Environmental Studies Unit 5 – Biodiversity and Its Conservation

Vocabulary flashcards summarising key terms from Unit 5 on biodiversity, its patterns, threats and conservation methods.

Biodiversity

The variety and variability of all living organisms (plants, animals, microbes) and the ecological complexes they inhabit, including diversity within and between species and ecosystems.

Species Diversity

Variation in the number and kinds of species present in a particular region or ecosystem.

Genetic Diversity

The range of genetic characteristics (genes, alleles) found within individuals of a species and between populations of the same species.

Ecosystem Diversity

The variety of habitats, biological communities and ecological processes in the biosphere (e.g., forests, grasslands, deserts, coral reefs).

Biogeographic Zone

A geographic area classified on the basis of characteristic species, habitats and physical features (India has 10 zones).

Biodiversity Hotspot

A biogeographic area with exceptionally high levels of endemic plant species (≥1,600) that is also under severe threat of habitat loss.

Mega-biodiversity Nation

A country containing an extraordinary percentage of Earth’s species; India is one of 12 such nations.

Endangered Species

Species whose populations have declined so drastically that they face a high risk of extinction in the near future.

Endemic Species

Species that occur naturally only in a specific geographic area and nowhere else in the world.

In-situ Conservation

Protection of species in their natural habitats (e.g., national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, biosphere reserves).

Ex-situ Conservation

Conservation of components of biodiversity outside their natural habitats (e.g., zoos, gene banks, botanical gardens, seed banks).

Habitat Loss

Destruction or degradation of natural environments, leading to decline in biodiversity (often caused by deforestation, urbanisation, agriculture).

Poaching

Illegal hunting or capturing of wild animals for trade, meat, trophies or other products, contributing to species decline.

Man-wildlife Conflict

Negative interactions between humans and wild animals resulting in crop damage, livestock loss, property damage or injury/death to either party.

Ecosystem Services

Benefits humans obtain from ecosystems, such as oxygen production, nutrient cycling, climate regulation and water purification.

Consumptive Use Value

Direct use of biodiversity for subsistence needs (e.g., fuelwood, food, medicinal plants harvested for personal use).

Productive Use Value

Commercial value derived from harvesting and selling biodiversity-based products (e.g., timber, pharmaceuticals, ornamental plants).

Ethical and Moral Value

The principle that all forms of life have an inherent right to exist and should be protected from undue harm.

Aesthetic Value

The enjoyment and inspiration humans derive from the beauty and uniqueness of biodiversity, often driving ecotourism.

Environmental Value

The role biodiversity plays in maintaining ecological processes such as soil formation, water regulation and climate stability.

Social Value

Cultural, religious and recreational importance attached to biodiversity by human societies (e.g., sacred groves, festival plants).

Trans-Himalayan Region

Cold desert biogeographic zone of Ladakh, parts of J&K and Himachal; habitat for Snow Leopard and Black-necked Crane.

Himalayan Zone

Mountainous biogeographic zone rich in alpine and mixed forests; home to Himalayan Tahr, Musk Deer, Ibex, Hangul.

Indian Desert Zone

Arid biogeographic zone covering Thar and Kutch deserts; supports species like Desert Cat and Indian Wolf.

Semi-arid Region

Transition zone between desert and Western Ghats; characteristic fauna include Asiatic Lion, Caracal, Jackal.

Western Ghats

Mountain range along India’s west coast; a biodiversity hotspot with endemic species such as Lion-tailed Macaque and Nilgiri Tahr.

Deccan Plateau

Largest Indian biogeographic region (42 % area) with deciduous and thorn forests; species include Chital, Nilgai, Gaur.

Gangetic Plain

Fertile alluvial zone along River Ganga; characteristic fauna include Indian Rhino, Asian Elephant and Hog Deer.

North-East Region

Transition zone linking Indian, Indo-Malayan and Indo-Chinese realms; gateway for many unique flora and fauna.

Coastal Region

Biogeographic zone with beaches, mangroves and coral reefs along India’s 5,425 km coastline; high marine biodiversity.

Andaman & Nicobar Islands

Indian archipelago with tropical moist evergreen forests and high endemism (e.g., Narcondam Hornbill).

Biosphere Reserve

Large, internationally recognised area aimed at conserving ecosystems while promoting sustainable use by local communities.

National Park

Protected area managed mainly for ecosystem protection and recreation; human activities are highly restricted.

Gene Sanctuary

Protected area specifically set aside for the in-situ conservation of genetic diversity of crop wild relatives (e.g., citrus in Garo Hills).

Abiotic

Non-living physical and chemical components of an ecosystem (e.g., temperature, water, minerals).

Biotic

Living components of an ecosystem, including plants, animals and microorganisms.

Depletion

Gradual reduction in quantity or abundance of natural resources such as forests, water or species.

Mass Extinction

Event in which a large number of species become permanently extinct in a relatively short geological time span.

Captive Breeding

Ex-situ conservation technique involving breeding threatened species in controlled environments to increase population size.

Cryopreservation

Long-term ex-situ conservation method where biological material (seeds, sperm, embryos) is stored at ultra-low temperatures.