Bio-diversity means the diversity of variety of world’ living organism. In other words, the variety of species both flora and fauna present in an area is known as “bio-diversity”. According to the world resource institute: bio-diversity is a variety of the world’ organism’* including their genetic diversity and the assemblage they form.
The earth is endowed with a rich variety of living organisms. About 3,50,000 species of plants and 30, 00,000 species of animals have been identified so ***. India is one of the twelve countries of the world very rich in bio-diversity. India has about 46,000 piant species and 81,000 animal species.
Types of Bio-diversity: Bio-diversity can be classified into there types. They are :
Genetic diversity, Species diversity and Eco-system diversity.
a. Genetic diversity: Genetic diversity refers to the variety of genes present in the members of species. This is basic level.
b. Species diversity: Species diversity refers to the variety of species in a specific place or among a specific group of organisms. This is the most familiar type and is found in the tropical zone that in cooler areas. India is rich in bio-diversity/. This is due to its tropical location, varied relief features and climate.
c. Eco-system diversity: Eco-system diversity refers to the variety of geographical situations on the earth such as lakes, forests, deserts etc, and the number of plants and animals found in each. Each type of ecosystem has a variety of species that differ from each other.
Conservation of bio-diversity: As loss of biodiversity is not desirable, there should be conservation of biodiversity. Effort should be made to maintain biodiversity.
The following steps may be taken for preserving biodiversity:
- The biological diversity should be identified and monitored.
- There should be the development of national strategies and programs for conserving biological diversity.
- National parks and sanctuaries must be developed for the protection and maintenance of plants and animals.
- Botanical gardens should be developed for the developed for the development and maintenance of new species of flower and other plants.
- Zoos should be developed for the protection and development of rare and new animal species.
