Differentiate between the following.
a) Wildlife sanctuary and biosphere reserve
b) Zoo and Wildlife sanctuary
c) Endangered and extinct species
d) Flora and fauna
Hint:All the terms listed in the options pertain to ecology, which is the study of the interactions between living organisms and their physical surroundings. Wildlife sanctuaries, biosphere reserves, and zoos are examples of ex-situ conservation methods. Ex-situ conservation refers to safeguarding endangered species outside of their natural environments.
Complete Answer:
- a) Wildlife sanctuary and biosphere reserve:-
| S.No. |
Wildlife sanctuary |
Biosphere reserve |
| 1 | Wildlife sanctuaries are areas where wild animals are safeguarded within their natural environments, and hunting is strictly prohibited. | Biosphere reserves are regions dedicated to preserving biodiversity, containing numerous national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. |
| 2 | Wildlife sanctuaries offer protection specifically to wild animals. | Biosphere reserves support the conservation of diverse plant species, animals, and microorganisms. |
| 3 | Tourism is allowed within wildlife sanctuaries. | Tourism is not permitted within biosphere reserves. |
| 4 | Wildlife sanctuaries typically have flexible boundaries. | Biosphere reserves have clearly defined boundaries. |
| 5 | Example: Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala | Example: Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve |
b)Zoo and Wildlife sanctuary:-
| S.No. |
Zoo |
Wildlife sanctuary |
| 1 | A zoo is a place where animals are housed and displayed for public viewing. | Wildlife sanctuaries are areas where wild animals are protected within their natural surroundings, with hunting and poaching strictly prohibited. |
| 2 | Zoos are smaller, enclosed spaces where animals are kept in cages. | Wildlife sanctuaries are large, open areas where animals can roam freely. |
| 3 | Zoos exhibit animals brought in from various parts of the world. | Wildlife sanctuaries protect animals native to that specific area. |
| 4 | Zoos provide animals with artificial habitats. | Wildlife sanctuaries maintain animals within their natural habitats. |
| 5 | Example: Delhi Zoo | Example: Sanjay Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary |
c)Endangered and extinct species:-
| S.No. |
Endangered species |
Extinct species |
| 1 | Endangered species are those at a very high risk of disappearing entirely. | Extinct species are those that have completely vanished from existence. |
| 2 | These species still have surviving members today, but their population has significantly declined. | There are no remaining individuals of these species left alive. |
| 3 | We can take certain steps to prevent endangered species from becoming extinct. | Nothing can be done, as extinct species are already gone. |
| 4 | Example: Tigers,Rhinos,Hammerhead sharks,Bengal tigers,Asiatic lions, etc. | Example: Dodo, dinosaurs, etc. |
d)Flora and fauna:-
| S.No. |
Flora |
Fauna |
| 1 | Flora pertains to the vegetation found in a specific region. | Fauna pertains to the animal species that inhabit a specific region. |
| 2 | Flora includes the naturally occurring greenery in a region. | Fauna encompasses all types of living organisms, from tiny microbes to large animals. |
| 3 | Flora produces its own food through photosynthesis, a process involving water, carbon dioxide, and sunlight. | Fauna cannot produce its own food and relies on plants for nourishment. |
| 4 | Flora is studied in botany. | Fauna is studied in zoology. |
| 5 | Flora remains stationary, rooted in one place. | Animals, on the other hand, can move freely from one location to another. |
Note: It is important to recognize that if we do not take action to safeguard endangered species, they may eventually become extinct. Their disappearance can have detrimental effects on our ecosystem, leading to an imbalance in the natural environment.