UNIT-II Ecosystems ,Biodiversity and Sustainable Practices

Various natural ecosystems, learning about their structure, functions, and ecological
characteristics. The importance of biodiversity, the threats it faces, and the methods used
for its conservation.

Ecosystem resilience, homeostasis, and carrying capacity, emphasizing the need for
sustainable ecosystem management. Strategies for in situ and ex situ conservation, nature
reserves, and the significance of India as a mega diverse nation.
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What is an Ecosystem?
An ecosystem is a structural and functional unit of ecology where the living organisms
interact with each other and the surrounding environment. In other words, an ecosystem is
a chain of interactions between organisms and their environment. The term “Ecosystem”
was first coined by A.G.Tansley, an English botanist, in 1935.
Read on to explore the structure, components, types and functions of the ecosystem in the
notes provided below.
Structure of the Ecosystem
The structure of an ecosystem is characterised by the organisation of both biotic and abiotic
components. This includes the distribution of energy in our environment. It also includes the
climatic conditions prevailing in that particular environment.

The structure of an ecosystem can be split into two main components,

namely:
 Biotic Components
 Abiotic Components
The biotic and abiotic components are interrelated in an ecosystem. It is an open system
where the energy and components can flow throughout the boundaries.

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Biotic Components
Biotic components refer to all living components in an ecosystem. Based on nutrition, biotic
components can be categorised into autotrophs, heterotrophs and saprotrophs (or
decomposers).
 Producers include all autotrophs such as plants. They are called autotrophs as they
can produce food through the process of photosynthesis. Consequently, all other
organisms higher up on the food chain rely on producers for food.
 Consumers or heterotrophs are organisms that depend on other organisms for food.
Consumers are further classified into primary consumers, secondary consumers and
tertiary consumers.

Primary consumers are always herbivores as they rely on producers for food.

Secondary consumers depend on primary consumers for

energy. They can either be carnivores or omnivores.
Tertiary consumers are organisms that depend on secondary
consumers for food. Tertiary consumers can also be carnivores
or omnivores.
Quaternary consumers are present in some food chains. These organisms
prey on tertiary consumers for energy. Furthermore, they are usually at the
top of a food chain as they have no natural predators.
Decomposers include saprophytes such as fungi and bacteria. They directly thrive on
the dead and decaying organic matter. Decomposers are essential for the ecosystem
as they help in recycling nutrients to bereused by plants.
Abiotic Components
Abiotic components are the non-living component of an ecosystem. It includes air, water,
soil, minerals, sunlight, temperature, nutrients, wind, altitude, turbidity, etc.
Functions of Ecosystem

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The functions of the ecosystem are as follows:

1. It regulates the essential ecological processes, supports life systems and

renders stability.
2. It is also responsible for the cycling of nutrients between biotic and abiotic
components.
3. It maintains a balance among the various trophic levels in the ecosystem.
4. It cycles the minerals through the biosphere.
5. The abiotic components help in the synthesis of organic components that
involve the exchange of energy.
So the functional units of an ecosystem or functional components that work together in an
ecosystem are:
 Productivity – It refers to the rate of biomass production.
 Energy flow – It is the sequential process through which energy flows from one
trophic level to another. The energy captured from the sun flows from producers to
consumers and then to decomposers and finally back to the environment.
 Decomposition – It is the process of breakdown of dead organic material. The top-
soil is the major site for decomposition.
 Nutrient cycling – In an ecosystem nutrients are consumed and recycled back in
various forms for the utilisation by various organisms.
Types of Ecosystem
An ecosystem can be as small as an oasis in a desert, or as big as an ocean, spanning
thousands of miles. There are two types of ecosystem:
 Terrestrial Ecosystem
 Aquatic Ecosystem
Terrestrial Ecosystem
Terrestrial ecosystems are exclusively land-based ecosystems. There are different types of
terrestrial ecosystems distributed around various geological zones. They are as follows:
1. Forest Ecosystem
2. Grassland Ecosystem
3. Tundra Ecosystem
4. Desert Ecosystem
Forest Ecosystem
A forest ecosystem consists of several plants, particularly trees, animals and microorganisms
that live in coordination with the abiotic factors of the environment. Forests help in
maintaining the temperature of the earth and are the major carbon sink.
Grassland Ecosystem
In a grassland ecosystem, the vegetation is dominated by grasses and herbs. Temperate
grasslands and tropical or savanna grasslands are examples of grassland ecosystems.

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Tundra Ecosystem
Tundra ecosystems are devoid of trees and are found in cold climates or where rainfall is
scarce. These are covered with snow for most of the year. Tundra type of ecosystem is found
in the Arctic or mountain tops.
Desert Ecosystem
Deserts are found throughout the world. These are regions with little rainfall and scarce
vegetation. The days are hot, and the nights are cold.
Aquatic Ecosystem
Aquatic ecosystems are ecosystems present in a body of water. These can be
further divided into two types, namely:
1. Freshwater Ecosystem
2. Marine Ecosystem
Freshwater Ecosystem
The freshwater ecosystem is an aquatic ecosystem that includes lakes, ponds,
rivers, streams and wetlands. These have no salt content in contrast with the
marine ecosystem.
Marine Ecosystem
The marine ecosystem includes seas and oceans. These have a more substantial
salt content and greater biodiversity in comparison to the freshwater
ecosystem.

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Important Ecological Concepts

1. Food Chain
The sun is the ultimate source of energy on earth. It provides the energy required for all
plant life. The plants utilise this energy for the process of photosynthesis, which is used to
synthesise their food.
During this biological process, light energy is converted into chemical energy and is passed
on through successive trophic levels. The flow of energy from a producer, to a consumer
and eventually, to an apex predator or a detritivore is called the food chain.

Dead and decaying matter, along with organic debris, is broken down into its constituents by
scavengers. The reducers then absorb these constituents. After gaining the energy, the
reducers liberate molecules to the environment, which can be utilised again by the
producers.

2. Ecological Pyramids
An ecological pyramid is the graphical representation of the number, energy, and biomass of
the successive trophic levels of an ecosystem. Charles Elton was the first ecologist to
describe the ecological pyramid and its principals in 1927.
The biomass, number, and energy of organisms ranging from the producer level to the
consumer level are represented in the form of a pyramid; hence, it is known as the
ecological pyramid.
The base of the ecological pyramid comprises the producers, followed by primary and
secondary consumers. The tertiary consumers hold the apex. In some food chains, the
quaternary consumers are at the very apex of the food chain.
The producers generally outnumber the primary consumers and similarly, the primary
consumers outnumber the secondary consumers. And lastly, apex predators also follow the
same trend as the other consumers; wherein, their numbers are considerably lower than the
secondary consumers.
For example, Grasshoppers feed on crops such as cotton and wheat, which are plentiful.
These grasshoppers are then preyed upon by common mouse, which are comparatively less
in number. The mice are preyed upon by snakes such as cobras. Snakes are ultimately preyed
on by apex predators such as the brown snake eagle.
In essence:
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Grasshopper →Mouse→ Cobra → Brown Snake Eagle

3. Food Web
Several interconnected food chains form a food web. A food web is similar to a food chain
but the food web is comparatively larger than a food chain. Occasionally, a single organism is
consumed by many predators or it consumes several other organisms. Due to this, many
trophic levels get interconnected. The food chain fails to showcase the flow of energy in the
right way. But, the food web is able to show the proper representation of energy flow, as it
displays the interactions between different organisms.

When there are more cross-interactions between different food chains, the food web gets
more complex. This complexity in a food web leads to a more sustainable ecosystem.
Energy Flow
The chemical energy of food is the main source of energy required by all living organisms.
This energy is transmitted to different trophic levels along the food chain. This energy flow is
based on two different laws of thermodynamics:
 First law of thermodynamics, that states that energy can neither be created nor
destroyed, it can only change from one form to another.
 Second law of thermodynamics, that states that as energy is transferred more and
more of it is wasted.

 Energy Flow in Ecosystem

 The energy flow in the ecosystem is one of the major factors that support the survival
of such a great number of organisms. For almost all organisms on earth, the primary
source of energy is solar energy. It is amusing to find that we receive less than 50 per
cent of the sun’s effective radiation on earth. When we say effective radiation, we
mean the radiation, which can be used by plants to carry out photosynthesis.
Nutrient cycle:-The nutrient cycle is a system where energy and matter are
transferred between living organisms and non-living parts of the environment. This
occurs as animals and plants consume nutrients found in the soil, and these nutrients
are then released back into the environment via death and decomposition.
Nutrient Cycle Definition

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“A nutrient cycle is defined as the cyclic pathway by which nutrients pass-through, in

order to be recycled and reutilised. The pathway comprises cells, organisms,
community and ecosystem.”
In the process, nutrients get absorbed, transferred, released and reabsorbed. It is a
natural recycling system of mineral nutrients.
Nutrients consumed by plants and animals are returned to the environment after
death and decomposition and the cycle continues.
Soil microbes play an important role in nutrient recycling. They decompose organic
matter to release nutrients. They are also important to trap and transform nutrients
into the soil, which can be taken up by plant roots.
Nutrient cycling rate depends on various biotic, physical and chemical factors.
Examples of a nutrient cycle: carbon cycle, nitrogen cycle, water cycle, oxygen cycle,
etc.
Biodiversity
Biodiversity is all the different kinds of life you'll find in one area—the variety of
animals, plants, fungi, and even microorganisms like bacteria that make up our
natural world. Each of these species and organisms work together in ecosystems, like
an intricate web, to maintain balance and support life.
Biodiversity describes the richness and variety of life on earth. It is the most complex
and important feature of our planet. Without biodiversity, life would not sustain.
The term biodiversity was coined in 1985. It is important in natural as well as artificial
ecosystems. It deals with nature’s variety, the biosphere. It refers to variabilities
among plants, animals and microorganism species.
Biodiversity includes the number of different organisms and their relative frequencies
in an ecosystem. It also reflects the organization of organisms at different levels.
Biodiversity holds ecological and economic significance. It provides us with
nourishment, housing, fuel, clothing and several other resources. It also extracts
monetary benefits through tourism. Therefore, it is very important to have a good
knowledge of biodiversity for a sustainable livelihood.
Types of Biodiversity
There are the following three different types of biodiversity:
 Genetic Biodiversity
 Species Biodiversity
 Ecological Biodiversity

Species diversity

Species diversity refers to the variety of different types of species found in a particular area.
It is the biodiversity at the most basic level. It includes all the species ranging from plants to
different microorganisms.

No two individuals of the same species are exactly similar. For example, humans show a lot of
diversity among themselves.

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Genetic diversity

It refers to the variations among the genetic resources of the organisms. Every individual of a
particular species differs from each other in their genetic constitution. That is why every
human looks different from each other. Similarly, there are different varieties in the same
species of rice, wheat, maize, barley, etc.

Ecological diversity

An ecosystem is a collection of living and non-living organisms and their interaction with each
other. Ecological biodiversity refers to the variations in the plant and animal species living
together and connected by food chains and food webs.

It is the diversity observed among the different ecosystems in a region. Diversity in different
ecosystems like deserts, rainforests, mangroves, etc., include ecological diversity.

Importance of Biodiversity

Biodiversity and its maintenance are very important for sustaining life on earth. A few of the
reasons explaining the importance of biodiversity are:

Ecological Stability

Every species has a specific role in an ecosystem. They capture and store energy and also
produce and decompose organic matter. The ecosystem supports the services without which
humans cannot survive. A diverse ecosystem is more productive and can withstand
environmental stress.

Economic Importance
Biodiversity is a reservoir of resources for the manufacture of food, cosmetic products and
pharmaceuticals.

Crops livestock, fishery, and forests are a rich sources of food.

Wild plants such as Cinchona and Foxglove plant are used for medicinal purposes.

Wood, fibres, perfumes, lubricants, rubber, resins, poison and cork are all derived from
different plant species.

The national parks and sanctuaries are a source of tourism. They are a source of beauty and
joy for many people.

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Ethical Importance
All species have a right to exist. Humans should not cause their voluntary extinction.
Biodiversity preserves different cultures and spiritual heritage. Therefore, it is very important
to conserve biodiversity.

Biodiversity in India

India is one of the most diverse nations in the world. It ranks ninth in terms of plant species
richness. Two of the world’s 25 biodiversity hotspots are found in India. It is the origin of
important crop species such as pigeon pea, eggplant, cucumber, cotton and sesame. India is
also a centre of various domesticated species such as millets, cereals, legumes, vegetables,
medicinal and aromatic crops, etc.

India is equally diverse in its faunal wealth. There are about 91000 animal species found here.

However, diversity is depleting at a drastic rate and various programmes on biodiversity

conservation are being launched to conserve nature.

Ecosystem resilience

Ecosystem resilience is defined as the capacity of an ecosystem to return to its original state
after being disturbed, with a focus on restoring forest ecosystems in the context of natural
disasters and climate change.

1. Ecosystem resilience is the ability of an ecosystem to resist and recover from any kind
of disturbance like large-scale natural disasters, reduction in species diversity, etc.
2. Complex ecosystems are more resilient i.e., have a better ability to tolerate and
recover.
3. The main and most important factors in ecosystem resilience are namely: redundancy
and modularity.
4. Ecological redundancy is the functional compensation due to several species which
perform similar functions in an ecosystem.
5. Modularity is defined as the interconnectedness of the components of a system. For
example :In nature, modularity may refer to the construction of a cellular organism by
joining standard units to form large compositions like the hexagonal cells in a
honeycomb.

Homeostasis

Ecosystems are capable of remaining in an equilibrium condition. They have the

ability to control the structure and functional processes of their own species. This
ability of the ecosystem to self-regulate is called Homeostasis. Equilibrium balance is
essential for the sustainability of an ecosystem. Thus, environmental homeostasis is
the term used to describe the equilibrium of species in an ecosystem.

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Homeostasis in Ecosystem - Concept

 Equilibrium is fundamental to ecosystem homeostasis. When something is balanced,

it is in equilibrium.
 They have the ability to control the structure and function of their own species.
Homeostasis refers to the ecosystem's ability to self-regulate.
 When an organism seeks to maintain a consistent internal (body) environment that
allows all biochemical reactions and physiological activities to run as efficiently as
possible, hence improving the species' overall 'fitness'. Homeostasis is the term for
this procedure.
 This consistency could be in terms of ideal temperature or osmotic concentration of
body fluids, for example.
 Despite shifting external environmental variables that tend to upset the organism's
homeostasis, the organism should endeavor to maintain a constant internal (inside
the body) environment (a process termed homeostasis).
 Thus, the ecological systems' ability to maintain stable system features despite
disturbances can also be referred to as homeostasis.

Biodiversity Conservation Definition

“Biodiversity conservation refers to the protection, upliftment, and management of
biodiversity in order to derive sustainable benefits for present and future generations.”
Biodiversity conservation is the protection and management of biodiversity to obtain
resources for sustainable development.
Biodiversity conservation has three main objectives:
 To preserve the diversity of species.
 Sustainable utilization of species and ecosystem.
 To maintain life-supporting systems and essential ecological processes.
Biodiversity and its Conservation Methods
Biodiversity refers to the variability of life on earth. It can be conserved in the
following ways:
In-situ Conservation
Ex-situ Conservation

In-situ Conservation
In-situ conservation of biodiversity is the conservation of species within their natural
habitat. In this method, the natural ecosystem is maintained and protected.
The in-situ conservation has several advantages. Following are the important
advantages of in-situ conservation:
It is a cost-effective and convenient method of conserving biodiversity.
A large number of living organisms can be conserved simultaneously.
Since the organisms are in a natural ecosystem, they can evolve better and can easily
adjust to different environmental conditions.
Certain protected areas where in-situ conservation takes place include national
parks, wildlife sanctuaries and biosphere reserves.

National Parks

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These are small reserves maintained by the government. Its boundaries are well
demarcated and human activities such as grazing, forestry, habitat and cultivation are
prohibited. For eg., Kanha National Park, and Bandipur National Park.

Wildlife Sanctuaries
These are the regions where only wild animals are found. Human activities such as
timber harvesting, cultivation, collection of woods and other forest products are
allowed here as long as they do not interfere with the conservation project. Also,
tourists visit these places for recreation.

Biosphere Reserves
Biosphere reserves are multi-purpose protected areas where the wildlife, traditional
lifestyle of the inhabitants and domesticated plants and animals are protected.
Tourist and research activities are permitted here.

Ex-situ Conservation
Ex-situ conservation of biodiversity involves the breeding and maintenance of
endangered species in artificial ecosystems such as zoos, nurseries, botanical gardens,
gene banks, etc. There is less competition for food, water and space among the
organisms.
Ex-situ conservation has the following advantages:
The animals are provided with a longer time and breeding activity.
The species bred in captivity can be reintroduced in the wild.
Genetic techniques can be used for the preservation of endangered species.

Strategies for Biodiversity Conservation

Following are the important strategies for biodiversity conservation:
All the varieties of food, timber plants, livestock, microbes and agricultural animals
should be conserved.
All the economically important organisms should be identified and conserved.
Unique ecosystems should be preserved first.
The resources should be utilized efficiently.
Poaching and hunting of wild animals should be prevented.
The reserves and protected areas should be developed carefully.
The levels of pollutants should be reduced in the environment.
Deforestation should be strictly prohibited.
Environmental laws should be followed strictly.
The useful and endangered species of plants and animals should be conserved in their
nature as well as artificial habitats.
Public awareness should be created regarding biodiversity conservation and its
importance.

Why should you conserve Biodiversity?

It is believed that an area with higher species abundance has a more stable
environment compared to an area with lower species abundance. We can further
claim the necessity of biodiversity by considering our degree of dependency on the

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environment. We depend directly on various species of plants for our various needs.
Similarly, we depend on various species of animals and microbes for different
reasons.
Biodiversity is being lost due to the loss of habitat, over-exploitation of resources,
climatic changes, pollution, invasive exotic species, diseases, hunting, etc. Since it
provides us with several economic and ethical benefits and adds aesthetic value, it is
very important to conserve biodiversity.
Need for sustainable ecosystem management

Emphasizing the need for sustainable ecosystem management is crucial for ensuring the
health and resilience of the environment. Ecosystem management focuses on maintaining
and restoring ecosystems to support biodiversity, the provision of ecosystem services, and
overall human well-being. Here are key points to emphasize:
1. Biodiversity Preservation
 Ecosystems are home to a vast array of species, each playing a role in the balance and
function of the system. Sustainable management ensures that biodiversity is
maintained, which is critical for ecosystem stability, resilience, and adaptability to
environmental changes.
 Loss of biodiversity can result in the collapse of ecosystems, reducing their ability to
provide vital services such as pollination, water purification, and food sources.
2. Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation
 Ecosystems such as forests, wetlands, and oceans act as carbon sinks, absorbing
carbon dioxide and helping mitigate the effects of climate change. By managing
ecosystems sustainably, we can enhance their capacity to regulate the global climate.
 Ecosystem management is also vital for adapting to the impacts of climate change by
preserving habitats that provide protection from natural disasters, such as coastal
ecosystems that buffer against storms and flooding.
3. Water and Soil Protection
 Healthy ecosystems are essential for maintaining clean water and fertile soil.
Wetlands filter pollutants, forests regulate water cycles, and diverse plant cover
prevents soil erosion.
 Unsustainable land use practices, such as deforestation or overgrazing, can lead to
soil degradation, water pollution, and reduced agricultural productivity.
4. Supporting Livelihoods and Economic Development
 Many communities rely on ecosystem services for their livelihoods. Sustainable
ecosystem management can support industries such as agriculture, fisheries, forestry,
and tourism, ensuring long-term economic stability.
 By managing ecosystems responsibly, we can avoid overexploitation of resources,
which could otherwise lead to the collapse of industries that depend on them.
5. Restoring Degraded Ecosystems

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 Many ecosystems are under threat from human activities, leading to degradation.
Restoration of these ecosystems through sustainable management practices can
revitalize lost services, enhance biodiversity, and improve the resilience of local
communities.
 Restoration efforts, such as reforestation and wetland restoration, can play a pivotal
role in recovering ecosystem functions and services.
6. Integration of Human and Ecological Needs
 Sustainable ecosystem management requires balancing human development with
ecological conservation. It involves planning for land use, conservation areas, and
sustainable resource extraction that respect both the environment and the needs of
local communities.
 Ensuring that communities are involved in decision-making processes and are
empowered to manage their natural resources fosters stewardship and long-term
success.
7. Global and Local Cooperation
 Ecosystem management needs to be approached at both local and global levels.
Climate change, deforestation, and pollution cross borders, requiring cooperation
across countries and sectors to address global challenges.
 Locally, communities and governments can implement sustainable practices tailored
to their specific environmental and socio-economic contexts.
Conclusion
Sustainable ecosystem management is essential for the well-being of future generations. It
not only helps maintain biodiversity and ecosystem services but also fosters resilience against
environmental change and supports sustainable development. We must prioritize ecosystem
health by adopting practices that balance human needs with environmental sustainability,
ensuring a harmonious and thriving planet for years to come.
Nature Reserves:
Definition of Nature Reserves

A nature reserve is a protected area of land and/or sea that is managed for the conservation
of its natural environment, wildlife, and cultural heritage. These areas are set aside to
preserve the ecological balance, protect endangered species, and provide a safe haven for
flora and fauna. Nature reserves are established by governments, non-profit organizations,
and private entities to safeguard ecosystems from human activities such as deforestation,
pollution, and habitat destruction.

Purpose of Nature Reserves

The primary purpose of nature reserves is to conserve biodiversity and protect natural
habitats. By designating specific areas as nature reserves, authorities aim to maintain the
delicate balance of ecosystems, prevent species extinction, and promote sustainable

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development. Nature reserves also serve as research sites for scientists, providing valuable
insights into the functioning of ecosystems and the impact of human activities on the
environment.

Management of Nature Reserves

Nature reserves are managed by trained professionals, conservationists, and park rangers
who oversee the protection and preservation of the area. Management activities may include
habitat restoration, wildlife monitoring, invasive species control, and public education.
Sustainable tourism practices are often implemented to ensure that visitors can experience
the beauty of nature reserves without causing harm to the environment.

Types of Nature Reserves

 National Parks: Large areas of protected land managed for conservation and
recreation.
 Wildlife Sanctuaries: Focused on protecting endangered species and their habitats.
 Marine Reserves: Areas of ocean or coastal waters protected for marine biodiversity.
 Biosphere Reserves: Designated by UNESCO to promote sustainable development and
biodiversity conservation.

Challenges Facing Nature Reserves

Despite their importance, nature reserves face various challenges that threaten their
sustainability. These challenges include illegal poaching, habitat destruction, climate change,
and inadequate funding for conservation efforts. It is essential for governments,
organizations, and individuals to work together to address these challenges and ensure the
long-term protection of nature reserves.

India as a mega diverse nation.

Mega diversity refers to a country’s ability to exhibit a high level of biodiversity. A biologically
diverse nation has at least 5,000 plant species and must be bordered by marine ecosystems.
India is one of the world’s megadiverse countries, with 45,000 plant species and twice as
many animal species. India has only 2.4 per cent of the world’s land area, but it has 8.1 per
cent of the world’s species diversity, making it one of the world’s 12 mega diversity countries.

Flora and Fauna in India

The rich flora and wildlife of India are well-known. India is home to about 500 mammalian
species, over 200 avian species, and over 30,000 insect species. The Zoological Survey of
India, headquartered in Kolkata, is in charge of surveying India’s faunal resources.

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India has a diverse temperature, topography, and habitat, and is noted for having the world’s
richest flora, with over 18000 blooming plant species. These plant species account for about
7% of all plant species on the planet. The Western and Eastern Himalayas, Malabar, Assam,
the Deccan, Indus and Ganges, and the Andaman Islands are the eight main floristic zones in
India, which are home to 3000 Indian plant species.

Mega Diversity Hotspots in India

Four regions in India are classified as mega diversity hotspots, as they constitute a majority of
different species of plants, animals and aquatic species in the ecosystem. Here are the 4
regions of Diversity hotspots in India:

1. Sundaland
2. Indo-Burma Region
3. The Himalayas
4. The Western Ghats

Sundaland

Sundaland is a South-East Asian hotspot that includes south-east Asian countries of

Indonesia, Singapore and others. Sundaland was designated as a World Biosphere Reserve by
the UN System in 2013. The rich land and marine ecosystems of this region are well-known.
Sundaland is among the world’s ecologically richest regions with 25,000 varieties of vascular
plants, 15,000 of which are unique to this region.

Indo-Burma Region

The Indo-Burma region covers a total area of 2,373,000 km2. Annamite Muntjac, Leaf Deer,
Annamite Striped Rabbit, SaolaGrey-shanked Douc, Large-antlered Muntjac, are six large
animal species that have been uncovered in this region in the previous 12 years.

This hotspot is particularly notable for its endemic aquatic turtle species, the majority of
which are endangered owing to overfishing and habitat destruction. The Grey-crowned
Crocias, Orange-necked Partridge and White-eared Night-heron are among the 1,300 bird
species found here.

Himalayan Region

The Himalayas are the world’s highest mountain range, with nine of the ten highest peaks,
including Mount Everest. These mountains, known as the Third Pole, are the source of some
of Asia’s major rivers and also aid in climate regulation.

The Himalayas (overall) include North-East India, Bhutan, and the central and eastern regions
of Nepal, and are considered the world’s highest mountains. There are 163 endangered
species in this region, including the Wild Asian Buffalo and One-horned Rhino. There are over
10,000 plant species found here, 3160 of which are indigenous. This mountain range spans
almost 750,000 square kilometres.

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The Himalayas are confronted with numerous challenges, and governments are under
pressure to provide for their people while also safeguarding their natural legacy. Forests are
being stretched as demand for lumber and food crops continues to rise. International
criminal networks are depleting forests of unique wildlife to serve the insatiable illegal
market, and protected regions are becoming isolated pockets. Global climate change is
melting the once-mighty Himalayas at a rate never before seen in human history, putting a
key source of freshwater for billions of people in Asia at jeopardy.

The Western Ghats

The Western Ghats run along the western end of the Indian Region, encompassing the
majority of India’s deciduous and rain forests. They are home to approximately 325 species of
globally vulnerable flora, animals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, and fish, according to UNESCO.

In the lower parts, the climate is humid and tropical, tempered by the proximity to the sea. A
more temperate climate can be found at elevations of 1,500 m (4,921 ft) and above in the
north and 2,000 m (6,562 ft) and above in the south. The annual average temperature is
roughly 15 degrees Celsius.

The natural vegetation is mostly dense tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen forest along
the west coast, with shola grassland at higher elevations.

The flora in this region used to cover 190,000 km2, but it has now been decreased to 43,000
km2. 229 plant species, 31 animal species, 15 bird species, 43 species of amphibians, 5 reptile
species, and various fish species are among the region’s globally vulnerable flora and fauna.
According to UNESCO, of the total 325 internationally critically endangered in the Ghats, 129
are classified as Endangered, 145 as Endangered, and 51 are listed as Critically Endangered.

Conclusion

India is a large country with a vast variety of flora and fauna. It also accounts for a good
number of endangered species which are required to be preserved and protected. The
country has provided good biodiversity grounds for numerous plants and animals to facilitate
and grow in 4 different biodiversity zones. It is important to preserve these regions and aid in
their growth.

Prof. M D IKHAR ,CMCS , Yavatmal 16

UNIT-II Ecosystems ,Biodiversity and Sustainable Practices

Prof. M D IKHAR ,CMCS , Yavatmal 17

UNIT-II Ecosystems ,Biodiversity and Sustainable Practices

Prof. M D IKHAR ,CMCS , Yavatmal 18

UNIT-II Ecosystems ,Biodiversity and Sustainable Practices

Prof. M D IKHAR ,CMCS , Yavatmal 19

UNIT-II Ecosystems ,Biodiversity and Sustainable Practices

Prof. M D IKHAR ,CMCS , Yavatmal 20

UNIT-II Ecosystems ,Biodiversity and Sustainable Practices

Prof. M D IKHAR ,CMCS , Yavatmal 21