Living World
1. Choose correct option.
A. Which is not a property of living being?
a. Metabolism
b. Decay
c. Growth
d. Reproduction
Answer: b. Decay
- Explanation: Metabolism, growth, and reproduction are properties of living beings, as they involve processes like energy utilization, development, and perpetuation of life. Decay is not a characteristic of living beings but occurs after death.
B. A particular plant is strictly a seasonal plant. Which one of the following is best suited if it is to be studied in the laboratory?
a. Herbarium
b. Museum
c. Botanical garden
d. Flower exhibition
Answer: a. Herbarium
- Explanation: A herbarium contains dried, pressed, and preserved plant specimens, making it ideal for studying seasonal plants in a laboratory setting, as they can be preserved and examined year-round.
C. A group of students found two cockroaches in the classroom. They had a debate whether they are alive or dead. Which life property will help them to do so?
a. Metabolism
b. Growth
c. Irritability
d. Reproduction
Answer: c. Irritability
- Explanation: Irritability (responsiveness to stimuli) is a unique property of living beings. The students can observe if the cockroaches respond to thermal, chemical, or physical stimuli to determine if they are alive.
2. Distinguish between botanical gardens, zoological park and biodiversity park with reference to their characteristics.
Answer:
| Feature | Botanical Gardens | Zoological Park | Biodiversity Park |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purpose | To grow and display living plants from different parts of the world in a scientific and systematic manner. | To keep wild animals in captivity, providing conditions similar to their natural habitat for study and observation. | To create self-sustaining ecological communities of species on degraded or barren landscapes. |
| Components | Living plants labeled with scientific and common names, grown in vivo. | Wild animals housed in enclosures mimicking their natural habitats (ex situ). | Diverse species (plants and animals) forming ecological assemblages to restore ecosystems. |
| Focus | Conservation and study of plant diversity. | Study of animal behavior, food habits, and conservation (ex situ). | Restoration and conservation of natural heritage, especially in urban or degraded areas. |
| Example | Kolkata Botanical Garden with a 255-year-old Banyan tree. | Jijamata Udyan, Mumbai (zoo with acclimatized Humboldt penguins). | Uttamrao Patil Biodiversity Park, Gureghar, Mahabaleshwar. |
3. Answer the following questions.
A. Jijamata Udyan, the famous zoo in Mumbai has acclimatised the humbolt penguins. Why should penguins be acclimatised when kept at a place away from their natural habitat?
Answer: Penguins need acclimatization to adapt to the environmental conditions of the zoo, which differ from their natural cold, coastal habitats. This process ensures they can survive and thrive in captivity by adjusting to temperature, humidity, diet, and other factors, as zoos aim to mimic their natural habitat (ex situ conservation).
B. Riya found a peculiar plant on her visit to Himachal Pradesh. What are the ways she can show it to her biology teacher and get information about it?
Answer: Riya can:
- Create a herbarium specimen by drying, pressing, and mounting the plant on a sheet with details like date, place of collection, and ecological notes.
- Take photographs of the plant and share them with her teacher.
- Collect a sample (if permitted) and bring it to the teacher for identification.
- Consult taxonomic aids like flora, manuals, or keys to identify the plant with her teacher’s guidance.
C. At Andaman, authorities do not allow tourists to collect shells from beaches. Why must it be so?
Answer: Collecting shells disrupts the ecosystem, as shells are part of the habitat for marine organisms and contribute to beach stability. This restriction helps conserve biodiversity, protect the natural environment, and maintain ecological balance, as shells are often remnants of living organisms.
D. Why do we have greenhouses in botanical gardens?
Answer: Greenhouses in botanical gardens provide controlled environments to grow plants that require specific climatic conditions (e.g., tropical or exotic species) not naturally available in the garden’s location. They help conserve and study these plants by regulating temperature, humidity, and light.
E. What do you understand from terms like in situ and ex situ conservation?
Answer:
- In situ conservation: Protecting and conserving species in their natural habitats, e.g., sacred groves or biodiversity parks, to maintain ecological stability.
- Ex situ conservation: Conserving species outside their natural habitats, e.g., in zoos, botanical gardens, or herbaria, to protect them from extinction and study them.
4. Write Short Notes On
A. Role of Human Beings in Biodiversity Conservation
Answer: Humans play a critical role in biodiversity conservation by:
- Implementing laws to protect ecosystems and species (e.g., in India).
- Establishing protected areas like biodiversity parks, sacred groves, and national parks for in situ conservation.
- Creating ex situ conservation facilities like zoos, botanical gardens, and herbaria.
- Raising awareness about the ethical and ecological importance of biodiversity.
- Mitigating threats like population explosion and overexploitation of resources to prevent habitat loss.
B. Importance of Botanical Garden
Answer: Botanical gardens are vital for:
- Conserving plant diversity by growing species from various regions in a systematic manner.
- Supporting research and education through labeled plant displays and taxonomic studies.
Preserving rare and endangered plants (ex situ conservation). - Providing greenhouses to cultivate plants requiring specific conditions.
- Enhancing public awareness about plant conservation and ecological balance.
5. How Can You, as an Individual, Prevent the Loss of Biodiversity?
Answer:
- Reduce resource consumption to minimize habitat destruction.
- Support conservation efforts by visiting and learning from botanical gardens, zoos, and biodiversity parks.
- Avoid activities that harm ecosystems, like collecting shells or damaging plants.
- Plant native species to support local ecosystems.
- Raise awareness about biodiversity conservation through education and advocacy.
- Participate in community initiatives like creating herbaria or protecting sacred groves.
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