GE3451 – ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES AND SUSTAINABILITY

UNIT – I

ENVIRONMENT, ECOSYSTEMS AND BIODIVERSITY

S. No TOPICS CO PO BT
Definition, types of environments – components
CO216. 1,3&1
1 of the environment - scope of environmental 1,2
1 2
studies- importance of environmental studies
Need for public awareness - ecology – ecosystem CO216. 1,3,6&
2 2
– types of ecosystems – structure of an ecosystem 1 8
Function of an ecosystem energy flow in the
CO216.
3 ecosystems – ecological succession - biodiversity 1,5&7 2,3
1
- classification or types of biodiversity
Values of biodiversity - India as a mega - CO216. 1,6,7&
4 2,3
diversity nation - hot spots of biodiversity 1 8
Hot spots of biodiversity in India - threats to CO216.
5 1,7&8 3
biodiversity 1
Endangered and endemic species of India –
CO216. 1,5,10
6 conservation of biodiversity- types of biodiversity 2,4
1 &12
conservation

Introduction
The word environment is derived from the French word “Environ” meaning
“Surroundings”. Each and everything around us are called as environment.
Every organism is surrounded by materials and forces which constitute its
environment, from which it must derive its needs. Environment creates favorable
conditions for the existence and development of living organisms. The degradation of the
environment has become a serious problem. The pollution of soil, water and air leads to
loss of valuable natural resources.
Definitions
1. Environment
Environment is defined as, “the sum of total of all the living and nonliving things
around us influencing one another.”
2. Environmental science
Environmental science is the study of the environment its biotic (ie. biological)
and abiotic (i.e., non-biological) components and their interrelationship.
3. Environmental engineering
Environmental engineering is the application of engineering principles to the
protection and enhancement of the quality of the environment and to the

1
 enhancement and protection of public health and welfare.
4. Environmental studies (or) Environmental Education
Environmental studies are the process of educating the people for preserving
quality environment.
Types of environments
Environment can be divided into two categories
1. Natural environment
2. Man-made environment
1.Natural environment
Natural environment is characterized by natural components. All biotic and abiotic
components are created through a natural process. Creation of these biotic and abiotic
components does not require any human support.
Example:
Soil, water, air, trees, radiations, noise, etc.
2. Man-made environment
Man is the powerful environmental agent. He modifies the environment by modern
technologies, according to his needs to a great extent. Thus, the man-made environment is
created by man.
Example:
House, road, railway lines, schools, parks, etc.
Scope of environmental studies
Environmental study is an important tool to educate the people for preserving quality
environment. The main scope of environmental studies includes
1. To get an awareness and sensitivity to the total environment and its related
problems.
2. To motivate the active participation in environmental protection and improvement.
3. To develop skills for identifying and solving environmental problems.
4. To know the necessity of conservation of natural resources.
5. To evaluate environmental programmes in terms of social, economic,
ecological, and aesthetic factors.
Importance (or) significance of environmental studies
The air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we consume and the land we live
on are all contaminated by industrial activities. There is no zero-pollution industry.
Because of lack of self-discipline and not worrying about our future generation, the
valuable resources are polluted. To solve the above problems, the knowledge about
environmental studies is very important.
1. By environmental studies, people will understand the concept of “need of

2
 development without destruction of environment”.
2. Through environmental studies, people can gain the knowledge of different
types of environments and the effects of different environmental hazards.
3. Environmental studies inform the people about their effective role in
protecting the environment by demanding changes in Laws and enforcement
systems.
4. Environmental studies have a direct relation to the quality of life we live.
5. Environmental studies develop a concern and respect for the environment.

PART A
S. No Questions CO PO BT
1 Define environmental science CO216. 1 1
1
2 What are the components of environment? Explain their CO216. 1,5 3
role. 1
PART B
S. No Questions CO PO BT
1 Explain the scope and significance of environmental studies. CO216. 4,5,10 2
1

Need for public awareness

Increasing population, urbanization and poverty have generated pressure on the
natural resources and lead to a degradation of the environment. To protect or prevent the
environment from the pollution, Supreme Court has ordered and initiated the
environmental awareness to the public through Government and Non-government agencies
to take part to protect our environment.
Importance of Public (or) Community participation
Environmental pollution cannot be removed by the laws alone. The proper
implementation and especially public participation are the important aspects, which
should give importance and stress. The public participation is useful in law making
process and controlling the pollution activities. Thus, the public participation plays a major
role in the effective environmental management.
Types of public participation
Public participation in the decision-making process can be at any stage and of
various
forms.
i) Pressure Group: The public “Pressure Group” may be formed to
influence the government on one hand and the industries on the other
hand.

3
 ii) Watch dog: The public can act as “watch dog” to protect the interests of public
against environmental hazardous activities.
iii) Advisory council: The public can also act as advisory council and agencies, which
is constituted to keep the environment suitable for living.
iv) Enforcing the environmental laws:
 The services of public can be utilized to enforce the environmental laws. If
necessary, the member of public should conduct public interest litigations.
 Thus, many countries have accepted the concept of public participation in
environmental management.
Ecosystem
An ecosystem consists of all the organisms living in a particular area, as well as all
the nonliving, physical components of the environment with which the organisms interact,
such as air, soil, water, and sunlight. It is all the organisms in a given area, along with the
nonliving (abiotic) factors with which they interact; a biological community and its
physical environment. The entire array of organisms inhabiting a particular ecosystem is
called a community. In a typical ecosystem, plants and other photosynthetic organisms are
the producers that provide the food. Ecosystems can be permanent or temporary.
Ecosystems usually form a number of food webs.
Ecosystem is a functional unit consisting of living things in a given area, non-living
chemical and physical factors of their environment, linked together through nutrient cycle
and energy flow
1. Natural
1. Terrestrial ecosystem
2. Aquatic ecosystem
1. Lentic, the ecosystem of a lake, pond or swamp.
2. Lotic, the ecosystem of a river, stream or spring.

2. Artificial, environments created by humans.

An ecosystem is therefore defined as a natural functional ecological unit
comprising of living organisms and their non-living environment that interact to form a
stable self-supporting system.

B. Biotic or living components

The living components of environment are called biotic components.
Example: Animals, plants and micro-organisms
Members of biotic components of an ecosystem. (or) Classification biotic
components:

4
 There are three types
1. Producers (Plants)
2. Consumer (Animals)
3. Decomposers (Micro-organisms)
Producers (Autotrophs)
Producers synthesize their food themselves through photosynthesis.
Examples: All green plants, trees.
Photosynthesis
The green pigments called chlorophyll, present in the leaves of plants, converts CO 2
and H2O in the presence of sunlight into carbohydrates.
hv
6 CO2 +12 H2O → C6H12O6 + 6O2 + 6H2O
Chlorophyll
This process is called photosynthesis.
2. Consumers (Heterotrophs)
Examples:
(i)Plant eating species
Insects, rabbit, goat, deer, cow, etc.,
(ii) Animals eating species
Fish, lion, tiger, etc
Consumers cannot prepare their own food. They depend on the producers.
Classification of consumers
Consumers are further classified as
(i) Primary consumers (Herbivores) (Plant eaters)
They depend on the plants for their food.
Examples:
Insects, rat, goat, deer, cow, horse, etc
(ii) Secondary consumers (primary carnivores) (meat eaters)
They directly depend on primary consumers (Herbivores) for their food.
Examples:
Frog, cat, snakes, foxes, etc….
(iii) Tertiary consumers (Secondary carnivores) (meat eaters):
They directly depend on primary carnivores for their food.
Examples:
Tigers, Lions, etc.,

5
 Grass → Rat → Cat → Tiger
Producers 10 consumer 20 consumer 30consumer
(Herbivores) 10 carnivores 20 carnivores
3. Decomposers
Examples: Microorganisms like bacteria and fungi.
They attack the dead bodies of Producers and consumers and decompose
them into simpler compounds. During the decomposition inorganic nutrients released.
These inorganic nutrients together with other organic substances are then utilized by
the producers for the synthesis of their own food.
C. Energy components
The components flow across biotic and Abiotic components.
Example: Solar energy, geochemical energy
1. Physical components
They include the energy, climate, raw materials and living space that the biological
community needs. They are useful for the growth and maintenance of its member.
Examples:
Air, water, soil, sunlight, etc
2. Chemical components
They are the sources of essential nutrients.
Examples:
(i) Organic substances: protein, lipids, carbohydrates, etc
(ii) Inorganic substances: All micro (Al, Co, Zn, Cu) and macro
elements
(C, H, O, P, N, P, K) and few other elements.
PART A
S. No Questions CO PO BT
1 Mention the types of public participation. CO216.1 1,12 1
2 Define ecosystem CO216.1 1 1
What are the autotrophic and heterotrophic CO216.1
3 1,5 2
components of an ecosystem? Give examples.
PART B
S. No Questions CO PO BT
Describe the structure and functions of various CO216.1 1,5,12
1 components of an ecosystem.
2

*Energy flow in an ecosystem

Energy is defined as the capacity to do work. The flow of energy from producer
level to top consumer level is called energy flow.

The flow of energy in an ecosystem is unidirectional. It flows from producer level

to consumer level and never in the reverse direction.
The process of energy flow involves transfer of energy from autotrophy to
various components of heterotrophy and help in maintaining bio diversity. The main
source of energy in the ecosystem is sunlight. About 90% of energy is lost during flow of

6
 energy from one tropic level to the next one.
Sun →Producer → Herbivores →Carnivores→ Top carnivores →Decomposers

Photosynthesis
The green pigments called chlorophyll, present in the leaves of plants, converts CO 2
and H2O in the presence of sunlight into carbohydrates.
hv
6 CO2 + 12 H2O → C6H12O6 + 6O2 + 6H2O
Chlorophyll
This process is called photosynthesis

1. I law of Thermodynamics:
It states that “energy can neither be created nor destroyed, but it can be converted
from one form to another.”
Example:
Energy for an ecosystem comes from the sun. It is absorbed by plants,
wherein it is converted into stored chemical energy.
i.e., Solar energy is converted into chemical energy.
2. II law of thermodynamics
It states that, “whenever energy is transferred, there is a loss of energy through the
release of heat.”
Example:
This occurs when energy is transferred between tropic levels. There will be a
loss of energy (about 80-90%) in the form of heat as it moves from one tropic level to another
tropic level. The loss of energy takes place through respiration, running, hunting etc.
Respiration equation
CH2O + O2 → CO2 + H2O
Carbohydrate Oxygen Carbon di oxide Water

*Ecological Succession

The progressive replacement of one community by another till the development of

stable community in a particular area is ecological succession.

Stages of ecological succession:

1). Pioneer community → first group of organisms in an area
2). Seral stage → various developmental stages of community Types of ecological
succession:

1). Primary succession →It involves gradual establishment of biotic communities on a

lifeless ground

a). Hydrarch / Hydrosere → establishment starts in watery area like pond and lake
b). Xerarch / Xerosere → establishment starts in a dry area like desert and rock

2). Secondary succession → Involves establishment of biotic communities in an area, where

some type of biotic community is already present there.

7
 Process of Ecological Succession

(i) Nudation- It is the development of a bare area without any life form.
(ii) Invasion → Establishment of one or more species on a bare area through migration
followed by establishment.
(iii) Competition- There is a competition with the same species between different species
for space and water.
(iv) Reaction- The living organisms, take water, nutrients and grow and modify the
environment.
(v) Stabilizations- It leads to form a stable community.

Biodiversity
The variety and variability among all groups of living organisms and the ecosystem in
which they occur.
CLASSIFICATION (or) LEVELS (or) TYPES OF BIODIVERSITY
 Genetic diversity.
 Species diversity.
 Community (or) Ecosystem diversity.
Genetic diversity: Genetic diversity is the diversity within species i.e., variation of genes
within the species.
Rice varieties: All rice varieties belong to the species "oryzasativa". But there are thousands
of rice varieties, which show variation at the genetic level differ in their size, shape, colour
and nutrient content.
Teak wood varieties: There are number of teak wood varieties found available.
Indian teak, burma teak, malasian teak etc.

Species: Species diversity is the diversity between different species. The sum of varieties of
all the living organisms at the species level is known as species diversity.
Plant species: Apple, mango, grapes, wheat, rice, etc.,
Animal species: Lion, tiger, elephant, deer, etc.,

Community: The diversity at the ecological (or) habitat level. Ex - River ecosystem.
PART A
S. No Questions CO PO BT
1 What is meant by energy flow in the ecosystem? CO216. 1,12 1
1
2 Define ecological succession? Mention their types. CO216. 1,5 1
1
3 Define biodiversity. CO216. 1 1
1
4 Differentiate between genetic diversity and species CO216. 4,12 3
diversity. 1
PART B
S. No Questions CO PO BT
1 Briefly explain the energy flow through ecosystem. CO216. 1,3 2
1
2 Explain the types, stages, process of ecological succession. CO216. 3,5,10 1

8
 1
3 What is biodiversity? Discuss the levels of biodiversity CO216. 1,4,12 3
with examples. 1

Values of biodiversity
Biodiversity is must for the stability and proper functioning of the biosphere.
Classification of values of biodiversity
They are classified as follows.
1. Consumptive use value
2. Productive use values
3. Social values
4. Ethical values
5. Aesthetic value
6. Option values
1. Consumptive use value:
Biodiversity products are harvested and consumed directly.
Ex: Food, Drug, fuel
Food
Many wild plants and animals are consumed by human beings.
90% food crops are obtained from tropical wild plants
Ex
Codonopisis in Himalayan region.
Molluscus, spiders and wild herbivores are consumed by tribals
Drugs and medicine
70% modern medicines are derived from plant and plant extracts.
20000 plant species are believed to be used medicinally in Unani, Ayurveda,
and Siddha.
Ex
For natural medicinal products
 Penicillin – fungus is the source – Antibiotic
 Quinine – chincona bark - Malaria treatment
 Morphine – poppy bark – Analgesic
Twenty years before, once the drugs were not introduced, childhood leukemia was
fatal. Now the remission rate for childhood leukemia is 99%.
Fuel
Fire woods are used by villagers and tribals.
Coal, petroleum and natural gas are also the products of fossilized biodiversity.
2. Productive use values
Biodiversity products have obtained a commercial value.
These products are marketed and sold.
These products may be derived from the animals and plants.
Animal products
Silk (Silk-worm), Wool (Sheep), Musk (Musk deer), Tusk (Elephants)
Plant product
Wood (Paper and pulp industry), Cotton (textile industry), Fruits and vegetables
(Food industry)
3. Social values

9
 These values are associated with the social life, religion and spiritual aspects
of the people.
Examples:
i) Holy plants: Tulsi, lotus…
ii) Holy animals: Cow, snake, rat, peacock, etc.

4. Ethical values
It involves ethical issues like “all life must be preserved”.
In India, biodiversity is considered to have great value on religious and cultural
basis.
Our rich heritage teaches us to worship plants, animals, rivers, mountains.
Eg
The river Ganga-Holy River
Vembu, Tulsi, Vengai are worshipped by the Tamilians

5. Aesthetic values
The beautiful nature of plants and animals insist us to protect
biodiversity. The most important aesthetic value of biodiversity is eco-tourism.
Eg
Eco tourism
People from far place spent a lot of time and money to visit the beautiful areas,
where they can enjoy the aesthetic value of biodiversity. This type of tourism is
known as eco-tourism.

6. Optional values:
The optional values are the potentials of biodiversity that are presently unknown
and need to be known.
Eg
Searching a species for causing the diseases of cancer and AIDS

“India is a mega biodiversity nation”

Mega diversity
There are nearly 170 countries in the world and 12 of them contain 70% of our
planet’s biodiversity.
Mega diversity regions
The following 12 countries Australia, Brazil, China, Colombia, Ecuador, the United
States, India, Indonesia, Madagascar, Mexico, Peru and Democratic Republic of the Congo
regions are known as mega diversity regions. These countries have the world’s selected few
rich floral land and faunal zones.
India as a mega diversity nation
India is one among the 12 mega diversity countries in the world. It has 89450
animal species accounting for 7.31% of the global faunal species and 47000 plant species
which accounts for 10.8% of the world floral species. The loss of biodiversity or endemim is
about 33%.
Distribution of species in some groups of flora and fauna in India.

Group wise species distribution

Plants Number Animals Number
Fungi 23000 Mollusca 5042
Bacteria 850 Lower groups 9979
Algae 2500 Anthropoda 57525

10
 Bryophytes 2564 Amphibian 2546
Gymnosperms 64 Birds 1228
Pteridophytes 1022 Reptiles 428
Angiosperms 15000 Mammals 372

Endemism
The species which are confined to a particular area are called endemic species. Our
country has a rich endemic flora and fauna. About 33% of the flowering plants,53% of fresh
water fishes, 60% amphibians, 36% reptiles and 10% mammalian are endemic species.
Plant diversity
Nearly 5000 flowering plants and 166 crops plant species have their origin in India.
Marine diversity
More than 340 coral species of the world are found here. Several species of
mangrove plants and sea grasses are also found in our country.
Agro-diversity
There are 167 crop species and wild relatives. India is considered to be the centre of
origin of 30,000 to 50,000 varieties of rice, mango, turmeric, ginger etc.
Animal biodiversity
There are 75,000 animal species including 5,000 insects. India is a home to about
nearly 2,00,000 living organisms.
RED DATA BOOK
It is a catalogue of taxa facing risk of extinction. Red list is to
 Provide awareness to the degree of threat to biodiversity.
 Provide global index on already decline of biodiversity.
 Identification of species at high risk of extinction.
 Help in conservation action.
 Information about international agreements.

India’s biodiversity is threatened due to habitat destruction, degradation,

fragmentation and over exploitation of resources.
According to RED DATA book 44 plant species are critically endangered, 54
endangered and 143 are vulnerable.
India’s rank 2nd in terms of the number of threatened mammals and 6 th rank among
the countries with the most threatened birds.

HOT-SPOTS OF BIODIVERSITY
The most remarkable and threatened areas, many of them have been reduced to less
than 10% of their original vegetation. These areas are called hotspots of biodiversity.
The hot spots are the geographic areas which possess high endemic species.
At the global level, these are the areas of high conservation priority, if these species
lost, they can never be replaced (or) regenerated.
Criteria for recognising hot spots
 The richness of the endemic species is the primary criterion for recognising hot spots.
 The hot spots should have a significant percentage of specialised species.
 The site is under threat.
 It should contain important gene pools of plants

11
 Reason for rich biodiversity in the tropics
 The tropics have a more stable climate.
 Warm temperatures and high humidity in the tropical areas provide favourable
conditions.
 No single species can dominate and thus there is an opportunity for many species to
coexist.
Area of hot spot
 These hot spots covering less than 2% of the world's land are found to contain 50,000
endemic species. According to myersetal (2000), an area is designated as a hot spot
when it contains at least 0.5% of the endemic plant species.
 About 40% of terrestrial plants and 25% of vertebrate species are endemic and are
found in these hot spots. These are the types of high diversity, endemism and are also
threatened by many human activities.
Hot Spots of India
I. Eastern Himalayas
Geographically these areas comprise Nepal, Bhutan and neighbouring states of
Northern India. There are 35,000 plant species found in the Himalayas, of which 30% are
endemic.
The Eastern Himalayas are also rich in wild plants of economic value.
IMI=Rice, banana, citrus, ginger, chilli, jute and sugarcane.
The taxol, yielding plant is also sparsely distributed in the region.
 63% mammals are from Eastern Himalayas, and
 60% of the Indian Birds are from North East.
 Huge wealth of fungi, insects, mammals, birds have been found in this region.
II. Western ghats
The area comprises Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerela. Nearly 1500
endemic, dicotyledon plant species are found from Western ghats. 62% amphibians and 50%
lizards are endemic in western Ghats.
It is reported that only 6.8% of the original forests are existing today while the rest
has been deforested (or) degraded.
Some common plants: Ternstroemia Japonica, Rhododendron and Hypericum
PART A
S. No Questions CO PO BT
What are the values of biodiversity? CO216. 1 1
1
1
What are hotspots of biodiversity? CO216. 1 1
2
1
“India is a mega diversity nation” – Account. CO216. 4 3
3
1
Enumerate the criteria recognising hot spots? CO216. 1,5 2
4
1
PART B

12
S. No Questions CO PO BT
Classify and explain the values of biodiversity. CO216. 1,3,10 2
1
1
What do you understand by 'Hot spots of biodiversity'? Name CO216. 1,7,12 1
2 and briefly describe the two hotspots of biodiversity that extend 1
into India.

Threats to biodiversity
Habitat loss
 Deforestation activities (cutting trees for timber, removal of medicinal plants)
 Production of hybrid seeds requires wild plants as raw material, farmers
prefer hybrid reeds, many plant species become extinct
 Increase in the production of pharmaceutical companies made several numbers
of medicinal plants and species on the verge of extinction.
 Removal of forest-cover for road laying and also due to soil erosion
 Illegal trade of wild life
 Population explosion , construction of dam, discharge o f industrial
e f f l u e n t s use of pesticides.
Poaching of wild life
1. Subsistence poaching: Killing animals to provide enough food
2. Commercial poaching: Hunting and killing animals to sell their product
Factors influencing poaching
1. Human population
2. Commercial activities
Due to poaching, illegal wild life smuggling because of huge profit
Eg.
1. Rhinoceros – for horns,
2. Bengal tigers-Its fur sell is more than $1,00,000 in the foreign market.
3. Sea Horse, Star turtle – sold to foreign market.
4. Baleen- To prepare combs
5. Blubber- to prepare lamp oils and lubricating oils
6. Elephant – for ivory,
7. Elephant feet- to make ash tray
Man-wild life conflicts:
Man-wild life conflicts arise when wildlife starts causing immense damage and danger
to the man. Under such condition it is very difficult for the forest department to compromise
the affected villagers and to gain the villagers support for wild life conservation
Eg
1. In Sambalpur Orissa 195 humans were killed.
2. Very recently two men were killed by leopards in Powai, Mumbai
3. 14 [persons were killed by the leopards in Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Mumbai.
Factors influencing (or causes) Man-wild life conflicts:
1. Shrinking of forest
2. Human encroachment into forest
3. Often villagers put electric wiring around cropland
4. Due to lack of water and food in forest areas, wild animals move out of forest
Remedial activity:
1. Adequate crop and cattle compensation schemes
2. Cropping pattern should be changed near the forest
3. Adequate water and food should be made available within forest
4. The development and construction work around forest should be stopped.

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 PART A
S. No Questions CO PO BT
1 Enumerate the human activities which destroy the CO216.1 5 2
biodiversity.
2 List out the effect of habitat loss on biodiversity. CO216.1 4 1
3 What are the major causes of man-wildlife conflicts? CO216.1 2,7 1
PART B
S. No Questions CO PO BT
1 Identify and explain the present-day major threats to the CO216.1 1,2,7 2
biodiversity of India.
2 What are the major causes of man-wild conflicts? Discuss CO216.1 4,7,12 2
the remedial steps that can curb the conflict.

Endangered & Endemic species of India.

Species are classified into various types:
Extinct species → No longer found in the world

Endangered species → A species is said to be endangered when its number has been reduced
to a critical level. Unless it is protected it is in danger of extinction.

Vulnerable species → when its population is facing continuous decline due to habitat loss.

Rare species → when it is localized within restricted area.

Endangered species of India:

A species is said to be endangered when its number has been reduced to a critical level.
Unless it is protected it is in danger of extinction.

No of threatened species of India:

Plants 250
Birds 70
Mammals 86
Reptiles 25
Amphibians 3
Fishes 3
Molluscs 2, Insects -50

Important Endangered Species:

Reptiles → Tortoise, green sea turtle, python
Birds → Peacock, Siberian white crane, pelican, Indian Bustard
Mammals → Indian wolf, red fox, tiger, Indian lion, golden cat, desert cat.
Primates → lion tailed monkey, capped monkey, golden monkey
Plants → medicinal plants, sandal wood tree

RED-data Book: Data book which contains the list of endangered species of plants and
animals.

Factors affecting Endangered Species:

Pollution: Human disposal in nature. Travel through food chain and leads to death
Over-exploitation: over usage of natural resources & poaching leads to extinct of wild life
Climate change: ozone depletion, flood etc, threatens organisms and ecosystem

Remedial Measures:

14
 1. CITES – Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species is signed
2. 2900 and other 900 endangered species are restricted for trade.

Endemic species:
1. The species, which are found only in a particular region, are known as endemic
species.
2. 62% of endemic species are found in Himalayas and Western Ghats
3. Animals present in a particular region or period is Fauna.
4. 62% amphibians & 50% lizards are endemic to Western Ghats.
5. (ex) Monitor lizards, reticulated python, Indian salamander, viviparous toad.
6. Plants present in a particular region or period is Flora
(ex) Saparia Himalayana, ovaria lurida, pteridophyta, angiosperms etc.

Flora: Plants present in a particular region or period is Flora. (ex) Sapria himalayana, ovaria
lurida, pteridophyta, angiosperms etc.
Factors affecting endemic species:
Habitat loss, fragmentation, pollution.

Conservation of biodiversity
There are two types of biodiversity conservation

1. In-situ or on-site conversion (within habitat)

2. Ex-situ conservation (outside habitat)

1.In-situ conservation:
 Conservation of species in its natural habitat, in place where the species normally
occurs
 The strategy involves establishing small or large protected areas, called protected
areas
 Today in world, there are 9800 protected areas and 1500 national parks
Methods:
1. Nature or biosphere reserves
Biosphere reserves cover large area, more than 5000 sq.km. It is used to protect
species for long time.
Role of biosphere reserves
 It gives long term survival of evolving ecosystems.
 It protects endangered species.
 It protects maximum number of species and communities.
 It serves as site of recreation and tourism.
 It is also useful for educational and research purposes.
 It remains and functions as an open system and changes in land use are not allowed.
Restriction
No tourism and explosive activities are permitted.
(Eg) Nilgiri Bio reserve-Tamil nadu
Gulf of mannar -Tamil nadu

2. National parks
It is an area dedicated for the conservation of wildlife along with its environment. It is
a small reserve covering an area of about 100-500 sq.km. Within the biosphere reserves, one
of more national parks are also exists.

(Eg) Gir national park-Gujarat-Indian Lion

15
 Kaziranga-Assam-One horned Rhino

Role of National park

 It is used for enjoyment through tourism, without affecting the environment.
 It is used to protect, propagate and develop the wildlife.
Restriction
 Grazing of domestic animals inside the national park is prohibited.
 All private rights and forestry activities are prohibited within a national park.
3. Wild life sanctuaries
It is an area, which is reserved for the conservation of animals only. At present, there
are 492 wildlife sanctuaries in India.
(Eg) Mudumalai wildlife sanctuaries-Tamil nadu-Tiger, Elephant
Vedanthangal bird sanctuary-Tamil nadu-Water birds
Role of Wild life sanctuaries
 It protects animals only.
 It allows the operations such as harvesting of timber, collection of forest products and
forestry operations provided it does not affect the animals adversely.
Restrictions: Killing, hunting, shooting of wild animals is prohibited.
4. Gene Sanctuary
It is an area, where the plants are conserved.
Ex:
In Northern India, two gene sanctuaries are found.
 One gene sanctuary for Citrus and
 One gene sanctuary for Pitcher plant (insect eating plant).

Advantages
 It is very cheap and convenient method.
 The species gets adjusted to the natural disasters.
Disadvantages
 A large surface area of the earth is required
 Maintenance of the habitats is not proper due to shortage of staff and pollution.

5. Other projects for conservation of animals

For the conservation of certain animals, some special projects are framed in our
country.
Ex:
Project Tiger, project elephant
2. Ex- situ conservation:
 It involves maintenance of plants and animals outside the natural habitat
 Methods:
1. Long term captive breeding
2. Shortage term propagation and release
3. Animal translocation and re introductions
4. Seed bank
5. Reproductive technology
(i) Embryo transfer technology
(ii) Cloning.
National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR)
It is located in Delhi. It uses cryo preservation techniques to preserve agricultural and
horticultural crops.

National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR)

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 It is located in Karnal, Haryana. It preserves the semen of domesticated bovine animals.
National Facility for Plant Tissue Culture Respository (NEPTCR)
It develops the Facility of varieties of crop plants of trees by tissue culture. This facility
has been created within the NEPTCR.
Advantages
 Survival of endangered species is increasing due to special care and attention.
 In captive breeding, animals are assured food, water, shelter and also security and
hence longer life span.
 It is carried out in cases of endangered species, which do not have any chance of
survival, in the world
Disadvantages
 It is expensive method.
 The freedom of wildlife is lost.
 The animals cannot survive in natural environment.
 It can be adopted only for few selected species

PART A
S. No Questions CO PO BT
1 Define Endemic and endangered species. CO216.1 1 1
2 Explain Vulnerable species. CO216.1 4
Give few examples for endangered and endemic species CO216.1 5 1
3
of India.
4 What are in-situ and Ex-situ conservation? CO216.1 1,5 2
PART B
S. No Questions CO PO BT
Write a note on endangered and endemic species of CO216.1 1,5 2
1
India.
What do you understand by conservation of biodiversity? CO216.1 1,4, 2
2 Explain the Insitu and Exsitu conservation along with their 7
merits and limitations

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