Question

Excessive exploitation of species, whether a plant or animal reduces the size of its population, so it becomes vulnerable to extinction.

1. Write any two causes of biodiversity loss.
2. Name any two advantages and any one disadvantage of In-situ conservation.

Answer 1

a. Causes of biodiversity loss are:

1. Habitat loss, alteration, and fragmentation: Human beings encroach and exploit the natural habitat of plants and animals for various reasons, such as the cultivation of crops having commercial value, extracting resources, and so on. The transformation of natural areas results not only in the loss of plant species but also in a decrease in the animal species associated with them. When large habitats are fragmented by various human activities, mammals and birds that require large territories, as well as certain migratory animals, are severely affected, leading to population declines.
2. Overexploitation: Human beings depend on nature for basic needs, such as food, clothing, and shelter. But with technological advancements, human beings have explored many other uses of nature. Therefore, their need has turned into greed. Activities such as hunting, fishing, and others have led to the extinction of various species, a result of our overexploitation of natural resources. The extinction or nonparticipation of a single species significantly disrupts the ecological balance.

b.

Advantages of In-situ Conservation are as follows:

1. Avoids storage problems associated with field gene banks and unmanageable seeds.
2. Allows evolution to continue through exposure to pests, diseases, and other environmental factors.
3. Indirect benefits include ecosystem services.
4. Sustainable use by local people.

Disadvantages of In-situ Conservation are as follows:

1. Requires a vast area for effective conservation.
2. Exposes natural populations to a wide range of extreme events, including cyclones, earthquakes, tsunamis, and other threats.
3. Materials are not readily available and difficult to access.
4. Expensive to maintain.