Biodiversity and Conservation

NCERT Solutions • Class 11 Geography • Chapter 14
1. Multiple Choice Questions
(i) Conservation of biodiversity is important for:
(d) All organisms
Reason: Biodiversity sustains the web of life. Since all species are interdependent (food webs, symbiosis), conserving biodiversity ensures the survival of plants, animals, and humans alike.
(ii) Threatened species are those which:
(d) are suffering from the danger of extinction
Reason: According to the IUCN Red List, threatened species are categorized as Vulnerable, Endangered, or Critically Endangered because their populations are declining rapidly.
(iii) National parks and sanctuaries are established for the purpose of:
(d) Conservation
Reason: These are protected areas designated for In-situ conservation to protect wildlife and their natural habitats from human interference.
(iv) Biodiversity is richer in:
(a) Tropical Regions
Reason: Tropical regions receive high solar energy and rainfall throughout the year, allowing for greater species diversity and biomass production compared to temperate or polar zones.
(v) In which one of the following countries, the ‘Earth Summit’ was held?
(c) Brazil
Reason: The Earth Summit (United Nations Conference on Environment and Development) was held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 1992.
2. Short Answer Questions
(i) What is biodiversity?
Biodiversity (Biological Diversity) refers to the variety of life on Earth. It encompasses the variability among living organisms from all sources, including terrestrial, marine, and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they are part.
(ii) What are the different levels of biodiversity?
Biodiversity is generally described at three levels:
  • Genetic Diversity: Variation of genes within a species.
  • Species Diversity: Variety of species within a region.
  • Ecosystem Diversity: Variety of habitats and ecological processes.
(iii) What do you understand by ‘hotspots’?
Hotspots are regions with very high levels of species richness and a high degree of endemism (species found nowhere else), but which are also facing a severe threat of habitat loss. Examples include the Western Ghats and the Himalayas in India. [Image of biodiversity hotspots map]
(iv) Discuss briefly the importance of animals to human kind.
Animals are vital to humans for:
  • Ecological Balance: They maintain the food chain and nutrient cycles.
  • Economic Value: Source of food (meat, milk), clothing (wool, leather), and labor (transport/farming).
  • Pollination: Insects and birds are essential for crop production.
(v) What do you understand by ‘exotic species’?
Exotic species (or Alien species) are species that are introduced, accidentally or intentionally, into a region where they are not naturally found. They often become invasive, competing with and threatening native species (e.g., Water Hyacinth or Eucalyptus in India).
3. Long Answer Questions
(i) What are the roles played by biodiversity in the shaping of nature?
Biodiversity plays three major roles:
  • Ecological Role: It maintains the functioning of ecosystems. Every species captures and stores energy, produces and decomposes organic material, cycles water and nutrients, and fixes gases. More diverse ecosystems are more stable and resilient to shocks.
  • Economic Role: It provides resources for daily life—crop diversity (agro-biodiversity), pharmaceuticals (medicines from plants), timber, and raw materials for industries. It is also a source of tourism (ecotourism).
  • Scientific/Ethical Role: Each species contains a unique genetic makeup (“gene bank”) that helps us understand life’s evolution. Ethically, humans have a responsibility to protect other forms of life.
(ii) What are the major factors that are responsible for the loss of biodiversity? What steps are needed to prevent them?
Major Factors (The “Evil Quartet”):
  • Habitat Loss & Fragmentation: Deforestation for agriculture/urbanization destroys homes of species.
  • Over-exploitation: Excessive hunting, fishing, and harvesting (e.g., extinction of Dodo).
  • Alien Species Invasions: Introduced species outcompete natives.
  • Co-extinctions: Loss of one species leads to loss of dependent species.
  • Pollution & Climate Change: Alters habitats rapidly.
Steps for Prevention (Conservation):
  • In-situ Conservation: Protecting species in their natural habitat (National Parks, Sanctuaries, Biosphere Reserves).
  • Ex-situ Conservation: Protecting endangered species outside their habitat (Zoos, Botanical Gardens, Seed Banks).
  • Legal Measures: Enforcing laws like the Wildlife Protection Act (1972) in India.
  • Public Awareness: Educating people to reduce demand for wildlife products.
Project Work
Mapping National Parks & Sanctuaries in Your State
(Guidance for Student Activity)
To complete this project:
  • Identify Your State: Find a list of Protected Areas (National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Biosphere Reserves) specific to your state.
  • Consult an Atlas: Look for the “Wildlife” or “Forest” map of India/Your State.
  • Mark Locations: Use an outline map. Use distinct symbols (e.g., Green Triangle for National Park, Red Circle for Sanctuary).
  • Example (If in Madhya Pradesh):
    – National Parks: Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Panna.
    – Biosphere Reserve: Pachmarhi.
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