List any two major causes other than anthropogenic causes of the loss of biodiversity.
The two major causes other than anthropogenic causes of the loss of biodiversity are
(i) Alien Species Invasions When alien species are introduced unintentionally or deliberately in a habitat, some of them can cause decline or extinction of indigenous species.
(ii) Co-extinctions When a species becomes extinct, the plant and animal species associated with it, in an obligatory way, also become extinct.
What is an endangered species? Give an example of an endangered plant and animal species each?
An endangered species is a population of organisms, which is facing a high risk of becoming extinct because
(i) Its number being very low.
(ii) It is threatened by changing environment.
(iii) It is facing predator threat.
Endangered plant species-Venus fly trap
Endangered animal species-Siberian tiger
What are sacred groves and their role in biodiversity conservation?
Sacred groves are sacred tracts which are held in high esteem by local communities. The sacred groves are dedicated to local deities or ancestral spirits and are protected by local communities through social traditions and taboos that incorporate spiritual and ecological values.
Sacred groves represent native vegetation in a natural or near natural state and are thus, rich in biodiversity and harbour many rare species of plants and animals.
Such sacred groves are found in Meghalaya (Khasi and Jaintia hills), Aravalli hills of Rajasthan, Western Ghats, regions of Karnataka and Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh (Bastar, Chanda and Sarguja region).
Suggest a place where one can go to study coral reefs, mangrove vegetation and estuaries.
Places to be suggested for studying coral reefs-Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Mangrove vegetation-Paschim Banga Sunderban, Estuaries-Coastal areas of Karnataka.
Is it true that there is more solar energy available in the tropics? Explain briefly.
Yes, There is more solar energy available in the tropics because
(i) The sun's rays are more concentrated.
(ii) The sun's rays have less atmosphere to pass through, so less energy is lost in absorption and reflection by the atmosphere.
(iii) Tropical rainforest areas absorbs radiations due to presence of dense vegetation. Availability of more solar energy in tropics contribute higher productivity which in turn might contribute greater maximum biodiversity.