Question

What are the 5 major threats to biodiversity?

Answer 1

Hint: Biodiversity literally means biological variety (bio-living, diversity-variability), specifically variety of life on the Earth. It tells us about variation at different levels like- the genetic, species, and ecosystem. It is usually greater near the equator (terrestrial) which is because of the warm weather and high productivity. It is not distributed evenly on Earth, as it is richer in the tropical areas.

Complete answer:
Biodiversity is imperative in most aspects of our lives. We have to consider it important for many reasons, some of which are utilitarian, some intrinsic. Utilitarian values are the basic needs humans get from biodiversity that includes food, fuel and medicine. It provides some important services like pollination, climate regulation, nutrient cycling etc. It also holds some cultural value to humans (spiritual or religious reasons). This has a more philosophical aspect. There are some relational values which are part of peoples’ overall sense of wellbeing and connection with the environment. The different values of biodiversity are very crucial. Threats to Biodiversity-
Humans have dominated the planet for a while, causing a great loss of biodiversity across the planet. The Earth has always seen changes and extinctions. Some of the major direct threats to biodiversity are :
1. Habitat loss and fragmentation- This can be due to the growing human population.
2. Unsustainable resource use- Overuse of products ( eg- deforestation for wood, exploitation of herbs for medicine.
3. Invasive species- These are the species which invade the habitat of other species and cost them their survival.
4. Pollution - There are different types like air, water, soil etc which interfere with the natural environment.
5. Global climate change- This may change the habitat of the species which it inhabits. It decreases the survival of some species by interfering with their physiology.

Note:
Government has taken many measures to prevent the great decline in the ecosystem and stabilize the environment, such as making more biological parks, national parks, sanctuaries, zoological parks etc. and making rules for the usage of the forest products.