Biodiversity, which refers to the variety of plant and animal life in the world or within a specific habitat, is assessed through two primary components: species richness and species evenness.
- Species Richness:
- Species richness quantifies the number of different species present in a given community or area.
- Species Evenness:
- Species evenness measures the relative abundance of the various species contributing to the richness of a particular area.
For example:
Consider two sample forests, A and B. Forest A has 4 tigers, 5 deer, and 6 rabbits, while Forest B has 1 tiger, 6 deer, and 8 rabbits. Both samples exhibit the same species richness (3 species) and an equal total number of individuals (15). However, Forest A demonstrates higher evenness compared to Forest B.
INDIA’ S BIODIVERSITY
India is acknowledged as one of the mega-diverse nations, distinguished for its abundant biodiversity and associated traditional knowledge. The country demonstrates a profound commitment to environmental conservation and preservation.
- Extensive Forest Cover:
- India dedicates 23.39% of its geographical area to forest and tree cover, signifying a significant commitment to environmental sustainability.
- Global Biodiversity Contributor:
- Despite comprising just 2.4% of the total land area, India contributes substantially to global biodiversity, accounting for nearly 7% of recorded species while supporting almost 18% of the global human population.
- Species Richness Rankings:
- India boasts impressive rankings in terms of species richness, securing the seventh position globally in mammals, the ninth in birds, and the fifth in reptiles.
- Endemism in Vertebrates:
- The country holds notable positions in vertebrate endemism, standing tenth globally in birds with 69 species, fifth in reptiles with 156 species, and seventh in amphibians with 110 species.
- Agricultural Significance:
- India plays a crucial role in global agriculture, representing 44% of the world’s crops, a substantial contribution compared to the world average of 11%.
- Ecological Diversity:
- India is characterized by its diverse ecosystems, encapsulated by its representation in two ‘Realms,’ five Biomes, ten Bio-geographic Zones, and twenty-five Bio-geographic Provinces.
Biomes of India
- The term “biome” refers to the major groups of plants and animals inhabiting regions characterized by specific climate patterns.
- It encapsulates the intricate interactions among animals, vegetation, and soil within a particular environment.
- The plants and animals within a biome showcase adaptations tailored to the unique conditions of their surroundings.
India, with its diverse landscapes and climatic variations, encompasses five distinct biomes:
Tropical Humid Forests:
- Characterized by high temperatures and abundant rainfall throughout the year.
- Rich biodiversity with a variety of plant and animal species adapted to the warm and wet conditions.
Tropical Dry or Deciduous Forests (including Monsoon Forests):
- Exhibits seasonal variations with a distinct dry period.
- Dominated by deciduous trees that shed their leaves during the dry season.
- Experiences monsoons, contributing to its unique characteristics.
Warm Deserts and Semi-Deserts:
- Marked by high temperatures and low precipitation.
- Vegetation adapted to arid conditions, including succulent plants and drought-resistant species.
Coniferous Forests:
- Found in regions with cooler temperatures and moderate to high rainfall.
- Dominated by coniferous trees, known for needle-like leaves and cone-bearing structures.
Alpine Meadows:
- Occurs in high-altitude regions with cold temperatures and variable precipitation.
- Characterized by grassy meadows and hardy plant species adapted to harsh mountainous environments.
Each of these biomes contributes to India’s ecological diversity, fostering unique ecosystems with specialized flora and fauna adapted to the specific climatic conditions of their respective regions.
BIOGEOGRAPHIC ZONES
- Biogeography deals with the geographical distribution of plants and animals.
- Biogeographic zones serve as a foundational concept for planning wildlife protected areas in India, allowing for the effective management and conservation of diverse ecosystems.
- India is divided into 10 distinct biogeographic zones, each characterized by unique environmental features and biodiversity.
These zones are as follows:
- Trans-Himalayas
- Himalayas
- Desert
- Semi-arid
- Western Ghats
- Deccan Peninsula
- Gangetic plain
- North-east India
- Islands
- Coasts
- Biogeographic Provinces
Biogeographic Provinces are eco systematic or biotic subdivisions within realms, providing a more detailed understanding of the ecological diversity within each zone. India is further divided into 25 biogeographic provinces, each representing a specific and unique combination of flora and fauna. The relationship between Biogeographic Zones and Biogeographic Provinces is outlined as follows:
Biogeographic Zones (10):
- Trans-Himalaya
- The Himalaya
- The Indian Desert
- The Semi-Arid
- The Western Ghats
- The Deccan Peninsula
- The Gangetic Plains
- The Coasts
- Northeast India
- Islands
Biogeographic Provinces (25):
- Trans-Himalaya
- 1A: Himalaya – Ladakh Mountains
- 1B: Himalaya – Tibetan Plateau
- 1C: Trans – Himalaya Sikkim
- The Himalaya
- 2A: Himalaya – North West Himalaya
- 2B: Himalaya – West Himalaya
- 2C: Himalaya – Central Himalaya
- 2D: Himalaya – East Himalaya
- The Indian Desert
- 3A: Desert – Thar
- 3B: Desert – Kutch
- The Semi-Arid
- 4A: Semi-Arid – Punjab Plains
- 4B: Semi-Arid – Gujarat Rajputana
- The Western Ghats
- 5A: Western Ghats – Malabar Plains
- 5B: Western Ghats – Western Ghats Mountains
- The Deccan Peninsula
- 6A: Deccan Peninsular – Central Highlands
- 6B: Deccan Peninsular – Chotta Nagpur
- 6C: Deccan Peninsular – Eastern Highlands
- 6D: Deccan Peninsular – Central Plateau
- 6E: Deccan Peninsular – Deccan South
- The Gangetic Plains
- 7A: Gangetic Plain – Upper Gangetic Plains
- 7B: Gangetic Plain – Lower Gangetic Plains
- The Coasts
- 8A: Coasts – West Coast
- 8B: Coasts – East Coast
- 8C: Coasts – Lakshadweep
- Northeast India
- 9A: North-East – Brahmaputra Valley
- 9B: North-East – North East Hills
- Islands
- 10A: Islands – Andaman
- 10B: Islands – Nicobars
FAQs on Biodiversity, Biomes, and Biogeographic Zones of India
Q1: What does biodiversity refer to?
A1: Biodiversity refers to the variety of plant and animal life in the world or within a specific habitat. It is assessed through two primary components: species richness and species evenness.
Q2: What is species richness?
A2: Species richness quantifies the number of different species present in a given community or area.
Q3: What is species evenness?
A3: Species evenness measures the relative abundance of various species contributing to the richness of a particular area.
Q4: Can you provide an example illustrating species evenness?
A4: Consider two sample forests, A and B. Forest A has 4 tigers, 5 deer, and 6 rabbits, while Forest B has 1 tiger, 6 deer, and 8 rabbits. Both samples exhibit the same species richness (3 species) and an equal total number of individuals (15). However, Forest A demonstrates higher evenness compared to Forest B.
Q5: How is India recognized in terms of biodiversity?
A5: India is recognized as one of the mega-diverse countries, known for its abundant biodiversity and associated traditional knowledge.
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