Among all recorded species in the world, India accounts for about
India's Contribution to Global Biodiversity
India is a nation renowned for its vast and diverse range of ecosystems, which support an incredible variety of life forms. This rich biological heritage makes India one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth.
Percentage of World's Species in India
When considering the total number of plant and animal species that have been scientifically recorded across the entire world, India holds a significant position.
- According to various studies and estimates, India is home to approximately 7% to 8% of all the recorded species globally.
This percentage reflects the diverse habitats and climatic conditions present in India, which allow for the existence of a large number of unique species.
Understanding India's Biodiversity Significance
India's contribution of 7-8% to the world's recorded species highlights its critical role in global biodiversity conservation. The country hosts a wide array of ecosystems, including forests, grasslands, wetlands, coastal and marine areas, and desert ecosystems, each supporting distinct sets of species.
Factors Enabling High Biodiversity in India
Several key factors contribute to India's status as a mega-diverse country:
- Geographical Diversity: Presence of major biogeographic zones like the Himalayas, the Indo-Gangetic Plains, the Peninsular Plateau, the Western and Eastern Ghats, and the Island systems.
- Climatic Diversity: Experiences various climates ranging from tropical in the south to temperate and alpine in the Himalayas.
- Presence of Biodiversity Hotspots: India includes parts of four major biodiversity hotspots: the Himalayas, the Western Ghats, the Indo-Burma region, and Sundaland. These areas are particularly rich in endemic species.
| Biodiversity Aspect | India's Contribution |
|---|---|
| Percentage of World's Recorded Species | Approx. 7-8% |
| Biodiversity Hotspots | 4 (Himalayas, Western Ghats, Indo-Burma, Sundaland) |
Understanding India's share of global species emphasizes the importance of conservation efforts within the country to protect a significant portion of the world's natural heritage.
Revision Table: Key Biodiversity Facts About India
| Term/Concept | Explanation Related to India |
|---|---|
| Recorded Species | Species scientifically identified and documented globally. |
| India's Share | About 7-8% of these recorded species are found in India. |
| Biodiversity Hotspot | Region with high biodiversity & threatened by human activity (India has parts of 4). |
| Endemic Species | Species found only in a specific geographical area (India has many due to varied habitats). |
Additional Information on India's Biodiversity Status
- India is home to a vast number of species, including many that are endemic (found nowhere else in the world).
- The country has a strong network of protected areas, such as National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, and Biosphere Reserves, aimed at conserving this rich biodiversity.
- Ongoing research continues to discover new species, further highlighting the importance of biodiversity exploration and conservation.
Important Questions from Ecology and Ecosystem
Which one of the following is an example of ex situ conservation of biological resources?
All eco-systems begin with energy input from-
What is the transition zone between two ecosystems known as?
Given below are two statements one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R):
Assertion (A): It is crucial to sustain Himalayan ecosystem
Reason (R): Himalayan ecosystem is home to a number of indigenous tribes.
In the light of the above two statements choose the correct answer from the options given below
Which of the following statements about biodiversity are correct?
A. Biodiversity can support ecosystem stability.
B. Human activities have sharply increased species extinctions.
C. Habitat fragmentation has no adverse impact on biodiversity.
D. About 70% of all known species are invertebrates.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
