The diversity of plants and animal provide us food, fuel, medicine, shelter and other essentials without which we cannot live. These species have evolved over thousands of years. This rich diversity is being lost at an alarming rate due to human activities.
Bio-diversity is a short form of biological diversity. In simple terms, bio-diversity is the total number of genes, species and ecosystems of a region. It includes:
- genetic diversity
- species diversity
- eco-system diversity
Significance of Biodiversity
- Living things are interdependent and interrelated in the form of ecosystem.
- Loss of any components of ecosystem affects other components of the ecosystem.
- We get food, water, fibre and fuel, etc. from the ecosystem.
- It also regulates the climate.
Natural Vegetation of India
1. Tropical Evergreen
Rainfall: More than 200 cm
Temperature: Warm
Species of Trees: Rosewood, Ebony, Mahogany, Rubber, Jackwood, Bamboo
Regions: Western Ghats, Upper parts of Assam, Islands of Lakshadweep, Andaman and Nicobar
Characteristics
- Trees do not shed their leaves in any particular season.
- Dense and mixed vegetation
- Height of tress is 60 metres or more.
2. Tropical Deciduous
Rainfall: 75 to 200 cm
Temperature: Warm
Species of Trees: Teak, Bamboo, Sal, Shesham, Sandalwood, Kheir, Kusum, Arjun, Mahua, Jamun
Regions: Entire country except some parts of Deccan plateau, North Eastern region, Western and Eastern Ghats
Characteristics
- Moist widespread
- Divided into moist and dry
3. Thorn Forest
Rainfall: Less tan 75 cm
Temperature: High
Species of Trees: Acacia, Euphorbia’s babool, cactus, date and palms
Regions: North Western India, Interior parts of Peninsular India
Characteristics
- Dry climate
- Long roots, thick and shiny small leaves
4. Tidal Forest
Rainfall: Accumulate Water in the deltas
Species of Trees: Mangrove or Sundari, Palms, Coconut, Kevra, Agar
Regions: Deltas of Sundarban, Mahanadi, Godawari, Krishna and Kaveri, Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Characteristics
- Branches of trees remain submerged in water
- Flourish in fresh and salt water
5. Himalayan Vegetation
The vegetation changes according to altitude. The decreasing temperature with increasing altitude lead to varied types of vegetations.
Wildlife in India
India is rich in wildlife. It is estimated that about 80% of all known plant and animal species on the earth are found in India. Wildlife protection Act was passed in 1972 to save the wildlife. At present, there are 551 wildlife sanctuaries 96 National parks, 25 wetlands and 15 biosphere reserves.
Besides these, there are 33 botanical Gardens, 275 zoological parks etc. Special schemes like Project Tiger, 1973 and Project Elephant, 1992 have been launched to save endangered species.