Q1: What is biodiversity?
Ans: It is the sum total of all the varieties of species of plants, animals, and microorganisms living on the earth.
Q2: What is flora?
Ans: Plants of a particular region or period are referred to as flora.
Q3: What is fauna?
Ans: The species of animals of a particular region or period are referred to as fauna.
Q4: “India is one of the world’s richest countries in terms of its vast array of biological diversity”. Justify.
Ans: India has nearly 8% of the total number of species in the world.
Q5: What are endangered species?
Ans: The species which are in danger of extinction are called endangered species.
Q6: What are vulnerable species?
Ans: The species whose population has declined to levels from which it is likely to move into the endangered category shortly if the negative factors continue to operate.
Q7: What are extinct species?
Ans: The species that are not found after searches of known or likely areas where they may occur.
Q8: Give two examples of rare species.
Ans: (i) Wild Asiatic buffalo (ii) Hornbill
Q9: Categorise the following as endangered or vulnerable species: Asiatic elephant, Indian Rhino.
Ans: (i) Asiatic elephant – Vulnerable species.
(ii) Indian Rhino – Endangered species.
Q10: Categorise the following as endemic and endangered species- Lion-tailed macaque, Nicobar Pigeon.
Ans: (i) Lion-tailed macaque – Endangered.
(ii) Nicobar pigeon – Endemic.
Q11: Mention any two factors responsible for depleting our forests and wildlife.
Ans: Factors responsible for depleting forests and wildlife:
- Expansion of agriculture: Increased land use for farming leads to deforestation.
- Mining: Extraction of minerals disrupts ecosystems and destroys habitats.
Q12: Name the Tiger Reserve which is seriously threatened by dolomite mining activity.
Ans: The Bauxa Tiger Reserve in West Bengal is currently facing serious threats due to dolomite mining activities. This mining poses significant risks to the reserve’s ecosystem and wildlife.
Q13: Mention the social impact of deforestation.
Ans:
- In many communities, women are primarily responsible for gathering essential resources such as fuel, fodder, and water.
- As deforestation progresses, these resources become scarce, leading to increased hardship for women.
- Women may have to travel over 10 km to collect these vital resources, adding to their daily burdens.
Q14: Mention any wildlife protection program.
Ans: The Indian Wildlife Act 1972.
Q15: What are permanent forests?
Ans: Reserved and protected forests are known as permanent forests.