Introduction of biodiversity
The term biodiversity is derived from the Greek word bios, meaning life, and diversity, meaning variety. The term was coined by Edward Wilson in 1992 and represented the concise form of the term biological diversity. It may be defined as "the variety of life forms found on our planet in a particular area."The term biodiversity is generally used to describe the number, variety, and variability of living organisms in a particular region on the earth. Approximately 1.75 million organisms (microorganisms, algae. fungi, plants, and animals) are estimated to inhabit the earth. They represent global biodiversity. Biodiversity has arisen because of the varied climatic zones. The climate determines which types of plants and animals will survive and flourish in a particular region. For example, we do not see thick tall trees in the desert, and desert animals like camels and desert lizards cannot survive in tropical forests. Biodiversity cannot be replicated artificially.
When scientists try and recreate an ecosystem by including the various plants and animals in the required setting, the result is not as efficient or as diverse as the natural biodiversity. This is what makes biodiversity a precious natural resource, which needs to be maintained and conserved Exploitation of any biological system beyond the degree of its renewability results in degradation and extinction of the resource. Efforts should be made to ensure the conservation of biodiversity for the sustenance of human life.
Biodiversity in India
India has rich and varied biodiversity because of various habitats such as desert, grassland, tropical and temperate forests, coastal wetlands, and alpine vegetation. It has just 2.4% of the world's land area but contributes over 8% to global biodiversity. More than 50% of the total species of plants and animals found on the earth are present in India. Therefore, India is one among twelve mega biodiversity nations.
Threat of biodiversity
The various factors leading to the extinction of wild species and depletion of biodiversity are as follows.
Loss of habitats due to increase in human population: Excessive increase of human population in the last 20 years is responsible for the rapid decline of biodiversity because more and more land is needed for agriculture, housing, making roads, and for constructing dams, bridges, powerhouses, and industries.
Deforestation and overgrazing: Indiscriminate cutting of trees by man causes deforestation. Similarly, overgrazing by increased cattle and sheep population causes shrinkage of grasslands and loss of habitat of wild animals.
Pollution: Air and water get polluted with insecticides used in agriculture, toxic elements released from industries, and petroleum products. Weak and susceptible species are unable to tolerate the pollutants and are eliminated.
Introduction of exotic species: The species introduced into a new locality from some other area is called an exotic species. It competes with the species already existing in that area and may cause the extinction of some native species.
Climatic changes Human activities are causing changes in the temperature and rainfall pattern. These are responsible for global warming and the melting of glaciers. Such changes harm biodiversity.
Human greed: International trade in wildlife and wildlife products has threatened tigers, bears, foxes, elephants, crocodiles, etc.
Need for conversation of biodiversity
Conservation of biodiversity is essential because of the following reasons:
Biodiversity maintains balance in the ecosystems.
Wild animals and plants provide a variety of commodities.
Wildlife is needed for breeding programs in agriculture, horticulture, sericulture, apiculture, etc.
Human beings are a part of nature, and all the components of nature are interdependent. Any damage to biodiversity will threaten the whole support system and will be a threat to human existence. Therefore, biodiversity needs to be conserved.
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