GEOGRAPHY- CLASS-11: FUNDAMENTALS OF PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY
CHAPTER-14
Biodiversity and Conservation
1. Multiple Choice Questions
(i) Conservation of biodiversity is important for:
Answer: (d) All organisms
Explanation:
Biodiversity includes all living organisms such as plants, animals and microorganisms. Conserving biodiversity maintains ecological balance, ensures the survival of all species and supports human life by providing food, medicine, clean air and other natural resources.
(ii) Threatened species are those which:
Answer: (d) Are suffering from the danger of extinction
Explanation:
Threatened species are plants or animals whose populations have declined significantly and are at risk of becoming extinct if proper conservation measures are not taken.
(iii) National parks and sanctuaries are established for the purpose of:
Answer: (d) Conservation
Explanation:
National parks and wildlife sanctuaries are protected areas established to conserve wildlife, natural habitats and biodiversity. Hunting and destruction of natural resources are strictly restricted in these areas.
(iv) Biodiversity is richer in:
Answer: (a) Tropical Regions
Explanation:
Tropical regions receive abundant sunlight, rainfall and warm temperatures throughout the year. These favourable climatic conditions support a large variety of plants and animals, making biodiversity highest in tropical regions.
(v) In which one of the following countries was the 'Earth Summit' held?
Answer: (c) Brazil
Explanation:
The Earth Summit, also known as the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), was held at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 1992. It focused on sustainable development and environmental conservation.
2. Answer the following questions in about 30 words.
(i) What is biodiversity?
Answer:
Biodiversity is the variety and variability of all living organisms, including plants, animals and microorganisms, along with the ecosystems in which they live and interact with one another.
(ii) What are the different levels of biodiversity?
Answer:
The three levels of biodiversity are:
- Genetic Diversity – Variation within a species.
- Species Diversity – Variety of different species.
- Ecosystem Diversity – Variety of ecosystems and habitats.
(iii) What do you understand by 'hotspots'?
Answer:
Biodiversity hotspots are regions that contain exceptionally high numbers of endemic plant and animal species but are seriously threatened by habitat destruction and human activities. These areas receive high priority for conservation.
(iv) Discuss briefly the importance of animals to humankind.
Answer:
Animals provide food, milk, eggs, meat, wool and leather. They assist in agriculture, transportation and pollination, maintain ecological balance and contribute to scientific research, medicine, tourism and the economy.
(v) What do you understand by 'exotic species'?
Answer:
Exotic species are plants or animals that are introduced into an area where they do not naturally occur. Some exotic species may become invasive and threaten native biodiversity.
3. Answer the following questions in about 150 words.
(i) What are the roles played by biodiversity in the shaping of nature?
Answer:
Biodiversity plays a vital role in maintaining the balance and stability of nature. It ensures the proper functioning of ecosystems by supporting food chains and food webs. Plants produce oxygen through photosynthesis and absorb carbon dioxide, helping regulate the Earth's climate. Animals assist in pollination, seed dispersal and nutrient recycling, which are essential for plant growth and ecosystem health. Microorganisms decompose dead organic matter and return nutrients to the soil, maintaining soil fertility. Biodiversity also helps regulate water cycles, prevents soil erosion and improves environmental quality. A rich variety of species increases the ability of ecosystems to resist natural disasters, diseases and climate change. It also provides humans with food, medicines, fuel, fibres and other valuable resources. Therefore, biodiversity is essential for ecological balance, environmental sustainability and the survival of all living organisms on Earth.
(ii) What are the major factors that are responsible for the loss of biodiversity? What steps are needed to prevent them?
Answer:
The major causes of biodiversity loss include deforestation, habitat destruction, urbanization, industrialization, pollution, overexploitation of natural resources, climate change, invasive (exotic) species and illegal hunting or poaching. These activities reduce the population of plants and animals and increase the risk of extinction. Conservation of biodiversity requires both government action and public participation. Important measures include protecting forests, establishing national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, preventing illegal hunting, promoting afforestation and reforestation, controlling pollution, encouraging sustainable use of natural resources and conserving endangered species through scientific management. Public awareness, environmental education and strict implementation of environmental laws are also necessary. International cooperation and community participation play a significant role in conserving biodiversity. These measures help preserve ecological balance and ensure the sustainable use of biological resources for future generations.