Chapter 14: Biodiversity and Conservation
Geography - Fundamental of Physical Geography • Class 11
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Chapter Analysis
Intermediate7 pages • EnglishQuick Summary
The chapter on Biodiversity and Conservation discusses the significance and richness of biodiversity, which encompasses genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity. It highlights the ecological, economic, and scientific importance of biodiversity and addresses the threats it faces, such as overexploitation, habitat destruction, and pollution. Strategies for conservation, such as protected areas and international efforts, are examined to mitigate biodiversity loss and promote sustainable development.
Key Topics
- •Genetic Diversity
- •Species Diversity
- •Ecosystem Diversity
- •Conservation Strategies
- •Biodiversity Hotspots
- •Factors Leading to Biodiversity Loss
- •International Conservation Efforts
- •Role of Local Communities in Conservation
Learning Objectives
- ✓Understand the concept and importance of biodiversity
- ✓Differentiate between genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity
- ✓Identify areas rich in biodiversity and hotspots
- ✓Analyze the factors leading to biodiversity loss
- ✓Evaluate conservation strategies and their importance
- ✓Appreciate the role of biodiversity in sustaining ecosystems
Questions in Chapter
Conservation of biodiversity is important for:
Answer: All organisms
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Threatened species are those which are suffering from the danger of extinction
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National parks and sanctuaries are established for the purpose of conservation
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Biodiversity is richer in tropical regions
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In which one of the following countries, the ‘Earth Summit’ was held?
Answer: Brazil
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What is biodiversity?
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What are the different levels of biodiversity?
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What do you understand by ‘hotspots’?
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Discuss briefly the importance of animals to human kind.
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What do you understand by ‘exotic species’?
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What are the roles played by biodiversity in the shaping of nature?
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What are the major factors that are responsible for the loss of biodiversity? What steps are needed to prevent them?
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Additional Practice Questions
Explain the ecological role of biodiversity.
mediumAnswer: Biodiversity helps in maintaining ecosystem stability by performing various functions such as energy capture, decomposition, and nutrient cycling. It helps in maintaining atmospheric gases, climate regulation, and providing resistance to environmental changes.
Why is genetic diversity important for species survival?
mediumAnswer: Genetic diversity ensures variation within a species, which increases resilience to diseases, environmental changes, and enhancing survival through natural selection.
How do exotic species pose a threat to biodiversity?
hardAnswer: Exotic species can outcompete, prey on, or bring diseases to native species, leading to ecological imbalance and sometimes extinction of native species.
Discuss the impact of habitat destruction on biodiversity.
mediumAnswer: Habitat destruction leads to reduced species populations, loss of genetic diversity, and extinction. It disrupts ecological functions and can lead to increased human-wildlife conflicts.
What are biodiversity hotspots and why are they important?
mediumAnswer: Biodiversity hotspots are regions with a high amount of biodiversity that are under threat from human activities. They are critical for conservation efforts as they contain a large number of endemic species.
Explain the concept of sustainable development in biodiversity conservation.
hardAnswer: Sustainable development involves using biodiversity resources in a way that meets current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, ensuring long-term viability of both human and natural systems.
How does climate change affect biodiversity?
hardAnswer: Climate change can alter the distribution of ecosystems, affect species behavior and reproduction, lead to habitat loss, and increase the frequency of extreme weather events, all of which threaten biodiversity.
Why is agro-biodiversity important for food security?
mediumAnswer: Agro-biodiversity is important for food security as it provides a pool of genetic resources that can be used to improve crop resilience, develop new varieties, and ensure food supply against pests, diseases, and changing climates.
What role do local communities play in biodiversity conservation?
easyAnswer: Local communities often possess traditional ecological knowledge and depend on local ecosystems for their livelihoods. Their involvement in conservation practices promotes sustainable use and protection of biodiversity.
Identify and explain one international agreement focused on biodiversity conservation.
mediumAnswer: The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is an international agreement that seeks to conserve biological diversity, ensure the sustainable use of its components, and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from genetic resources.