Section A — 1 Mark Questions
1. Define Ethnobotany. [1 Mark]
Answer: Ethnobotany is the scientific study of the interactions and relationships between people and plants within a specific culture or region.
2. Name one major medicinal plant used in traditional systems found in N.E. India. [1 Mark]
Answer: Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum).
3. What is the scientific name of Sarpagondha? [1 Mark]
Answer: Rauvolfia serpentina.
4. Mention one method used in ethnobotanical investigation. [1 Mark]
Answer: Field surveys or interviews with local tribal informants.
5. Which part of the Turmeric plant is medicinally used? [1 Mark]
Answer: The rhizome.
6. Identify the family to which Ashoka belongs. [1 Mark]
Answer: Fabaceae.
7. Who is known as the father of modern ethnobotany? [1 Mark]
Answer: John William Harshberger.
8. What is the traditional medicinal use of Ginger? [1 Mark]
Answer: It is widely used to treat digestive disorders and common colds.
9. Name one ethnic tribe in N.E. India studied for their plant knowledge. [1 Mark]
Answer: The Naga tribes.
10. What is the primary medicinal value of Arjun (Terminalia arjuna)? [1 Mark]
Answer: It is primarily used as a cardio-protective agent.
11. Define an ethnic tribe in the context of ethnobotany. [1 Mark]
Answer: A group of people sharing common cultural, linguistic, and historical ties who rely on local plant resources for daily sustenance and medicine.
12. What does 'Basak' commonly treat? [1 Mark]
Answer: Respiratory ailments like cough and bronchitis.
13. Name a key material required for ethnobotanical field work. [1 Mark]
Answer: A field notebook for documentation.
14. State the significance of documenting tribal knowledge. [1 Mark]
Answer: To preserve cultural heritage and identify potential sources of new drugs.
15. What type of plant is Tulsi? [1 Mark]
Answer: An aromatic perennial herb.
16. Why is Ashoka plant historically significant? [1 Mark]
Answer: It is considered a sacred tree in traditional Indian medicine.
17. Define traditional knowledge in ethnobotany. [1 Mark]
Answer: The accumulated knowledge passed down through generations regarding the medicinal properties and uses of local flora.
18. What is the scientific name of Basak? [1 Mark]
Answer: Justicia adhatoda.
19. Does ethnobotany involve social sciences? [1 Mark]
Answer: Yes, it is an interdisciplinary field linking botany with anthropology.
20. What is a common application of Turmeric in traditional rituals? [1 Mark]
Answer: It is used for its antiseptic properties in ceremonies and wound healing.
Section B — 2/3 Mark Questions
1. Explain the concept of ethnobotanical investigation. [2 Marks]
Answer: It involves the systematic collection of data regarding how local communities utilize plants. This includes identifying plant species and documenting the traditional methods of preparation and application for medicinal or cultural purposes.
2. Differentiate between the medicinal uses of Ginger and Turmeric. [2 Marks]
Answer: Ginger is primarily utilized for digestive health and anti-inflammatory properties, whereas Turmeric is widely recognized for its strong antiseptic, antibacterial, and healing properties in traditional medicine.
3. Briefly state the historical development of ethnobotany. [3 Marks]
Answer: The term was coined by J.W. Harshberger in 1895. Historically, it evolved from early botanical explorations into a formal discipline that bridges the gap between traditional tribal wisdom and modern pharmacological research.
4. Why are plants of N.E. India critical for ethnobotanical study? [2 Marks]
Answer: N.E. India possesses high biodiversity and a rich variety of indigenous tribal cultures. These communities hold unique, unrecorded knowledge about endemic plant species that are not found elsewhere.
5. List three essential tools for an ethnobotanical field survey. [3 Marks]
Answer: 1. Herbarium press for plant specimen collection. 2. Field notebook for recording local names and uses. 3. Camera for documenting plants in their natural habitat.
6. Describe the medicinal utility of the Arjun tree. [2 Marks]
Answer: The bark of the Arjun tree is traditionally used as a tonic to strengthen heart muscles, improve circulation, and treat conditions like hypertension.
7. Explain the role of tribal communities in ethnobotany. [3 Marks]
Answer: Tribes are the primary custodians of indigenous plant knowledge. They act as essential guides for researchers, providing insights into habitat locations, harvest timing, and complex traditional drug preparation techniques.
8. What is the importance of studying Sarpagondha? [2 Marks]
Answer: It is historically significant for treating mental health conditions and high blood pressure, serving as a classic example of how tribal medicine led to the discovery of modern sedative drugs.
9. How are plants collected for ethno-medicinal study? [3 Marks]
Answer: Collection involves selecting healthy specimens, recording the date and GPS location, noting the plant's local name, and interviewing tribal elders about its traditional uses before drying it for preservation.
10. State two reasons why modern science is interested in traditional medicinal plants. [2 Marks]
Answer: Firstly, to validate traditional claims through clinical testing. Secondly, to discover novel chemical compounds that may lead to the development of new pharmaceutical products.
Section C — 5 Mark Questions
1. Describe the methodology involved in an ethnobotanical investigation. [5 Marks]
Answer:
Introduction
Ethnobotanical investigation is a systematic process of gathering data on human-plant interactions to preserve indigenous knowledge.
Methodological Steps
- Pre-field work: Extensive literature review and preparation of survey questionnaires.
- Field surveys: Visiting target regions and establishing trust with local tribal communities.
- Data collection: Conducting interviews and group discussions with traditional healers (informants) to record vernacular names and plant uses.
- Specimen collection: Identifying plants in the field and collecting samples (leaves, flowers, or bark) for the herbarium.
- Documentation and Analysis: Recording the method of preparation (e.g., decoctions, pastes) and comparing findings with existing botanical literature.
Conclusion: These steps ensure the ethical and accurate documentation of cultural heritage and potential bio-resources.
2. Discuss the medicinal significance of Basak and Ashoka in traditional systems. [5 Marks]
Answer:
Basak (Justicia adhatoda)
Basak is a powerhouse of traditional medicine, particularly for respiratory health. Its leaves contain vasicine, which acts as an effective bronchodilator. It is commonly used as a syrup or extract to treat chronic cough, bronchitis, and asthma.
Ashoka (Saraca asoca)
Ashoka is revered in Ayurvedic medicine primarily for women's health. The bark of the tree is rich in tannins and glycosides, making it useful in treating menstrual disorders, uterine inflammation, and hormonal imbalances. It is often prepared as a decoction or herbal tonic.
Significance
- Both plants exemplify the integration of botany and health care.
- They serve as major ingredients in various traditional formulations.
- Their use highlights the reliance on specific morphological parts (leaves for Basak, bark for Ashoka) in traditional pharmacopeia.
3. Explain the history and importance of Ethnobotany as a scientific discipline. [5 Marks]
Answer:
History
The roots of ethnobotany lie in the early observations made by travelers and naturalists. It was formalized by John William Harshberger in 1895, who defined it as the study of plants used by primitive and indigenous people.
Importance
- Preservation: It helps in documenting traditional knowledge that is otherwise disappearing due to modernization.
- Drug Discovery: Many modern drugs (e.g., Aspirin, Quinine) were derived from plants identified through ethnobotanical studies.
- Sustainability: It emphasizes the sustainable use of natural resources by learning from tribal management practices.
- Conservation: It aids in identifying endangered plant species that are culturally significant to local communities.
Conclusion: Ethnobotany acts as a bridge between past traditional wisdom and future scientific innovations.
4. Elaborate on the ethnobotanical importance of Turmeric and Ginger. [5 Marks]
Answer:
Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
Turmeric is a staple in both culinary and medicinal domains. Its active component, curcumin, is known for its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. It is traditionally used to heal wounds, treat skin conditions, and as a preventive remedy for infections.
Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Ginger is highly valued for its carminative and digestive effects. It is used to stimulate appetite, reduce nausea, and alleviate pain in joints. In traditional settings, it is often used as a fresh paste or dried powder to combat symptoms of cold and flu.
Comparative Utility
- Both are members of the Zingiberaceae family.
- They utilize the underground rhizome as the primary medicinal source.
- They have global cultural acceptance, transitioning from traditional homes to modern pharmacies.
5. Describe the biodiversity of N.E. India and its relationship with tribal medicinal knowledge. [5 Marks]
Answer:
Biodiversity Context
Northeast India is a biodiversity hotspot characterized by unique topography and climate. It harbors a vast array of flora, ranging from rare orchids to high-altitude medicinal herbs, providing an ideal environment for diverse plant species to thrive.
Tribal Knowledge
- Deep Connection: Tribes like the Nagas and Mizos have evolved alongside these forests for centuries.
- Resource Utilization: Their survival and healthcare systems depend entirely on local plant species.
- Knowledge Transfer: This knowledge is typically oral, passed through generations, and is specific to local geography.
- Ethnobotanical Value: The vast range of habitats allows for distinct medicinal practices, where different tribes may use different plants to treat the same ailment.
Conclusion: The synergy between the region's rich flora and the deep traditional wisdom of its tribal people provides an immense, yet largely untapped, potential for future medicinal research.