Biodiversity and Conservation

Species diversity decreases as we move away from the equator towards the poles due to:-

Ecological diversity is the diversity at ecosystem level. India with its deserts, rainforests, mangroves, coral reefs, wetlands, estuaries and alpine meadows has a greater ecosystem diversity than a  Scandinavian country like Norway.

The biodiversity shows a latitudinal and altitudinal gradient. The species diversity decrease as well as we move away from the equator towards the poles with very few exceptions, tropics harbour more species than temperature or polar areas.

Species diversity is the variety in the number and richness of the species of a region. The number or species per unit area is called as species richness. Number of individuals of different species represent species evenness or species equitability. Communities where species are represented by more or less equal number of individuals exhibit evenness. Where one or more species have more individuals than other show dominance or unevenness. 

Species diversity or genetic variation increases as one proceeds from high altitude to low altitude and high latitude to low latitude. Tropical rain forests are wet and dense. They exhibit maximum genetic variations due to increased temperature and rainfall.  They show high animal and plants biodiversity. 

Statement A is incorrect as species diversity decreases and not increases as we move away from the equator towards the poles temperature decreases and conditions becomes harsh, vegetation decreases and less resources available to support species. 

Species diversity is the number of different species, that are represented in a given community. 

When there are no more individuals of a species (plant or animal) alive anywhere in the world, the species is said to be extinct. A decrease in the species diversity progresses to extinction if left uncontrolled. Extinction is also known as the process of dying out. The process is a completely natural part of evolution. But sometimes extinctions happen at a higher and a faster rate than usual. Factors such as large body size, small population, massive habitat loss and position at a higher trophic level favor extinction. As forests are the main habitat for the wild animals, their loss favors the extinction of the same.

When there are no more individuals of a species (plant or animal) alive anywhere in the world, the species is said to be extinct. Extinction is also known as the process of dying out. The process is a completely natural part of evolution. But sometimes extinctions happen at a higher and a faster rate than usual. Factors such as large body size, habitat loss, small population and position at a higher trophic level favor extinction. Since the species residing in the tropics have their major habitat in the form of forests, thus deforestation causes, extinction of such species.

An endangered species is the species whose population faces a sudden downfall. In the case of wild animals, their habitat is the forest and deforestation of the forests due to ecological disasters, or use of timber for the construction of buildings makes them insecure in their homestead. 

Biodiversity hotspots are biogeographic regions that are both a significant reservoir of biodiversity and are threatened with destruction, characterized by high levels of endemism (species found nowhere else).

When we destroy a forest, we destroy an ecosystem. It is because ecosystem constitutes of both abiotic and biotic components. The biotic components constitute all the living organisms present in the ecosystem, i.e. plants and animals. Whereas, abiotic components constitute the environmental factors like air, soil, water etc. When a forest is destroyed, it results in the loss of food and habitat of wild animals, due to which the population of wildlife is threatened. The loss of forest also results in deforestation, which affects the environment by raising the temperature and causing a flood. So, the correct option is A.

Wildlife represents the uncultivated or undomesticated species. They have a wide gene pool. The cultivated plants and domesticated animals have a narrow gene pool because these organisms have been selected by man over a period of thousands of year. Further, the cultivated plants and domesticated animals grow in protected environments. The uncultivated plants and nondomesticated animals, on the other hand, grow in natural surroundings in conjunction with disease-causing organisms and depend on the naturally evolved defense mechanisms. These organisms have evolved disease resistance, mechanisms and are a rich source of disease resistance germplasm.

Poaching is the process of illegal hunting, killing or capturing of wild animals for various purposes. The Sariska Tiger Reserve which was known for a good number of tigers has been reported for depleting tiger population because of the practice of poaching.

Wild animals can survive and grow best when they are in their natural habitats. So, the destruction of their natural habitats affect them adversely and their development is impaired.