Biogeography & Ecosystems

The great hornbill, also known as the concave-casqued hornbill, great Indian hornbill or great pied hornbill, is one of the larger members of the hornbill family. It occurs in the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. It is predominantly frugivorous, but also preys on small mammals, reptiles and birds. The great hornbill is native to the forests of India, Bhutan, Nepal, mainland Southeast Asia and Sumatra. Its distribution is fragmented in the Western Ghats and in the foothills of the Himalayas.

Statement 1 is incorrect. While TEEB is a well-respected initiative, it's not directly hosted by UNEP, IMF, and the World Economic Forum. Germany and the European Commission launched it in response to a proposal by G85 Environment Ministers. Statement 2 is correct. TEEB's primary goal is to highlight the economic value of biodiversity and ecosystems. It aims to move beyond traditional economic models that often overlook the significant contributions that nature makes to human well-being. Statement 3 is correct. By providing tools and methodologies, TEEB empowers decision-makers to consider these values when making choices that impact the environment.

Namdapha National Park is located in Arunachal Pradesh, India, in the eastern Himalayas. Due to its significant elevation range, the park experiences a diverse range of climates. The southern regions have a tropical to subtropical climate, while the higher elevations transition to temperate and even Arctic conditions.

Keibul Lamjao National Park is a national park in the Bishnupur district of the state of Manipur in India. It is 40 km² in area, the only floating park in the world, located in North East India, and an integral part of Loktak Lake. The national park is characterized by many floating decomposed plant materials locally called phumdis. To preserve the natural refuge of the endangered Manipur Eld's deer or brow-antlered deer (Cervus eldi eldi), or sangai also called the dancing deer, listed as an endangered species by IUCN. The park, which was initially declared to be a sanctuary in 1966, was subsequently declared to be a national park in 1977 through a gazette notification.

An ecosystem encompasses both living organisms (biotic factors) like plants and animals, and non-living components (abiotic factors) like sunlight, water, and rocks. It highlights the interconnectedness between these elements. Living organisms depend on the environment for survival, while the environment is shaped by the activities of these organisms. Thus ecosystem is a community of organisms together with the environment in which they live.

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, due to their unique island ecosystem, provide the ideal conditions for all three forest types to coexist: Mangrove forests: Thrive in the coastal areas with brackish water. Evergreen forests: Found in the wetter interior regions with high rainfall. Deciduous forests: Exist in areas with a seasonal climate, experiencing periods of both rain and dryness.

Tropical Wet Evergreen Forests are found in regions that have high temperatures and high rainfall throughout the year. Arunachal Pradesh: This state is located in the eastern part of India and it receives high rainfall. It is known for its rich biodiversity and is home to Tropical Wet Evergreen Forests. Himachal Pradesh: This state is located in the northern part of India, in the Himalayan region. The climate here is more temperate and alpine due to its high altitude, and it does not support Tropical Wet Evergreen Forests. Mizoram: This state is located in the northeastern part of India and it also receives high rainfall. It is known for its rich biodiversity and is home to Tropical Wet Evergreen Forests. Therefore, Tropical Wet Evergreen Forests occur in Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram.

The unique "Living Root Bridges" are found in Meghalaya, a state in northeastern India. These bridges are a testament to the ingenuity and sustainable practices of the Khasi and Jaintia tribes who inhabit the region. They train the aerial roots of specific tree species, like the Ficus elastica (Indian rubber tree), to grow and intertwine over time, forming strong and resilient bridges across rivers and streams.

In India, teak is a dominant tree species in Tropical Deciduous Forests. These forests are also known as "Monsoon Forests" and are characterized by: - Rainfall: They receive moderate rainfall, typically ranging from 70 to 200 cm annually. - Seasonality: They experience a distinct dry season, leading to trees shedding their leaves during this period. - Vegetation: Tropical Deciduous forests are home to a variety of trees, including teak, sal, shisham, and sandalwood.

Diatoms: These are microscopic, single-celled algae that are primary producers in aquatic ecosystems. They use photosynthesis to convert sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into organic matter (food). Crustaceans: These are small aquatic animals like shrimp, crabs, and krill. They are primary consumers in the food chain and feed on diatoms and other phytoplankton (microscopic plants). Herrings: These are small schooling fish that are secondary consumers in the food chain. They feed on crustaceans and other zooplankton (microscopic animals). So, the energy flow starts with diatoms (producers) being eaten by crustaceans (consumers), which are then eaten by herrings (higher-level consumers).