Ecology & Environment – General Studies

Pollution is characterized by the introduction of harmful substances into the natural environment, leading to detrimental alterations. 

Trade in wildlife, both legal and illegal, represents a complex and multifaceted issue that has garnered increasing attention on a global scale.

A genetically modified organism (GMO) is an entity, whether it pertains to animals, plants, or microorganisms, that has undergone genetic engineering methods to modify its DNA.

Global extinction takes place when there are no surviving individuals of a species or another taxonomic unit (e.g., subspecies, genus, family, etc., collectively referred to as a taxon). 

Overexploitation has led to a significant depletion of natural resources that, a millennium ago, seemed inexhaustible but now face severe limitations primarily due to the expanding human population. 

An alien species refers to one that has been introduced outside its native range. According to experts, alien species become “invasive” when they are unintentionally or intentionally transported beyond their usual habitats, where they outcompete local species and disrupt the ecological balance. 

Habitat fragmentation refers to the modification of habitat, leading to the spatial separation of habitat units compared to their previous more connected state

Biodiversity loss, a critical environmental issue plaguing ecosystems worldwide, stems from a complex interplay of various factors

As per the latest assessment presented in the ‘State of the World’s Birds’ review, around 48% of the global bird species are identified or presumed to be experiencing declines in their populations.

The Living Planet Report 2022 by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) reveals a substantial 69% decline in the global populations of mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, and fish over the past 50 years.