Chapter 15 of 15
Revision Notes
Biodiversity, Conservation and Environmental Issues — Revision Notes
Maharashtra Board · Class 12 · Biology
Biodiversity, Conservation and Environmental Issues revision notes for Maharashtra Board Class 12 Biology: 4 topics in quick points.
45 questions24 flashcards5 concepts
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Key Topics to Revise
1
Biodiversity and Its Levels
- Biodiversity is the variety of life including differences in genes, species richness, and ecosystem types within a region
- Term coined by Walter Rosen (1982) and popularized by Edward Wilson
- Genetic diversity: Intraspecific diversity - variations within same species (1000 mango varieties, 50,000 rice varieties in India)
2
Patterns of Biodiversity
- Latitudinal gradient: Species richness decreases from equator to poles due to climatic stability in tropics
- Tropical regions experienced fewer glaciations, have consistent climate, abundant sunlight and rainfall
- Amazon rainforest: 40,000 plants, 1,300 birds, 427 mammals, 3,000 fish species
3
Current Biodiversity Scenario and Loss
- 1.5 million species documented (IUCN 2004), but Robert May estimates 7 million species globally
- India: 8.1% of global biodiversity on 2.4% land area, one of 12 megadiversity countries
- 45,000 plant species and ~90,000 animal species identified in India
4
IUCN Red List Categories
- IUCN maintains Red Data Book/Red List for conservation status
- Categories: EX (Extinct) → EW (Extinct in Wild) → CR (Critically Endangered <50 individuals) → EN (Endangered 50-70% decline) → VU (Vulnerable 30-50% decline) → NT (Near Threatened) → LC (Least Concer
- DD (Data Deficient) and NE (Not Evaluated) for incomplete assessments
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Full NotesKey Concepts
Biodiversity is the variety of lifeBiodiversity shows specific distribution patternsFour major causes of biodiversity lossTwo main approachesAir pollution involves particulate matter (PM2
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the important topics in Biodiversity, Conservation and Environmental Issues for Maharashtra Board Class 12 Biology?
Key topics in Biodiversity, Conservation and Environmental Issues include Biodiversity and Its Levels, Patterns of Biodiversity, Current Biodiversity Scenario and Loss, IUCN Red List Categories. Study these first, then practise questions on each for the Maharashtra Board Class 12 board exam.
How should I revise Biodiversity, Conservation and Environmental Issues for the Maharashtra Board Class 12 board exam?
Learn the core ideas first, then work through the 45 practice questions on Biodiversity, Conservation and Environmental Issues. Revise definitions regularly and use flashcards for quick recall before the exam.
Sources & Official References
Content is aligned to the official syllabus. Refer to the board website for the latest curriculum.
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