Conservation of Plants and Animals

Vocabulary terms and definitions based on the lecture about the conservation of biodiversity, the impact of deforestation, and protected areas in India.

Deforestation

The clearing of forests and using that land for other purposes such as cultivation, building houses and factories, or making furniture.

Desertification

The process where fertile land gradually gets converted into deserts due to the removal of the top layer of soil, leading to less humus and fertility.

Infiltration rate

The movement of water from the soil surface into the ground, which is reduced by deforestation, leading to floods.

Biosphere

The part of the earth in which living organisms exist or which supports life.

Biological diversity (Biodiversity)

The variety of organisms existing on the earth, their interrelationships, and their relationship with the environment.

Wildlife Sanctuary

Protected areas where animals are kept safe from any disturbance to them or their habitat, allowing activities like livestock grazing or collecting firewood.

National Park

Large and diverse reserves meant to protect whole sets of ecosystems, including flora, fauna, landscape, and historic objects.

Biosphere Reserve

Large areas of protected land meant for the conservation of biodiversity and the traditional life of the tribals living in the area.

Flora

The plants found in a particular area, such as Sal, teak, mango, and jamun in the Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve.

Fauna

The animals found in a particular area, such as chinkara, blue-bull, leopard, and wild dog in the Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve.

Endemic Species

Species of plants and animals which are found exclusively in a particular area and are not naturally found anywhere else.

Endemic Flora (Pachmarhi)

Specific plants like Sal and wild mango that are found exclusively in the Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve.

Endemic Fauna (Pachmarhi)

Specific animals like Bison, Indian giant squirrel, and flying squirrel that are unique to the Pachmarhi area.

Species

A group of population capable of interbreeding to produce fertile offspring only with members of their own group.

Satpura National Park

The first Reserve Forest of India, known for containing the finest Indian teak and prehistoric rock shelters.

Rock Shelters

Evidences of prehistoric human life found in jungles, with $55$ identified in the Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve featuring paintings of hunting and dancing.

Project Tiger

A government initiative launched to ensure the survival and maintenance of the tiger population in India.

Endangered Animals

Animals whose numbers are diminishing to a level that they might face extinction, such as the tiger or wild buffalo.

Ecosystem

A system made of all plants, animals, and microorganisms in an area along with non-living components like climate, soil, and river deltas.

Red Data Book

The source book which keeps a record of all endangered animals and plants internationally and within India.

Migratory birds

Birds that fly to far away areas every year during a particular time to lay eggs because their natural habitat becomes too cold and inhospitable.

Paper Recycling Statistics

It takes $17$ full grown trees to make $1$ tonne of paper; paper can be recycled $5$ to $7$ times for use.

Reforestation

The restocking of destroyed forests by planting new trees, ideally of the same species as those originally found there.

Forest (Conservation) Act

An Indian act aimed at the preservation of natural forests and meeting the basic needs of people living in or near the forests.

Extinct Species

Species that have vanished from the earth, such as the dinosaurs.

Threatened Wild Animals

Species protected in sanctuaries such as the black buck, white eyed buck, golden cat, and gharial.

Global Warming Cause

Increased levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere which traps heat rays reflected by the earth after deforestation.