Test: Biodiversity And Conservation - 1 - UPSC MCQ

Biodiversity has contributed in many ways to the development of human culture and, in turn, human communities have played a major role in shaping the diversity of nature at the genetic, species and ecological levels.

The Government of India passed the Wild life Protection Act in the year 1972. It was establised to preserve,protect and propagate the variety of species within natural boundaries.

Endangered Species includes those species which are in danger of extinction. The IUCN publishes information about endangered species world-wide as the Red List of threatened species.

• Stabilizing the ecosystem: Limiting the number of children each couple has can help in stabilizing the ecosystem by reducing the strain on natural resources and habitats.


• Checking pollution: With fewer children, there will be less consumption of resources and therefore less waste generated, helping in checking pollution levels.


• Fertility of soil: By limiting the number of children, we can prevent overpopulation which can lead to deforestation and land degradation, thus preserving the fertility of the soil.


• Improving food web: Having a smaller population can help in maintaining a balance in the food web by preventing overconsumption of certain species and promoting biodiversity.

Tropical regions occupy about one-fourth of the total area of the earth

National parks and sanctuaries are established  for the purpose of conservation.

Since the last few decades, growth in human population has increased the rate of consumption of natural resources. It has accelerated the loss of species and habitation in different parts of the world.

This list is published by International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

• Ecosystem Services: Biodiversity provides essential ecosystem services such as clean air, fresh water, fertile soil, and pollination of crops, which are crucial for human survival.


• Food Security: A diverse range of plant and animal species contribute to our food sources, providing nutrition and sustenance for human populations.


• Medicinal Resources: Many medicines are derived from natural sources found in biodiversity-rich ecosystems, helping to treat various diseases and improve human health.


• Climate Regulation: Biodiversity plays a key role in regulating the Earth's climate through processes such as carbon sequestration and water cycle regulation, which are vital for maintaining a stable environment for human habitation.


• Resilience to Environmental Changes: Greater biodiversity leads to more resilient ecosystems that can better withstand environmental changes and disruptions, reducing risks to human communities.

Biodiversity itself is a combination of two words, Bio (life) and diversity (variety). In simple terms, biodiversity is the number and variety of organisms found within a specified geographic region. It refers to the varieties of plants, animals and micro-organisms.