Question

Mention the uses of biodiversity in modern agriculture.

Answer 1

Hint: The variety of life on earth and richness are described by biodiversity. Life does not sustain without biodiversity. In 1985, the term biodiversity was coined. It is important in both the ecosystems, natural and artificial. It shows the variability among plants, animals and microorganisms.

Complete answer:
Biodiversity is termed as the occurrence of different types of genes, gene pool, species, habitats and ecosystem in a particular place and the various parts of earth.
Uses –
Biopesticides – These are the living organisms and biological agents which are used to kill or control pests like weeds, insects and foreign pathogens. In place of chemical fertilizers, biofertilizers are used. Example- Baculoviruses, cochineal insects.
GM plants – Genetically modified plants are those plants whose genes have been changed or altered by manipulation - for increasing their tolerance against cold, drought, etc., for enhancing the nutritional value of food, for obtaining pest-resistance crops. Example- golden rice (vitamin ‘A’ enriched rice).
Biofertilizers – These are those microorganisms which enhance the nutrient value (nitrogen, phosphorus, etc) and the fertility of the soil. This reduces the use of any chemical fertilizers and by this the chances of environmental pollution reduces. Example- bacteria (Rhizobium, Azospirillum and Azotobacter), fungi (Mycorrhiza) and cyanobacteria (Nostoc, Anabaena, Oscillatoria, etc.).
Organic farming – A system of management and agricultural production that combines a high level of biodiversity with environmental practices that helps to preserve our natural resources by using pesticides, insecticides, fertilizers, etc.

Note-
Biodiversity can be preserved by protecting the whole ecosystem. There are two basic methods for preserving the biodiversity are –
1. In situ conservation means protection of species occurs in their natural habitat. It involves biodiversity hot spots and protected areas (biosphere reserves, national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, sacred groves).
2. Ex situ conservation means protection of species in the artificial habitat. It involves protection of threatened species (zoological parks, botanical gardens, wildlife safari park) and protection of gametes (tissue culture, seed banks, gene banks).