Home › Free notes › Class 11 Geography › Biodiversity and Conservation

Biodiversity and Conservation – Class 11 Geography notes, important questions and MCQs

NCERT Class 11 Geography, chapter 14. Notes, key terms, important questions with answers and MCQs.

Chapter overview

Biodiversity is the variety of life on the Earth at three levels: genetic, species and ecosystem diversity. It provides food, medicines, raw materials and ecological services. Biodiversity is being lost because of habitat destruction, poaching, pollution, invasive species and climate change. Conservation includes protected areas, laws and international efforts, and India is one of the world's megadiverse countries with several biodiversity hotspots.

Levels and importance of biodiversity

Genetic diversity is variation within a species; species diversity is the variety of species in an area; ecosystem diversity is the variety of habitats and ecological processes.
Biodiversity has ecological value (maintaining ecosystems), economic value (food, fibres, medicines) and scientific and aesthetic value.
Tropical regions, especially rainforests, have the highest biodiversity.

Loss of biodiversity and conservation

Causes of loss include habitat loss from deforestation and urbanisation, overexploitation and poaching, pollution, invasive alien species and climate change; species can be classified by the IUCN as endangered, vulnerable, rare and so on.
In-situ conservation protects species in their natural habitat through national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and biosphere reserves; ex-situ conservation uses zoos, botanical gardens and seed banks.
India's measures include the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972, Project Tiger (1973), Project Elephant and biosphere reserves; the Convention on Biological Diversity was signed at the 1992 Earth Summit. India has four hotspots: the Himalaya, Indo-Burma, Western Ghats–Sri Lanka and Sundaland (Nicobar Islands).

Key terms

Biodiversity: the variety of life at genetic, species and ecosystem levels
Endemic species: species found only in a particular area
Biodiversity hotspot: a region with very high biodiversity and many endemic species under threat
In-situ conservation: protecting species in their natural habitat
Ex-situ conservation: protecting species outside their natural habitat

Important questions with answers

What is a biodiversity hotspot?2 marks

A biodiversity hotspot is a region with exceptionally high biodiversity, especially a large number of endemic species, that has lost much of its original habitat and is therefore under serious threat. India has four: the Himalaya, Indo-Burma, Western Ghats–Sri Lanka and Sundaland.

What are the main causes of loss of biodiversity?3 marks

Biodiversity is lost through destruction of habitats by deforestation, agriculture and urbanisation; overexploitation through hunting, poaching and overfishing; pollution of air, water and soil; the introduction of invasive alien species; and climate change, which alters habitats faster than species can adapt.

Explain the importance of biodiversity and the methods of its conservation.5 marks

Biodiversity is the variety of life at genetic, species and ecosystem levels. It is important for several reasons. Ecologically, every species plays a role in ecosystems, maintaining food chains, pollination, nutrient cycling, soil fertility, water purification and climate regulation. Economically, biodiversity provides food crops, livestock, fish, timber, fibres, medicines and raw materials for industry, and genetic diversity helps develop improved crop varieties. It also has scientific value for understanding life, and cultural and aesthetic value. Because biodiversity is being lost through habitat destruction, poaching, pollution, invasive species and climate change, conservation is necessary. In-situ conservation protects species in their natural habitats through national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, biosphere reserves and sacred groves. Ex-situ conservation protects species outside their habitats through zoos, botanical gardens, gene banks and seed banks. India has passed the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972 and the Biological Diversity Act of 2002, and launched Project Tiger in 1973 and Project Elephant in 1992. Internationally, the Convention on Biological Diversity (1992) and CITES regulate conservation and trade. Public participation, sustainable use and the protection of the rights of local communities are also essential.

Quick revision

Genetic, species, ecosystem diversity.
Values: ecological, economic, scientific.
Threats: habitat loss, poaching, pollution, invasive species, climate change.
Conservation: parks, sanctuaries, biosphere reserves; laws; hotspots.

Exam tips

Learn India's four biodiversity hotspots.
Compare in-situ and ex-situ conservation with examples.

Practice MCQs

Variety of life on the Earth is called
1. ecology
2. evolution
3. biodiversity
4. environment
Show answer
Answer: (c) biodiversity. It has three levels.
National parks are an example of
1. ex-situ conservation
2. zoos
3. seed banks
4. in-situ conservation
Show answer
Answer: (d) in-situ conservation. Species are protected in their habitat.
Project Tiger was launched in India in
1. 1952
2. 1973
3. 1986
4. 2002
Show answer
Answer: (b) 1973. It protects tigers and their habitat.
Species found only in a particular region are called
1. exotic
2. invasive
3. endemic
4. migratory
Show answer
Answer: (c) endemic. The Western Ghats have many.
The Wildlife (Protection) Act of India was passed in
1. 1952
2. 1972
3. 1986
4. 2002
Show answer
Answer: (b) 1972. It protects wild animals and plants.
Which is an ex-situ method of conservation
1. national park
2. biosphere reserve
3. seed bank
4. wildlife sanctuary
Show answer
Answer: (c) seed bank. It stores seeds outside natural habitats.
Which is NOT a biodiversity hotspot found in India
1. Himalaya
2. Western Ghats–Sri Lanka
3. Indo-Burma
4. Madagascar
Show answer
Answer: (d) Madagascar. Madagascar is in Africa.
Why do tropical rainforests have high biodiversity
1. very low rainfall
2. warm temperatures, high rainfall and stable conditions support many species
3. frequent ice ages
4. absence of sunlight
Show answer
Answer: (b) warm temperatures, high rainfall and stable conditions support many species. These conditions favour growth.

All chapters of Class 11 Geography

Written by Kundali IQ from standard, well-established facts to help with revision. This is not an official NCERT publication; always read your textbook too.