Forest And Wildlife Resources - I

Question 1

What is the importance of biodiversity?

Answer 1

We humans along with we humans along with all living organisms for a complex web of ecological system in which we are only a part and we are very much dependent on this system for our own existence. This system requires a diverse collection of organisms.

Question 2

Define biodiversity.

Answer 2

It is immensely rich in wildlife and cultivated species, diverse in form and function but closely integrated in a system through multiple network of interdependencies.

Question 3

How many species of fauna are found in India?

Answer 3

Over 81,000 species.

Question 4

How many species of flora are found in India?

Answer 4

47,000.

Question 5

How many flowering species are endemic to India?

Answer 5

15,000.

Question 6

What are critical species?

Answer 6

On the verge of extinction.

Eg: cheetah, pink-headed duck, madhuca insignis, hubbardia heptaneuron.

Question 7

Why is there an apparent increase in forest cover?

Answer 7

Due to plantation by different agencies.

Question 8

What is IUCN?

Answer 8

International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources.

Question 9

Normal Species

Answer 9

Species whose population levels are considered normal.

Eg: Cattle, sal, pine.

Question 10

Endangered species

Answer 10

Species in danger of extinction. Their survival is difficult if the negative factors that contribute to their decline in population continue to operate.

Eg: Black buck, Indian Wild Ass, Indian rhino.

Question 11

Vulnerable species

Answer 11

Species whose population has declined to levels from where it is likely to move into the endangered category in the near future if the negative factor is continue to operate.

Eg: Blue sheep, asiatic elephant, Gangetic dolphin.

Question 12

Rare species

Answer 12

Species with small population may move into the endangered or vulnerable category of the negative factors affecting them continue to operate.

Eg: Brown bear, wild Asiatic buffalo, desert fox.

Question 13

Endemic species

Answer 13

Species found only in some particular areas usually isolated by natural or geographical barriers.

Eg: Andaman teal, Nicobar pigeon, Andaman wild pig.

Question 14

Extinct species

Answer 14

Species which are not found after searches of known or likely areas where they may occur. A species may be editing from a local area, region, country, continent, or the entire earth.

Eg: Asiatic cheetah, pink-headed duck.

Question 15

How to distinguish a cheetah from a leopard?

Answer 15

Cheetahs have long teardrop-shaped lines on each side of the side of the nose from the corner of its eyes to its mouth.

Question 16

Why is the Asiatic Cheetah nearly extinct?

Answer 16

They were widely distributed throughout Africa and Asia. Due to a decline of available habitat and prey. The species was declared extinct in India in 1952.

Question 17

What are the negative factors that cause depletion of flora and fauna?

Answer 17

Colonial Rule (railways, agriculture, commercial and scientific forestry and mining activities)

Agricultural expansion.

Shifting cultivation.

Large-scale development projects (river valley products)

Mining

Question 18

Are fuel-wood collection and grazing negative factors behind the depletion of forest resources?

Answer 18

Many foresters and environmentalists believe so, however the fact is that a substantial part of fuel-fodder demand is met by lopping rather than felling.

Question 19

What has monoculture damaged?

Answer 19

Teak monoculture has damaged the natural forest in South India

Chir Pine plantations in Himalayas have replaced the Himalayan oak.

Question 20

Why is the Himalayan yew in danger?

Answer 20

It is a medicinal plant in Himachal Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh. A chemical compound called ‘taxal’ is extracted from the bark, needles, twigs and roots of this tree and is the biggest-selling anti-cancer drug in the world. It is now under great threat due to over-exploitation.