Biodiversity and Conservation: Levels, Threats and Protection Measures Questions

Question 1

Define biodiversity.

Accepted Answer

Biodiversity is the variety and variability of living organisms including plants, animals and microorganisms.

Question 2

What is genetic diversity?

Accepted Answer

Genetic diversity is variation of genes within a species.

Question 3

What is species diversity?

Accepted Answer

Species diversity is the variety of different species present in an area.

Question 4

Define in-situ conservation.

Accepted Answer

In-situ conservation means conserving species in their natural habitat.

Question 5

Define ex-situ conservation.

Accepted Answer

Ex-situ conservation means conserving species outside their natural habitat.

Question 6

State one threat to biodiversity.

Accepted Answer

Habitat destruction is a major threat to biodiversity.

Question 7

Explain levels of biodiversity (any three).

Accepted Answer

Levels are genetic diversity (within species), species diversity (variety of species) and ecosystem diversity (variety of habitats).

Question 8

List any three values/benefits of biodiversity.

Accepted Answer

Biodiversity provides consumptive value (food/fuel), productive value (timber/medicines), and ecosystem services (pollination, nutrient cycling, climate regulation) (any three).

Question 9

Write any three threats to biodiversity.

Accepted Answer

Habitat loss, overexploitation, pollution, invasive species and climate change are threats (any three).

Question 10

Differentiate between in-situ and ex-situ conservation (any three points).

Accepted Answer

In-situ conserves species in natural habitats (parks/sanctuaries) and protects whole ecosystems. Ex-situ conserves outside habitats (zoos/seed banks) and helps critically endangered species. In-situ maintains natural interactions; ex-situ supports controlled breeding and storage.

Question 11

Write any three examples of in-situ conservation methods.

Accepted Answer

National parks, wildlife sanctuaries, biosphere reserves and sacred groves are in-situ methods (any three).

Question 12

Write any three examples of ex-situ conservation methods.

Accepted Answer

Zoos, botanical gardens, seed banks, gene banks and tissue culture are ex-situ methods (any three).

Question 13

Explain biodiversity and its levels with importance.

Accepted Answer

Biodiversity means the variety of life forms on Earth.

Levels of biodiversity:
1) Genetic diversity: variation in genes within a species. Example: different varieties of rice, wheat, mango.
2) Species diversity: variety and richness of different species in an area. Example: many bird, insect and plant species in a forest.
3) Ecosystem diversity: variety of ecosystems/habitats. Example: forests, grasslands, wetlands, deserts.

Importance:
- maintains ecosystem stability and balance
- provides food, medicines and raw materials
- supports ecosystem services like pollination, nutrient cycling and climate regulation

Thus biodiversity is essential for survival of humans and healthy ecosystems.

Question 14

Explain threats to biodiversity and suggest measures to reduce them.

Accepted Answer

Threats to biodiversity are factors that reduce species population and cause extinction.

Major threats:
1) Habitat loss and fragmentation due to deforestation, agriculture and urbanisation.
2) Overexploitation like hunting, overfishing and illegal trade.
3) Pollution of air, water and soil affecting organisms.
4) Invasive alien species that outcompete native species.
5) Climate change leading to temperature and rainfall changes.
6) Poaching and destruction of breeding habitats.

To reduce threats, we need protected areas, strict law enforcement, habitat restoration and community participation.

Question 15

Explain methods of biodiversity conservation (in-situ and ex-situ) with examples.

Accepted Answer

Biodiversity conservation includes in-situ and ex-situ methods.

In-situ conservation (in natural habitat):
- national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, biosphere reserves
- protects whole ecosystems and natural evolution

Ex-situ conservation (outside habitat):
- zoos, botanical gardens
- seed banks, gene banks, tissue culture
- helps conserve critically endangered species

Other measures:
- stop deforestation and restore habitats
- prevent pollution and control invasive species
- strict action against poaching and illegal trade
- awareness and community participation

These measures protect biodiversity and maintain ecological balance.

Biodiversity and Conservation: Levels, Threats and Protection Measures

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