Biodiversity And Conservation

The correct option is(A): Lesser interspecific competition.

Areas characterized by significant concentrations of species endemism and facing substantial habitat loss are termed ecological hotspots, commonly known as biodiversity hotspots. They constitute approximately 2.3% of the Earth's land surface and currently, there are 36 such hotspots worldwide. Meeting stringent criteria, an area becomes an ecological hotspot by harboring a minimum of 1,500 species of vascular plants that are exclusively found there (referred to as "endemic" species) and having experienced the loss of at least 70% of its original native vegetation. Due to the abundance of species in these regions, there is a noteworthy level of competition between different species for resources.

Therefore, the correct option is Lesser interspecific competition.

• The Joint Forest Management (JFM) program was officially started in India in the 1980s as a partnership between local communities and the Forest Department.
• It aimed to involve local communities in the protection, regeneration, and management of forests.
• The concept was formally adopted in 1988 with the National Forest Policy, and the first JFM program was implemented in West Bengal in 1987.
• The program recognizes that local people are key stakeholders in the conservation and sustainable use of forest resources.

The Ganges River Dolphin (also known as the Susu) is the National Aquatic Animal of India.

• It is endemic to the river Ganges and is found only in India and neighbouring countries.
• Dolphins are mammals in aquatic ecosystems that are endangered due to habitat loss, fishing, pollutants, and hunting for meat and oil.

Option 4: Dachigam National Park, Jammu & Kashmir

Explanation:

Dachigam National Park is located near Srinagar in Jammu & Kashmir. It is famously known as the last natural habitat of the critically endangered Hangul, also known as the Kashmir stag. This rare species of red deer is found only in this region, making the park crucial for its conservation.

Other Parks:

• Keibul Lamjao National Park: Known for the endangered Sangai deer (dancing deer), located in Manipur.
• Bandhavgarh National Park: Famous for Bengal tigers, located in Madhya Pradesh.
• Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary: Notable for bird species, especially the Bugun liocichla, located in Arunachal Pradesh.

Thus, the correct answer is Dachigam National Park, which is the home of Hangul.

• In vitro fertilization: A technique commonly used for reproducing plants or animals outside their natural environment. This is an ex situ method.
• National Parks: These are protected areas designated for wildlife conservation but occur within the natural habitats of the species. Thus, they are considered in situ conservation, not ex situ.
• Micropropagation: This is a tissue culture method used to grow large numbers of plants from small tissue pieces, an ex situ conservation technique.
• Cryopreservation: This involves freezing biological material at extreme temperatures to ensure longevity and maintain viability outside the natural environment, making it an ex situ method.

In situ conservation refers to the preservation of species in their natural habitats, which is a comprehensive approach that involves protecting entire ecosystems. This method aims to maintain and recover populations of species within their natural environments, where they have evolved. The correct answer to the question of what in situ conservation refers to is "Protect and conserve the whole ecosystem.

Explanation:

• Whole Ecosystem Conservation: By focusing on the entire ecosystem, in situ conservation helps ensure that species are protected along with the intricate web of interactions that sustain them.
• Benefits: Conserving entire ecosystems also provides benefits like maintaining genetic diversity, preserving ecological processes, and ensuring sustainable interactions among species.
• Examples: National parks and wildlife reserves are common implementations of in situ conservation, providing secure environments where species can thrive.

In summary, in situ conservation's emphasis on protecting whole ecosystems encapsulates a comprehensive approach to biodiversity conservation.

1. Habitat Loss and Fragmentation: This refers to the destruction and subdivision of habitats, leading to reduced biodiversity as species lose their natural environments.
2. Over-exploitation: This involves excessive use of natural resources, causing population declines and extinction of species, further reducing biodiversity.
3. Alien Species Invasion: Non-native species can outcompete, predate, or bring diseases to native species, disrupting ecosystems and diminishing biodiversity.
4. Co-extinction: The extinction of one species can lead to the extinction of others that depend on it, further decreasing biodiversity.