Forest and Wildlife Resources: Long Answer Practice
Medium (Application & Explanation)
1. Explain the three levels of biodiversity (G–S–E) with Indian examples. Why does each level matter?
Answer:
Genetic diversity is the variety within a species. Example: rice types like Basmati, Sona Masuri, and IR-8; mango types like Alphonso, Dasheri, Langra.
It gives resilience. Some varieties resist drought, pests, or diseases.
Species diversity is the number of different species in an area. Example: Western Ghats with many frogs, birds, orchids; Sundarbans with tigers, crocodiles, mangroves.
It keeps ecosystems stable. If one species falls, others support the system.
Ecosystem diversity is the range of habitats. Example: Thar Desert, Himalayan alpine meadows, Chilika Lake wetlands.
It provides many services like pollination, water purification, and climate regulation.
Remember: G–S–E. All three levels connect and support life.
2. Differentiate national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves. How does each help conservation?
Answer:
National Parks: Strict protection. No grazing or private activities. Focus on ecosystems and wildlife. Example: Jim Corbett, Kaziranga, Gir.
Wildlife Sanctuaries: Protection of wildlife, but some regulated human use may be allowed. Focus on species safety. Example: Chambal Sanctuary for gharials.
Biosphere Reserves: Large areas with core, buffer, and transition zones. Combine conservation with sustainable use. Example: Nilgiri, Sundarbans, Pachmarhi.
Parks give high protection to habitats and key species.
Sanctuaries offer flexible protection for threatened animals.
Biosphere reserves link people and nature, and protect whole landscapes.
Together, they form a network that saves biodiversity at many levels.
3. What are the major threats to biodiversity in India? Suggest practical counter-measures for each.
Answer:
Deforestation and habitat loss due to farms, roads, and mines. Counter: land-use planning, protect critical habitats, and afforestation.
Poaching and illegal trade in skins, horns, and plants. Counter: strong law enforcement, STPF, and tech tools like camera traps.
Pollution of air, water, and soil. Counter: wastewater treatment, cleaner industries, and wetland restoration.
Climate change shifting seasons and rainfall. Counter: protect climate refuges, connect corridors, and restore degraded forests.
Invasive species like water hyacinth. Counter: biocontrol, manual removal, and biosecurity checks.
Fragmentation by roads and rails. Counter: overpasses/underpasses, fencing, speed control, and wildlife crossings.
Community exclusion causing conflict. Counter: JFM, fair benefit-sharing, and eco-tourism jobs.
4. Classify species into normal, vulnerable, endangered, rare, and extinct in India with examples. Why is this useful?
