Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Biodiversity, encompassing the variety of life on Earth at all its levels, is fundamental to ecosystem functioning and human well-being. It’s not merely the number of species, but also the genetic diversity within species and the diversity of ecosystems. Recent reports from the IPBES (Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services) highlight an alarming rate of species extinction, largely driven by human activities, with climate change emerging as a significant exacerbating factor. Understanding the interplay between climate change and biodiversity is crucial for effective conservation strategies, particularly in biodiversity-rich nations like India.
What is Biodiversity?
Biodiversity, short for biological diversity, refers to the variability among living organisms from all sources including, inter alia, terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they are part; this includes diversity within species, between species and of ecosystems. It is generally considered at three levels:
- Genetic Diversity: Variation of genes within a species.
- Species Diversity: Variety of species in a region.
- Ecosystem Diversity: Variety of habitats, communities, and ecological processes.
India is recognized as a megadiverse country, harboring approximately 8% of the world’s recorded species, despite covering only 2.4% of the world’s geographical area.
Impact of Climate Change on Biodiversity
Climate change is rapidly altering ecosystems and posing a severe threat to biodiversity. The impacts are multifaceted and affect all levels of biodiversity:
Impact on Genetic Diversity
Climate change can reduce genetic diversity by causing population bottlenecks (drastic reduction in population size) and limiting gene flow. For example, coral reefs experiencing bleaching events due to rising sea temperatures exhibit reduced genetic diversity, making them less resilient to future stressors.
Impact on Species Diversity
- Range Shifts: Species are shifting their geographical ranges to track suitable climate conditions. This can lead to mismatches between species and their resources, and increased competition.
- Extinction Risk: Species unable to adapt or migrate fast enough face increased extinction risk. Amphibians, with their limited dispersal abilities and sensitivity to temperature and moisture, are particularly vulnerable.
- Phenological Changes: Alterations in the timing of biological events (e.g., flowering, migration) can disrupt ecological interactions.
- Ocean Acidification: Increased CO2 absorption by oceans leads to acidification, harming marine organisms with calcium carbonate shells (e.g., corals, shellfish).
A 2021 IPBES report estimates that around 1 million animal and plant species are now threatened with extinction, many within decades.
Impact on Ecosystem Diversity
Climate change is driving shifts in ecosystem boundaries and altering ecosystem functioning. Examples include:
- Coral Reef Degradation: Rising sea temperatures and ocean acidification are causing widespread coral bleaching and reef decline.
- Forest Dieback: Increased frequency and intensity of droughts and heatwaves are leading to forest dieback in many regions.
- Melting Glaciers and Permafrost: Loss of glaciers and permafrost is altering freshwater availability and releasing greenhouse gases, further accelerating climate change.
- Changes in Wetland Ecosystems: Altered precipitation patterns and sea level rise are impacting wetland ecosystems, affecting their ability to provide essential ecosystem services.
Hot Spots in India
Biodiversity hotspots are regions with exceptionally high concentrations of endemic species that are experiencing exceptional loss of habitat. India contains four recognized biodiversity hotspots:
- Himalayan Hotspot: Includes the entire Himalayan range, known for its unique flora and fauna, including snow leopards, red pandas, and numerous medicinal plants.
- Indo-Burma Hotspot: Covers parts of Northeast India, known for its diverse forests and species like the clouded leopard and various primate species.
- Sundaland Hotspot: Includes the Nicobar Islands, characterized by rainforests and endemic species like the Nicobar megapode.
- Western Ghats & Sri Lanka Hotspot: The Western Ghats mountain range is exceptionally rich in endemic plants, amphibians, reptiles, and fish.
Conservation Efforts: Several initiatives are underway to conserve these hotspots, including:
- Protected Area Network: Establishing and managing national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves.
- Community-Based Conservation: Engaging local communities in conservation efforts.
- Species Recovery Programs: Targeted efforts to protect and restore populations of endangered species.
- Habitat Restoration: Restoring degraded habitats to enhance biodiversity.
The National Mission for Himalayan Ecosystems (NMSHE) is a key initiative focused on conserving Himalayan biodiversity.
Conclusion
Biodiversity is facing unprecedented threats from climate change, demanding urgent and concerted action. Protecting biodiversity hotspots is particularly crucial, requiring integrated conservation strategies that address both climate change mitigation and adaptation. Strengthening protected area networks, promoting sustainable land use practices, and fostering community participation are essential steps towards safeguarding India’s rich biodiversity for future generations. A holistic approach, integrating ecological considerations into all development policies, is paramount for long-term success.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.