Environmental Sciences | 6. INDIA AS A MEGA DIVERSITY NATION by Abraham | Learn Smarter
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6. INDIA AS A MEGA DIVERSITY NATION

India is a biodiversity hotspot and is considered a 'mega-diversity nation' due to its rich flora and fauna, hosting over 75,000 species of animals and 45,000 species of plants. Key biogeographical zones contribute to the endemic species richness, particularly in the Western Ghats and Eastern Himalayas. However, biodiversity faces significant threats from habitat destruction, poaching, invasive species, and pollution, prompting urgent conservation efforts both in-situ and ex-situ.

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Sections

  • 6.2.3

    India As A Mega Diversity Nation

    India is recognized as one of the world’s 'megadiversity' nations, home to a significant variety of flora and fauna across different biogeographic zones.

  • 6.2.3.1

    Biogeographic Regions Of India

    India is recognized as a mega-diversity nation, encompassing 10 distinct biogeographic regions that support a rich variety of flora and fauna.

  • 6.2.4

    Hot Spots Of Biodiversity

    This section discusses biodiversity hot spots in India, emphasizing the significance of endemic species and the areas that exhibit high species richness.

  • 6.2.4.a

    Eastern Himalayas

    The Eastern Himalayas are a critical hotspot of biodiversity, characterized by high endemism and significant ecological diversity.

  • 6.2.4.b

    Western Ghats

    The Western Ghats region boasts significant biodiversity and endemism, housing a vast array of unique species.

  • 6.2.5

    Threats To Biodiversity

    This section discusses the various threats to biodiversity, emphasizing accelerated extinction rates due to human activities.

  • 6.2.5.1

    Habitat Destruction

    Habitat destruction is a critical threat to biodiversity, primarily caused by human activities such as deforestation, pollution, and urbanization.

  • 6.2.5.2

    Poaching

    This section discusses poaching as a significant threat to biodiversity, highlighting illegal wildlife trade and its consequences.

  • 6.2.5.3

    Man-Wildlife Conflicts

    The section discusses the challenges and implications of man-wildlife conflicts in India, highlighting the reasons behind such conflicts and its impact on both species.

  • 6.2.5.3.1

    Invasive Non-Native Species

    Invasive non-native species can rapidly destabilize ecosystems by altering habitats and food webs.

  • 6.2.5.3.2

    Pollution/litter

    Pollution, especially litter, significantly impacts ecosystems and contributes to the decline of numerous animal and plant species worldwide.

  • 6.2.5.3.3

    Land Use Change/increased Infrastructure Development

    Land use change and increased infrastructure development significantly impact biodiversity, leading to habitat destruction and species loss.

  • 6.2.5.3.4

    Intensive Farming Practices

    Intensive farming practices lead to reduced biodiversity due to monoculture and excessive use of chemicals.

  • 6.2.6

    Endangered And Endemic Species

    This section explores the definitions and classifications of endangered and endemic species in India, highlighting their significance to biodiversity conservation.

  • 6.2.6.1

    Endangered Species

    This section outlines endangered species in India, their classification, and the significance of endemic species.

  • 6.2.6.2

    Endemic Species Of India

    India is home to a significant number of endemic species, particularly in biodiversity hotspots like the Western Ghats and Eastern Himalayas, contributing to its unique ecological spectrum.

  • 6.2.7

    Conservation Of Biodiversity

    The section discusses the strategies and importance of conserving biodiversity in India through various initiatives and projects.

  • 6.2.7.1

    In-Situ Conservation

    In-situ conservation involves the protection of species in their natural habitats, focusing on maintaining biodiversity within ecosystems.

  • 6.2.7.2

    Ex-Situ Conservation

    Ex-situ conservation refers to the preservation of biodiversity outside of its natural habitat, essential for protecting endangered species.

References

ch2 part c.pdf

Class Notes

Memorization

What we have learnt

  • India is classified as one ...
  • Significant threats to biod...
  • Conservation strategies in ...

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