Question

Deserts, rain forests, mangroves, coral reefs, wetlands, estuaries, and alpine meadows in India represent:

• A. Ecological diversity
• B. Genetic diversity
• C. Species diversity
• D. Species diversity and ecological diversity

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

In the context of biology, biodiversity encompasses three primary levels: genetic diversity, species diversity, and ecological diversity. Each level refers to different aspects of biological variability. 

Genetic Diversity: This refers to the variety of genes within a particular species. It highlights the differences in DNA among individuals within a population or species.

Species Diversity: This denotes the variety of species within a particular region. It includes the number of different species and the abundance of each species found in a specific ecosystem.

Ecological Diversity: This is the variety of ecosystems or habitats within a given area. It includes the different biomes and landscapes that support diverse living organisms.

In the given options, deserts, rain forests, mangroves, coral reefs, wetlands, estuaries, and alpine meadows in India are examples of different ecosystems and habitats. This variety in landscapes and ecological settings is indicative of:

Ecological Diversity

Therefore, the correct answer is "Ecological diversity," as these regions illustrate the range of ecosystems found within the geographical confines of India, contributing to its ecological richness.

Answer 2

The terms listed in the question—deserts, rain forests, mangroves, coral reefs, wetlands, estuaries, and alpine meadows—represent different types of ecosystems found in India. These ecosystems have distinct physical characteristics, climates, and biological communities. Therefore, they contribute to ecological diversity, which refers to the variety of ecosystems or habitats in a given area.

Here's a breakdown of the other options:

(2) Genetic diversity: This refers to the variety of genes within a species. It is not specifically related to the ecosystems listed in the question, but rather to the genetic variation within species.

(3) Species diversity: This refers to the variety of species within an ecosystem. While these ecosystems have diverse species, the focus of the question is on the diversity of ecosystems rather than species alone.

(4) Species diversity and ecological diversity: While species diversity does exist within these ecosystems, the correct answer focuses on the ecological diversity—the variety of ecosystems themselves.

Thus, the correct answer is (1) Ecological diversity, as these ecosystems represent different ecological types and contribute to the overall ecological diversity in India.