Definitions [7]
Define Eutrophication.
Eutrophication: The process by which a body of water enriched in dissolved nutrients (such as phosphates) that stimulates the growth of aquatic algae usually resulting in the depletion of dissolved oxygen.
Define dichotomous key.
It is a tool used to classify organisms based on their similarities and differences.
Define Hotspots.
Hotspot is a biodegradable region that is both a significant reservoir of biodiversity and is threatened with destruction.
Define Biodiversity.
Biodiversity is defined as the variety of plant and animal life in the world or in a particular habitat, a high level of which is usually considered to be important and desirable
The sum total of species richness, i.e., the number of species of plants, animals and micro-organisms inhabiting in a given habitat, is known as biodiversity.
Define Ramsar Sites.
Ramsar Sites: It is a wetland site designed of international importance under the Ramsar convention. It is an inter-governmental environmental treaty established in 1971 by UNESCO and coming into force in 1975.
- The diversity of life forms present on Earth, including plants, animals, and microorganisms, is called biodiversity.
- Biodiversity is the occurrence of different types of genes among the individuals of species, habitats and ecosystems, both terrestrial and aquatic within a defined area.
Define endemism.
Endemism: A species or a taxon which is confined to a specific area
E.g: Nilgiri Thar
Key Points
- Biodiversity is the variety of life on Earth — including microorganisms, fungi, plants and animals in both terrestrial and aquatic habitats.
- Diversity exists in size, shape, colour, nutrition, habitat and reproduction. It arises due to adaptations of organisms to different environmental conditions for survival.
- Biodiversity = totality of genes, species and ecosystems in a region (as per IUCN, UNEP and WRI).
- Term coined by Walter Rosen (1982), popularised by Edward Wilson to describe diversity at all levels of biological organisation.
- Today's biodiversity is the result of 3.5 billion years of evolutionary history, influenced by natural processes and human activities.
