Class 12 Biology - ODISHA
Biodiversity and Conservation
The chapter Biodiversity and Conservation in Class 12 Biology under the Odisha BSE syllabus explores the immense variety of life on Earth at genetic, species, and ecological levels. Students learn about patterns of biodiversity, why it is rich in tropical regions, and the alarming rate of species extinction driven by human activities like habitat loss and overexploitation. The chapter highlights the urgent need for conservation through in-situ (national parks, wildlife sanctuaries) and ex-situ (botanical gardens, cryopreservation) methods, along with international efforts like the Earth Summit. This is a high-scoring theoretical chapter heavily emphasized in board exams.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Levels of Biodiversity
Biodiversity exists at three main levels: Genetic diversity (diversity within a single species), Species diversity (diversity among different species), and Ecological diversity (diversity at the ecosystem level).
Latitudinal Gradients in Biodiversity
Species diversity generally decreases as we move away from the equator towards the poles, making tropical regions biodiversity hotspots due to favorable and stable environmental conditions.
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 plants and animals in their natural habitats, such as biosphere reserves, national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and sacred groves.
Ex-situ Conservation
The conservation of threatened species outside their natural habitats in places like zoological parks, botanical gardens, wildlife safari parks, and through cryopreservation.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the Odisha BSE Class 12 Biology board exam, this chapter typically carries around 4 to 6 marks. Questions usually include 1-mark objective questions, short answer questions on the causes of biodiversity loss ('Evil Quartet'), and distinguishing between in-situ and ex-situ conservation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries?
National parks have stricter restrictions where human activity like grazing and forestry is completely prohibited. Wildlife sanctuaries allow limited human activities like timber harvesting and private ownership, provided they do not harm the animals.
What does 'Z' signify in the Species-Area Relationship equation?
'Z' is the regression coefficient or slope of the line. Its value generally lies between 0.1 and 0.2 regardless of the taxonomic group or region, but for very large areas like continents, Z can be as high as 0.6 to 1.2.
Why are biodiversity hotspots important?
Hotspots are regions with very high levels of species richness and high endemism (species found nowhere else), which are under immediate threat of habitat destruction, making them critical priorities for conservation.
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