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Home / IAS Preparation / Biodiversity

What is Biodiversity? - Learn Its Causes, Types and More!

Last Updated on Dec 04, 2023
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Our biosphere is made up of an immense number of diversity. This diversity is not only at the species level but is also present at all levels of biological organisation. The existence of species varies from macromolecules of cells to biomes in the biosphere. In this article, we will study the concept of “biodiversity and conservation, ex situ conservation, protecting biodiversity, conservation of ecosystem, ways to conserve biodiversity, In situ conservation of biodiversity

Types of conservation of biodiversity, Biodiversity conservation methods, etc are a very important part of the UPSC syllabus and will help the students to improve their understanding of these topics.

  • The term biodiversity was coined by popular sociologist Edward Wilson. In his study, he classified biodiversity at different bio organisational levels.
  • Thousands of years are taken for evolution to occur which causes the accumulation of rich biodiversity.
  • By current data, it is estimated that, if we keep on losing the species at the same number then in around two centuries we will be losing all species. So, to save our planet, the conservation of biodiversity is a must.
The article on Biodiversity is one of the important topics for Environment UPSC. You can check other important topics below related to the Environment
List Of Ramsar Sites in India What is Kyoto Protocol?
Tiger Conservation in India What are ECOTONES?
What is National Green Tribunal Wildlife Protection Act 1972

Types of Biodiversity

Biodiversity is classified into three types, they are:

  • Genetic Diversity: High diversity of single species at the genetic level over its distributional range is called genetic diversity. For example: In India, there are more than 50,000 genetically different strains of rice and more than 1,000 varieties of mango.
  • Species Diversity: When there is diversity in organisms at the species level. For example: in the western ghats the diversity of amphibian species is more than in the Eastern Ghats.
  • Ecological Diversity: Diversity among ecosystems is called ecological diversity. For example: In India, there are deserts, rain forests, mangroves, coral reefs, wetlands, estuaries, and alpine meadows that have greater ecosystem diversity than a Scandinavian country like Norway.

Aspirants can also check the NCERT Notes on the importance of biodiversity here.

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Loss of Biodiversity and Conservation

With the loss of biodiversity, we are continuously losing the biological wealth of our planet thus protecting biodiversity, conserving an ecosystem, and ways to conserve biodiversity are really important. All this loss in biodiversity is only because of human activities. In the last twenty years approx 27 species undergoes extinction long with that 12 percent of all bird species, 23 percent of all mammal species, 32 percent of all amphibian species, and 31 percent of all gymnosperm species are under the threat of extinction i.e. they are endangered species.

This decrease in biodiversity causes various effects like a decline in plant production, decrease resistance to environmental perturbations such as drought, etc.

Causes Behind Loss of Biodiversity

Various human activities cause the extinction of various organisms at such an alarming rate. Some of the major reasons behind the loss of biodiversity are listed below:

Human Activities – Because of human activities there occurs different causes like:

  1. Loss of Habitat and Fragmentation: This is considered one of the major reasons behind driving the extinction of plants and animals. A common example of loss of habitat is seen in the tropical rainforests along with the Amazon rainforest which is a house for millions of species. In these regions species are facing the threat of extinction as trees are being cut and cleared for agricultural purposes or for conversion to grasslands for raising beef cattle. Whereas when habitats are broken into small fragments because anthropogenic activities cause regression of the population of that particular area.
  2. Over-Exploitation: Humans are totally dependent on ecosystems for food, shelter, etc. So, to fully meet their needs humans are exploiting biodiversity. Because of this exploitation, many species have undergone extinction like Steller’s sea cow, and passenger pigeon due to overexploitation by humans. Along with that currently, humans are overharvesting different species of fish that are under threat of extinction or are known as endangered species.
  3. Alien Species Invasions: Species that are introduced into the ecosystem by chance and cause the extinction of other species are called alien species. An example of one such species is Nile perch introduced into Lake Victoria in East Africa led ultimately to the extinction of a naturally unique group of more than 200 species of cichlid fish in the lake. Along with that African Catfish is also considered an alien species as they harm other local fishes.
  4. Co-Extinctions: After the extinction of one species the other flora and fauna which are dependent on them also become extinct. For example, Extinction of host fish those parasites which are dependent on them also become extinct.

Check the highest peaks in the states of India here.

Biodiversity Conservation

As planet Earth consists of rich diversity which is very important for the survival of mankind. Along with that, biodiversity is also an important source of food, shelter, clothes, firewood, pharmaceuticals, etc. So, it’s very important for the survival of all living beings. Conversation of biodiversity occurs in two types.

Types of Biodiversity Conservation

In-situ (on-site) Conservation

When the protection of plants and animals is done within their natural habitat or in protected areas called in-situ conservation. In such conversations land area or sea is dedicated to the protection process and to maintaining equality in biodiversity. This type of conservation is to protect the full biodiversity of different genes, populations, species, communities, and ecological processes.

This type of biodiversity is cheap and affordable. It conserves organisms at different trophic levels whether they are producers or consumers.

Study the NCERT Notes on environment and ecosystem here.

Types of In-situ Conservation

  • National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries: Oldest National park is Yellowstone which is in the USA.
  • Biosphere Reserves: It is a kind of ecosystem that is composed of both living beings i.e. biotic components and non-living biotic components from which they derive energy and nutrients.

Ex-situ (off-site) Conservation

Conversation of plants and animals which is done outside of their natural habitat is called ex-situ conservation.

Types of Ex-situ Conservation

  • Zoos
  • Captive Breeding
  • Aquarium
  • Botanical Gardens
  • Gene Banks.

Also check the NCERT notes on Physical, Chemical and Biological weathering here.

Advantages of Ex-Situ Conservation

Some of the importance of ex-situ conservation are listed below:

  • In this conservation, animals are provided with a longer time and breeding activity.
  • The species which are bred in captivity are further reintroduced into the natural ecosystem.
  • In this conservation type gynetical technique is used to save endangered species.

Steps Taken By Indian Government For Biodiversity Conservation

Some of the major steps which are taken by the Indian government to conserve biodiversity are listed below:

  • The Central government has passed the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. Under this act inter alia is provided for the creation of protected areas to conserve biodiversity and punishment will be given for hunting of specified animals.
  • In 2010 Wetland (Conservation and Management) Rules were formed for the protection of wetlands in the state.
  • A national plan has been set up for the conservation of the aquatic ecosystem. Under this plan, proper assistance will be given to the States for the management of wetlands including Ramsar sites in the country.
  • Establishment of Wildlife Crime Control Bureau to control illegal trade in wildlife, including endangered species.
  • Different research centres have been set up like Wildlife Institute of India, Bombay Natural History society and Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History to do research on how to conserve biodiversity.
  • Banning of the veterinary use of diclofenac drug by the Indian government as it causes a rapid decline in the number of Gyps vultures.
  • A programme of conservation breeding is started in order to protect endangered organisms like vultures. Conservation breeding is started in various states like Pinjore (Haryana), Buxa (West Bengal) and Rani, Guwahati (Assam) by the Bombay Natural History Society.
  • A scheme like “Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats” has been started in order to recover endangered species like Snow Leopard, Bustard (including Floricans), Dolphin, Hangul, Nilgiri Tahr, Marine Turtles, Dugong, Edible Nest Swiftlet, Asian Wild Buffalo, Nicobar Megapode, Indian Rhinoceros, Asiatic Lion, Swamp Dee, etc.

Read the Coastal Plains In India here.

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Some Frequently Asked Questions on Biodiversity

Q1.What is biodiversity?
Biodiversity is a portmanteau of biological diversity. It is the encompassing variety of life on Earth, which spans different hierarchical levels. These are species diversity, ecosystem diversity, and genetic diversity within species. It's not merely a measure of the number of species but a testament to the richness of ecosystems and the genetic differences that underpin the adaptability of life. It reflects the intricate interconnectedness of living organisms and their environments. The diverse variety of species and ecosystems plays a critical role in maintaining ecological balance by providing essential services like pollination of crops and climate regulation. 
 
Q2.What is biodiversity, and why is it important?
Biodiversity is a fusion of biological diversity. It refers to the life on Earth. It encompasses a wide variety of species, ecosystems, and genetic diversity within populations. Its importance lies in the myriad ways it sustains life. It contributes to ecosystem services crucial for human survival, like pollination of crops and disease regulation. Moreover, each species plays a unique role, contributing to ecosystem stability and resilience. The genetic diversity within species ensures adaptability to changing environmental conditions. Beyond tangible benefits, biodiversity holds intrinsic value, offering aesthetic, cultural, and spiritual richness. Recognizing the significance of biodiversity is paramount for informed conservation efforts and sustainable practices, ensuring a harmonious coexistence between humanity and the diverse web of life.
 
Q3.Why is biodiversity important to the ecosystem?
Biodiversity is paramount to ecosystem functionality and resilience. Species, from microscopic organisms to apex predators, play a specific role in maintaining ecological balance. The diversity of species ensures that various ecological processes like nutrient cycling and pollination can occur efficiently. It is the interplay of different species that sustains the health and productivity of ecosystems. Biodiverse ecosystems exhibit greater adaptability to environmental changes, enhancing their capacity to withstand disturbances like climate fluctuations or invasive species. The intricate relationships among diverse species create a robust and interconnected web of life, making biodiversity essential for the stability and sustainability of ecosystems worldwide.
 
Q4.How does climate change affect biodiversity?
Climate change disrupts the balance of ecosystems. Rising temperatures directly impact the distribution and survival of various species. Many plants and animals may struggle to adapt or migrate at a pace that matches the changing climate. It leads to population declines and extinctions. Moreover, climate change can induce shifts in the timing of biological events like flowering, migration, and breeding, causing mismatches in critical ecological relationships. As a result, these disruptions ripple through ecosystems, affecting food chains and the overall structure of biodiversity. 

 

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