Define the terms (i) Bioprospecting (ii) Endemism
(i) Bioprospecting is a term that describes the process of discovery and commercialisation of new products based on biological resources.
(ii) Endemism refers to presence of some species in particular regions only and now here else.
$$ \text { What is common to the species shown in figures } A \text { and } B \text { ? } $$
$$ \text { Both are angiospermic flowering plants. } $$
$$ \text { What is common to the species shown in figures } \mathrm{A} \text { and } \mathrm{B} \text { ? } $$
$$ \text { Both the species are conserved in their natural habitats. } $$
How is the presently occurring species extinction different from the earlier mass extinctions?
In earlier time extinction of species occurred due to natural causes or calamities like flood, volcanic eruption, prolonged drought and landslides, etc. While at present human activities are the major cause of species extinction.
Of the four major causes for the loss of biodiversity (Alien species invasion habitat loss and fragmentation, over-exploitation and co-extinctions) which according to you is the major cause for the loss of biodiversity ? Give reasons in support.
Out of the four major causes for the loss of biodiversity, loss of habitat and fragmentation is the major cause as
(i) Habitat loss and fragmentation caused by clearing and over-exploitation of forest areas for agriculture, urbanisation and industrialisation, results in destruction of natural habitats.
(ii) Increasing human population has overburdened the forest resources and have destroyed forest land, which means loss of habitat for several species.
(iii) In addition, large habitats are broken up into small fragments, because of which mammals and birds requiring large territories and migratory habits are badly affected, leading to decline inpopulation.