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Introduction to Biodiversity
- Biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms on Earth, encompassing all species, genetic variations, and ecosystems.
- It plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance by supporting ecosystem stability and resilience.
- Biodiversity ensures the functioning and productivity of ecosystems.
Role of Biodiversity in Ecological Processes
- Primary producers, such as plants and algae, convert solar energy into food, formi
Introduction to Biodiversity Hotspots
- A biodiversity hotspot is a region with a high level of species richness and endemism that is under significant threat from human activities.
- The concept of biodiversity hotspots was introduced by Norman Myers in 1988.
- For a region to qualify as a biodiversity hotspot, it must have at least 1,500 species of vascular plants as endemics and must have lost at least 70% of its original habitat.
- Globally, there are 36 biodiversity hotspots
Introduction to Biodiversity
- Biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms on Earth, encompassing all living organisms and ecosystems.
- It is crucial for the functioning of ecosystems and the survival of life.
- The three main levels of biodiversity are genetic diversity, species diversity, and ecosystem diversity.
Genetic Diversity
- Genetic diversity refers to the variation of genes within a species.
- It encompasses differences in DNA among indivi
Wetlands
- Wetlands are ecosystems where water is the primary factor controlling the environment and the associated plant and animal life.
- They include areas like marshes, swamps, bogs, and fens.
- Freshwater wetlands are found inland, while coastal wetlands are influenced by tides and include salt marshes.
- Wetlands are rich in biodiversity, providing habitat for numerous species of plants and animals.
- They play a cr
- Aquatic ecosystems are water-based ecosystems where organisms interact with the aquatic environment.
- They are classified into freshwater and marine ecosystems based on salinity levels.
Freshwater Ecosystems
- Freshwater ecosystems have low salt concentration, typically less than 1% salinity.
- They include rivers, lakes, ponds, wetlands, and streams.
- Freshwater ecosystems support a wide vari
- Terrestrial ecosystems are land-based ecosystems where organisms interact with the environment.
- These ecosystems are influenced by climatic factors such as temperature, rainfall, and sunlight.
- Terrestrial ecosystems are broadly classified into forests, grasslands, and deserts.
Forests
- Forests are ecosystems dominated by trees and dense vegetation.
- They are classified into tropical, temperate, and