All questions of Biodiversity and Conservation for Humanities/Arts Exam

D

Introduction:
Biodiversity refers to the variety of life on Earth, including all species of plants, animals, and microorganisms, as well as the ecosystems they form. It plays a crucial role in maintaining the stability and functioning of ecosystems, providing various ecosystem services such as food production, water purification, and climate regulation. However, human activities have posed significant threats to biodiversity, leading to its decline at an alarming rate.

Explanation:
Among the given options, option 'B' - Bioremediation is not a threat to biodiversity. Here's why:

Habitat destruction:
Habitat destruction refers to the alteration or destruction of natural habitats, primarily caused by human activities such as deforestation, urbanization, and conversion of land for agriculture. This threat directly impacts biodiversity by reducing the availability of suitable habitats for various species, leading to population declines and even extinction. It disrupts the intricate web of interactions within ecosystems and can have cascading effects on other species dependent on the affected habitats.

Introduced species:
Introduced species, also known as invasive species, are non-native species that are introduced into a new area, either intentionally or unintentionally, by human activities. These species often outcompete native species for resources, disrupt ecological processes, and can drive native species to extinction. They can also alter the structure and functioning of ecosystems, reducing overall biodiversity and threatening the integrity of native ecosystems.

Over-exploitation:
Over-exploitation refers to the unsustainable use or extraction of natural resources beyond their capacity to regenerate. This threat includes overfishing, illegal wildlife trade, poaching, and unsustainable logging. Over-exploitation can lead to the depletion of populations, loss of genetic diversity, and disruption of ecological dynamics. It can result in the collapse of ecosystems and the extinction of species, thus posing a significant threat to biodiversity.

Bioremediation:
Unlike the other options, bioremediation is not a threat to biodiversity. Bioremediation is a process that uses living organisms, such as bacteria or plants, to clean up or detoxify contaminated environments. It is often employed to restore ecosystems impacted by pollution or industrial activities. Bioremediation can even contribute to the restoration of biodiversity by improving the quality of habitats and creating more favorable conditions for the re-establishment of native species.

Conclusion:
In summary, while habitat destruction, introduced species, and over-exploitation are all significant threats to biodiversity, bioremediation is not. Bioremediation is a valuable tool in environmental restoration efforts and can contribute to the recovery and conservation of biodiversity. It is important to address the threats posed by habitat destruction, introduced species, and over-exploitation to ensure the long-term survival of Earth's rich and diverse ecosystems.

Plant existence

Forest Area in India
India's forest area plays a crucial role in the country's biodiversity, climate regulation, and overall environmental health. The percentage of forest area in India is an important indicator of the country's commitment to conservation and sustainable development.

Percentage of Forest Area in India
- The correct answer is option 'B', which is 19%.
- This means that approximately 19% of India's total land area is covered by forests.
- Forests in India are classified into different types, such as tropical forests, subtropical forests, temperate forests, and alpine forests.

Importance of Forest Conservation
- Forests provide essential ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration, water regulation, and habitat for wildlife.
- Forest conservation is crucial for maintaining biodiversity, preventing soil erosion, and mitigating climate change.
- Forests also support the livelihoods of millions of people in India who depend on them for fuelwood, timber, and non-timber forest products.

Challenges in Forest Conservation
- Despite the significant forest cover in India, the country faces challenges such as deforestation, illegal logging, forest degradation, and encroachment.
- Conservation efforts in India focus on sustainable forest management, protected area conservation, afforestation, and reforestation initiatives.
In conclusion, the forest area in India is approximately 19%, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts to protect and sustainably manage this valuable natural resource.

The correct answer to the question is option 'C', which states that germplasm is present in reproductive cells. Let's delve into why germplasm is specifically located in reproductive cells.

• 
  Germplasm Definition:
  Germplasm refers to the genetic material of an organism, including the heritable material in its cells, which is passed on to the next generation.
  



• 
  Reproductive Cells:
  Reproductive cells, such as sperm and egg cells in animals or pollen and ovules in plants, carry the genetic information necessary for the formation of a new individual. This genetic material, or germplasm, is crucial for inheritance.
  



• 
  Transmission of Genetic Information:
  During fertilization, the reproductive cells from two parents combine to form a zygote, which develops into a new organism. The genetic information from the male and female reproductive cells merges to create a unique combination of traits in the offspring.
  



• 
  Presence of Germplasm:
  Since germplasm contains the genetic instructions for the development and functioning of an organism, it is primarily found in the reproductive cells. These cells ensure the continuation of genetic traits from one generation to the next.
  

By understanding the role of reproductive cells in carrying germplasm, we can appreciate the significance of this genetic material in the process of inheritance and evolution.

Explanation:

Convention on Biological Diversity:
The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is an international treaty that aims to promote sustainable development while preserving the Earth's biological diversity. It was opened for signature at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992.

Number of Articles:
The CBD consists of 42 articles that outline the objectives, principles, and commitments of the treaty. These articles cover a wide range of topics related to biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of biological resources, and fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from genetic resources.

Key Points:
- The CBD has three main objectives: the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components, and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources.
- The CBD recognizes the importance of traditional knowledge and practices of indigenous and local communities in the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.
- Parties to the CBD are required to develop national strategies, plans, and programs for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.
- The CBD emphasizes the need for international cooperation and support for developing countries in implementing its provisions.
Therefore, the correct answer is option 'b) 42 articles', as the Convention on Biological Diversity consists of 42 articles that form the basis of the international treaty.

Tundra is the correct answer for the biome popularly known as the Arctic Desert. The tundra biome is characterized by extremely cold temperatures, low precipitation, and a short growing season. It is found in the Arctic region, which includes parts of Alaska, Canada, Russia, and Scandinavia.

The Arctic Desert is often referred to as a desert because it receives very little precipitation, similar to other desert biomes. However, unlike hot deserts, the Arctic Desert experiences freezing temperatures for most of the year, making it inhospitable for most forms of life.

Here is a detailed explanation of why the tundra is referred to as the Arctic Desert:

Extreme Climate:
- The tundra biome is known for its extreme climate, with long, cold winters and short, cool summers. Average temperatures in the Arctic Desert range from -30°C (-22°F) in winter to around 10°C (50°F) in summer.
- The freezing temperatures persist for most of the year, resulting in a frozen landscape. The ground remains permanently frozen, known as permafrost, which limits the growth of vegetation.

Low Precipitation:
- Precipitation in the Arctic Desert is low, with an average annual rainfall of less than 250 mm (10 inches). This is comparable to some of the driest deserts on Earth.
- The limited precipitation falls mostly as snow during the winter months. The snow cover insulates the ground, preventing the growth of plants during the cold season.

Short Growing Season:
- Due to the extreme cold temperatures, the growing season in the Arctic Desert is very short, lasting only a few months. During this time, the top layer of permafrost thaws, allowing plants to grow and reproduce.
- The limited growing season restricts the diversity and abundance of plant species in the tundra biome. Mosses, lichens, and dwarf shrubs are the dominant forms of vegetation.

Lack of Trees:
- The Arctic Desert is characterized by a lack of trees. The harsh climate and frozen soil make it difficult for trees to establish deep root systems and survive. Instead, the tundra is dominated by low-growing vegetation.
- The absence of trees further contributes to the desert-like appearance of the Arctic biome.

In conclusion, the Arctic Desert is commonly referred to as the tundra biome due to its extreme climate, low precipitation, short growing season, and lack of trees. These factors make it similar to other desert biomes, despite the cold temperatures.

Explanation:
The 34 hot spots of the world are areas that are incredibly rich in biodiversity and face significant threats from human activities. These hot spots cover approximately 15.7% of the Earth's land surface.

Calculating the Percentage:
To calculate the percentage of the Earth's land surface that the 34 hot spots cover, we can divide the total area of the hot spots by the total land area of the Earth and then multiply by 100.
Given that the total land area of the Earth is approximately 148,939,063 square kilometers, and the total area covered by the 34 hot spots is about 23,000,000 square kilometers, we can calculate the percentage as follows:
Percentage = (23,000,000 / 148,939,063) * 100
Percentage ≈ 15.7%
Therefore, the 34 hot spots of the world cover about 15.7% of the Earth's land surface.
This percentage shows the significant importance of these areas in terms of global biodiversity conservation efforts. Efforts to protect and preserve these hot spots are crucial in safeguarding the rich diversity of species and ecosystems they contain for future generations.

During the Pleistocene period, which lasted from about 2.6 million to 11,700 years ago, there were significant extinctions of mammals on Earth. This period is commonly known as the "Ice Age" and was characterized by repeated glaciations and interglacial periods.

The Pleistocene Extinction Event:
The Pleistocene extinction event refers to the widespread and rapid extinction of many large mammal species during this time. This event affected various regions around the world, including North America, Europe, Asia, and South America. It is estimated that around 40% of the large mammal species in these regions went extinct during the Pleistocene.

Causes of Extinction:
There are several proposed causes for the Pleistocene extinction event, and it is likely that a combination of factors contributed to the decline and eventual extinction of these mammals. Some of the leading theories include:

1. Climate Change: The Pleistocene was marked by significant climate fluctuations, with alternating periods of glaciation and warmer interglacial periods. These changes in climate could have resulted in the loss of suitable habitats for many mammal species, leading to their decline and eventual extinction.

2. Overhunting by Humans: The arrival of early humans during the Pleistocene coincided with the extinction of many large mammal species. It is believed that overhunting by humans played a significant role in the decline and extinction of these animals. The hunting techniques developed by early humans, such as the use of spears and the development of cooperative hunting strategies, may have given them an advantage over the larger, slower mammals.

3. Loss of Habitat: The expansion of glaciers during the Pleistocene resulted in the loss of habitat for many mammal species. As the ice sheets advanced, they covered vast areas of land, making them unsuitable for habitation by many plant and animal species. This loss of habitat would have put additional pressure on the already stressed mammal populations.

Impact on Ecosystems:
The extinction of large mammal species during the Pleistocene had a significant impact on ecosystems. These animals played crucial roles as top predators, herbivores, and seed dispersers. Their disappearance led to cascading effects throughout the food web, affecting other species and altering the structure and dynamics of ecosystems.

Conclusion:
The Pleistocene extinction event was a period of significant loss of mammal species on Earth. The causes of this event are still debated, but climate change, overhunting by humans, and loss of habitat likely played significant roles. This extinction event had far-reaching consequences for ecosystems, highlighting the interconnectedness of species and the importance of conservation efforts to prevent future extinctions.

Understanding Biodiversity Hotspots
Biodiversity hotspots are regions that are both rich in species diversity and significantly threatened by human activities. These areas are characterized by high levels of endemism and species richness but face considerable loss of biodiversity.
Key Characteristics of Biodiversity Hotspots:
- Endemism:
Endemic species are those that are not found anywhere else in the world. Biodiversity hotspots typically have a high number of endemic species due to their unique ecosystems.
- Species Richness:
These regions often contain a large variety of species, including both flora and fauna, making them vital for ecological health.
- Loss of Diversity:
Biodiversity hotspots are under threat from habitat destruction, climate change, and other anthropogenic factors, leading to a significant loss of species and genetic diversity.
Why Lesser Interspecific Competition is Not Generally Seen:
In biodiversity hotspots, interspecific competition—the competition between different species for the same resources—is often prevalent due to:
- High Species Density:
The abundance of species leads to competition for food, space, and other resources.
- Diverse Ecological Niches:
While there may be many species, they occupy different ecological niches which can still lead to competition within and between species.
- Impact of Human Activity:
Habitat degradation can force species to compete more intensely for limited resources, contrary to having lesser competition.
In conclusion, option 'D'—lesser interspecific competition—is not generally found in biodiversity hotspots because these regions are characterized by high species density and competition for resources.

Explanation:

Stabilizing the ecosystem is the correct answer.

Reasoning:

- Each couple should produce only two children is an effective way to control population growth.
- A stabilized population will help in stabilizing the ecosystem as it will put a lesser burden on the natural resources.
- With a stabilized population, human activities like deforestation, urbanization, and industrialization will reduce, which will ultimately lead to a decrease in pollution levels.
- Also, a stabilized population will help in preserving biodiversity, as it will reduce the pressure on wildlife habitats.
- A balanced ecosystem will lead to improved soil fertility, which will be beneficial for agriculture.
- With a stabilized population, the food web will be balanced, and there will be a decrease in the demand for food, which will subsequently lead to a decrease in food wastage.

Thus, having only two children per couple will help in stabilizing the ecosystem, preserving biodiversity, reducing pollution levels, improving soil fertility, and balancing the food web.