Environment · X-Factor Notes
Biodiversity (Chapter 3) revision notes for UPPCS Prelims.
High-Yield Revision| Concept | What to remember | Asked in UPPCS |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Biodiversity (a contraction of "biological diversity") refers to the diverse range of organisms (plants and animals) found in an ecosystem. | UP R.O./A.R.O. Mains 2014, UP PCS Pre 2014 |
| Origin of Term | The term Biological diversity was coined by Raymond F. Dasmann in 1968. The contracted word Biodiversity was first coined by Walter G. Rosen in 1985. | UP R.O./A.R.O. Mains 2014 |
| Key Function | The most significant aspect of biodiversity is the maintenance of the ecosystem. | UP PCS Pre 2015 |
| Importance | Biodiversity forms the basis for human existence via soil formation, prevention of soil erosion, recycling of waste, and crop pollination. | |
| Global Pattern | Biodiversity normally increases towards the equator (lower latitudes) and is greater in the lower altitudes (valleys) compared to mountains. | |
| Maximum Diversity | The maximum biodiversity and maximum plant biomass are found in Tropical Rain Forests. Coral reefs are also among the most biologically diverse marine ecosystems. | UP PCS Pre 2012, 2016, 2017, 2018 |
| Diversity Indices | The classification of biodiversity into Alpha , Beta, and Gamma diversity was done by Whittaker in 1960. Alpha (𝛼) diversity: The variety of species within a single, local ecosystem. For example, the species count in a specific forest patch. Beta (𝛽) diversity: The species turnover, or change in species composition, as you move between different ecosystems. It compares how distinct two communities are. Gamma (gamma𝛾) diversity: The total species diversity across a large geographic region that contains multiple ecosystems. It's the cumulative biodiversity of a landscape. | UP R.O./A.R.O. Mains 2014 |
| Concept | What to remember | Asked in UPPCS |
|---|---|---|
| Main Threat | The main reason for the decrease in biodiversity is the destruction of natural habitat. This includes destruction of natural habitats and vegetation, and Jhum cultivation. | UP PCS Pre 2015, 2016, 2017 |
| Endangered Species List | IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) publishes the Red Data Books. These contain lists of threatened plant and animal species and endangered species. |
| Concept | What to remember | Asked in UPPCS |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation Goal | The most important strategy for conserving biodiversity, along with traditional human life, is the establishment of Biosphere Reserves. Reserves protect genetic variation. | UP PCS Pre 2013, UP Lower Sub. Spl. Pre 2004 |
| In-situ Conservation | Conserving animals and plants in their natural habitats. Examples: National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, and Sacred Groves |
| Concept | What to remember | Asked in UPPCS |
|---|---|---|
| Hotspots in India | Four official hotspots: Eastern Himalayas, Western Ghats, Indo-Myanmar border, and Sundaland (which includes the Nicobar group of Islands). Vindhyas are NOT a hotspot. | UP PCS Pre 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2019, Mains 2016 |
| Silent Valley | Located in Kerala. Has the richest biodiversity. Declared a National Park in 1984 |
| Concept | What to remember | Asked in UPPCS |
|---|---|---|
| Dugong (Sea Cow) | Medium-sized herbivorous marine mammal. Vulnerable to extinction. Given legal protection under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Found in the Gulf of Mannar and Palk Bay. | |
| Kharai Camel | Found in Kutch, Gujarat. Capable of swimming up to three kilometres in seawater and survives by grazing on mangroves. | |
| UP PCS Pre 2013, 2014, Mains 2002 |
| Extinction Criteria | A species is considered extinct if it has not been seen in its natural habitat for 50 years. | UP PCS Pre 2005 |
|---|
| Vulture Decline Cause | The rapid decline in the vulture population in India is mainly due to the overuse/administration of the painkiller drug Diclofenac Sodium (an anti-inflammatory drug) in cattle. | UP PCS Spl. Mains 2008, UP PCS Pre Re Exam 2015 |
|---|
| Biological Diversity Act | Passed by the Indian Parliament in December, 2002. It provides for the preservation of biological diversity and a mechanism for equitable sharing of benefits. |
|---|
| National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) | Established in 2003 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, to implement the Biodiversity Act. NBA approval is necessary for Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) applications related to Indian biological resources. | UP R.O./A.R.O. Mains 2014 |
|---|
| International Treaties | The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (IT PGRFA) (International Seed Treaty) aims at guaranteeing food security through resource conservation. The World Heritage Convention and UN Convention to Combat Desertification also bear on biodiversity. |
|---|
| International Day | The UN proclaimed May 22 as the International Day for Biological Diversity. | UP P.C.S. Pre 2018 |
|---|
| UN Decade | The decade 2011-20 was designated by the U.N. as the Decade on Biodiversity. | UP PCS Mains 2012 |
|---|
| UP P.C.S. Pre 2018, UPPSC Prelims 2023 |
| National Parks Rules | The boundaries of a National Park are defined by legislation, and local people are not allowed to collect and use the biomass inside. |
|---|
| Ex-situ Conservation | Conserving biodiversity outside their natural areas. Examples: Botanical Gardens (Botanical Garden is NOT an example of In-situ conservation), Zoological Parks, and Seed Banks. | UP P.C.S. Pre 2018 |
|---|
| Valley of Flowers | Situated in the Chamoli District of Uttarakhand. Lies completely in the temperate alpine zone. | UP Lower Sub. Pre 2002 |
|---|
| Mangroves (Sunderbans) | Sunderbans is famous for its mangrove vegetation. Mangroves serve as a reliable safety hedge against coastal disasters like Tsunami and Cyclones. Bhitarkanika (Odisha) is also known for mangroves. | UP PCS Spl Mains 2004, U.P.P.S.C. GIC 2010 |
|---|
| Andaman & Nicobar | These islands contain a unique combination of Mangrove, Evergreen, and Deciduous forests. They harbor the Salt-water crocodile. |
|---|
| Sea Buckthorn | A medicinal plant found in the cold deserts of the Himalayan region (Ladakh, Lahaul-Spiti). Its bushy character helps in checking soil erosion and provides nutritious juice. |
|---|
| Lion-tailed Macaque |
|---|
| Found in its natural habitat in the Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka. |
| Gharial | Most are found in the Chambal River and Girwa river. Listed as critically endangered by IUCN. |
|---|
| Musk Deer | Most likely found in their natural habitat in Askot Wildlife Sanctuary and Gangotri National Park (Uttarakhand). |
|---|
| Black-necked Crane | Found in Tibetan Plateau, Bhutan, Arunachal Pradesh, and Ladakh. It is an omnivore. (Note: Cheetah was declared extinct in India in 1952). |
|---|
