Question

What is biodiversity? Add a note on its conservation.

Hint:

Biodiversity maintains ecological balance, supports human survival, and must be conserved for future generations.

Answer 1

Definition of Biodiversity: Biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms on Earth, including different plants, animals, microorganisms, and the ecosystems they form. It represents the variability among species, between species, and within ecosystems. Levels of Biodiversity: \begin{enumerate} \item Genetic Diversity: Variation of genes within species (e.g., different varieties of rice). \item Species Diversity: Variety of species within a region (e.g., the Amazon rainforest). \item Ecosystem Diversity: Diversity of ecosystems such as forests, deserts, wetlands, and grasslands. \end{enumerate} Conservation of Biodiversity: \[\begin{array}{rl} \bullet & \text{In-situ Conservation: Protection of species in their natural habitats (e.g., National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Biosphere Reserves).} \\ \bullet & \text{Ex-situ Conservation: Conservation outside natural habitats (e.g., Botanical gardens, Zoos, Seed banks, Cryopreservation).} \\ \bullet & \text{Legal Measures: Wildlife Protection Act, CITES, and awareness programs.} \\ \end{array}\] Final Answer: Biodiversity is the variety of life on Earth, and its conservation is essential through in-situ and ex-situ methods.