Biodiversity in Plants and Animals: Definition, Examples, Importance, Threats
Biodiversity in animals and plants refers to the variety of species that sustain ecosystems, provide food, medicines, and ecological balance. It is under severe threat due to human activities like deforestation, pollution, and illegal trade. With conservation efforts by WWF and global initiatives, protecting biodiversity is vital for Class 12 Biology and NEET exams.
This Story also Contains
- What is Biodiversity in Plants and Animals?
- Importance of Biodiversity in Plants and Animals
- Threats to Biodiversity
- WWF and Global Conservation Efforts
- Plant Biodiversity
- Animal Biodiversity
- Exam Relevance for Biodiversity
- Tips, Tricks, & Strategies
- Biodiversity in Plants and Animals NEET MCQs
- FAQs on Biodiversity in Plants and Animals
The diversity of organisms that make up the living world, including animals, plants, fungi, and even microorganisms, is referred to as biodiversity. In intricate web-like ecosystems, these different species and creatures work together to maintain equilibrium and sustain life. Everything in nature that we require for survival, such as food, clean water, medicines, and shelter, is supported by biodiversity.
What is Biodiversity in Plants and Animals?
Biodiversity maps the total variety of life forms at different levels. India is one of the world's most diverse countries. It is ranked ninth in terms of plant species diversity. Thousands of plant species have been discovered and used throughout the history of humans for agriculture and food production purposes. Like plants, animals have a variety of species. They are domesticated and used for food production, agriculture, and as the primary source of natural capital for the growth of livestock. India is home to two of the world's 25 biodiversity hotspots. It is the source of several important plant and animal species.
Importance of Biodiversity in Plants and Animals
Some important events regarding the importance of Biodiversity in Plants and Animals are discussed below in the table.
Events | Explanation |
Recently there has been a loss of 30% of the original forest cover of Borneo’s in just 40 years. | |
Endangered species | The highly endangered species are orangutans which have almost vanished in the last two decades. |
Biodiversity resilience | Biodiversity can be recovered if the pressure is reduced and the resources are managed wisely. |
WWF’s Conservation Efforts | According to the WWF, local communities and governments are working to protect the land and they also address the illegal deforestation taking place. |
Sustainable Resources | WWF collaborates with the business which is responsible for sourcing the products like paper and food. |
Rebuilding Biodiversity | It is important to rebuild the diversity of flora and fauna in order to build up the ecosystem and good life for human beings. |
Threats to Biodiversity
The threats to Biodiversity are explained below-
Habitat Destruction: Habitat fragmentation and loss can be due to urban development, agriculture, timber production, and infrastructural development. This affects ecosystems causing displacement and restrictions in the number of habitats available to species.
Climate Change: Global warming is an increasing threat to species and ecosystems due to shifts in temperature and amount of precipitation. It interferes with the functionality of ecological systems and may affect the life cycles of species.
Pollution: Biodiversity is affected by pollution from industries, agricultural leakages, plastics, and other toxins such as pesticides and heavy metals. Pollutants can bioaccumulate in ecosystems and affect the species in the ecosystem.
Invasive Species: Some of the invasive species are purposely brought in or as a consequence of other activities. They are capable of displacing indigenous species, changing the structure of habitats, and upsetting equilibriums.
Overexploitation: Overexploitation takes place when the rate at which species are caught and killed is beyond their recovery rates.
WWF and Global Conservation Efforts
The diversity of flora and fauna is under severe threat all across the globe. There is a huge diversity of flora and fauna present on the planet and some of them even may extend before being discovered. According to the WWF 2022 Living Planet report, the population of mammals, fish birds, reptiles and amphibians have declined by 69% since 1970. Some of the major points are discussed below:
Human activities like fishing, deforestation and water pollution are responsible for climate change and this is one of the major threats to biodiversity.
The illegal wildlife trade also is one of the major factors for farming the flora and fauna on the commercial level for commercial gain.
66% of the ocean ecosystem and 75% of the land environment have undergone significant changes due to the change in biodiversity.
About 1 million species are currently under threat of extinction according to the recent Global Assessment Report.
Protected Areas: National parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves.
Global conservation efforts include:
International Conventions: Conventions like CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) and Ramsar Convention (wetlands protection) to encourage conservation globally.
Ex situ conservation: It means conserving species outside of their natural habitats. It helps preserve gene variation and thus, save threatened species which have little chance of survival in their natural environments. Examples include Botanical gardens, seed banks, gene banks, and zoos.
Sustainable practices: Practices like organic farming and responsible forestry need to be practiced to reduce the adverse effects of climate change. Organic farming reduces the use of harmful fertilizers while responsible forestry maintains ecological balance.
Plant Biodiversity
Throughout human history, thousands of plant crop species have been discovered, created, utilised, and depended upon for food and agricultural output. Bushes, grasses, herbs, shrubs, trees, vines, ferns, and mosses are some of these plants. Thousands of plant species have been discovered and used throughout the history of humans for agriculture and food production purposes.
The plant provides oxygen through photosynthesis and sugar which is essential for human energy.
Due to the diverse biodiversity of humans, there is human interaction with the ecosystem which has been shaped into plant biodiversity for food, development and survival of the humans.
Despite the biodiversity of flora and fauna, there is only a small number of crop species present that currently meet the Global food and energy requirements.
Plant biodiversity helps humans to fight against diseases, climatic changes, drought and other environmental challenges.
Animal Biodiversity
Like plants, animals have a diverse range of species, and many have been tamed, domesticated, and used for food production, agriculture, and as the primary source of natural capital for the growth of livestock. This is essential for both maintaining rural development and food safety. Its management, however, has been appalling. Some basic points about the biodiversity of Animals are discussed below:
Animal species are important as they provide natural capital which is essential for lively stock growth and sustainable agriculture practices.
Wildlife species contribute to ecosystem services like pollination first control and also maintain the balance between the food chains.
Biodiversity loss is a threat to not only the ecosystem but also to the basic human needs that come from livelihood.
Genetic diversity within the animal species also helps them to adapt to some severe environments that will change diseases and evolve climate.
Exam Relevance for Biodiversity
During exam preparation, different types of questions about the Biodiversity of Plants and Animals are asked. The table below contains the different patterns of questions asked in different exams.
Exam Type | Types of Questions Asked |
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Paramedical |
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Tips, Tricks, & Strategies
It takes effort to remember everything in a single go. We made the entire problem easy. Some of the tricks regarding Biodiversity of Plants and Animals are given below which you can use to memorise the important points.
Threats to Biodiversity
"HIPO: Habitat loss, Invasive species, Pollution, Overexploitation"
H: Habitat loss due to urbanization, agriculture, and deforestation threatens many species.
I: Invasive species disrupt local ecosystems and outcompete native species for resources.
P: Pollution from chemicals, plastics, and waste negatively impacts wildlife and habitats.
O: Overexploitation of species for food, medicine, and other resources leads to population declines.
Conservation Strategies
"PARE: Protected areas, Awareness, Restoration, Education"
P: Establishing protected areas helps conserve critical habitats and species.
A: Raising awareness about biodiversity and its importance encourages public support for conservation.
R: Habitat restoration involves rehabilitating degraded ecosystems to promote biodiversity recovery.
E: Education initiatives foster understanding and engagement in biodiversity conservation efforts.
Role of Biodiversity in Ecosystems
"FRIENDS: Food webs, Resilience, Interdependence, Diversity, Ecosystem stability, Nutrient cycling, Services"
F: Food webs illustrate the complex relationships between species and energy flow in ecosystems.
R: Biodiversity contributes to resilience, allowing ecosystems to withstand changes and recover.
I: Interdependence of species highlights the importance of each organism in maintaining balance.
D: High diversity increases the stability and productivity of ecosystems.
E: Ecosystem stability is enhanced by diverse species fulfilling different roles.
N: Nutrient cycling ensures the availability of essential resources for all organisms.
S: Ecosystem services provided by biodiversity benefit humans and the environment.
Biodiversity in Plants and Animals NEET MCQs
Q1. Which of the following groups exhibit more species diversity?
Gymnosperms
Algae
Bryophytes
Fungi
Correct answer: 4) Fungi
Explanation:
Fungi and angiosperms harbour the highest species diversity. The estimated number of fungi species is 1.5 million, and only 120,000 have been described. They occupy the most critical ecological niches in decomposition, symbiosis, and as pathogens. Their ecological significance and biodiversity have made them one of the main groups of study interest in both biology and environmental science.
Hence the correct answer is Option (4) Fungi.
Q2. Tropical regions show greatest level of species richness because
A. Tropical latitudes have remained relatively undisturbed for millions of years, hence more time was available for species diversification.
B. Tropical environments are more seasonal.
C. More solar energy is available in tropics.
D. Constant environments promote niche specialization.
E. Tropical environments are constant and predictable.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below.
A, C, D and E only
A and B only
A, B and E only
A, B and D only
Correct answer: 1) A, C, D and E only
Explanation:
Only statement B is incorrect because tropical environments unlike temperate ones, are less seasonal, relatively more constant and predictable. In tropical environments, temperature and rainfall remain relatively stable throughout the year, leading to less seasonal variation compared to temperate regions, where distinct seasonal changes occur. This constant climate promotes a high level of biodiversity, as organisms adapt to a steady environment with fewer fluctuations. Tropical regions also experience more consistent day length, which contributes to the predictability of ecological processes like flowering and fruiting. In contrast, temperate regions have colder winters and varying daylight hours, causing organisms to undergo adaptations such as hibernation or seasonal migrations. The reduced seasonal pressure in tropical areas allows for year-round growth and reproduction in many species.
Hence, the correct answer is option 1) A, C, D and E only
Q3. Which of the following is not a type of biodiversity?
Genetic Diversity
Ecosystem Diversity
Species Diversity
Human Diversity
Correct answer: 4) Human Diversity
Explanation:
Option(A) Within a species different inherited traits are the characteristic of genetic diversity, a form of biodiversity. Hence option A is incorrect.
Option(B) Ecosystem diversity refers to differences in ecosystems and their impact on human life, a form of biodiversity. Hence option B is incorrect.
Option(C) Different species in an ecosystem form species diversity, a form of biodiversity. Hence option C is incorrect.
Biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms on Earth. It is a broad term including genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity. Present-day climatic changes have a great impact on biodiversity in the world. Human diversity is not a type of biodiversity, as it refers to the variety of human cultures and traditions.
Hence, the correct answer is option 4) Human Diversity.
Also Read:
FAQs on Biodiversity in Plants and Animals
What is biodiversity in plants and animals?
Biodiversity refers to the variety of living organisms on Earth, including plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms. It includes diversity at three levels – genetic diversity (variation within species), species diversity (number of species), and ecosystem diversity (different habitats like forests, deserts, oceans).
Why is biodiversity important for humans?
Provides food, medicines, fibres, and fuel.
Maintains ecosystem balance and provides ecosystem services such as pollination, nutrient cycling, etc.
Supports economic growth through agriculture, forestry, and tourism.
Has cultural, spiritual, and aesthetic value.
What are the major threats to biodiversity?
Habitat loss and deforestation due to urbanization, agriculture, and mining.
Climate change altering habitats and causing species extinction.
Air, water, and soil pollution affect species survival.
Overexploitation like hunting, fishing, making it difficult to recover
Invasive alien species that outcompete native organisms.
What is the importance of plant biodiversity in maintaining animal biodiversity?
Plant biodiversity is crucial for animal biodiversity as plants provide food, shelter, and habitats for animals. A diverse plant community supports a wider range of animal species by offering varied resources and niches, creating complex food webs, and maintaining ecosystem stability.