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What is biodiversity
The term biodiversity encompasses the variety of
all life forms on earth. It is identified as the
variability among living organisms and the
ecological complexes of which they are part,
including diversity within and between species and
ecosystem.
In simple words it can be defined as variety,
variability between genes, species and ecosystems
The term biodiversity was first coined by Walter
and Rosen in 1985
Levels Of Biodiversity
There are three levels of Diversity
Species diversity
Genetic diversity
Endemic Species
These are the species found only in a particular
geographical region because of its isolation, soil and
climatic conditions.
Biodiversity benefits.
Biodiversity is known for its multiple benefits.
The three main benefits commonly cited for preservation of
biodiversity are:
Economic benefits
Ecological benefits
Ethical benefits
Economic benefits
Significant economic benefits associated with biodiversity are:
Food: All our food comes from plants and animals. About 80,000
plant species are potential food sources.
Ecological benefits
Plants absorb water from soil or water reservoirs and add it to the air
as vapour by transpiration. Animal and plants also lose water in
vapour form by respiration. Water vapour formed by transpiration
and respiration form clouds and enter global water cycle
(hydrological cycle).
Ethitical benefits
Throughout human history, people have related the very existence of human race to
biodiversity through cultural, spiritual and religious beliefs. Many plants, animals,
forest, landscapes and rivers are considered as sacred and worshiped by the people.
Today these have become cultural heritage. These beliefs have played an effective
role in conservation of many species of plants and animals especially preservation
of many endemic and rare species.
Sacred species: Traditionally conserved plant and animal species of religious and
cultural importance are called sacred species. Ex: Plants like Tulasi, Neem, Ashoka
tree and Pipal tree. Animals like Cow, Monkey and Cobra etc.
Sacred grooves: It is a small patch of land with natural fauna and flora protected by
the local community in dedication of deities or their ancestral spirits. There are
about17,000 known sacred grooves in India. Sacred grooves are storehouse of many
rare and endemic species.
Sacred Landscapes: It is a large heterogeneous area that contains a variety of natural
and traditionally managed ecosystems. For example the river Ganga is considered as
Holy River. The stretch of Ganga between Haridwar and Rishikesh is conserved as
Machhiyal where fishing is banned.
Sacred species:
Sacred Landscapes
CONSERVATION OF BIODIVERSITY
Biodiversity inventories
Conserving Biodiversity in protected Habitats-
In situ conservation Ex situ conservation
Seed Bank, Gene Bank, Pollen Bank, DNA Bank Gene Bank
Restoration of Biodiversity
Imparting Environmental Education
Enacting, strengthening &
enforcing Environmental Legislation
Population Control
Reviewing the agriculture practice
Controlling Urbanization
Conservation through Biotechnology
*THANK-YOU*