Definitions [9]
The diversity of life forms present on Earth, including plants, animals, and microorganisms, is called biodiversity.
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 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 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.
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.
Give definitions of Extinct species.
Species that completely disappear from the planet are referred to as extinct.
Give definitions of Invasive species.
Species that are not native to a region or locality but are unintentionally or purposefully introduced and cause harm to the native species already present are referred to as invasive species.
Give definitions of Endangered species.
When a species possesses a very high risk of extinction as a result of rapid population decline of 50 to more than 70 per cent over the previous 10 years, it is said to be an endangered species.
Key Points
- Habitat loss and fragmentation due to agriculture, deforestation, urbanisation, and industrialisation is the major cause of biodiversity loss.
- Over-exploitation of plants and animals for food, trade, medicine, and luxury items leads to rapid decline and extinction of species.
- Alien species invasion disturbs native ecosystems by competition, predation, and disease (e.g., water hyacinth, Nile perch).
- Pet trade and illegal wildlife trade result in large-scale removal and death of species from their natural habitats.
- Co-extinctions occur when the extinction of one species leads to the loss of other dependent species.
