Tag: biodiversity loss and need for conservation

The extinction and disappearance of some species from planet take place due to the destruction of their natural habitat, poaching and killing habits. Whereas, planting of more trees (afforestation), preservation of forests and prevention of overgrazing causes conservation of natural habitat thereby saving the species from extinction.

Habitat destruction is the process in which the organisms that previously used the site are displaced or destroyed, reducing biodiversity. Habitat destruction is the greatest contributor to the extinction of many species. This destruction is ongoing in both terrestrial and aquatic biomes, with approximately 80% of all extinctions being attributed to human caused habitat destruction. Terrestrially the destruction includes forests, deserts and grasslands, but the latter may account for the greatest losses due to the agricultural and urban conversion.

Extinction is the end of an organism or of a group of organisms, normally a species. Humans cause extinction of a species through over harvesting, pollution, habitat destruction, invasion of invasive species, over hunting and other influences. Although, earthquakes and diseases are the results of human activities but it does not cause any extinction of plant species. 

Destruction of habitat is the process in which natural habitat is rendered unable to support the species that lived in it. Increasing urbanization and industrialization has resulted in encroachment of forest areas leading to destruction of habitat. As a result, the natural flora and fauna have been endangered and some have become extinct. Thus the correct answer is option C.

Polar bears are found in arctic region where the ice caps are present and temperature is quite low. Hence, melting ice due to global warming is the greatest threat to the biodiversity of polar bears.

The important causes of biodiversity losses or species extinctions, that the world is facing now, are largely due to human activities. There are four major causes -
(i) Habitat loss and fragmentation (includes deforestation and pollution).
(ii) Over-exploitation (includes hunting, fishing and other such activities).
(iii) Alien species invasions.
(iv) Co-extinctions.

The factor that destroys plant biodiversity is destruction of habitats, wildlife species get extinct because of destruction of forest by deforestation.

Deforestation refers to destruction of forest by extensive cutting of trees, since wild animals live in forests, they lose their habitat which leads to extinction of species