. What are the factors responsible behind the loss of biodiversity?
2. Why the introduction of new or exotic species at a particular place may bring native species
in danger or sometimes becomes the reason of their extinction?
3. How Deforestation is responsible for drought like situation in some areas?
4. How Deforestation leads to lowering of ground water level?
5. What all steps could be taken to conserve the forest?
6. What is the difference between rare and endangered species?
7. What has been done to protect and conserve wild life in India?
8. What are the major protected areas in India for wild life conservation/
9. What was the main objective behind launch of Project Tiger and Gir Lion project?
10. What is the main aim of wild life conservation?
11. Explain the role of national parks in the conservation of wild life.
12. Why do animals migrate?

NCERT EXERSICE
Q.1. Fill in the blanks:
(a) A place where animals are protected in their natural habitat is called
(b) Species found only in a particular area is known as
(c) Migratory birds fly to faraway places because of changes.
Ans. (a) Wildlife sanctuary (b) Endemic species
(c) Climate.

Q.2. Differentiate between the following:

(a) Wildlife sanctuary and biosphere reserve (b) Zoo and wildlife sanctuary
(c) Endangered and extinct species (d) Flora and fauna.
Ans. (a) Wildlife sanctuary is the place where wild animals are protected in their natural habitat.
Here poaching or capturing the animals is prohibited.
Biosphere reserves are the area used to conserve biodiversity like plants, animals and
microorganisms. It contains many wildlife sanctuaries and national parks.
(b) Zoos are the places where some animals are protected in artificial habitats for public view.
Wildlife sanctuaries are used to protect and conserve wildlife in their natural habitats.

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(c) The species which are at the verge of extinction and required protection and conservation
are called endangered species.
The species which exist no more on the earth are called extinct species.
(d) Flora is used for wide varieties of plants we fauna is used to refer to all the varieties of
animals.

Q.3. Discuss the effects of deforestation on the following:

(a) Wild animals (b) Environment
(c) Villages (Rural areas) (d) Cities (Urban areas)
(e) Earth (f) the next generation.
Ans. (a) Wild animals: Deforestation destroys the habitats of many wild animals. They are left
to die without their natural shelter.
(b) Environment: Deforestation affect the environment adversely due to disturbance of
ecological balance. The amount of carbon dioxide is increased in the atmosphere and causes
global warming.
(c) Villages (Rural areas): The villagers depend on forests. They are closely related to forests.
Due to deforestation various wild animals run to nearby villages and cause danger to them.
Villagers will not get fruits, fuel, and wood due to deforestation.
(d) Cities (Urban areas): Deforestation does not affect the life of cities directly badly but
changes in climate affect cities.
Calamities like flood and droughts do not spare cities.
(e) Earth: Deforestation affects the earth. The fertile land of earth is converted into deserts and
its temperature rises. It changes its climate and environment.
(f) The next generation: Many beautiful fauna and flora are destroyed due to deforestation. So,
next generation will not be able to see them. They will not get clean and cool environment.
They will not have clean and healthy environment.

Q.4. What will happen if?

(a) We go on cutting trees.
(b) The habitat of animal is disturbed.
(c) The top layer of soil is exposed.
Ans. (A) If we go on cutting trees then:
(i) Ecological balance is disturbed.
(ii) Earth will lose top fertile layer and will be converted into desert.
(iii) Floods and droughts will become more frequent.
(iv) Many animals lost their shelters.
(v) There will be a scarcity of things like fruits, paper which we get from forests.

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 (b) Animals become unprotected and un-conserved when the habitat of animal is disturbed. It
becomes endangered.
(c) Top layers of soil are fertile. If they are exposed, they lose their fertility and humus. It
causes desertification.

Q.5. Answer in brief:

(a) Why should we conserve biodiversity?
(b) Protected forests are also not completely safe for wild animals. Why?
(c) Some tribal depend on the jungle. How?
(d) What are the causes and consequences of deforestation?
(e) What is Red Data Book?
(f) What do you understand by the term migration?
Ans. (a) Biodiversity is conserved, to save them from extinction.
(b) The protected forests are not also safe completely for wildlife because the poaching takes
place at large scale in these areas. The poachers kill wild animals in those protected areas.
(c) Some tribal depend on jungle for their food, cloths, shelter and other requirements.
(d) Deforestation is caused due to urbanization and industrialization.
Deforestation is responsible for desertification and natural calamities. Many species of plants
and animals are destroyed due to deforestation.
(e) Red Data Book is the record book and source book of all the endangered animals and
plants.
(f) Periodical movement of a species of birds from their native place to other places due to
changes in climate is called migration. The purpose of migration is for breeding and to enjoy
long summer days.

Q.6. In order to meet the ever-increasing demand in factories and for shelter, trees are being
continually cut. Is it justified to cut trees for such purposes? Discuss and prepare a brief report.
Ans. The continuously cutting of trees is not justified for any project. We not only cut the trees,
we snatch away the shelters of many animals, birds and other organisms. The ecological
balance is also disturbed. It also causes many natural calamities.

Q.7. How can you contribute to the maintenance of green wealth of your locality? Make a list of
actions to be taken by you.
Ans. (i) we can grow more and more plants in our locality.
(ii) We can protect them and provide water to them.
(iii) All the residents should be taught about the benefits of trees.
(iv) They should also be taught about the harms of cutting trees.

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Q.8. Explain how deforestation leads to reduce rainfall.
Ans. Plants are the main agent to maintain the water cycle in the environment. So cutting of
trees reduces the rainfall of that area. If plants will not absorb water from soil they will not
evaporate in the environment to form clouds. If clouds will not be formed then no rain-fall
takes place. In this way deforestation reduces rainfall.

Q.9. Why should paper be saved? Prepare a list of ways by which you can save paper.
Ans. The wood pulps and the bark of trees are used in the manufacturing of paper. If paper is
not saved it causes cutting more and more trees. So we should save paper to protect our trees.

Ways to Save Paper.

(i) Paper should be recycled.
(ii) We should not throw paper here and there.
(iii) Waste paper should be collected and sent for recycling.

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