Question

Explain the importance of biodiversity hot spots and sacred groves.

Answer 1

Hint: Biodiversity is a term made by combining words - bio and diversity, meaning diversity in biological forms. There are millions of different species of microorganisms, animals and plants found on earth, which are entirely different from each other.

Complete answer: Biodiversity is the variability of living organisms inhabiting the biosphere including all types of ecosystems like marine, freshwater terrestrial etc. These all different types of species and organisms interact with each other and work together to maintain environmental balance and life on earth.
The biodiversity hotspot is a geographical area where the biodiversity level is very high. These particular areas contain a large number of different species of animals, plants and microorganisms. Due to the interference of human beings, these areas are under threat so they need to be protected to protect the diversity of life in these areas.
Currently, there are 36 biodiversity hotspots spread throughout the globe. Out of which, 4 hotspots are present in India. These are located in the Himalayas, the Western Ghats, the Indo-Burma region, and Sundaland in the Nicobar Islands.
Sacred groves are conserved areas present in the forest. These are maintained by local communities by religious rituals and sentiments. It is mainly found in Western Ghat of India and these groves provide a rich source of biodiversity. These are also found in some other countries like Europe, North America, Africa, China etc. Sacred groves provide enrichment and protection to trees and associated wildlife. Thus, sacred groves mainly act as the centre for biodiversity conservation that is maintained and protected by local communities in the name of religious customs and tradition.

Note: In order to maintain life on earth, the biodiversity must be preserved. There are a number of species, which are either vulnerable to extinction or they are already extinct because of interference of humans in their habitats, reduction in the forest, poaching, hunting and environmental pollution, thus reducing biodiversity.