Key Concepts
- 1What are the causes and consequences of biodiversity loss in India?
Important Formulas & Facts
Causes: (1) Deforestation for agriculture, urbanisation, and industry. (2) Hunting and poaching. (3) Pollution of water bodies and air. (4) Over-exploitation of resources. (5) Introduction of alien species. (6) Climate change. Consequences: (1) Disruption of ecological balance. (2) Loss of genetic diversity. (3) Loss of medicinal plants (many undiscovered). (4) Soil erosion and flooding. (5) Impact on tribal communities dependent on forests. India has ~47,000 plant species and ~90,000 animal species — many endangered.
Must-Know Questions
Q1Which of the following is a critically endangered species in India?
Species whose population has declined to critical levels are classified as critically endangered. Examples include the Indian wild ass, Indian rhinoceros (one-horned), and the Malabar large-spotted civet.
Q2The Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act was implemented in:
The Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act was implemented in 1972 to protect wildlife and their habitats. It provides for the establishment of national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and banning hunting.
Q3Which of the following forests are also called 'permanent forests'?
Reserved forests are called permanent forests because they are maintained for producing timber and other forest products. They cover more than half of the total forest area in India.
Q4Project Tiger was launched in:
Project Tiger was launched in 1973 to protect tigers and their habitats. It was one of the most successful conservation projects, with tiger reserves established across India.
Q5The Chipko Movement originated in:
The Chipko Movement originated in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand in the early 1970s. Local women hugged trees to prevent them from being felled by commercial loggers.
Practice Forest and Wildlife Resources
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