Biodiversity and Conservation

Exploring molecular, genetic and species - level diversity for products of economic importance is called as bioprospecting.

The current, sixth episode of mass extinction is estimated to be 100 to 1000 times faster than the ones in the pre-human times and our activities are responsible for the faster rates.

The Nile Perch introduced into Lake Victoria in East Africa led eventually to extinction of an ecologically unique assemblage of more than 200 species of cichlid fish in the lake.

When a species become extinct, the plant and animal species associated with it in an obligatory way also become, extinct.

Statements, A, B and D are correct.

In-situ conservation is exemplified by sacred groves. Wildlife Safari parks, Botanical gardens, seed banks are examples of in-situ conservation.

'The Evil Quartet' is the Sobriquet used to describe the four major causes of biodiversity loss which includes Habitat loss and fragmentation, over-exploitation; Alien species invasions and Co-extinctions.

Zoos, botanical gardens, and wildlife safari parks are examples of ex-situ conservation. In contrast, sacred groves, biosphere reserves, national parks, and wildlife sanctuaries represent in-situ conservation methods.

Ex-situ conservation involves protecting a species outside its natural habitat, often through facilities like zoos and botanical gardens, where conditions are managed to support the survival and reproduction of the species.

To ensure clarity in understanding the associations between terms in List-I and List-II, here is how each item from List-I correctly matches with List-II:

The Evil Quartet corresponds to Causes of biodiversity losses. This term encapsulates the primary factors that lead to the decline in biodiversity.

Ex situ conservation is linked to Cryopreservation. This form of conservation involves the preservation of plants and animals outside their natural habitats, with cryopreservation being a technique used in this process.

Lantana camara is associated with Alien species invasion. Lantana camara is a well-known invasive species that disrupts native ecosystems.

Dodo is paired with Extinction. The dodo is a classic example of a species that became extinct due to human activity.

These matches provide insights into biodiversity conservation and the various threats it faces.

The regions with a high level of species richness, high degree of endemism, and a loss of $70 \%$ of species and habitat are identified as:

Option C: Biodiversity Hotspots

Biodiversity hotspots are regions that are significantly rich in species, especially those endemic or unique to that area, meaning they are not found anywhere else. These regions also experience a substantial loss of their original habitat—typically $70 \%$ or more has been degraded or destroyed. Recognizing these areas is crucial for conservation efforts as they harbor a large number of species that are at risk of extinction.

The correct answer is Option B: Botanical garden. Here's why:

In-situ conservation refers to the conservation of species in their natural habitats. This involves protecting and managing the ecosystems where these species live.

Let's analyze each option:

Option A: Wild-life sanctuary - These are protected areas specifically designated for the conservation of wild animals. They are prime examples of in-situ conservation.

Option B: Botanical garden - Botanical gardens are cultivated areas where plants are collected, grown, and displayed for scientific research, conservation, and public education. While they play a crucial role in plant conservation, they are not natural habitats and therefore don't fall under in-situ conservation.

Option C: Biosphere reserve - These are areas designated by UNESCO where humans and nature coexist sustainably. They encompass a range of ecosystems, promoting both conservation and sustainable use, making them a form of in-situ conservation.

Option D: National park - National parks are large areas of land protected for their natural beauty, wildlife, and ecosystems. They are dedicated to preserving nature in its natural state, making them a key example of in-situ conservation.

Therefore, the only option not included under in-situ conservation is Option B: Botanical garden.

The correct answer is Option C: Preservation of gametes in viable and fertile condition for a long period.

Here's why:

Cryopreservation is the process of preserving biological materials, including cells, tissues, and organs, by freezing them at extremely low temperatures. This process significantly slows down or completely stops all biological activity, effectively putting the material in a state of suspended animation.

Let's break down the options:

Option A: Protection of the environment: While cryopreservation can be used to preserve certain environmental samples like microbial communities or seeds, it's not the primary technique for overall environmental protection. Environmental protection encompasses a wide range of practices, including pollution control, habitat conservation, and resource management.

Option B: Protection of Biodiversity hotspots: Cryopreservation can play a role in biodiversity conservation by preserving genetic material from endangered species. However, it's not the sole method for protecting biodiversity hotspots. In-situ conservation (protecting species in their natural habitats) is equally crucial.

Option C: Preservation of gametes in viable and fertile condition for a long period: This is the core application of cryopreservation. Gametes (sperm and eggs) are incredibly sensitive to temperature fluctuations and can easily lose their viability. Cryopreservation allows for the long-term storage of these gametes, ensuring their fertility even after years of storage. This is essential for various applications such as:

• Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) like in-vitro fertilization (IVF)
• Preservation of endangered species' genetic material
• Storing gametes for future use, such as delaying parenthood

Option D: In-situ conservation: In-situ conservation refers to protecting species within their natural habitats. Cryopreservation is an ex-situ conservation technique, meaning it involves preserving genetic material outside of its natural environment.

In conclusion, cryopreservation is a valuable tool for preserving the viability and fertility of gametes for extended periods, making it crucial for various scientific, medical, and conservation applications.

Let's match the items in List-I with those in List-II:

(A) Biodiversity hotspot refers to areas with a high level of endemic species that are under significant threat from humans. In this context, the Western Ghats is a well-known biodiversity hotspot in India.

(B) Sacred groves are areas of forest or natural vegetation that are conserved due to religious and cultural practices. The Khasi and Jantia hills in Meghalaya have such sacred groves.

(C) Johannesburg, South Africa is known for hosting significant international events, such as the World Summit on Sustainable Development 2002.

(D) Alien species invasion refers to the introduction of non-native species that can cause harm to the local ecosystem. Parthenium is an alien species known for its invasive nature.

Based on the descriptions above, the correct matches are:

• A - IV (Biodiversity hotspot - Western Ghats)
• B - I (Sacred groves - Khasi and Jantia hills in Meghalaya)
• C - II (Johannesburg, South Africa - World Summit on Sustainable Development 2002)
• D - III (Alien species invasion - Parthenium)

Therefore, the correct option is:

Option A: A-IV, B-I, C-II, D-III

The type of conservation in which threatened species are taken out from their natural habitat and placed in special setting where they can be protected and given special care is called ex-situ conservation which is a type of biodiversity conservation.

The major causes of biodiversity loss primarily involve the negative impacts human activities have on ecosystems, with some of the most critical factors being:

• Overexploitation: This refers to the unsustainable use of wildlife and plant species for food, medicine, or other human needs which leads to the reduction in numbers of these species to dangerously low levels.
• Co-extinction: This occurs when the extinction of one species leads to the extinction of another species that depend on it for survival, such as a predator and its prey or a plant and its pollinator.
• Habitat loss and fragmentation: This is the process whereby a large, continuous area of habitat is both reduced in area and divided into smaller, more isolated fragments due to activities like logging, agriculture, and urban development. This disrupts ecosystems and decreases the viability of populations.

Regarding the listed options:

• Mutation: While mutations (genetic changes) are not generally a direct cause of biodiversity loss, they can influence the adaptability and survival of species. However, they are not typically regarded as a major driver of biodiversity loss.
• Migration: Normal species migrations are natural phenomena and not a direct cause of biodiversity loss. Instead, barriers to migration created by human activities can contribute to biodiversity loss by preventing species from reaching essential habitats for their survival and reproduction.

Therefore, the correct option that lists recognized major causes of biodiversity loss is:

Option D: A, B, and D only (Overexploitation, Co-extinction, and Habitat loss and fragmentation).

The list of endangered species is officially released by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), which is specified as Option D.

The IUCN is an international organization dedicated to natural resource conservation. They are renowned for their comprehensive "Red List of Threatened Species," which assesses the conservation status of plant and animal species worldwide. This Red List is a critical indicator of the health of the world's biodiversity and provides information on the range, population size, habitat and ecology, use and/or trade, threats, and conservation actions that can help inform necessary conservation decisions.

Other options listed such as GEAC (Genetic Engineering Approval Committee), WWF (World Wildlife Fund), and FOAM are not primarily responsible for releasing lists of endangered species globally, although WWF does work extensively in wildlife conservation and might publish reports or statements regarding endangered species based on IUCN's Red List data.

The correct answer is:

• A. Tropical latitudes have remained relatively undisturbed for millions of years, hence more time was available for species diversification. This is a major factor contributing to species richness in the tropics. The absence of major geological events like glaciation has allowed for continuous evolution and diversification.


• C. More solar energy is available in tropics. This leads to higher productivity, supporting a greater number of species.


• D. Constant environments promote niche specialization. Stable conditions allow species to specialize and adapt to specific niches, leading to greater diversity.


• E. Tropical environments are constant and predictable. This allows species to evolve specific adaptations to their environment, leading to further specialization and diversification.

Statement B is incorrect: Tropical environments are less seasonal, not more seasonal.

To match the correct individual with their contribution or hypothesis, let's review each person listed along with the contributions mentioned:

Robert May is best known for his pioneering work in theoretical ecology, particularly in the areas of population dynamics and stability in ecological communities. However, none of the choices directly mention these specific contributions. Among the options, the closest (though indirect) could be his theoretical work that touch upon aspects like species diversity estimations.

Alexander von Humboldt, known for his extensive work in biogeography, made critical observations on the geographic distributions of species. His work best correlates with the "Species-Area relationship," which describes how the number of species increases with the area surveyed.

Paul Ehrlich is famous for his work on population studies and environmental issues facing humanity. His statement about the planet's carrying capacity and potential biodiversity loss is widely known. The "Global species diversity at about 7 million" might closely relate to his biodiversity and population studies, though it's not his primary known work.

David Tilman is well-acclaimed for his experimental work on biodiversity and ecosystem productivity. The "Long term ecosystem experiment using outdoor plots" directly correlates with his experimental approach to studying the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning using field experiments.

Given these associations:

• A (Robert May) might best fit with "Global species diversity at about 7 million" (III) though it's a rough fit.
• B (Alexander von Humboldt) correlating with "Species-Area relationship" (I) is a much clearer connection.
• C (Paul Ehrlich) and the "Global species diversity at about 7 million" (II) matches if we consider his general scope in biodiversity and population dynamics.
• D (David Tilman) with "Long term ecosystem experiment using out door plots" (II) is an exact match for his field of work.

Looking at the options provided,

• Option B: A-III, B-I, C-IV, D-II

This option aligns correctly as per the reasoning.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option B.

The correct answer is Option A : cardiac glycosides.

Calotropis, a type of milkweed, contains cardiac glycosides which are toxic compounds that interfere with the sodium-potassium pump in the heart and other cells. This makes the plant toxic to most herbivores.

The correct answer is :

Option A : Over-exploitation, habitat loss and fragmentation.

Each of the factors listed in this option can contribute to biodiversity loss:

1. Over-exploitation : When species are over-hunted, over-fished, or harvested at rates faster than their natural ability to recover, it can lead to population declines and even extinction.

2. Habitat loss : This occurs when natural environments are destroyed or significantly altered. It's often due to human activities such as deforestation, urban development, agriculture, and mining. Habitat loss can result in local or even global extinction of species.

3. Fragmentation : This happens when a large, continuous area of habitat is divided into smaller, isolated patches, often as a result of human activities like road construction or clear-cutting for agriculture. Fragmentation can isolate populations of species, preventing gene flow and causing a decline in biodiversity.

While climate change (Option B) can also contribute to biodiversity loss, it is not the only cause, and likewise for over-exploitation (Option C) and habitat loss and fragmentation (Option D) alone. So, while these can all contribute to the problem, the option that includes all three (Option A) provides the most comprehensive answer to the question.

Option D : Habitat loss and fragmentation is considered the most important cause driving extinction of species among 'The Evil Quartet'.

The 'Evil Quartet' refers to the four major causes of biodiversity loss: habitat destruction and fragmentation, over-exploitation, pollution, and invasive species. Of these, habitat loss and fragmentation is generally considered the most significant cause, as it directly affects the availability of the resources and space that organisms need to survive. It can be caused by a variety of human activities, including deforestation, urbanization, and agriculture. This loss of habitat leads to smaller, more isolated populations, which are more vulnerable to other threats and have a higher risk of extinction.

In the World Summit on sustainable development held in 2002 in Johannesburg, South Africa, 190 countries pledged their commitment to achieve by 2010, a significant reduction in the current rate of biodiversity loss at global, regional and local levels.

About 71% of total carbon is found dissolved in oceans.

Annual fixation of carbon through photosynthesis is 4 $\times$ 10¹³ kg.

PAR captured by plants is 2 to 10% of total sunlight.

Productivity of oceans is approximately 55 billion tons.

Khasi Hills in Meghalaya are sacred groves. Zoological park is an ex-situ conservation strategy.

Nile perch is an alien species.

Amazon forest releases large quantity of O₂.

Frugivorous birds are fruit eating birds found in large number in tropical forest mainly because of availability of fruits throughout the year.

Option (a) is the correct answer because some scientists believe that life came from outside. Early Greek thinkers thought units of life called spores were transferred to different planets including earth. This transfer of spores was termed Panspermia.

Option (b) is not the correct answer because theory of spontaneous generation gave the idea for creation of life from dead and decaying matter.

Option (c) is not the correct answer because creation of life from chemicals was the basis for chemical evolution.

Option (d) is not the correct answer as formation of sperm in testes is known as spermatogenesis.

Endemic species are those species which are confined to a particular area, such as, species found in Western Ghats are not found anywhere else.

Key is taxonomical aid used for identification of plants and animals based on the similarities and dissimilarities. The keys are based on the contrasting characters generally in a pair called couplet. Each statement in the key is called a lead. Separate taxonomic keys are required for each taxonomic category such as family, genus and species for identification purposes. Keys are generally analytical in nature.

In-situ conservation means on site conservation i.e. when we conserve and protect the whole ecosystem, its biodiversity at all levels is protected.

National parks are type of in-situ conservation.

Whereas, micropropagation, cryopreservation and in-vitro fertilization are methods of ex-situ conservation.

Habitat loss and fragmentation, over exploitation, alien species invasion and co-extinction are causes for biodiversity loss.

When we conserve and protect the whole ecosystem, its biodiversity at all levels is protected. This is in-situ or on site conservation strategy.

The Dachigam National Park, located in Jammu & Kashmir, is well-known for being the home to the famous musk deer, also known as hangul. This park is particularly important for the conservation of this endangered species.

Therefore, the correct answer is :

Option B : Dachigam National Park, Jammu & Kashmir

Dachigam National Park has been a significant protected area for the conservation of the musk deer, which is a species of high conservation value due to its limited distribution and threatened status.