{"id":99213,"date":"2021-04-01T20:14:20","date_gmt":"2021-04-01T14:44:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.forumias.com\/?page_id=99213"},"modified":"2021-04-07T13:54:47","modified_gmt":"2021-04-07T08:24:47","slug":"biodiversity","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/biodiversity\/","title":{"rendered":"Biodiversity"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

This page is a part of our environment guide initiative. Read complete material here<\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Biodiversity<\/strong> [pdf<\/a>]<\/p>\n

Biodiversity is a term used to describe the enormous variety of life on Earth. It is a measure of variation at the genetic, species and ecosystem level. Terrestrial biodiversity is usually greater near the equator, which is the result of the warm climate and high primary productivity<\/strong>. Mountains have high range of species at the low altitude as they can support larger number of species due to climatic condition.<\/p>\n

There are three levels of biodiversity<\/strong>:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Genetic diversity<\/strong>– It is concerned with the variability of genes within a particular species. Genetic diversity allows species to adapt to changing environments and survive drastic changes. This ensures survival of the population.<\/li>\n
  2. Species diversity<\/strong>– It refers to the variety of living organisms on Earth.<\/li>\n
  3. Ecosystem diversity<\/strong>– It refers to different types of habitats like grasslands, desert, mangroves etc.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Biodiversity is measured using species richness. Species richness is the number of different species represented in an ecological community, landscape or region.<\/p>\n

      \n
    1. \n
        \n
      1. Alpha diversity<\/strong>– It refers to diversity within a particular area or ecosystem.<\/li>\n
      2. Beta diversity<\/strong>– It is a comparison of diversity between ecosystems.<\/li>\n
      3. Gamma diversity<\/strong>– It is a measure of overall diversity for the different ecosystems within a region.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        \"\"\"\"<\/p>\n

        As per World Wildlife Fund\u2019s (WWF) Living Planet Report<\/strong>, species extinction rate is 100-1000 times higher than a few hundred years ago. There are several constrains in biodiversity conservation like:<\/p>\n

          \n
        1. \n
            \n
          1. Low priority for conservation in policies.<\/li>\n
          2. Exploitation of biodiversity for monetary gains.<\/li>\n
          3. Limited knowledge regarding biodiversity and its importance.<\/li>\n
          4. Unplanned urbanization resulting in destruction of wetlands, deforestation etc.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

            Considering the threats to biodiversity, there are two modes of conservation of the same:<\/p>\n

              \n
            1. In-situ conservation<\/strong>– It aims to enable biodiversity to maintain itself within the natural habitats in which it is found. E.g., National parks, sanctuaries, Biosphere reserves, reserved forests and protected forests.<\/li>\n
            2. Ex-situ conservation<\/strong>– It aims at conserving biodiversity outside the areas where they naturally occur. E.g., Seed banks and botanical gardens.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

              Reintroduction of Gangetic gharial in Chambal river flowing through Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh <\/strong>where it had become extinct is an example of Ex-situ conservation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
              A botanical garden or botanic garden<\/strong> is a garden dedicated to the collection, cultivation, preservation and display of a wide range of plants labelled with their botanical names.<\/p>\n

              It is an ex-situ mode of conservation.<\/td>\n

              		Zoo<\/strong> is an establishment, whether stationary or mobile, where captive animals are kept for exhibition to the public and includes a circus and rescue centers but does not include an establishment of a licensed dealer in captive animals<\/strong>.
              \nIt is an ex-situ mode of conservation.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

              5.1 Indian Biodiversity<\/strong><\/h2>\n

              With just 2.4% of the land area, India accounts for nearly 7% of the recorded species. The varied climatic, edaphic and topographic conditions have resulted in a wide array of ecosystems and habitats in India with enormous biodiversity.<\/p>\n

              5.1.1 Landscape Biodiversity<\/strong><\/h3>\n

              A landscape is a \u201cmosaic of heterogeneous landforms, vegetation types and land uses.\u201d<\/p>\n

              \"\"<\/p>\n

                \n
              1. Realms<\/strong>: Realm is a continent or subcontinent sized area with unifying feature of geography, flora and fauna.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                The Indian region is composed of two realms-<\/p>\n

                  \n
                1. The Himalayan region represented by Palearctic Realm<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
                2. Rest of subcontinent represented by Malayan Realm<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
                3. Biomes<\/strong>: A biome is a collection of plants and animals that have common characteristics for the environment they exist in. They can be found over a range of continents. The five biomes of India are Tropical Humid Forests, Tropical Dry or Deciduous Forests, Warm Deserts or Semi-deserts, Coniferous Forests and Alpine Meadows.<\/li>\n
                4. Biogeographic Zones<\/strong>: Biogeography deals with the geographical distribution of plants and animals. The Himalayan range is very rich in species diversity due to confluence of different bio-geographical zones.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                  \"\"<\/p>\n

                  Picture Credits: Wikipedia<\/p>\n

                    \n
                  1. Biogeographic provinces<\/strong>– It is an Eco systematic or biotic subdivision of realms.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
                    Sl. No<\/strong><\/td>\nBiogeographic zones<\/strong><\/td>\nBiogeographic provinces<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                    1<\/strong><\/td>\nTrans Himalaya<\/td>\n1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Himalayan-Ladakh Mountains<\/p>\n

                    2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Himalaya-Tibetan Plateau<\/p>\n

                    3.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Trans-Himalaya Sikkim<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

                    2<\/strong><\/td>\nThe Himalaya<\/td>\n1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Himalaya-North West Himalaya<\/p>\n

                    2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Himalaya- West Himalaya<\/p>\n

                    3.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Himalaya- Central Himalaya<\/p>\n

                    4.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Himalaya- East Himalaya<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

                    3<\/strong><\/td>\nThe Indian Desert<\/td>\n1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Desert- Thar<\/p>\n

                    2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Desert- Kutch<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

                    4<\/strong><\/td>\nThe Semi-Arid<\/td>\n1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Semi- Arid- Punjab Plains<\/p>\n

                    2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Semi- Arid- Gujarat Rajputana<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

                    5<\/strong><\/td>\nThe Western Ghats<\/td>\n1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Western Ghats- Malabar Plains<\/p>\n

                    2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Western Ghats- Western Ghats Mountains<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

                    6<\/strong><\/td>\nThe Deccan Peninsula<\/td>\n1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Deccan Peninsular- Central Highlands<\/p>\n

                    2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Deccan Peninsular- Chhota Nagpur<\/p>\n

                    3.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Deccan Peninsular- Eastern highlands<\/p>\n

                    4.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Deccan Peninsular- Central Plateau<\/p>\n

                    5.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Deccan Peninsular- Deccan South<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

                    7<\/strong><\/td>\nThe Gangetic Plains<\/td>\n1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Gangetic Plain- Upper Gangetic Plains<\/p>\n

                    2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Gangetic Plains- Lower Gangetic Plains<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

                    8<\/strong><\/td>\nThe Coasts<\/td>\n1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Coasts- West Coast<\/p>\n

                    2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Coasts- East Coast<\/p>\n

                    3.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Coasts- Lakshadweep<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

                    9<\/strong><\/td>\nNortheast India<\/td>\n1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 North- East- Brahmaputra valley<\/p>\n

                    2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 North- East- North East hills<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

                    10<\/strong><\/td>\nIslands<\/td>\n1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Andaman and Nicobars<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

                    5.1.2 Fauna<\/strong><\/h3>\n

                    India accounts for about 6.45% of the faunal species known world-wide.<\/p>\n

                    \"\"<\/p>\n

                      \n
                    1. Vertebrates<\/strong>: These are animals with backbones and spinal columns.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                      \"\"<\/p>\n

                      \n

                      Basic facts<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                      \n

                      1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Fishes and Reptiles are cold-blooded.
                      \n2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Amphibians are cold-blooded animals. They live on both land and water and breathe with lungs and gills.
                      \n3.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Birds and Mammals are warm-blooded.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                        \n
                      1. In-vertebrates<\/strong>: These animals do not have backbones. More than 98% animal species in the world are invertebrates.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                        \"\"<\/p>\n

                        Basic facts:<\/strong><\/div>\n
                        <\/div>\n
                        \n

                        1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>Annelids<\/strong><\/p>\n

                        a.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Their bodies are divided into segments
                        \nb.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 They do not have limbs
                        \nc.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 E.g., earthworm<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                        \n

                        2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>Mollusks<\/strong><\/p>\n

                        a.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 They have a soft, skin like organ covered with a hard shell on the outside
                        \nb.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 E.g., octopus, squid, oyster<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                        \n

                        3.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>Echinoderms<\/strong><\/p>\n

                        a.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Their bodies are covered in spikes or spine
                        \nb.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 They live in water
                        \nc.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 E.g., sea star, sea urchin<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                        \n

                        4.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>Protozoa<\/strong><\/p>\n

                        a.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 They are the smallest of all animals
                        \nb.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Protozoa are simple, single celled animals
                        \nc.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 E.g., Amoeba, flagellates<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                        \n

                        5.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>Arthropods<\/strong><\/p>\n

                        a.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 They have limbs with joints that allow them to move
                        \nb.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 They also have an exoskeleton
                        \nc.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Crustaceans, insects and arachnids are examples of arthropods<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                        \n

                        6.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>Crustaceans<\/strong><\/p>\n

                        a.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 They have a hard external shell protecting their body
                        \nb.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 E.g., crab, lobster<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                        \n

                        7.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>Insects<\/strong><\/p>\n

                        a.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 They consist of 3 body parts and 6 legs and an antenna
                        \nb.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 E.g., beetle, butterfly, bee<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                        \n

                        8.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>Arachnids<\/strong><\/p>\n

                        a.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 They have 2 body parts and 4 pair of legs
                        \nb.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 They do not have an antenna
                        \nc.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 E.g., spider, scorpions, tick and mites<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                        5.1.3 Flora<\/strong>\u00a0<\/em><\/h3>\n

                        India represents about 11% of the world\u2019s known floral diversity.<\/p>\n

                        \"\"<\/p>\n

                        \n

                        The National Gene Bank<\/strong> at National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR), New Delhi; is the nodal organization in India for the management of plant genetic resources.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                        Floral biodiversity of India <\/strong>:<\/div>\n
                        \n

                        1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>Himalayan mountain system<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                        \n

                        a.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Flora includes evergreen and semi-evergreen forests like rhododendrons, oak, pines, junipers, lichens, and mosses.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                        \n

                        2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Peninsular- Indian sub-region<\/strong>: It includes peninsular India as well as the desert region of Rajasthan (Thar desert).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                        \n

                        a.\u00a0 \u00a0Peninsular India has tropical moist deciduous to tropical dry deciduous and scrub vegetation like\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Sal in northern regions, teak in southern regions.
                        \nb.\u00a0 \u00a0Western ghats have evergreen vegetation. Threatened with deforestation, unchecked urbanization\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 and invasive species, Gadgil Committee and Kasturirangan Committee were formed to recommend\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 sustainable development of Western Ghats region.
                        \nc.\u00a0 \u00a0Indian desert of Rajasthan has flora like cacti and other succulents.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                        \n

                        3.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Tropical rain forest regions<\/strong>: They are distributed in the Western Ghat region and north-east India.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                        \n

                        a.\u00a0 \u00a0 Evergreen vegetation like ebony trees is found here. Epiphytes and orchids are also found in this region. Stratification in rain forests is very distinct with multiple horizontal layers of trees.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                        \n

                        4.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>Andaman and Nicobar Islands<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                        \n

                        a.\u00a0 \u00a0Tropical rainforests species are found in this region like Terminalia.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                        Insectivorous plants<\/strong> specialize in trapping insects. They have several attractions to lure insects like bright colours and sweet secretions. They hunt for insects despite having normal roots as they are usually found in nutrient poor soils. As a result, they have to hunt in order to replenish themselves.
                        \nSome of the insectivorous plants found in India are Drosera\/Sundew, Aldrovanda\/Pitcher plants, Nepenthes, Utricularia\/Bladderworts and Pinguicula\/Butterworts. Insectivorous plants have great medicinal properties like treating cholera, urinary tract infections, blisters. Some are also capable of curdling milk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
                        Pointers for prelims<\/strong>:<\/p>\n

                        1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Mycorrhizae<\/strong>\u00a0are symbiotic relationships that form between\u00a0fungi\u00a0and plants. The\u00a0fungi\u00a0colonize the root system of a host plant, providing increased water and nutrient absorption capabilities while the plant provides the\u00a0fungus\u00a0with carbohydrates formed from photosynthesis.<\/p>\n

                        2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Sandal tree<\/strong> is a partial root-parasite, meaning that while it manufactures its own food, it also depends upon the host like other partial parasites for water and mineral nutrients.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

                        Basic facts<\/strong>:<\/p>\n

                        1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Effect of Intensity of light<\/strong> on the growth of plants<\/p>\n

                        a.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 High light intensity favors plant growth while low intensity retards growth, flowering and\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 fruiting.
                        \nb.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Out of the 7 colours in the visible spectrum, only red is effective in photosynthesis.
                        \nc.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Plant grown in blue light is small while red light causes elongation of cells resulting in\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 etiolation.
                        \nd.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Plants grown in UV and violet light are dwarf.<\/p>\n

                        2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Frost<\/strong> can lead to killing of young plants due to damage to cells and formation of canker.<\/p>\n

                        3.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Snow<\/strong> results in mechanical bending of trees. However, it can also act as a blanket and prevent further drop in temperature, thus protecting seedlings from excessive cold and frost.<\/p>\n

                        4.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Excessive temperature disrupts the balance between respiration and photosynthesis, thereby causing depletion on food. It also increases susceptibility to bacterial and fungal attack. Further, there is desiccation of plant tissues and loss of moisture.<\/p>\n

                        5.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Die back phenomenon<\/strong> in trees like Sal, wherein there is progressive dying usually backwards from the tip of any portion of plant. Reason for this may include frost, drought, grazing, dense over-head canopy etc.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

                        Invasive Alien Species (IAS)<\/strong><\/div>\n

                        are species whose introduction and\/or spread outside their natural past or present distribution threatens biological diversity.<\/p>\n

                        \n

                        Some invasive fauna<\/strong> found in India are crazy ant, giant African snail, myna, goldfish and pigeon. Likewise, invasive flora<\/strong> of India includes Prosopis juliflora, water hyacinth, lantana camara, palmyra\/toddy palm, black mimosa, and black wattle.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                        important medicinal plants <\/strong>of India are as follows:<\/p>\n

                        \n

                        1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Kuth is used as an anti-inflammatory drug as well as making perfumes.
                        \n2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Ladies Slipper Orchid is used to treat insomnia\/anxiety.
                        \n3.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Sarpagandha is used for treating various central nervous system disorders.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                        5.1.4 IUCN Red Data Book<\/strong>\u00a0<\/em><\/h3>\n

                        IUCN Red Data Book contains the complete list of threatened species, including both plants and animals. The pink pages in this book include the critically endangered species. Green pages are used for species that were formerly endangered but have now recovered to a point where they are no longer threatened.<\/p>\n

                        \"\"<\/p>\n

                        Picture Credits: IUCN<\/p>\n

                        Species Survival Commission (SSC)<\/strong><\/div>\n

                        is a science-based network of more than 7500 volunteer experts from almost every country of the world.<\/p>\n

                        5.1.5 Schedule Animals of Wildlife Protection Act 1972 (WPA)<\/strong><\/h3>\n

                        Wildlife Protection Act consists of 6 schedule lists, which give varying degrees of protection. Poaching, smuggling and illegal trade of animals listed Schedule 1 to Schedule 4 are prohibited.<\/p>\n

                          \n
                        1. Schedule 1 and part II of Schedule 2<\/strong>\n
                            \n
                          1. Animals listed under these have absolute protection.<\/li>\n
                          2. Examples of animals listed in Schedule 1 include lion tailed macaque, great Indian bustard, black buck, rhinoceros, dugong etc.<\/li>\n
                          3. Animals under Schedule 2 are dhole, flying squirrel etc.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n
                          4. Schedule 3 and Schedule 4<\/strong>\n
                              \n
                            1. These animals are also protected but the penalties for offenses against them are lower.<\/li>\n
                            2. Schedule 3 animals include hyena, nilgai, barking deer, hog deer etc.<\/li>\n
                            3. Schedule 4 animals include vultures etc.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n
                            4. Schedule 5<\/strong>\n
                                \n
                              1. Animals under Schedule 5 are called \u201cvermin\u201d and can be hunted.<\/li>\n
                              2. Mice, rat, common crow and flying fox are few examples<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n
                              3. Schedule 6<\/strong>\n
                                  \n
                                1. Cultivation, collection, extraction and trade of plants and its derivatives listed in Schedule 6 are prohibited.<\/li>\n
                                2. Plants under this include Red Vanda, Blue Vanda, Kuth, Pitcher plant, Laddies Slipper Orchid and Beddomes Cycad<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
                                  Few important animals listed in Schedule 1 to 4 of WPA, 1972<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                                  Sl. No<\/strong><\/td>\nName<\/td>\nCategory<\/td>\nRange<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                                  1<\/strong><\/td>\nBinturong<\/td>\nVulnerable<\/td>\nSikkim<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                                  2<\/strong><\/td>\nBrow Antlered Deer\/Sangai<\/td>\nEndangered<\/td>\nKeibul Lamjao National Park, Manipur<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                                  3<\/strong><\/td>\nSwamp Deer<\/td>\nVulnerable<\/td>\nWide distribution<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                                  3<\/strong><\/td>\nCheetah<\/td>\nVulnerable (Asiatic Cheetah is critically endangered and found in Iran only)<\/td>\nExtinct in India<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                                  4<\/strong><\/td>\nChinese Pangolin<\/p>\n

                                  Indian Pangolin<\/td>\n

                                  		Critically Endangered<\/p>\n

                                  Endangered<\/td>\n

                                  		Himalayan foothills<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                                  5<\/strong><\/td>\nClouded Leopard<\/td>\nVulnerable<\/td>\nHimalayan foothills like Sikkim, W.B., North-east region etc.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                                  6<\/strong><\/td>\nIndian Gazelle (Chinkara)<\/td>\nLeast Concern<\/td>\nWestern and Central India<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                                  7<\/strong><\/td>\nDugong (Herbivorous marine mammals also known as Sea Cow)<\/td>\nVulnerable<\/td>\nCoastal water belt<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                                  8<\/strong><\/td>\nFishing Cat<\/td>\nEndangered<\/td>\nMangrove forests of Sundarbans<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                                  9<\/strong><\/td>\nGanges River Dolphin<\/td>\nEndangered<\/td>\nIndus, Ganga, Brahmaputra Meghna river system<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                                  11<\/strong><\/td>\nIrrawaddy Dolphin (live in both fresh and salt water)<\/td>\nEndangered<\/td>\nGanga, Brahmaputra, Irrawaddy and Mekong Rivers<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                                  10<\/strong><\/td>\nGolden Langur<\/td>\nEndangered<\/td>\nNorth-east India<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                                  11<\/strong><\/td>\nHispid Hare<\/td>\nEndangered<\/td>\nWest Bengal, UP, Assam, Bihar<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                                  12<\/strong><\/td>\nHoolock Gibbon<\/td>\nEndangered<\/td>\nFound in North-east India<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                                  13<\/strong><\/td>\nRed Panda<\/td>\nEndangered<\/td>\nNorth-east India<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                                  14<\/strong><\/td>\nLion tailed macaque<\/td>\nEndangered<\/td>\nWestern Ghats (Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                                  15<\/strong><\/td>\nMalabar Civet<\/td>\nCritically Endangered<\/td>\nWestern Ghats<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                                  16<\/strong><\/td>\nMarbled Cat<\/td>\nVulnerable<\/td>\nEastern Himalayas to Southeast Asia<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                                  17<\/strong><\/td>\nHimalayan Musk Deer<\/td>\nEndangered<\/td>\nNortheast India<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                                  18<\/strong><\/td>\nNilgiri Tahr<\/td>\nEndangered<\/td>\nWestern Ghats<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                                  19<\/strong><\/td>\nGreater One Horned Rhinoceros (Javan Rhino is known as Lesser One Horned Rhino)<\/td>\nVulnerable<\/td>\nAssam is home to largest number of greater one horned rhinoceros, with more than 90% in Kaziranga National Park<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                                  20<\/strong><\/td>\nChiru (Tibetan antelope known for \u201cShantosh wool\u201d)<\/td>\nEndangered<\/td>\nSteppes and semi-arid desert areas of cold high mountains (e.g., Jammu and Kashmir)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                                  21<\/strong><\/td>\nKiang (Wild Ass)<\/td>\nLeast Concern<\/td>\nCold Deserts of India<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                                  22<\/strong><\/td>\nTiger<\/td>\nEndangered<\/td>\n13 Tiger range countries<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                                  23<\/strong><\/td>\nIndian Buffalo<\/td>\nEndangered<\/td>\nMP, Assam, Meghalaya<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                                  24<\/strong><\/td>\nNorthern River Terrapin (Batagur Baska)<\/td>\nCritically Endangered<\/td>\nSundarbans, river estuaries<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                                  25<\/strong><\/td>\nOlive Ridley Turtle<\/p>\n

                                  Leatherback Turtle<\/p>\n

                                  Loggerhead Turtle<\/p>\n

                                  Hawksbill Turtle<\/p>\n

                                  Green Turtle<\/p>\n

                                  Indian Star Tortoise<\/td>\n

                                  		Vulnerable<\/p>\n

                                  Vulnerable<\/p>\n

                                  Vulnerable<\/p>\n

                                  Critically Endangered<\/p>\n

                                  Endangered<\/p>\n

                                  Vulnerable<\/td>\n

                                  		Territorial and Fresh waters<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                                  26<\/strong><\/td>\nBengal Florican<\/td>\nCritically Endangered<\/td>\nIndian Subcontinent (UP, Assam)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                                  28<\/strong><\/td>\nChital<\/td>\nLeast Concern<\/td>\nSikkim region<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                                  29<\/strong><\/td>\nHogdeer<\/td>\nEndangered<\/td>\nNorth and Northeast India<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                                  30<\/strong><\/td>\nNilgai<\/td>\nLeast Concern<\/td>\nWidely distributed in India<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                                  31<\/strong><\/td>\nBarking Deer (Muntjac)<\/td>\nLeast Concern<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                                  32<\/strong><\/td>\nDhole<\/td>\nEndangered<\/td>\nWestern Ghats, Eastern Ghats, Northeast India etc.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                                  33<\/strong><\/td>\nGreat Indian Bustard<\/td>\nCritically Endangered<\/td>\nCentral and Western India (e.g., Desert National Park, Rajasthan)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                                  34<\/strong><\/td>\nMouse Deer<\/td>\nLeast Concern<\/td>\nDeciduous and Evergreen Forests<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                                  35<\/strong><\/td>\nAsiatic Lion (found in India only)<\/td>\nEndangered<\/td>\nLimited to only 5 protected areas in Gujarat-Gir National Park, Gir Sanctuary, Pania sanctuary, Mitiyala Sanctuary, Girnar Sanctuary<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                                  36<\/strong><\/td>\nElephant<\/td>\nEndangered<\/td>\nWide range throughout India<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                                  37<\/strong><\/td>\nEurasian Otter (carnivorous animals)<\/td>\nNear Threatened<\/td>\nWestern Ghats<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                                  38<\/strong><\/td>\nGanges Shark<\/td>\nCritically Endangered<\/td>\nRiver Hooghly in West Bengal, as well as river Ganges, Brahmaputra and Mahanadi<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                                  39<\/strong><\/td>\nIndian Ocean Humpback Whale<\/td>\nEndangered<\/td>\nShallow water of Indian Ocean<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                                  40<\/strong><\/td>\nSnow Leopard<\/td>\nVulnerable<\/td>\nJ&K, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                                  Saltwater Crocodile<\/td>\nLeast Concern<\/td>\nBhitarkanika, Odisha houses 70% of these species.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

                                  Pointers for prelims<\/p>\n

                                  \n

                                  1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Irrawaddy Dolphins<\/strong> are included in Schedule I of WPA 1972.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                                  \n

                                  a.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 They are found in large numbers in Chilika Lake.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                                  \n

                                  2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary<\/strong>, Kerala is the only rehabilitation center for star tortoises in the country.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                                  \n

                                  3.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Great Indian Bustard<\/strong>, locally known as Godawan in Rajasthan, is the heaviest of all flying birds found in arid and semi-arid grasslands.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                                  \n

                                  a.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 It is the state bird of Rajasthan listed under Schedule I of WPA and CMS or Bonn Convention.
                                  \nb.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 It is endemic to the Indian Sub-continent and is found in only six states: MP, Gujarat,\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan and Karnataka.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                                  \n

                                  4.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Amur Falcon<\/strong> is a migratory bird that stays every year at Doyang Lake (Nagaland) during their flight from Mongolia to South Africa.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                                  \n

                                  5.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Nilgiri Tahr<\/strong> is the state animal of Tamil Nadu, listed under Schedule 1 of WPA. It is endemic to Western Ghats.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                                  \n

                                  a.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Majority of Nilgiri Tahr are found at the Eravikulam National Park in Munnar, Kerala.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                                  \n

                                  6.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Asiatic Lion<\/strong> is listed under Schedule I of WPA and Appendix-I of CITES is found in India only.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                                  \n

                                  a.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Several Asiatic Lions died due to Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) and tick borne Babesiosis in Gir\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Forest, Gujarat.
                                  \nb.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Considering this, MoEFCC has launched Asiatic Lion Conservation Project under the Centrally\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Sponsored Scheme-Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitat (CSS-IDWH).
                                  \nc.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 There was also a proposal to translocate lions from Gujarat to Kuno-Palpur Wildlife Sanctuary,\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Madhya Pradesh.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                                  \n

                                  7.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Spider Monkey<\/strong>, found in Central and South America, are called so as they look like spiders hanging upside down from their tails with their arms and legs dangling.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                                  \n

                                  8.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Sarus Crane<\/strong>, the state bird of UP has been classified as Vulnerable by IUCN.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                                  \n

                                  a.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 It generally inhabits natural wetlands.
                                  \nb.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 They are large non-migratory crane and India\u2019s only resident breeding crane and world\u2019s tallest\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 flying bird.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                                  \n

                                  9.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Tamil Yeoman<\/strong>, a butterfly species endemic to Western Ghats has been declared as the state butterfly of Tamil Nadu while Maharashtra declared Blue Mormon as its state butterfly.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                                  \n

                                  10.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Kharai camels<\/strong>, found in the Kutch region of Gujarat, can swim up to three kilometers in the sea in search of mangroves. Many Jatt families in the region are traditional rearers of Kharai camels.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                                  \n

                                  11.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Purple Frog (Nasikabatrachus Sahyadrensis)<\/strong> is listed as Endangered by IUCN. It is endemic to Western Ghats and can be called as \u2018living fossil\u2019 as its evolutionary roots suggest it could have shared space with dinosaurs.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                                  \n

                                  12.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Orangutans<\/strong> are one of the world\u2019s three surviving species of great apes and are native to Indonesia and Malaysia.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                                  \n

                                  a.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 It has been classified as Critically Endangered by IUCN.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                                  \n

                                  13.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Chinkara gazelles<\/strong> have been classified as Least Concern by IUCN.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                                  \n

                                  a.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Karnataka has notified Bukkapatna Chinkara Wildlife Sanctuary as the southernmost tip in the\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 distribution range of Chinkara in India.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                                  \n

                                  14.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Flame Throated Bulbul<\/strong> is the State Bird of Goa and is endemic to the southern peninsular India.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                                  \n

                                  15.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Pangolins<\/strong> are the most trafficked wildlife species.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                                  \n

                                  a.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 They are known as scaly anteaters and are toothless animals.
                                  \nb.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 They are the only mammal wholly covered in scales.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                                  \n

                                  The hump-backed mahseer<\/strong>, found in the waters of the Cauvery has been added to the IUCN Red List as Critically Endangered.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
                                  Gangetic Dolphins<\/strong>, also known as \u2018susu\u2019 is the national aquatic animal and has been granted non-human personhood status by the government. It is also called a blind dolphin.
                                  \n1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 It is listed under Schedule I of WPA 1972.
                                  \n2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 It is among the four freshwater dolphins found in the world.
                                  \n3.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Its population is declining due to poaching, construction of dams, getting trapped in fishing nets and agricultural run-off from fields.
                                  \n4.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary in Bihar is India\u2019s only sanctuary for the Gangetic Dolphin.<\/td>\n                                  		Indus Dolphins<\/strong>, also known as \u2018bhulan\u2019 are endangered, freshwater and functionally blind species of dolphins.
                                  \n1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 A very small population is found in India\u2019s Beas river.
                                  \n2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Punjab has recently declared it as its state animal.
                                  \n3.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Indus dolphins rely on echolocation to navigate, communicate and hunt down their prey.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
                                  India is home to nine species of vulture<\/strong><\/div>\n

                                  . Some of the important ones facing extinction include:<\/p>\n

                                  \n

                                  1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Critically Endangered Species- Slender Billed Vulture, Indian Long Billed Vulture, Oriental White-backed Vulture, Red Headed Vulture.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                                  \n

                                  2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Endangered Species- Egyptian Vulture.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                                  \n

                                  Accordingly, Vulture Care Centre (VCC) was set up at Pinjore, Haryana. Later, it was upgraded to become the first Vulture\/Jatayu Conservation and Breeding Centre (VCBC) in India.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                                  Bird Conservation<\/strong>:<\/p>\n

                                  \"\"<\/p>\n

                                  \n

                                  1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Important Bird Area (IBA)<\/strong> is an area identified by BirdLife International as being globally important for the conservation of bird populations. Sites under IBA does not ensure that it gets legal protection or becomes inaccessible to people.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                                  \n

                                  2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON)<\/strong> is registered as a society and Union Environment Minister is the president.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                                  \n

                                  3.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Draft Visionary Perspective Plan to Conserve Birds<\/strong> has been placed in the public domain. Key highlights of the plan include:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                                  \n

                                  a.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Bird Surveys will be conducted in selected landscapes.
                                  \nb.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Species recovery programme of critically endangered birds is envisaged.
                                  \nc.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Aims at conservation of migratory birds.
                                  \nd.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 SACON will be the nodal institution for this purpose.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                                  \n

                                  Thousands of migratory birds recently died at Sambhar lake in Rajasthan due to Avian Botulism<\/strong>. Avian Botulism is caused by Clostridium botulinum bacteria which affects the nervous system of birds leading to paralysis.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                                  \n

                                  Olive Ridley Turtles<\/strong> are one of the smallest and most abundant of all sea turtles found in the world.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                                  \n

                                  1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Gahiramatha marine sanctuary, located in Odisha, is known as world\u2019s largest Olive Ridley rookery.
                                  \n2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 They are known for their mass nesting called Arribada.
                                  \n3.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 They are carnivores in nature.
                                  \n4.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Operation Olivia has been launched by Indian Coast Guard to ensure the safety of Olive Ridley Sea Turtles.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                                  \n

                                  WCCB and UN Environment India launched an awareness campaign \u2018Not all animals migrate by choice<\/strong>\u2019 to garner public support for the protection and conservation of wildlife, prevention of smuggling and reduction in demand for wildlife products.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                                  Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats (IDWH)<\/strong> is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme where government provides financial and technical assistance to State\/UT governments for wildlife conservation. The Scheme has following components:<\/p>\n

                                  \n

                                  1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Support to Protected Areas like National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries.
                                  \n2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Protection of Wildlife Outside Protected Areas.
                                  \n3.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Recovery Programme for saving Critically Endangered Species and Habitats.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                                  \n

                                  It covers 17 species, some of which are Snow Leopard, Bustard (including floricans), Dolphin, Hangul, Nilgiri Tahr, Dugongs, Manipur Brow Antlered Deer, Malabar Civet, Indian Rhinoceros, Asiatic Lion, Swamp Deer, Jerdon\u2019s Courser etc.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                                  5.1.6 Animal Diversity of India<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                  \"\"<\/p>\n

                                  \"\"<\/p>\n

                                  \"\"<\/p>\n

                                  \"\"<\/p>\n

                                  \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n
                                  Some recent changes to IUCN status<\/strong>:
                                  \n1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Forest Owlet\u2019s<\/strong> status has been changed from Critically Endangered to Endangered.<\/p>\n

                                  a.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 It is found in dry deciduous forests of MP and Maharashtra.<\/p>\n

                                  2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Sispara Day Gecko\u2019s<\/strong> status has been changed from Critically Endangered to Near Threatened.
                                  \n3.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Knife-tooth Sawfish\u2019s<\/strong> status has been changed from Critically Endangered to Endangered.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

                                  Duck-billed platypus<\/strong> and some species of anteaters are few exceptions as despite being mammals, they lay eggs rather than giving birth to young ones. All of them are found only in Australia and New Guinea.<\/p>\n

                                  5.1.7<\/strong> Marine Organisms<\/strong><\/h3>\n
                                    \n
                                  1. Plankton<\/strong>: It refers to both microscopic plants like algae (phytoplanktons) and animals like crustaceans and protozoans (zoo-planktons) found in all aquatic ecosystems except certain swift moving waters.\n
                                      \n
                                    1. Locomotory power of planktons is limited and their distribution is largely controlled by water current.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n
                                    2. Phytoplankton<\/strong>: Phytoplankton are the autotrophic components of the plankton community and a key part of ocean and freshwater ecosystems. All phytoplankton have chlorophyll and carry out photosynthesis. Thus, they also act as a Carbon Sink by removing CO2<\/sub> naturally during photosynthesis.\n
                                        \n
                                      1. Common kinds of phytoplankton are cyanobacteria, protists and green algae.<\/li>\n
                                      2. They are present throughout the lighted regions of all the seas and oceans including the Polar Regions and their total biomass is greater than that of total plants on land. However, their distribution is limited to the uppermost layers of the oceans where light intensity is sufficient for photosynthesis.<\/li>\n
                                      3. The highest concentration of phytoplanktons is found at higher latitudes, while the tropics and subtropics have 10 to 100 times lower concentrations.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n
                                      4. Zooplanktons<\/strong>: They are the animal component of the planktonic community. They are heterotrophic, meaning they cannot produce their own food and must consume instead other plants or animals as food. In particular, this means they eat plankton.\n
                                          \n
                                        1. Examples of zooplankton include tiny flagellates and giant jellyfish.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n
                                        2. Sea-grass<\/strong>: They are marine flowering plants that resemble grass in appearance. They grow in shallow coastal waters with sandy or marshy bottoms and require comparatively calm areas. Sea-grass beds serve variety of purposes like:\n
                                            \n
                                          1. Reducing wave energy.<\/li>\n
                                          2. Filtering sediments and nutrients from water.<\/li>\n
                                          3. Controlling erosion.<\/li>\n
                                          4. Serves as habitat for marine fauna.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n
                                          5. Seaweeds<\/strong>: They are microscopic algae, meaning that they have no differentiation of true tissues such as roots, stems and leaves. Functions of seaweeds include:\n
                                              \n
                                            1. They are important as food for humans.<\/li>\n
                                            2. They are used as a drug for goitre treatment.<\/li>\n
                                            3. Commercial products like agar-agar, alginates and iodine can be extracted from them.<\/li>\n
                                            4. Biodegradation of seaweeds can produce methane.<\/li>\n
                                            5. They serve as indicators of marine pollution.<\/li>\n
                                            6. Other general functions are similar to sea-grass.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                                              This page is a part of our environment guide initiative. Read complete material here.\u00a0\u00a0 Biodiversity [pdf] Biodiversity is a term used to describe the enormous variety of life on Earth. It is a measure of variation at the genetic, species and ecosystem level. Terrestrial biodiversity is usually greater near the equator, which is the result… Continue reading Biodiversity<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":61,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-99213","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","entry"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/99213","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/61"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=99213"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/99213\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=99213"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}