Why are forests considered “biodiversity hot spots”? List two ways in which an individual can contribute effectively to the management of forests and wildlife.
Why are forests considered “biodiversity hot spots”? List two ways in which an individual can contribute effectively to the management of forests and wildlife.
Forests are considered 'biodiversity hot spots' because they harbor an immense range of diverse life forms, including bacteria, fungi, ferns, flowering plants, nematodes, insects, birds, reptiles, and mammals. The measure of biodiversity of an area is the number of species found there.
An individual can contribute to the management of forests and wildlife by:
- Practicing the 5 R's (especially Reduce and Reuse) to minimize the consumption of forest-derived products like paper and wood, thereby reducing deforestation.
- Participating in local afforestation programs (planting trees) and spreading awareness about the conservation of wildlife and natural habitats.
Marking Scheme
- 1Explaining why forests are biodiversity hot spots (presence of a large variety of species/life forms): 1 mark
- 2Listing two individual contributions (0.5 mark for each valid point): 1 mark
Hint
Think about what 'biodiversity' means in terms of species variety, and recall simple daily habits that reduce pressure on forest resources.
Quick Oral Answer
Forests are biodiversity hot spots because they contain a huge variety of species of plants, animals, and microorganisms. An individual can help manage them by reducing paper wastage to save trees and by planting more trees.
Analysis & Explanation
Biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms found in a particular region. Forests are rich in species richness, containing a vast array of organisms from microscopic decomposers (like bacteria and fungi) to large plants and animals. Hence, they are called biodiversity hot spots. Protecting this biodiversity is crucial to maintaining ecological balance. Individuals can play a vital role by reducing waste, recycling paper, avoiding products made from endangered wildlife, and actively participating in community conservation efforts.
Common Mistakes
- 1Defining biodiversity hot spots only in terms of large animals, ignoring microorganisms, fungi, and plants.
- 2Suggesting large-scale government policies instead of individual-level actions as requested by the question.
Interesting Facts
The term 'biodiversity hotspot' was coined by Norman Myers in 1988. Forests contain more than 80% of the world's terrestrial species of animals, plants, and insects!
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many marks does this question carry in CBSE Class 10 Science 2015?
This question carries 2 marks in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2015 examination.
Which chapter does this question come from in Science?
This question is from the chapter "Our Environment" in the CBSE Class 10 Science syllabus.
What topic does this question cover in Science?
This question covers the topic "Ecosystem and Environment Management" from CBSE Class 10 Science.
What type of question is this in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2015 paper?
This is a Short Answer question from Section A in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2015 paper.