Biodiversity & Environmental Issues Test - 19

 

 

Three Zones: Core , Buffer and Transition

To carry out the complementary activities of biodiversity conservation and sustainable use of natural resources, biosphere reserves are traditionally organized into three interrelated zones, known as the core area, the buffer zone, and a transition zone or 'area of cooperation.

 

 

 

 

Greenland is located between the Arctic and an Atlantic ocean is the world ’s largest island. The island is sparsely populated in vegetation and is a home for 56 bird species of which most of them are seabirds.

 

 

 

 

 

Ecological balance is a term used to describe the equilibrium between living organisms such as human beings, plants, and animals as well as their environment. The tiger is a unique animal which plays a pivotal role in the health and diversity of an ecosystem. It is a top predator which is at the apex of the food chain and keeps the population of wild ungulates in check, thereby maintaining the balance between prey herbivores and the vegetation upon which they feed.According to the Global Tiger Initiative, tigers are indicators of the ecological wellness of planet earth. Being the dominant predators of the ecosystem, they ensure that the numbers of herbivores like deer are kept balanced.

 

 

 

Rio de Janeiro Convention:
- The Rio de Janeiro Convention, also known as the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), is a global agreement established in 1992 at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
- The convention aims to promote the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, as well as the fair and equitable sharing of benefits derived from genetic resources.
- It recognizes the intrinsic value of biodiversity and the importance of its conservation for sustainable development.
- The convention sets out specific objectives, including the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components, and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of genetic resources.
- It also emphasizes the need for international cooperation and capacity-building to achieve these objectives.
- The Rio de Janeiro Convention has been ratified by 196 countries, making it one of the most widely accepted international environmental agreements.
Montreal Protocol:
- The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer is an international treaty established in 1987.
- It aims to protect the ozone layer by phasing out the production and consumption of substances that deplete it, such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs).
- While the Montreal Protocol indirectly contributes to environmental conservation, its primary focus is on ozone layer protection rather than biodiversity conservation.
Kyoto Protocol:
- The Kyoto Protocol is an international treaty established in 1997 under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
- It sets binding obligations on industrialized countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, with the goal of mitigating climate change.
- While climate change can have significant impacts on biodiversity, the Kyoto Protocol primarily addresses the issue of climate change rather than biodiversity conservation.
All:
- The correct answer to the question is "All" because all three conventions mentioned (Rio de Janeiro Convention, Montreal Protocol, and Kyoto Protocol) have some relevance to the conservation of biodiversity, albeit to varying degrees.
- However, it is important to note that the Rio de Janeiro Convention, specifically designed for biodiversity conservation, is the most directly related to the topic.

 

 

 

The tropical Amazonian rain forest situated in South America has maximum biodiversity on Earth. Situated in the tropical region, it is home for 378 of reptiles, 427 of amphibians and mammals, 1,300 birds, 3,000 of fishes, 40,000 plants and 1,25,000 invertebrates species.

 

 

 

 

• Paul Ehrlich, a Stanford ecologist gave the ‘Rivet popper hypothesis ’.
• It states that an ecosystem is joined by thousands of species and if a problem occurs leading to the extinction of few species, it may not affect the ecosystem initially but as more and more species are removed, the ecosystem becomes weak.
• This will hamper the survival of living species to a greater extent.

 

 

 

Hot Spots in India
- The following hot spots are present in India:

• Western Ghats & Sri Lanka


• Indo-Burma


• Himalaya


 

- Therefore, the correct answer is All of the above (D) .
The hot spots mentioned above are areas of high biodiversity and endemism. These regions are known for their unique and diverse ecosystems, consisting of various flora and fauna species found nowhere else in the world. The conservation of these hot spots is crucial for the preservation of global biodiversity.
Western Ghats & Sri Lanka:
- The Western Ghats is a mountain range running parallel to the western coast of India.
- It is recognized as one of the eight hottest hot spots of biodiversity in the world.
- The region is home to numerous endemic species of plants, birds, mammals, and amphibians.
- Sri Lanka, located south of India, is also considered a part of this hot spot due to its similar ecological characteristics.
Indo-Burma:
- The Indo-Burma hot spot encompasses parts of northeastern India, Myanmar (Burma), Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and southern China.
- It is recognized as one of the most biologically rich areas on Earth.
- The region is known for its dense tropical rainforests, diverse wildlife, and high levels of endemism.
Himalaya:
- The Himalayas, the world's highest mountain range, stretches across several countries including India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet.
- It is considered a hot spot due to its unique alpine ecosystems and rich biodiversity.
- The region is home to many rare and endangered species, including the snow leopard, Himalayan musk deer, and various species of birds and plants.
By conserving and protecting these hot spots, India plays a significant role in preserving global biodiversity and ensuring the sustainability of these unique ecosystems.

 

 

 

Causes of Biodiversity Loss:
There are several causes that contribute to the loss of biodiversity. The following points outline some of the major factors:
1. Habitat Loss: The destruction, fragmentation, and degradation of natural habitats is one of the primary causes of biodiversity loss. Human activities such as deforestation, urbanization, and conversion of land for agriculture or infrastructure development lead to a decline in the availability of suitable habitats for various species.
2. Overexploitation: Excessive exploitation of natural resources, including hunting, fishing, and logging, can deplete populations of certain species. When these resources are harvested at an unsustainable rate, it disrupts the ecological balance and can lead to the extinction of targeted species.
3. Alien Species Invasion: Introduction of non-native species into ecosystems can have detrimental effects on native species. These alien species often lack natural predators or competitors in their new habitats, allowing them to outcompete and displace native species. This can lead to a decline in biodiversity as native species struggle to survive.
4. Pollution and Climate Change: Pollution from industrial activities, agricultural practices, and improper waste disposal can have negative impacts on ecosystems and the species that inhabit them. Similarly, climate change, primarily driven by human activities, can alter habitats, disrupt ecological processes, and result in the loss of vulnerable species.
5. Illegal Wildlife Trade: The illegal trade in wildlife and their parts, including ivory, horns, and exotic pets, poses a significant threat to many species. This trade not only drives species towards extinction but also fuels organized crime and undermines conservation efforts.
Conclusion:
Biodiversity loss is a complex issue influenced by various factors, including habitat loss, overexploitation, alien species invasion, pollution, climate change, and illegal wildlife trade. Addressing these factors and implementing conservation measures are crucial to preserve biodiversity and ensure the long-term survival of species.

 

 

Extinction due to over exploitation:


There are several species that have become extinct due to over exploitation. In this case, the answer is D, which means both the Passenger Pigeon and Steller's Sea Cow became extinct due to over exploitation. Let's discuss each species in detail:
1. Passenger Pigeon:
- The Passenger Pigeon was once one of the most abundant bird species in North America.
- They lived in huge flocks, sometimes containing billions of individuals.
- The population decline of Passenger Pigeons began in the 19th century due to hunting and habitat loss.
- They were extensively hunted for food and sport, and their habitat was destroyed for agriculture and urbanization.
- The last known individual, named Martha, died in captivity at the Cincinnati Zoo in 1914, marking the extinction of the species.
2. Steller's Sea Cow:
- Steller's Sea Cow was a large marine mammal that inhabited the waters around the Commander Islands in the Bering Sea.
- They were discovered by Europeans in 1741 and were hunted to extinction within 27 years.
- The main cause of their extinction was overhunting by Russian fur traders.
- The sea cows were highly valued for their meat, blubber, and skin, which led to their rapid decline.
- The last known Steller's Sea Cow was killed in 1768.
Conclusion:
The over exploitation of resources, including hunting and habitat destruction, has led to the extinction of many species. In the case of the Passenger Pigeon and Steller's Sea Cow, these factors played a significant role in their decline and eventual extinction. It is important to learn from these examples and take measures to conserve and protect vulnerable species to prevent future extinctions.

 

 

 

The less seasonal, more constant and predictable environments are the tropical environments. Due to such environmental consistency, they promote specialization in the niche and lead to a greater diversification of species.