Biodiversity refers to the variety of life on Earth. It exists at genetic, species, ecosystem, and landscape levels. Species diversity is the number of different species in an area. Genetic diversity arises from sexual reproduction and mutations. Ecosystem diversity refers to the variety of habitats and communities in an area. India ranks high in terms of plant and animal diversity due to its various climates. However, human activities like habitat destruction threaten biodiversity. Conservation efforts must balance environmental protection with sustainable use of resources.

2.  Biodiversity is a term used to describe the
diversity of life.
 Variety and differences among organisms in
Terrestrial
Marine
Other aquatic ecosystems
 Of the ecological complexes of which they
are a part.

7.  GENETIC
 SPECIES
 ECOSYSTEM
 LANDSCAPE

8.  Species is defined as a group of organisms capable
of interbreeding and producing fertile offspring.
or
 Species is a group or class of animals and plants
having certain common and permanent
characteristics that clearly distinguish it from other
groups and have a passage of a common gene.
 Species Diversity - is the number of different
species of living things living in an area.

9.  Genetic differentiation within
species occurs
 Results from sexual
reproduction, in which genetic
differences between individuals
are combined in their offspring to
produce new combinations of
genes
 From mutations causing changes
in the DNA.
 Genetic diversity is usually
mentioned with reference to
agriculture and maintaining food
security.

10.  It is the variation of habitats, community types,
and abiotic environments present in a given area.
 Same set of animals and plants may be present in a
region but in different tropics (levels) of the
ecosystem.

11.  Global biodiversity
 Biological diversity at national level
 Regional or local biodiversity
 Regional diversity can be classified into
Alpha – at a particular point
Beta - at a particular locality
Gamma - at a particular region

12.  Since India is having all types of climatic regions ,
the biodiversity is very high.
 10 th rank among plant richness
 11 th in number of endemic species of higher
vertebrates
 6 th in centers of diversity and origin of food crops
 India is one of the 12 mega diversity nations
 India is considered to be the origin of 5000 species
of flowering and 320 species of food plants
 The marine diversity of India is still to be explored.

13.  According to a report (1996), India is estimated to
have over
45,000 plant species - 7% of the world’s flora
81,000 animal species - 6.5% of fauna.
 The 1999 report says
49,219 plant species - 12.5%
81,251 animal species - 6.6%.

14.  Bacteria – 850
 Fungi – 23,000
 Algae – 2500
 Reptiles – 428
 Birds – 1228
 The numbers will
increase if a thorough
Survey is done again.

15.  Endemism – when a particular species is restricted
to particular region then it is endemic - Red panda
 If the endemic species contribute more than 0.5%
of the species , then the place is considered as a
biodiversity hotspot
 There are 25 hot spots in the world.
 India has some parts in two hot spots.
 Western Ghats - Srilanka
 Eastern Himalayas – Indo Burman

16.  The hot spots occupy 2% of the land area of earth
 They contain 50% of the biodiversity.
 40% of plants 25% of vertebrates are endemic to
hot spots
 Roughly we can say that hot spots are in
Western Amazon , Madagascar
North and Central Borneo
North East Australia and West Africa.

18.  Due to careless human activities the biodiversity is
under serious threat.
 If biodiversity is going on decreasing it will not only
affect the animals but ultimately human who is on
the top of the food chain.
 Causes of threats
Habitat destruction
Fragmentation
Poaching

24.  Broad-scale commercial and conservation
strategies need to be developed
 must take into account the economic and
environmental constraints of the particular country
(i.e., detailed local knowledge!)
 There must be designated core and buffer
conservation zones
 centered around areas of particular endemism
(other areas can be designated for limited
sustainable commercial activities.
(polycyclic logging, selective extraction of forest
products etc.)

25. Total area: 39 ha; core: 2 Total area: 42 ha; core: 25
Research and training
Multiple-use
Buffer Tourist facility
Core
Human settlement

26.  Due to the serious human activities some of the
animals have totally vanished, which are called the
extinct species
 DODO, passenger pigeon, cheetah(in India)
 Some of the species are present in so low in
numbers which can become extinct are called
endangered species
 Asian Elephant, Gharial, Peacock.

27. SOME OF THE
ENDANGERED
ANIMALS

34.  Consumptive
 Productive
 Service
 Ethical
 Social
 Aesthetic
 optional

35.  Food – among known 80,000 food crops 90% are
from the wild ancestoral crops.
 Drugs and medicine – around 75% people are
relying on herbal remedies for ailments.
 The field of alternate medicines depends on the
plant products hence on the biodiversity.
 Ayurvedha , Siddha , Unani systems either use
herbal as such or the products derived from plants.

36.  Many of the forest products are precious hence
they are exploited to the maximum.
 The products which are got from the forests and
directly merchandised come under the productive
value.
 Elephant tusks – used in show pieces
 Tiger bones and testis – Chinese medicine
 Skins of tigers, red panda, cheetah and snakes.