Class 12 Biology - KERALA
Biodiversity and Conservation
The chapter Biodiversity and Conservation in Class 12 Biology (Kerala SCERT) explores the immense diversity of life at genetic, species, and ecological levels, its vital importance to humanity, and the alarming rate of species extinction. Students will learn about the patterns of biodiversity, particularly the latitudinal gradient, and the primary causes of biodiversity loss, memorized through the mnemonic 'Evil Quartet'. The chapter emphasizes conservation strategies, distinguishing between in-situ conservation (like national parks and hotspots) and ex-situ conservation (like botanical gardens and seed banks), alongside significant international commitments like the Earth Summit.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Levels of Biodiversity
Biodiversity exists at three hierarchical levels: genetic diversity (variation within species), species diversity (diversity among species), and ecological diversity (variety of ecosystem types).
Latitudinal Gradients
Species diversity generally decreases as we move away from the equator towards the poles, making tropical regions hotspots of high biological wealth.
The Evil Quartet
The four major causes of biodiversity loss are Habitat loss and fragmentation, Over-exploitation, Alien species invasions, and Co-extinctions.
In-situ Conservation
The conservation of endangered species within their natural habitat, such as biosphere reserves, national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and biodiversity hotspots.
Ex-situ Conservation
The conservation of threatened species outside their natural habitats in facilities like zoological parks, botanical gardens, cryopreservation, and seed banks.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the Kerala SCERT Class 12 Biology board examination, this chapter typically carries around 4 to 6 marks. Questions frequently include direct definitions, short notes on the 'Evil Quartet', differentiation between in-situ and ex-situ conservation, and conceptual problems based on Alexander von Humboldt's species-area relationship equation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between in-situ and ex-situ conservation?
In-situ conservation protects species inside their natural habitat (e.g., National Parks), while ex-situ conservation protects them outside their natural habitat in artificial settings (e.g., Zoos).
What are biodiversity hotspots?
Regions with very high levels of species richness and high endemism (species found nowhere else) that are facing severe habitat threat.
What does the 'Z' value signify in the species-area relationship?
Z is the regression coefficient (slope of the line), which generally ranges between 0.1 and 0.2, but can be 0.6 to 1.2 for very large areas like entire continents.
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