Definitions [7]
Define Eutrophication.
Eutrophication is the process by which a body of water becomes enriched with nutrients such as phosphates and nitrates, causing excessive algal growth and depleting 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.
Biodiversity refers to the variety and variability of life on Earth, encompassing all organisms, their genetic differences, and the ecological complexes (communities and ecosystems) they form.
Define endemism.
Endemism: A species or a taxon which is confined to a specific area
E.g: Nilgiri Thar
Key Points
- Biodiversity has three levels: genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity.
- The term was coined by Walter Rosen and popularised by E.O. Wilson.
- Biodiversity provides essential ecosystem services: nutrient cycling, pollination, climate regulation, and more.
- Species diversity decreases from the tropics to the poles.
- Biodiversity ≠ species count alone; genetic and ecosystem variation matter equally.
- Present biodiversity reflects billions of years of evolution and is under threat from human activity.
