Living World
Short Questions
1. What is metabolism in living organisms?
Answer: Metabolism is the sum of chemical reactions involving catabolism (breaking down) and anabolism (building up) for energy and molecule synthesis.
2. How does growth in living organisms differ from non-living entities?
Answer: Living organisms grow internally through cell division, while non-living entities grow externally by accumulation.
3. Why is responsiveness a unique property of living beings?
Answer: Responsiveness (irritability) allows living beings to react to environmental stimuli, unlike non-living entities.
4. Is reproduction an inclusive characteristic of life?
Answer: No, some living organisms like mules and sterile bees do not reproduce but are still alive.
5. What is a herbarium used for?
Answer: A herbarium preserves dried plant specimens for taxonomic studies and biodiversity documentation.
6. Who initiated the concept of herbaria?
Answer: Luca Ghini, an Italian taxonomist, initiated the art of herbaria in the 16th century.
7. What is the purpose of a botanical garden?
Answer: Botanical gardens grow and display diverse living plants for conservation, research, and education.
8. What is taxidermy in biological museums?
Answer: Taxidermy is the process of stuffing and preserving larger animals like birds and mammals for display.
9. hat is the role of zoological parks in biodiversity?
Answer: Zoological parks conserve wild animals ex situ and study their behavior and food habits.
10. What is a biodiversity park?
Answer: A biodiversity park restores self-sustaining ecological communities on degraded landscapes.
11. What is a dichotomous key in taxonomy?
Answer: A dichotomous key uses contrasting characters to classify plants and animals.
12. What is in situ conservation?
Answer: In situ conservation protects species in their natural habitats, like sacred groves.
13. What is ex situ conservation?
Answer: Ex situ conservation preserves species outside their natural habitats, like in zoos or herbaria.
14. Why is biodiversity essential for ecosystems?
Answer: Biodiversity maintains ecological stability and supports ecosystem health.
15. Who was Dr. S. P. Agharkar?
Answer: Dr. S. P. Agharkar was a botanist who discovered a freshwater jellyfish in the Western Ghats.
Long Questions
1. Explain the difference between living and non-living entities based on their characteristics.
Answer: Living entities exhibit metabolism, internal growth, reproduction, responsiveness, and ageing, driven by complex chemical processes. Non-living entities lack these traits, showing only external growth (e.g., sand accumulation) and no response to stimuli. This distinction highlights the dynamic, self-sustaining nature of life.
2. Why is metabolism considered an all-inclusive characteristic of life?
Answer: Metabolism, encompassing catabolism and anabolism, is essential for energy production and molecule synthesis in all living organisms. It supports survival, growth, and other life processes, making it universal across life forms. Even non-reproducing organisms like mules rely on metabolism, unlike non-living entities.
3. How does a herbarium aid in taxonomic studies?
Answer: A herbarium preserves dried, pressed plant specimens with detailed labels, including classification, collection data, and ecological notes. It serves as a permanent record for identifying and studying plant diversity. This tool supports taxonomists in understanding interrelations and conserving biodiversity.
4. Describe the role of botanical gardens in biodiversity conservation.
Answer: Botanical gardens cultivate diverse living plants from various regions, preserving rare and endangered species ex situ. They provide controlled environments like greenhouses for exotic plants and support research and education. By raising awareness, they promote plant conservation and ecological balance.
5. What is the significance of zoological parks in studying animal behavior?
Answer: Zoological parks keep wild animals in captivity under conditions mimicking their natural habitats, enabling naturalistic observation. They allow researchers to study food habits, behavior, and reproductive patterns. This ex situ conservation also educates the public about wildlife preservation.
6. How do biodiversity parks contribute to ecological restoration?
Answer: Biodiversity parks create self-sustaining communities of species on degraded landscapes, restoring ecological balance. They conserve natural heritage, especially in urban areas, by fostering diverse flora and fauna. Examples like Uttamrao Patil Biodiversity Park demonstrate their role in ecosystem rehabilitation.
7. Explain the concept of in situ and ex situ conservation with examples.
Answer: In situ conservation protects species in their natural habitats, like sacred groves or national parks, preserving ecological interactions. Ex situ conservation involves maintaining species outside their habitats, such as in zoos or herbaria. Both strategies are vital for preventing biodiversity loss.
8. Why is the loss of biodiversity a critical issue for ecosystems?
Answer: Biodiversity loss disrupts ecosystem stability, as each species contributes to ecological balance. It affects food chains, nutrient cycles, and habitat health, threatening ecosystem services. Human activities like overexploitation and habitat destruction accelerate this loss, necessitating conservation efforts.
9. How do taxonomical aids like flora, manuals, and monographs assist in biodiversity studies?
Answer: Flora documents plant life in specific areas, manuals provide identification keys, and monographs offer detailed studies of biological groups. These tools help scientists classify, identify, and understand organism interrelations. They form a foundation for biodiversity conservation and ecological research.
10. Discuss the role of humans in preventing biodiversity loss.
Answer: Humans can prevent biodiversity loss by enacting protective laws, establishing conservation areas, and promoting sustainable practices. Raising awareness and supporting taxonomic research further aid preservation efforts. Individual actions, like reducing resource use and planting native species, also contribute significantly.
Leave a Reply