BOTANY: Biodiversity Conservation (BOTIDC-151T)
FYUG Even Semester Exam, 2024

Course No: BOTIDC-151T | Full Marks: 70 | Pass Marks: 28 | Time: 3 Hours

Subject: Botany (Interdisciplinary Course)

Semester: 2nd Semester

Exam: FYUG Even Semester Exam, 2024

SECTION-A (Answer any twenty) [1 × 20 = 20]

1. Name two soil types of India.

Alluvial soil and Black soil.

2. Define biodiversity.

Biodiversity is the variety and variability of all living organisms on Earth, including terrestrial, marine, and other aquatic ecosystems.

3. What do you mean by climate change?

Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns, primarily caused by human activities like burning fossil fuels.

4. Name two fauna of Northeast India.

One-horned Rhinoceros and Hoolock Gibbon.

5. Name two agricultural crops of Assam.

Rice (Paddy) and Tea.

6. Write the full form of IUCN.

International Union for Conservation of Nature.

7. Define ecology.

Ecology is the branch of biology that studies the relationships between living organisms and their physical environment.

8. What is conservation?

Conservation is the protection, preservation, management, or restoration of wildlife and natural resources.

9. What is Red Data Book?

A document established by IUCN for documenting rare and endangered species of animals, plants, and fungi.

10. What is bioethics?

Bioethics is the study of ethical issues emerging from advances in biology, medicine, and technologies.

11. What do you mean by germ plasm?

Germ plasm refers to the living genetic resources such as seeds or tissues that are maintained for plant breeding or preservation.

12. What is sustainable development?

Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

13. Write two characteristics of tribal.

Tribal communities often have a distinct culture and live in close harmony with their natural environment.

14. Write two biodiversity hotspots of India.

The Western Ghats and The Eastern Himalayas.

15. Give an example of ex-situ conservation.

Botanical Gardens or Zoological Parks.

16. Write the names of two national parks of India.

Kaziranga National Park and Jim Corbett National Park.

17. Write the names of two wildlife sanctuaries of India.

Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary and Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.

18. Write the names of two biosphere reserves of India.

Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve.

19. Write the full form of CBD.

Convention on Biological Diversity.

20. What do you mean by mangrove forest?

A coastal ecosystem consisting of salt-tolerant trees and shrubs that grow in tropical and subtropical intertidal zones.

21. What do you mean by forest vegetation?

The total plant cover of a specific area dominated by trees and other woody vegetation.

22. Example of grassland vegetation of India.

The Terai-Duar savanna and grasslands.

23. Name one endemic plant species of India.

Nepenthes khasiana (Pitcher plant).

24. Write the full form of EIA.

Environmental Impact Assessment.

25. Name one NGO for environmental protection.

World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) or Greenpeace.

SECTION-B (Answer any five) [2 × 5 = 10]

26. Short note on acid rain.

Acid rain is caused by chemical reactions when compounds like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides are released into the air. These substances can rise very high into the atmosphere, where they mix and react with water, oxygen, and other chemicals to form acidic pollutants. It damages forests, aquatic life, and buildings.

27. Short note on ozone layer depletion.

Ozone layer depletion is the thinning of the ozone layer in the upper atmosphere. It is primarily caused by man-made chemicals like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). This depletion allows more Ultraviolet (UV) radiation to reach the Earth, increasing risks of skin cancer and eye damage.

28. Brief note on keystone species.

A keystone species is an organism that helps define an entire ecosystem. Without its keystone species, the ecosystem would be dramatically different or cease to exist altogether. Example: The African Elephant.

29. What do you mean by red list categories?

The IUCN Red List categories are intended to be an easily understood system for classifying species at high risk of global extinction. Categories include Extinct (EX), Endangered (EN), Vulnerable (VU), and Near Threatened (NT).

30. Brief note on causes of threats in Indian biodiversity.

Major threats include habitat loss due to deforestation, over-exploitation of resources, pollution, and the introduction of invasive alien species. Climate change also poses a significant threat to endemic species.

SECTION-C (Answer any five) [8 × 5 = 40]

37. Describe the levels of biodiversity. Note on alpha, beta and gamma diversity. [4+4]

Levels of Biodiversity: Biodiversity is typically observed at three levels:

  • Genetic Diversity: Variation in genes within a single species.
  • Species Diversity: The variety of species within a habitat or region.
  • Ecosystem Diversity: The variety of ecosystems in a broad geographic area.

Whittaker's Diversity Measures:

  • Alpha Diversity: Diversity within a particular area or ecosystem (local diversity).
  • Beta Diversity: The variation of species composition between different ecosystems.
  • Gamma Diversity: The overall diversity for the different ecosystems within a large region.

40. Why is India a megabiodiversity nation? Give account of biodiversity of India. [4+4]

India is recognized as one of the 17 megabiodiversity countries in the world because it harbors a high percentage of the world's species.

  • Geographic Diversity: India has diverse landscapes ranging from the Himalayas to the Thar Desert and coastal regions.
  • Species Richness: It accounts for nearly 7-8% of all recorded species globally.
  • Endemism: A large number of species, especially in the Western Ghats and Himalayas, are found nowhere else.
  • Cultural Link: Traditional knowledge and sacred groves contribute to preserving biodiversity.

41. Characteristics of biodiversity hotspots of India with examples. [8]

Biodiversity hotspots are regions that contain high levels of species richness and a high degree of endemism, but are also under significant threat.

Characteristics:

  • Must contain at least 1,500 species of vascular plants as endemics.
  • Must have lost at least 70% of its original native vegetation.

Examples in India:

  • Himalayas: Home to species like the Snow Leopard and numerous medicinal plants.
  • Western Ghats: Known for high amphibian and plant diversity; includes Silent Valley.
  • Indo-Burma: Covers parts of Northeast India.
  • Sundaland: Includes the Nicobar Islands.

Exam Focus Enhancements

  • Exam Tips: For "Levels of Biodiversity," always mention Genetic, Species, and Ecosystem levels.
  • Common Mistakes: Do not confuse "Ex-situ" (away from habitat) with "In-situ" (within habitat) conservation.
  • Important Formulas: While not mathematical, remember the IUCN Categories hierarchy from Extinct to Least Concern.
  • Strategy: In Section C, use bullet points for "Causes of Global Warming" to score full marks.

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