in-situ’ conservation can help endangered/threatened species. Justify the statement.

OR

Name and describe any three causes of biodiversity losses.

In-situ conservation involves the protection of species in their natural habitats. The endangered plants and animals are protected inside their natural surroundings. e.g- national park, biosphere reserve, wild life sanctuary….

It also includes the introduction of plants and animal species back into agricultural, horticultural, and animal husbandry practices so that they are cultivated or reproduced for their reuse by the farmers.

Facilitates scientific research of the site.

It also maintains genetic diversity of crop plants, by saving seeds for next planting season. Ecological integrity is maintained and managed.

“Biodiversity Hotspots” are regions with very high level of species richness and high degree of endemism. Three of these hotspots are also region of accelerated habitat loss- Western ghats and Srilanka, Indo-Burma and Himalaya. In India, ecological unique and biodiversity rich region are legally protected as biosphere reserves, national parks and sanctuaries. India has 14 biosphere reserve, 90 national parks, and 448 wild life sanctuaries.

OR

The three causes of biodiversity losses are:

I. Habitat destruction

II. Over exploitation for commercialisation

III. Co-extinction

Habitat destruction: it is considered as the primary cause of biodiversity loss. Generally caused by deforestation, fire and over-use and urbanisation. It leads to the extinction or decrease in the number of animals living in that particular habitat.

Over exploitation : due to increasing human population, resources demands have increased which has resulted into exploitation of already present resources and development of various forms of energy resources. Development of their energy sources modifies natural habitat and accelerate loss of biodiversity.

Co-extinction : when a species becomes extinct, the plant and animal species associated with an obligatory way also become extinct.