Biodiversity & Environmental Issues Test - 16

Wild populations of plants and animals and traditional lifestyles of tribals are protected in:
There are several protected areas that aim to conserve the wild populations of plants and animals, as well as the traditional lifestyles of tribals. These areas include:
1. Biosphere Reserve:
- Biosphere Reserves are designated areas where conservation of biodiversity is integrated with sustainable development.
- They seek to protect ecosystems, species, and genetic resources while promoting research, education, and training.
- Biosphere Reserves often contain core areas, buffer zones, and transition areas to ensure the protection of ecological processes and cultural diversity.
- The traditional lifestyles of tribals are often preserved within Biosphere Reserves.
2. Sanctuary:
- Sanctuaries are areas set aside for the conservation and protection of wildlife species and their habitats.
- They are managed to ensure the survival and well-being of the wildlife within their boundaries.
- Sanctuaries may have restrictions on human activities to minimize disturbance to the wildlife.
- Traditional lifestyles of tribals may be allowed in some sanctuaries, depending on the specific regulations and management plans.
3. National Park:
- National Parks are protected areas mainly for the conservation of ecosystems and native wildlife.
- The primary objective of a National Park is to preserve the natural state of the area and its biodiversity.
- Human activities are usually strictly regulated in National Parks to minimize disturbance to the wildlife.
- Traditional lifestyles of tribals may be restricted or not allowed in National Parks, depending on the specific regulations and management plans.
In conclusion, wild populations of plants and animals, as well as traditional lifestyles of tribals, are protected in Biosphere Reserves, Sanctuaries, and to some extent in National Parks. These protected areas play a crucial role in conserving biodiversity and the cultural heritage of indigenous communities.

Explanation:
The correct answer is C: Anthropogenic extinction . Here's a detailed explanation:
1. Man-made mass extinction of species:
- Refers to the extinction of a large number of species caused by human activities.
- It is a severe depletion of biodiversity, which is the variety of life on Earth.
2. Mass extinction:
- Refers to a widespread and rapid decrease in the biodiversity on Earth.
- It can occur due to natural causes, such as asteroid impacts or volcanic eruptions, or as a result of human activities.
3. Natural extinction:
- Refers to the extinction of species caused by natural processes.
- This includes factors like changes in climate, habitat loss, and competition among species.
4. Anthropogenic extinction:
- Refers specifically to the extinction of species caused by human activities.
- It is a result of factors such as habitat destruction, pollution, overhunting, and introduction of invasive species.
5. Human extinction:
- Refers to the complete extinction of the human species.
- This is not the correct term to describe the depletion of biodiversity caused by human activities.
Therefore, the correct answer is C: Anthropogenic extinction , which accurately describes the man-made mass extinction of species and the severe depletion of biodiversity.

Exotic Species Menace in Indian Water Bodies: Eichhornia crassipes
Eichhornia crassipes, commonly known as water hyacinth, is an exotic species that has become a menace to many water bodies in India. Here is a detailed explanation of why it is considered a threat:
1. Rapid growth and spread:
- Water hyacinth has a high growth rate and can quickly cover large areas of water bodies, forming dense mats on the surface.
- It reproduces rapidly through vegetative propagation, with each plant capable of producing thousands of seeds.
- The rapid growth and spread of water hyacinth results in the displacement of native aquatic plants, leading to a decline in biodiversity.
2. Environmental impact:
- The dense mats of water hyacinth block sunlight from reaching the submerged plants, which affects their photosynthesis and hampers the overall health of the ecosystem.
- Due to the dense coverage, the oxygen levels in the water decrease, leading to the death of fish and other aquatic organisms.
- Water hyacinth also hampers the flow of water, increasing the risk of flooding and disrupting the natural hydrological cycle.
3. Economic implications:
- Water hyacinth poses a significant economic burden as it interferes with various human activities.
- It obstructs navigation channels, hindering transportation and affecting the livelihoods of fishermen and boat operators.
- The presence of water hyacinth also impacts irrigation systems, water supply, and hydropower generation.
4. Chemical and ecological impacts:
- Water hyacinth releases allelopathic chemicals that inhibit the growth of other aquatic plants, further reducing biodiversity.
- It alters the ecological balance by modifying the habitat structure and composition, which can have cascading effects on other organisms in the ecosystem.
To combat the menace of water hyacinth, various control measures are employed, including manual removal, biological control using weevils and beetles, and mechanical methods such as cutting and harvesting. However, the management of water hyacinth requires sustained efforts and effective strategies to prevent its reinfestation and minimize its impact on water bodies in India.

Hot spots for biodiversity are the areas with a high density of biodiversity and megadiversity which are also the most threatened once. Ecological hotspots are determined by four factors.
Number of species diversity.
Degree of endemism.
The degree of threat to that habitat due to its degradation and fragmentation.
Degree of exploitation
So, the correct option is 'having traditional strategy for protection of biodiversity '.



 

Which anticancerous botano-chemical is obtained from a Gymnosperm?
The correct answer is Taxol (C) .
Explanation:
Gymnosperms are a group of plants that produce seeds without the protection of a fruit. Taxol is an anticancerous botano-chemical that is obtained from the bark of the Pacific yew tree (Taxus brevifolia), which is a Gymnosperm.
Key Points:
- The Pacific yew tree is a Gymnosperm species.
- Taxol is extracted from the bark of the Pacific yew tree.
- Taxol is known for its anticancerous properties.
- It is used in the treatment of various types of cancer, including breast, ovarian, and lung cancer.
Additional Information:
- Taxol works by inhibiting the growth of cancer cells and preventing their division.
- It is commonly used in combination with other chemotherapy drugs.
- Taxol has been a significant breakthrough in cancer treatment and has saved many lives.
In conclusion, Taxol is the anticancerous botano-chemical obtained from a Gymnosperm, specifically the bark of the Pacific yew tree.

Berberis nilghiriensis is a plant species that is commonly known as the Nilgiri Barberry. The species is an endangered shrub that is confined only to the Nilgiris in Tamil Nadu, India. Hence. It is an endemic species.Bentinckia nicobarica is also known as the Bentinck palm. It is a plant species that bears flowers and is confined to Nicobar islands in the Bay of Bengal. Hence, it is an endemic  species.Nepenthes khasiana is found in the Khasi Hills in India and is an endangered species of the pitcher plant belonging to the Nepenthes genus.
All three plant species are endemic, while the Podophyllum is a plant species that occur in the United States and Canada. One of its species is also found in the Himalayas. So, Podophyllum is not an endemic species.Therefore, Podophyllum is the odd one out.

Nilaparvata lunges is a brown plant hopper which feeds on Oryza sativa i.e., rice. The yellow pots is due to brown hopper. Avoid nitrogenous fertilizer to control the hopper.

World Wildlife Fund. WWF is one of the world 's largest and most experienced independent conservation organisations, with almost 5 million supporters and a global network active in more than 100 countries. It is a charity, with approximately 90 percent of its funding coming from voluntary donations by private individuals and businesses. WWF 's mission is to stop the degradation of the planet 's natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature. One of three goals of WWF is conserving the world 's biological diversity.

Explanation:
The odd one out in this list with respect to weed is option C: Parthenium argentatum. Here's why:
Lantana camara:
- Lantana camara is a species of flowering plant commonly known as lantana.
- It is considered a weed due to its ability to spread rapidly and outcompete native plants.
- It is known for its attractive flowers and is often used as an ornamental plant.
Eichornia:
- Eichornia is a genus of aquatic plants commonly known as water hyacinths.
- It is considered a weed in many regions due to its invasive nature.
- Water hyacinths can quickly cover water bodies, blocking sunlight and depleting oxygen levels, which can have detrimental effects on the ecosystem.
Parthenium hysterophorus:
- Parthenium hysterophorus, also known as congress grass or carrot weed, is a highly invasive weed.
- It is native to the Americas but has spread to many other regions, including Asia and Africa.
- It can outcompete native plants and negatively impact agriculture and human health due to its allergenic properties.
Parthenium argentatum:
- Parthenium argentatum, commonly known as guayule, is not classified as a weed.
- It is a perennial shrub native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.
- Guayule is cultivated for its latex, which is used in the production of natural rubber.
Therefore, option C: Parthenium argentatum is the odd one out in this list as it is not classified as a weed, unlike the other options.

The IUCN Red List (2004) documents the extinction of 784 species in the last 500 years. Some examples of recent extinctions include the three subspecies (Bali, Javan, Caspian) of tiger.