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ENDANGERED AND ENDEMIC SPECIES OF INDIA

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  T he Forest administration in India is more than 100 years old. Efforts to identify plant species as a part of wildlife and to recognize the importance for providing special protection to endangered plant species have so far been negligible. The extinction of certain attractive animals stimulated efforts to protect fauna, but no special heed was given to flora. The word ‘Wildlife’ had till recently been considered synonymous with animal life and consequently, conservations and naturalists have their attention only to conservation of animal species. It was only in the year 1968 at an International Conference (UNESCO 1968) that the problem of conservation of flora and fauna was appreciated and several recommendations were made urging the International Biological Programme (IBP), .the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural resources (IUCN) and various international and national organizations to initiate studies in to the problems involved, particularly the proble...

THREATS TO BIODIVERSITY

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 Unfortunately it has to say that main threats to biodiversity are Humans. Humans are fully depended on the natural resources but it is possible to use all these resource without harming the nature, without disrupting the biodiversity, without harming the habitat and the most important thing is not to waste natural resources. We should consume the resources till a limited amount and conserve the resources for our future generation and for other species too; by doing this it is possible that we can keep our climate safe, we can prevent our biodiversity by being threat. By destroying habitat, we eliminate not only prominent species but also many obscure ones of which we may not even be aware. Over harvesting of food species is probably the most obvious way in which humans directly destroy biological resources. There are many, ancient examples of human disturbances of natural systems. Once-fertile areas have become deserts because of frail forestry, grazing, and agricultural practices...

HOTSPOTS OF BIODIVERSITY

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Hotspots of biodiversity are areas that have an exceptionally high concentration of unique and threatened species. These regions are considered crucial for conservation efforts, as they harbor a significant proportion of the world's biodiversity. Characteristics of hotspots: 1. High endemism: Many species found in these areas are endemic, meaning they are found nowhere else on Earth. 2. High species diversity: Hotspots have a large number of different species, including plants, animals, and microorganisms. 3. Threatened species: Many species in hotspots are threatened or endangered due to habitat loss, climate change, and other human activities. Examples of hotspots: 1. Madagascar: Known for its unique lemurs, fossa (Madagascar's top predator), and a variety of bird species. 2. Amazon Rainforest: Spanning across nine countries in South America, it's home to an estimated 10% of all known plant and animal species. 3. Congo Basin: Second-largest tropical rainforest in the w...

BIODIVERSITY

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  Biodiversity encompasses the complexity and richness of life on our planet, from the tiniest microbe to the mightiest tree, and from the simplest ecosystem to the most intricate web of relationships. The United Nations Environment Programme  (UNEP) defines biodiversity as "the variability among living organisms from all sources, including terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystems, and the ecological complexes of which they are part". Biodiversity is the vast array of all the species of plants, animals, insects and the microorganisms inhabiting the earth either in the aquatic or the terrestrial habitats. The human civilization depends directly or indirectly upon this biodiversity for their very basic needs of survival–food, fodder, fuel, fertilizer, timber, liquor, rubber, leather, medicines and several raw materials. This diversity’s the condition for the long-term sustainability of the environment, continuity of life on earth and the maintenance of its integrity....

BIOLOGICAL RHYTHM

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  A behavior that occur in any organism after specific interval of time is known as Biological rhythm. eg; Wake and sleep cycle, Migration, Hibernation etc.   Biological clock   is self maintained physiological clock which regulate both external behavior and endogenous activity. It is an innate clock in our body which is so useful for biological rhythm. Types of Biological Rhythm: Circadian Rhythm: These are the rhythm with a period of 24hours(about a day). eg;   Sleep and wake cycle, Migration of organism to the top of sea at night. Types of  Circadian Rhythm Diurnal Rhythm: Organisms are active at day time. eg; Human, be. Nocturnal Rhythm: Organisms are active at night. eg; Bat, Owl. Crepuscular Rhythm: Organisms are active during dawn and dusk hours. eg; Rats. Vespertine Rhythm: Organisms are active at evening. eg; Mosquito. Arhythmic: No regular daily pattern of organisms.   2. Circannual Rhythm: It occurs over a period of approximately an ann...

CHARACTERISTICS OF HAZARDOUS WASTES

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  CHARACTERISTICS OF HAZARDOUS WASTES   The Environmental Protection Agency of America (EPA) defines the characteristics of hazardous waste as:     1. IGNITABILITY: The waste that explodes with the application of fire, electricity spark, or any source of heat; wastes with high ignitable potential or which burn vigorously and persistently. Such waste has a flash point of less than 600C. Examples of these types of wastes are :- solvent washes, waste oil, alcohols, aldehydes, paint wastes, petroleum wastes, cleaning solvents, etc.  2.CORROSIVITY: It is the ability of the waste to cause skin and mucosal membrane damage, burns and erosions and dissolve or corrode metallic surfaces. Such wastes have pH value of 2.512.5 at normal room temperatures (250 C). The corrosion rate for material damage is at 0.625 meters per year at 550 C.   Examples: acid sludge, battery acid wastes, caustic wastewater, alkaline cleaning wastes, rust remover waste, etc. 3.REA...

Hazardous Waste

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  Hazardous waste is any waste material with properties that make it dangerous or capable of having harmful effects on human health or the environment. Hazardous wastes are those that may contain harmful and toxic substances like heavy metals that are generated from Industries, hospitals and even some types of domestic waste. The concern towards hazardous waste management was stimulated by undesired massive health effects that were noticed in the neighborhood of Niagara Falls in New York State in the United States in the 1970s. These wastes could be corrosive, inflammable, explosive, or react when exposed to other materials. Some hazardous wastes are highly toxic to the environment including humans, animals, and plants. It comprises the waste generated during the manufacturing processes of the commercial products such as industries involved in petroleum refining, production of pharmaceuticals, petroleum, paint, aluminum, electronic products etc. Hazardous Waste managem...

CLIMATE CHANGE

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What is Climate Change? Climate change refers to the long-term warming of the planet due to an increase in average global temperature , primarily caused by human activities that release greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, into the atmosphere. Causes of Climate Change 1. Burning of Fossil Fuels : The burning of coal, oil, and gas for energy releases large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. 2. Deforestation : The clearance of forests for agriculture, urbanization, and other purposes releases carbon dioxide and reduces the ability of forests to act as carbon sinks. 3. Agriculture : The production of meat, especially beef, and other animal products leads to the release of methane and nitrous oxide. 4. Industrial Processes : The production of cement, steel, and other industrial processes release large amounts of greenhouse gases. Effects of Climate Change 1. Rising Sea Levels : The melting of glaciers and ice sheets, and the expansion of seawater ...

Tulsi(Basil plant)

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Tulsi , also known as Holy Basil, is a revered herb in Ayurvedic medicine and Hinduism. Here are some of the benefits of Tulsi: Physical Health Benefits 1. Antioxidant properties : Tulsi has high antioxidant levels, which help protect against cell damage and oxidative stress. 2. Anti-inflammatory properties : Tulsi's anti-inflammatory compounds may help reduce inflammation and alleviate conditions like arthritis. 3. Immune system support : Tulsi is believed to boost the immune system, helping to prevent illnesses like the common cold and flu. 4. Digestive health : Tulsi may aid digestion, relieve bloating, and reduce symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). 5. Respiratory health : Tulsi's expectorant properties can help relieve congestion, coughs, and respiratory issues like bronchitis. Mental and Emotional Benefits 1. Stress relief : Tulsi is known to reduce stress and anxiety by promoting relaxation and calming the mind. 2. Mood enhancement : Tulsi's adapto...