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Unit II - ECOSYSTEMS AND BIODIVERSITY Concept of an Ecosystem An ecosystem is the ecological unit consisting of biotic factors (living) and abiotic factors (non-living) in a specific area. For example forest, Grassland desert aquatic etc. An ecosystem in constituted by the living community of plants and animals in any area with the non-living components of environment such as air, water and soil. An ecosystem is a community of different species interacting with each other and with nonliving environment, exchanging energy to form a stable self supporting system. An ecosystem is a complex and dynamic system, constantly in motion. Nutrients are continually recycled with ecosystem while energy flows through it. The size of the ecosystem is variable. It may be large as ocean / forest and smaller as aquarium even as drop of pond water. Types of Ecosystem On the basis of interference and non-interference by man, there exists two types of ecosystem. 1. 2. Natural ecosystem Artificial ecosystem Characteristics of Ecosystem It is a structural and functional unit of ecology Its structure is related to species diversity i.e. more complex ecosystem have high species diversity and simple ecosystem have low diversity. Functions of ecosystem are related to energy flow and cycling of material involved and within ecosystem. Ecosystem mature as we pass from less complex to more complex structure i.e. early stage has excess potential energy and relatively high energy flow per unit biomass than later stages. It reduces at energy stage. Alterations in environment represent selective pressures upon populations to which it must adjust, those which are unable to adjust must disappear i.e. survival at fittest. Environment and energy fixation in any ecosystem is limited and constant be exceeded without serious undesirable effects. Structure and Function of an Ecosystem The structure of an ecosystem indicates it’s components and their interdependency for growth and survival. An ecosystem has two types of components. 1 1. 2. Abiotic component (non-living) Biotic component (living) Abiotic Components It determines the type of organisms can live in specific area. Abiotic components can be physical components or chemical components. Physical Components It usually includes sunlight, water, soil, temperature etc. These are necessary growth of species. Sunlight – Necessary for photosynthesis. Water – Essential for living things. Temperature – Necessary for survive. Soil – Provides base and nutrients. Biotic Components Biotic components are living components of the ecosystem. It includes – plants, animals, fungi, bacteria and there living components. The biotic components of an ecosystem can be categorized into three categories. Producers or autotrophs. Consumer of heterotrophs. Decomposers or detrivores. Energy flow in Ecosystem The energy needed for the function of ecosystems comes from an external source, the sun. The solar energy is transformed into chemical energy by using photo-synthesis. This chemical energy is nothing but carbohydrates and oxygen. A part of chemical energy is utilized by the produces (plants) for their growth and remaining energy is transferred to consumers. The decomposer utilizes the energy with consumer producing inorganic nutrient. It is again used by producer to produce food for consumer. Biogeochemical Cycle In an ecosystem the cycling of nutrient involves both biotic and abiotic components. The biochemical cycle involves 2 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Hydrological cycle (water cycle) Oxygen cycle Nitrogen cycle Carbon cycle Phosphorous cycle Hydrologic Cycle The water cycle, also known as the hydrologic cycle, describes the continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth. Since the water cycle is truly a "cycle," there is no beginning or end. Water can change states among liquid, vapor, and ice at various places in the water cycle. Although the balance of water on Earth remains fairly constant over time, individual water molecules can come and go. Description The sun, which drives the water cycle, heats water in the oceans. Water evaporates as vapor into the air. Ice and snow can sublimate directly into water vapor. Evapotranspiration is water transpired from plants and evaporated from the soil. Rising air currents take the vapor up into the atmosphere where cooler temperatures cause it to condense into clouds. Air currents move clouds around the globe, cloud particles collide, grow, and fall out of the sky as precipitation. Some precipitation falls as snow and can accumulate as ice caps and glaciers, which can store frozen water for thousands of years. Snow packs can thaw and melt, and the melted water flows over land as snowmelt. Most precipitation falls back into the oceans or onto land, where the precipitation 3 flows over the ground as surface runoff. A portion of runoff enters rivers in valleys in the landscape, with streamflow moving water towards the oceans. Runoff and groundwater are stored as freshwater in lakes. Not all runoff flows into rivers. Much of it soaks into the ground as infiltration. Some water infiltrates deep into the ground and replenishes aquifers, which store huge amounts of freshwater for long periods of time. Some infiltration stays close to the land surface and can seep back into surface-water bodies (and the ocean) as groundwater discharge. Some groundwater finds openings in the land surface and comes out as freshwater springs. Over time, the water returns to the ocean, where our water cycle started. The Sulphur Cycle Sulphur and its compounds are not found to any great extent in the atmosphere but it is involved in a complex geochemical cycle. The major reservoir for sulphur is the lithosphere. The decay of dead organic matter by aerobic bacteria gives rise to hydrogen sulphide, H2S, gas in the atmosphere, which is rapidly oxidized to SO4 in the presence of water and oxygen. The reaction takes a few hours to several days to occur in the atmosphere and probable takes place on aerosol droplets catalysed by metal ions. Photosynthesis It is a complex redox process by which plants, algae and certain bacteria, using the energy of sunlight, convert carbon dioxide and water into carbohydrates (sugar) and dioxygen. The catalysts used in plants are the chlorophyll pigments, carotenoids and the phycoblins. The pigments absorb light and help to convert it into chemical energy via the formation of new chemical bonds. The overall reaction can be simply represented by Chlorophyll CO2(g) + H2O (1) -----------------------> [CH2O] (aq) + O2(g) Sunlight energy 4 It is the main way foodstuffs are produced for the higher animals, atmospheric dioxygen is replenished and energy obtained from the sun is stored. Plants that can photosynthesis are therefore referred to as the primary producers in the food chain. All other organisms that feed on plants in order to use their organic compounds in respiration and as an energy source are called consumers. Food Chains Any ecosystem is mainly driven by the flow of energy in it. In an ecosystem energy is present in different forms. Transfer of energy from the source in plants through series of organisms with repeated stages of eating and being eaten is known as food chain i.e. transfer of flow of energy from one tropic level to other in succession. Types of Food Chain 1. Grazing food chain 2) Parasitic food chain and 3) Detritus food chain Grazing food chain It starts from green plants (producers) and ends to carnivores by passing through herbivores. For example – grassland ecosystem, pond ecosystem. Detritus food chain Food chain starts from dead organisms matter of decaying animal and plant bodies to the micro organisms then to detrivorous or saprovorous and their predator is known as Detritus food chain. 5 Fungi, bacteria, protozoa etc. which are eaten and re-eaten by group of small animals. These animals include crabs, bivalves, Insect larvae, nematodes, grass shrimps etc. All these animals are called detritus consumers. Food Web In an ecosystem there is large number of interlinked chain processes. Various food chain processes are interconnected with each other in specific patterns. A food web is a model that represents all possible feeding relationship among organisms of ecosystem. Ecological Pyramid It is used to represent the status of the ecosystem for different parameters such as food, energy, and biomass. The types of Pyramids are 1) Pyramid of Number 2) Pyramid of Energy 3) Pyramid of Biomass Food pyramid It shows the food consumer profile in a food web. The base of the pyramid shows producer the next level is primary and secondary consumer out at the apex highest or tertiary consumers. 6 Pyramid of Biomass The biomass is based on weight or biomass of the organisms in each tropic level at any time. There is decrease in biomass from lower tropic level to the higher tropic level. Forest Ecosystem Forests are formed by trees, shrubs and climbers forests are renewable resources and plays a key role in improving environment. Each forest type forms a habitat of specific community of animal. Forest Ecosystem has two parts 1) Abiotic and 2) Biotic Different types of forests Coniferous (Ever-green forest) Deciduous (Temperature deciduous) Tropical rain forest Scrub forests. Characteristics of Forest Ecosystem Forest have warm climate with adequate rainfall Forests have well defined seasons of about equal length. Forest protects biodiversity Forests have tall and dense trees with many wild animals within ecosystem. The soil of forest is rich in organic matter and nutrients. Forests grow very slowly Forests provide various resources for human life. Structure and Function of Forest Ecosystem 7 Biotic components The various biotic components, representatives from the three functional groups, of a forest ecosystem are: 1) Producer Organisms In a forest, the producers are mainly trees. Trees are of different kinds depending upon the type of forest developed in that climate. Apart from trees, climbers, epiphytes, shrubs and ground vegetation. Dominant species of trees in major types of forest ecosystems are: Tectona grandis, Acer, Betula, Picea, Pine, Cedrus. 2) Consumers In a forest, consumers are of three main types; a) Primary Consumers These are Herbivores which feed directly on producers. For example: Ants, Beetles, Bugs, spiders etc. feeding on tree leaves. Larger animals such as Elephants, Deer, giraffe etc. grazing on shoots and/or fruits of trees. b) Secondary Consumers These are carnivores and feed on primary consumers. Eg: Birds, Lizards, Frogs, Snakes and Foxes. c) Tertiary Consumers These are secondary carnivores and feed on secondary consumers These include top carnivores like Lion, Tiger. 3) Decomposers These include wide variety of saprotrophic micro- organism like; Bacteria (Bacillus Sp., Clostridium sp., pseudomonas. Fungi (Aspergillus sp., Ganoderma sp., Fusarium. Actinomycetes (Streptomyces). They attract the dead or decayed bodies of organisms & thus decomposition takes place. Therefore, nutrients are released for reuse. Abiotic components These include basic inorganic & organic compounds present in the soil & atmosphere. In addition dead organic debris is also found littered in forests. 8 GRASSLAND ECOSYSTEM (TERRESTRIAL ECOSYSTEM) Introduction Grasslands (also called Greenswards) are areas where the vegetation is dominated by grasses and other herbaceous (non-woody) plants. Grasslands occupy about 24% of the earth’s surface. Grasslands occur in regions too dry for forests and too moist for deserts. The annual rainfall ranges between 25- 75 cm. The principal grasslands include: Prairies America),Steppes (Europe & Asia) Veldts (Africa) (Canada, USA),Pampas (South The highest abundance & greatest diversity of large mammals are found in these ecosystems. The dominant animal species include Wild horses, asses & antelope of Eurasia, Structure and functions of Grassland Ecosystems Biotic components 1) Producer Organisms In grassland, producers are mainly grasses; though, a few herbs & shrubs also contribute to primary production of biomass. Some of the most common species Desmodium sp., Digitaria sp. of grasses are: Brachiaria sp., Cynodon sp., 2) Consumers In a grassland, consumers are of three main types; a) Primary Consumers The primary consumers are herbivores feeding directly on grasses. These are grazing animals such as Cows, Buffaloes, Sheep, Goats, Deer, Rabbits etc. Besides them, numerous species of insects, termites, etc are also present. b) Secondary Consumers These are carnivores that feed on primary consumers (Herbivores) These include;-Frogs, Snakes, Lizards, Birds, Foxes, Jackals etc. c) Tertiary Consumers These include hawks etc. which feed on secondary consumers. 3) Decomposers These include wide variety of saprotrophic micro- organism like: Bacteria; Fungi; Actinomycetes. They attract the dead or decayed bodies of organisms & thus decomposition takes place. Therefore, nutrients are released for reuse by producers. 9 and Abiotic components These include basic inorganic & organic compounds present in the soil & aerial environment. The essential elements like C, H, N, O, P, S etc. are supplied by water, nitrogen, nitrates, sulphates, phosphates present in soil & atmosphere. DESERT ECOSYSTEM Introduction A desert is a landscape or region that receives almost no precipitation. Deserts are defined as areas with an average annual precipitation of less than 250 millimeters per year. It occupies about 17 % of the earth’s surface. Deserts are characterized by hot days & cold nights. The deserts of the world are mainly located in the South- western United States, Mexico, North America, Asia (Thar, Gobi, Tibet) & west Asia. Deserts are characterized by scanty flora & fauna. Soils of deserts often have abundant nutrients but little or no organic matter. Sturucture and Functions of Desert Ecosystms Biotic components 1) Producer Organisms In a desert, producers are mainly shrubs/bushes; some grasses & a few trees. Dominant plant species include: Succulents (water - retaining plants adapted to arid climate or soil conditions) & hardy grasses. Besides some lower plants such as lichens & xerophytic mosses are also present. 2) Consumer Organisms These include animals such as insects, reptiles which are capable of living in xeric conditions Besides some nocturnal rodents, birds & some mammalians like camel etc are also found. 3) Decomposers Due to poor vegetation with very low amount of dead organic matter, decomposers are poor in desert ecosystem. The common decomposers are some bacteria & fungi, most of which are thermophillic. Abiotic components Due to high temperature & very low rainfall, the organic substances are poorly present in the soil. 10 AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS Introduction Aquatic ecosystems deal with biotic community present in water bodies. In terrestrial ecosystem, carbon dioxide & oxygen are present in gaseous form whereas in aquatic ecosystem, these are available in dissolved state. Depending upon the quality and nature of water, the aquatic ecosystem are categorized into: Freshwater Ecosystem and Marine Ecosystem. Freshwater Ecosystems Freshwater ecosystems cover 0.8% of the Earth's surface and contain 0.009% of its total water. Freshwater ecosystems contain 41% of the world's known fish species. Aquatic ecosystems perform many important environmental functions. For example: They recycle nutrients, purify water, attenuate floods, recharge ground water and provide habitats for wildlife. Aquatic ecosystems are also used for human recreation, and are very important to the tourism industry, especially in coastal region. There are three basic types of freshwater ecosystems: Lentic: slow-moving water, including Pools, Ponds, and Lakes. Lotic: rapidly-moving water, for example Streams and Rivers. Wetlands: areas where the soil is saturated with water or inundated for at least part of the time Lakes & pond Ecosystem A pond is a place where living organisms not only live but interact with biotic & abiotic components. Ponds are often exposed to tremendous anthropogenic pressure which significantly affects the system. Lakes are usually big standing freshwater bodies. They have a shallow water zone called Littoral zone; an open water zone where effective penetration of solar light takes place, called limnetic zone and a deep water zone where light penetration is negligible, called Profoundal zone. Biotic components 1) Producer Organisms 11 It includes submerged, free floating and amphibious macrophytes (like; Hydrilla, Utricularia, Wolfia, Azolla, Typha etc.) and minute floating and suspended lower phytoplanktons (like; Ulothrix, Spirogyra, Oedogonium etc.) 2) Consumer Organisms a) Primary consumers:These are zooplanktons (ciliates, flagellates, other protozoan, small crustaceans) and benthos. b) Secondary consumers: These are carnivores like insects and fishes feeding on herbivores c) Tertiary consumers: These are the large fishes feeding on small fishes. 3) Decomposers Micro – organisms like bacteria, fungi and actinomyctes. Abiotic component These are the inorganic as well as organic substances present in the bottom soil or dissolved in water. In addition, to the minerals, some dead organic matter is also present. Marine or Ocean Ecosystem Marine ecosystems are among the Earth's aquatic ecosystems. They include: Oceans, Estuaries and Lagoons, Mangroves and Coral reefs, the Deep sea and the Sea floor. These are the gigantic reservoirs of water covering approximately 71% of the Earth's surface (an area of some 361 million square kilometers). These ecosystems are different from freshwater ecosystem mainly because of its salty water. The salt concentration in an open sea is usually 3.5% (35 parts per thousand (ppt)). Dominant ions are sodium & chloride. Average temperature of Marine ecosystem is 2-3 degree centigrade, devoid of light. Biotic components 12 1) Producers It includes phytoplanktons (diatoms, dinoflagillates), large seaweeds (mainly algae like chlorophyceae, phaeophyceae & rhodophyceae; angiosperms like Ruppia, Zostera, posidonia ), and mangrove vegetation (like Rhizophora, Carapa etc.) 2) Consumers a) Primary consumers: These are herbivores and feed directly on producers (Crustaceans, Mollusks, fish etc.) b) Secondary consumers: These are carnivorous fishes (Herring, Sahd and Mackerel) c) Tertiary consumers: These are top carnivorous fishes (Cod, Haddock, etc.) 3) Decomposers: These are micro – organisms like bacteria, fungi Abiotic components High Na, Ca, Mg and K salt concentration, variable dissolved oxygen content, light & temperature make a unique physiochemical conditions in marine water. Introduction to Biodiversity Varieties of life on the earth exist over thousands of years to fulfill the needs of mankind. For understanding the life cycle of plants and animals they must be classified and categorized properly. Biodiversity is defined as variety and variability of living organisms in a given assemblage. Biodiversity covers whole life on earth. Types of Biodiversity 1. 2. 3. Genetic diversity Species diversity Ecosystem diversity Genetic Diversity It is a measure of variety available for the same genes within individual species. It is based on variation between genes i.e. functional units of hereditary information. The genetic variability is essential for a healthy breeding population of a species. Species Diversity It is the number of different species of living things within an area. Species are regarded as populations within gene flow occur under natural conditions. Member of one species, do not breed freely with members of other species. Ecosystem Diversity 13 It rates to the variety of habitats, biotic communities and ecological processes in the biosphere as well as the diversity within ecosystems. Diversity can be described at a number of different levels and scales. Functional diversity is the relative abundance of functionally different kinds of organisms. Community diversity is the number sizes and spatial distribution of communities, and is sometimes referred to as patchiness (uneven quality) Landscape diversity is the diversity of scales of patchiness. Biogeographical Classification of India India can be divided into 10 major zones based on geographic conditions, climate, vegetation and animals. They are Trans Himalayan, Himalaya, Desert, Semiarid, Western Ghat, Deccan peninsula, Gangetic plain, North East India, Island and Coastal areas. Every zone has a unique ecosystem, biotic and abiotic components. Value of Biodiversity A rich biodiversity is the wealth of any nation. Biodiversity provides variety of environmental survives and ecosystem essential for human life. Each organism has its own significance in the biosphere. The value of biodiversity is classified into various categories depending on its use such as 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Consumptive use Productive use Social use Ethical use Aesthetic Option value Consumptive use It is direct utilization of various species by the modern society. The major sources are – food, medicinal plants, fuel etc. These products are directly supplied by biodiversity. Food - Seasonal fruits, vegetable, food grains, sea food, chicken, duck Medical plants – Bamboo, eucaplitas, neep, honey comb, herbs. Fuel – Fuel wood, timber, fodder, coal, petroleum, natural gas, and biomass. Productive use Most commercial products are synthesized from natural products of biodiversity. The product may be derived from plants, animals and by products. Example : Silk, Wool, leather, tusk - from animals and 14 Wood, cotton, oil, seed, crop – from plants. Social Values Social values of biodiversity counts for use of biodiversity for social aspect. The consumptive and productive values of biodiversity are closely related to the social concern. Many communities are finding that local bioversity can bring cash through ecotourism. Many people value biodiversity as a part of livelihood through cultural and religious sentiments. Holy plants – Banyan, peepal, lotus etc. Holy animals – Cow, peacock, snake etc. Ethical values Ethical value of biodiversity is related to conservation of life. Plants and animals have equal right to live and exist on our plant. No one has right to destroy other’s life. The ethical value tells that any species may or may not be used buy its presence is must in ecology. India’s rich heritage and culture tells us to worship animals. Plants, rivers and mountains. Some communities have mission of preserving animal’s life. Aesthetic values Biodiversity is a beautiful and wonderful aspect of nature. Wild plants and animals are source of beauty wonder, joy and recreational pleasure for many people. Wild life tourism (ecotourism) is a good source of earning currency. Example: Neem and mango leaves are used during festivals and fair aesthetics. Ornamental plants, flowers are used for decoration. Elephants, horses and camels are used for ceremonial purposes. Option values The potential use of biodiversity is proseutly not known to us, this future possible use is termed as option value. Any specific species of biodiversity may be found very useful for any particular purpose; if it is preserved and exists. Example: Rarely found medicinal plant may be used for medicinal purpose for any cronic disease. Biodiversity of National Level India occupies approximately 2.5% of the land area in the world and it contributes about 8% of the world’s biodiversity. 15 India is an agricultural country and has about 6% of the world’s specie. The major species include flowering plants, mammals, fish, birds and amphibians. India is the origin of values domesticated animals and cultivated plant species. E.g. – rice, sugarcane, cotton, jute, mango, turmeric, medicinal plants. India ranks 10th in the world and 4th in Asia in plant diversity. India is a member of Convention in the Trade of Endangered Species (CITES) which is intended to reduce the utilization of endangered plants and animals by controlling trade in their products. India as Mega Diversity Nation India is one of the twelve centers of origin of cultivated plants. India has five heritage sites, 13 biosphere reserves and six wetlands. Also, India has 88 national parks and 490 sanctuaries. Total number of plant species in India = 45000 Cultivated plants of species = 275 Number of endemic species (found in specific) areas = 4900 (18% of the world). All above figures shows that India has a high biodiversity. Threats of Biodiversity Habit loss Poaching of wild life Man – wild life conflicts Destruction of coastal areas Filling up of wetlands Commercial exploitation Habitat Loss The loss of wild habitats, due to rapid human population growth contributes to the rapid global destruction of biodiversity. Other important factors of loss of habitat are: Deforestation Destruction of wetlands Over grazing Urban development Building of dams Mining Land slides Poor agricultural practices 16 Industrial wastes Poaching of Wild Life It’s for sport, making profit and for human consumption. Wild species are hunted for their fur, tusks, meat, and thorns. Various animals and their purpose of producing article / use are summarized here. Sl. No. Species Use 1. Elephant Ivory, ashtray 2. Alligators Boots for urban needs 3. Blubber Lubricating oils 4. Baleen Combs and other articles 5. Tiger Skin and bones 6. Rhinos Horns 7. Deer Musk, perfume Habit loss also occurs when man introduces species from one area into other disturbing the balance of existing community. Species are lost due to destruction of natural ecosystem. Man Wild Life Conflicts Man is continuously interacting with different ecosystems for food, fuel, recreation, sports, urban development, waste disposal etc. Every activity is responsible directly or indirectly responsible for disturbing species. Natural forests are being deforested for timber and single species trees like teak, sal. This monoculture plantation creates imbalance ecosystem. Natural size of forests are reducing because of human encroachment, therefore animals often attacks on human society and creates violence. Endangered Species of India In an ecosystem, when number of species of a particular type is reduced to a critical level, the species are said to be endangered. Several plants and animal species in our country are found endangered. In India total 459 animals and plant species are endangered. The endangered species are two types 1. 2. Threatened species Rare species. 17 Factors Affecting Endangered Species Various factors contribute to endangered species. Major factors are: Pollution All the waste by human and industries are disposed in environment. The wastes contains various pollutants which ultimately enters into the food chain and food web and provides adverse effect on lives on earth. Over-exploitation Over exploitation of natural resources and poaching of wild animals also causes endangered species. Climate Change Certain species are disappearing because of climate change as they can not sustain change in climatic condition. Endemic Species Species found in a particular region is called as endemic species. For example Endemic species of plants – Two Endemic species of animals – Seven Number of factors contributes to endemic species, these are- habitat loss, pollution, fragmentation. Conservation of Biodiversity Biodiversity is an important tool for sustaining development in any country. Multiple utility of biodiversity in commercial, medical, genetic, aesthetic and ecological field makes it necessary to preserve biodiversity. There is need to educate people to adopt environment friendly practices. Advantages of Conservation of Biodiversity 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Biodiversity (ecotourism) is a good source of income. Biodiversity provides various medicinal plants. It provides life support system on earth. Biodiversity maintain environmental balance on earth. Various commercial aspects are related to biodiversity. 18 Factors Affecting Biodiversity 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Over-exploitation of natural resources. Degradation of habitat. Discharge of industrial waste. Global warming. Urbanization. Use of insecticides. Construction of dam. Approaches of Biodiversity Conservation The two basic approaches of biodiversity conservation are: 1) In-situ conservation (on site) and 2) Ex-situ conservation (away from site) In- situ conservation It simply means conservation of species in its own habitat or natural ecosystem. This strategy emphasizes protection of total ecosystem through a network of “protected area”. Protected Areas: an area of land and/or sea specially dedicated to the protection and maintenance of biological diversity and managed through legal effective means. There are different categories of protected areas which are managed with different objectives. These include; Biosphere reserves, National parks, Wild Life Sanctuaries etc. At present we have 11 major biosphere reserves, 80 National parks, 420 wildlife sanctuaries in our country covering 4% of the geographic area. The JIM CORBETT National Park was 1st national park established in India. What is Difference among Biosphere reserves, National parks, Wild Life Sanctuaries ? Examples of Biosphere reserves of India: 1. Nilgiri- 5,520 sq.km 2. Nanda Devi- 5,860.69 sq. km 3. Manas – 2837 sq. km 4. Gulf of Mannar – 10,500 sq. km 5. Great Nicobar – 885 sq. km 6. Panchmarhi – 4,926.28 Sq Km Examples of some National Park in India 1. Kaziranga- Assam, Gir National Park- Gujarat, Periyar – Kerala, Sariska – Rajasthan 19 Examples of some Wild Life Sanctuaries of India: 1. Ghana Bird sanctuaries 2. Hazaribagh sanctuaries 3. Abohar wild life sanctuaries 4. Jaldapara wild life sanctuaries 5. Mudamalai wild life sanctuaries Ex- situ conservation It is defined as “the conservation of component of biological diversity (Sample of genetic diversity, particularly of endangered species) outside their natural habitats”. It involves maintenance and breeding of endangered plant and animal species under partially or wholly controlled conditions. E.g. Zoos, Botanical Gardens, Aquaria, Nurseries, DNA bank, Seed bank, Gene bank etc. There are more than 1500 Botanical gardens in the world containing more than 80,000 species. There are more than 800 zoos around the world with about 3,000 species of mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians. Steps of Conservation of Biodiversity 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. Biodiversity inventories and assessments – population surveys and assessment. Identifying and expanding protected areas. Conserving biodiversity in seed banks and gene banks. Controlling wild life trade. Providing environmental education to the people. Reviewing agricultural practices. Controlling urbanization Geographical information system for planning and monitoring Restoration of biodiversity Population control Implementing environmental protection Act (EPA) Involving more non government organizations (NGOs) 20 Field Study Study of Common Plants, Insects, Birds a) Plants 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Identify list type of plant species. Observe level of abundance of each type. List characteristic features to identify species. Role of plants in ecosystem. How these can be protected. b) Animals 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Identify list type of animal species. Observe level of abundance of each species. List characteristic features. Role of species in ecosystem. Feeding and breeding behavior etc. How these species can be protected. Forest Ecosystem a) b) c) d) e) f) g) h) i) Classify forest type Abiotic and biotic Understand food chains and food pyramid Structure of forest Biomass distribution Temperature, moisture of forest Species diversity and animal species Water cycle Feeding pattern of animals Grass land Ecosystem a) Seasonal changes of grass land b) Abandance of grass land species c) Bird watching d) Insect world e) Food chain of grass land Desert a) Pattern and structure b) Birds and insects present c) Observe typical species d) Mammals observed Aquatic Ecosystem a) Pattern and structure and nature of ecosystem 21 b) c) d) e) f) Observe vegetation, food chain and food pyramid Ecosystem Diversity Effects of variation in season Observe species, water cycle. QUESTION BANK 1. Define producers? 2. Name the four ecosystems? 3. What is ecological succession? 4. What is food chain? 5. Define ecology and ecosystem? 6. Differentiate between food chain and food web? 7. What are biomass 8. What is biomagnifications? 9. What is biogeochemical cycle? 10. Define hydrological cycle. 11. What is meant by tropic level? 12. What is ecological pyramid? 13. Define bio diversity. 14. What is the significance of biodiversity system? 15. Give the types of biodiversity. 16. Define consumptive use of biodiversity. 17. What are endemic species? 18. Give factors affecting endangered species. 19. List the factors affecting biodiversity. 20. What is meant by in-situ conservation? 21. What is meant by Ex-situ conservation? 22. Enumerate the human activities that destroy the biodiversity. 23. Explain the Carbon cycle. 24. Justify India as mega diversity nation. 25. List the practical issues involved with disrupting the food chain of the following ecosystem. a. Forest ecosystem b. Grassland ecosystem. C. Aquatic system. 26. Explain the various threats to and measures recommended for conservation of biodiversity. 27. Explain Energy flow in eco system. 28. Explain the features of aquatic ecosystem. 29. Explain the role of producers, consumers and decomposers in an ecosystem. 30. What are the different types of eco system and explain them with an example? 22