(a) Indiscriminate human activities such as alien species invasion, fragmentation and habitat loss have accelerated the loss of biodiversity. Justify by taking one example for each. (b) State the importance of the following:
(i) IUCN Red data list
(ii) Hot spots in conservation of biodiversity
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Alien species, habitat destruction, and fragmentation are major drivers of biodiversity loss. Conservation efforts should prioritize biodiversity hotspots and rely on data from tools like the IUCN Red List.
Step 1 (a):
\begin{itemize}
Alien species invasion: Introduction of Nile perch in Lake Victoria led to the extinction of many native fish species.
Habitat fragmentation: Construction of roads through forests isolates species populations, such as in the case of tigers in India.
Habitat loss: Deforestation in the Amazon rainforest is a major cause of biodiversity loss.
\end{itemize}
Step 2 (b):
\begin{itemize}
(i) IUCN Red data list: It provides information on the global conservation status of animal and plant species and helps in prioritizing conservation efforts.
(ii) Hot spots in conservation of biodiversity: Biodiversity hotspots are regions with high species richness and endemism but under significant threat. Conservation in these areas ensures protection of maximum biodiversity with limited resources.
\end{itemize}
