FAQs on Biome : Environment and Ecology Video Lecture - Environment for UPSC CSE
1. What is a biome? |
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Ans. A biome is a large-scale ecological community characterized by distinct climate, vegetation, and animal life. It is a major regional ecological unit that is determined by factors such as temperature, rainfall, altitude, and soil composition. Biomes can be classified into various types, including tropical rainforests, deserts, grasslands, and tundras.
2. How do biomes contribute to the environment? |
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Ans. Biomes play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the environment. They provide habitats for diverse plant and animal species, contributing to biodiversity. Biomes also have a significant impact on the global climate system, regulating temperature, precipitation, and atmospheric composition. Additionally, they help in carbon storage, water filtration, and soil conservation, which are essential for sustaining life on Earth.
3. What are the major threats to biomes? |
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Ans. Biomes are facing numerous threats, primarily due to human activities. Deforestation, habitat destruction, pollution, climate change, and invasive species are some of the major threats to biomes. These activities disrupt the delicate balance of ecosystems within the biomes, leading to loss of biodiversity, soil degradation, water scarcity, and increased greenhouse gas emissions.
4. How can we protect and conserve biomes? |
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Ans. Protecting and conserving biomes require collective efforts from individuals, communities, and governments. Some measures that can be taken include promoting sustainable land use practices, such as reforestation and afforestation, implementing strict laws against illegal logging and poaching, reducing pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, and creating protected areas and national parks. Education and awareness programs are also crucial in promoting environmental stewardship and sustainable practices.
5. How do changes in biomes affect human populations? |
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Ans. Changes in biomes can have significant impacts on human populations. For example, deforestation in tropical rainforests can lead to the loss of indigenous communities' livelihoods and traditional knowledge. Changes in biomes can also affect agriculture, water availability, and the occurrence of natural disasters such as droughts and floods, impacting food security and human settlements. Therefore, understanding and mitigating the effects of biome changes are essential for sustainable development and human well-being.