Key differences, features, and comparative analysis of Q and Answer in one line.
| Q | Answer in one line |
|---|---|
| 1. Three components of biodiversity | Genetic, Species and Ecological diversity |
| 2. How ecologists estimate total species | Statistical comparison of temperate vs tropical species richness of an exhaustively studied insect group, then extrapolate the ratio to other taxa |
| 3. Three hypotheses for tropical richness | TIME (undisturbed by glaciations, long evolutionary time) · CONSTANCY (less seasonal, predictable → niche specialisation) · ENERGY (more solar energy → higher productivity → indirectly more diversity) |
| 4. Significance of the slope of regression | Z shows how fast richness rises with area. It is 0.1–0.2 within a region regardless of taxon, but 0.6–1.2 across continents. The consistency of the small-area Z is what makes it a real ecological law. |
| 5. Major causes of species loss | The EVIL QUARTET — habitat loss and fragmentation, over-exploitation, alien species invasions, co-extinctions |
| 6. Importance of biodiversity for ecosystem functioning | Stability (steady productivity, resistance/resilience to disturbance, resistance to invasion) · Tilman (more species → less biomass variation and higher productivity) · Rivet Popper (loss of key species threatens the whole system) |
| 7. Sacred groves and their role | Tracts of forest set aside, with all trees and wildlife venerated and given TOTAL protection. Found in Khasi & Jaintia Hills (Meghalaya), Aravalli Hills (Rajasthan), Western Ghats (Karnataka & Maharashtra), Sarguja, Chanda & Bastar (MP). In Meghalaya they are the last refuges of many rare and threatened plants. They are community-driven IN SITU conservation. |
| 8. Flood and soil-erosion control | Roots bind soil · canopy intercepts rain · litter increases infiltration · vegetation slows run-off so water percolates instead of flooding |
| 9. Why animals (72%) diversified more than plants (22%) | Greater MOTILITY — animals can escape adverse conditions and colonise new habitats · Complex, sensitive NERVOUS SYSTEMS to perceive and respond to the environment · Rigid EXOSKELETON in arthropods, giving protection and support · better overall adaptability |
| 10. A species we deliberately want extinct | YES — disease-causing pathogens. The SMALLPOX VIRUS was deliberately eradicated worldwide through vaccination. Justification: human welfare — it caused enormous suffering and death, and its removal harms no ecosystem service. |
This comparison table is part of the chapter notes for Biodiversity and Conservation. Get complete notes, flashcards, active recall sheets, and test prep modes: