UNIT 2 BIODIVERSITY

*Biodiversity can be defined as the variety and variability among different

groups of living organisms that exists on the earth.

*The term biodiversity was coined by E.O. Wilson in 1985

*Biodiversity can be discussed at three levels:

• Genetic diversity • Species diversity • Ecosystem diversity

*1. Genetic diversity:

1. Genetic diversity refers to the variety of genes within a

species.

2. It is the differences in DNA sequences among individuals of the

same species.

3. It helps organisms adapt to changing environments like climate,

diseases, and predators.

4. Greater genetic diversity increases survival chances during

natural disasters or diseases.

5. It occurs naturally through mutations, gene flow, and sexual

reproduction.

6. Genetic diversity is essential for evolution and natural selection.

7. Crops and livestock with high genetic diversity are more resistant
to pests and diseases.

8. It helps maintain the health and stability of ecosystems.

9. Low genetic diversity can lead to inbreeding and increase the risk
of genetic disorders.

10. Conservation programs try to protect genetic diversity in

endangered species.

11. Human activities like deforestation and pollution can reduce

genetic diversity.

12. Preserving genetic diversity ensures food security and

medicinal resources for the future.

2. Ecosystem diversity

*Eco system can be defined as “an integrated functional unit of the

biosphere, where all the living organisms are continuously interacting with
the non living component of the environment.”
*The ecosystem of one type may be different from another ecosystem by
its biotic component and abiotic components which is specific for it.

Ex: Forest ecosystem, is having different character than the desert

ecosystem.

*Ecosystem diversity is characterized by different types of ecosystem

which represent different parts of the biosphere. Ex. Forest ecosystem,
grassland ecosystem, desert ecosystem etc.,

*According to Whittaker (1965), the community diversities are of three

types:

(i) α-Diversity:

It tells the species diversity in a given community. It depends upon

species richness and evenness.

(ii) β-Diversity:

It describes a range of communities due to replacement of species which

arises due to the presence of different microhabitats, niches and
environmental conditions.

(iii) γ -Diversity:

It describes diversity of habitat over a total landscape or geographical

area.

Biogeographically classification of India:

1. India is divided into 10 biogeographic zones, based on

geography, climate, vegetation, and animal life.

2. These zones include: Trans-Himalaya, Himalaya, Desert, Semi-

Arid, Western Ghats, Deccan Plateau, Gangetic Plains,
North-East India, Islands, and Coasts.

3. Each zone has unique species of plants and animals, adapted to

that region’s conditions.

4. This classification helps in conservation planning and protecting

biodiversity.

5. The system was developed by Rodgers and Panwar in 1988 for

better ecological management of India.

Hotspots of biodiversity.
*have been identified based on three criteria

a) On the number of species present

b) On the number of those species found exclusively in an ecosystem

c) On the degree of threat they face

Biodiversity Hotspots in India

1.The Western Ghats and Sri Lanka

1. The Western Ghats is one of the four biodiversity hotspots in

India, shared with parts of Sri Lanka.

2. It is rich in endemic species – many plants, animals, birds, and

amphibians are found only here.

3. The region has tropical rainforests, rivers, and high mountains

that support diverse ecosystems.

4. It is home to many medicinal plants, endangered species, and

important wildlife like tigers and elephants.

5. Due to deforestation, agriculture, and urbanization, this

hotspot is under serious threat and needs conservation.

2. The Eastern Himalayas

1. The Eastern Himalayas cover parts of northeastern India (like

Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim), Bhutan, and eastern Nepal.

2. It has a rich variety of flora and fauna, including many rare and
endangered species like the red panda and snow leopard.

3. The region includes dense forests, high-altitude meadows, and

alpine ecosystems, making it highly diverse.

4. It is known for high endemism – many species found here are not
found anywhere else in the world.

5. This hotspot is threatened by deforestation, habitat loss, and

climate change, so it needs active conservation efforts.

3. Indo-Burma

1. The Indo-Burma hotspot includes northeastern India, Myanmar,

Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam.
 2. In India, it covers parts of Assam, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura,
Meghalaya, and Nagaland.

3. It is one of the richest regions in terms of biodiversity, with

many unique and endangered species.

4. The region is known for its high plant diversity and freshwater
biodiversity (many rare fish and amphibians).

5. Deforestation, agriculture, and development have made it one

of the most threatened hotspots in the world.

Endangered and endemic species of India :

*endangered species of India: A species is said to endanger when its

number are reduced severely that it faces the danger of becoming extinct.

*In India nearly 450 plant species have been identified in the categories

1) Reptiles:, Tortoise, Python

2) Birds: Great India bustard, Peacock, Pelican,

3) Carnivores: Indian wolf, Red sloth bear, Red panda,

4) Plants: A large number of species of Orchids, Medicinal plants,

Endemic species of India:

*A species is said to endemic when the species is found extensively only

in that particular area.

1. Endemic species are found only in a specific region, and

nowhere else in the world.

2. India has many endemic species, especially in the Western Ghats,

Himalayas, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

3. Examples include the Lion-tailed macaque, Nilgiris tahr,

Malabar civet, and Indian purple frog.

4. Endemic species are often highly sensitive to environmental

changes and need strict protection for survival.

Threats to biodiversity.
 1. Habitat loss and destruction due to deforestation, urbanization,
and agriculture is the biggest threat.

2. Pollution (air, water, soil) harms species and damages ecosystems.

3. Climate change affects weather patterns and can lead to the

extinction of sensitive species.

4. Overexploitation of natural resources like overfishing, hunting,

and logging reduces biodiversity.

5. Invasive species (non-native plants or animals) can outcompete

and replace native species.

1. Economic value. 2. Aesthetic value. 3. Medicinal value. 4.

Recreation. 5. To lab supplies. 6. Ecosystem service value.

1.Economic value:

1. Biodiversity provides resources like food, medicine, fuel, and

raw materials that support local and global economies.

2. It supports ecosystem services like pollination, soil fertility, water

purification, and climate regulation — all essential for sustainable
agriculture and industries.

2.Man wild conflicts In the recent years th

*Increasing human population and deforestation have pushed

wildlife closer to human settlements, leading to more conflicts.

1. Incidents like crop damage, livestock killing, and human

injuries or deaths by wild animals (e.g., elephants, tigers,
leopards) have increased.

2. These conflicts often lead to retaliatory killings of animals and

damage both biodiversity and local livelihoods

3.Habitat loss: Habitat loss means the destruction or degradation of

natural areas where wildlife lives.

1. It is mainly caused by deforestation, urban development,

mining, and agriculture.

2. Habitat loss leads to the decline or extinction of species that

cannot survive elsewhere.
 3. It affects the balance of ecosystems, reducing biodiversity and
harming food chains.

4. Protected areas, afforestation, and sustainable land use are

key ways to prevent habitat loss.

Strategies for Conservation of Biodiversity:

1. Establish Protected Areas – Create national parks, wildlife

sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves to protect habitats.

2. Afforestation and Reforestation – Plant trees and restore

degraded forests to provide shelter for species.

3. Control of Pollution – Reduce air, water, and soil pollution to keep

ecosystems healthy.

4. Sustainable Use of Resources – Use natural resources wisely to

prevent overexploitation.

5. Laws and Policies – Enforce wildlife protection laws like the

Wildlife Protection Act (1972).

6. Public Awareness and Education – Educate people about the

importance of biodiversity and how to protect it.

7. Conservation of Endangered Species – Breeding programs and

special protection for species at risk of extinction.

8. Support Traditional and Indigenous Practices – Encourage eco-

friendly practices followed by tribal and local communities.

There are two major types of methods to save wild life:

1. In situ conservation

2. Ex situ conservations.

🌿 1. In Situ Conservation (On-site Conservation)

✅ 5 Key Points:

1. Conservation of wildlife in their natural habitat.

2. Protects the entire ecosystem, not just individual species.

3. Helps species to continue their natural evolutionary

processes.

4. Maintains genetic diversity within the habitat.

 5. Supports both flora and fauna in a balanced way.

🌟 4 Advantages:

1. Species live in their natural environment, promoting natural

behavior.

2. More cost-effective than maintaining species in captivity.

3. Promotes the conservation of whole ecosystems.

4. Allows evolutionary and ecological interactions to continue.

📂 Types of In Situ Conservation & 2 Points Each:

a. National Parks

 Large protected areas to conserve wildlife and ecosystems.

 Human activities like hunting, grazing, and forestry are strictly

banned.

b. Wildlife Sanctuaries

 Conservation areas where limited human activity is allowed.

 Used to protect specific animal species in their natural setting.

c. Biosphere Reserves

 Large areas that include core (no human activity), buffer, and
transition zones.

 Support sustainable development along with conservation.

🧬 2. Ex Situ Conservation (Off-site Conservation)

✅ 5 Key Points:

1. Conservation of wildlife outside their natural habitat.

2. Used when species are critically endangered or extinct in the

wild.

3. Involves artificial environments like zoos and seed banks.

4. Helps in research, breeding, and reintroducing species.

5. Controlled setting allows better protection from threats.

🌟 4 Advantages:

1. Protects species that cannot survive in the wild.

 2. Allows for captive breeding to increase population.

3. Good for education and research purposes.

4. Species can be reintroduced to the wild after recovery.

📂 Types of Ex Situ Conservation & 2 Points Each:

a. Zoos

 Facilities where wild animals are kept, bred, and studied.

 Play a role in public education and conservation awareness.

b. Botanical Gardens

 Conserves rare and endangered plant species.

 Useful for research and genetic improvement of plants.

c. Seed Banks / Gene Banks

 Stores seeds or genetic material under controlled conditions.

 Acts as a backup for re-growing lost plant species.

d. Cryopreservation

 Preservation of cells, tissues, or genetic material at very low

temperatures.

 Useful for long-term storage of endangered species' DNA.

f Biosphere Reserves:

🌿 4 Points on Biosphere Reserves:

1. Biosphere Reserves are large protected areas aimed at

conserving biodiversity, ecosystems, and cultural heritage.

2. They include three zones: Core (no human activity), Buffer (limited
activity), and Transition (sustainable human activities).

3. They promote sustainable development along with conservation

of wildlife and natural resources.

4. In India, famous biosphere reserves include Nilgiri, Sundarbans,

and Nanda Devi.

⚙️4 Functions of Biosphere Reserves:

 1. Conservation – Protects ecosystems, species, and genetic diversity.

2. Development – Encourages sustainable economic and human

development.

3. Logistic Support – Supports research, education, and monitoring

of biodiversity.

4. Cultural Preservation – Protects traditional knowledge and

practices of local communities.

Value of the biodiversity

1.Consumptive value

1. Consumptive value refers to the direct use of natural

resources that are collected and used locally, not sold in the
market.

2. Examples include firewood, wild fruits, vegetables, fish, and

medicinal plants gathered for personal use.

3. These resources are especially important for tribal and rural

communities who depend on forests and nature for daily needs.

4. It helps people meet their basic survival needs like food, shelter,
and medicine, often at low or no cost.

2.Productive value:

Productive value refers to the commercial use of biodiversity — where

natural resources are harvested and sold in markets.

1. Examples include timber, medicinal plants, silk, honey, and

animal products that are processed and used in industries for
profit and trade.

3.Social value:

1. Social value refers to the importance of biodiversity in traditions,

religion, culture, and community life.

2. Many plants and animals are considered sacred or culturally

significant, like the tulsi plant, cow, and peepal tree in India.

3. Biodiversity plays a role in festivals, rituals, traditional

medicine, and strengthens community identity and bonding.
4.Ethical value:

1. Ethical value means that all living beings have a right to exist,
whether or not they are useful to humans.

2. It promotes the idea of compassion, respect, and moral

responsibility toward protecting nature and wildlife.

3. Conserving biodiversity is seen as a duty for future generations,

so they can also enjoy and benefit from it.

Ecosystem Services:

1. Ecosystem services are the benefits humans get from nature

and ecosystems.

2. They include clean air, fresh water, fertile soil, and pollination
of crops.

3. Forests help in climate regulation by absorbing carbon dioxide.

4. Wetlands act as natural water filters and control floods.

5. Bees, butterflies, and other insects pollinate crops, which is

essential for food production.

6. Microorganisms in soil and water help in waste decomposition

and nutrient cycling.

7. Mangroves and coral reefs protect coastlines from storms and

erosion.

8. Ecosystems also provide recreational, cultural, and spiritual

benefits, like tourism and nature experiences.