Why should we conserve biodiversity? Explain with suitable examples.
How to lay out the answer. Follow the frame, then write it in your own words.
1 · Open with the idea. Biodiversity keeps ecosystems stable and supports human life, so we must conserve it.
2 · Explain stability. Tilman: more species give less variation in biomass and higher productivity. Ehrlich's rivet popper hypothesis: losing key species makes the ecosystem fail.
3 · Give the narrowly utilitarian reasons. Food, fibre, firewood, industrial products and medicines; over 25% of drugs come from plants; bioprospecting.
4 · Give the broadly utilitarian reasons. Ecosystem services: the Amazon is estimated to give 20% of the oxygen in Earth's atmosphere (textbook figure); pollination; aesthetic pleasure.
5 · Give the ethical reason. Every species has intrinsic value; we have a moral duty to pass on our biological legacy.
6 · Link to real life. Ayurveda uses neem, tulsi and ashwagandha, and bees pollinate mustard and sunflower.
7 · Close in one line. So conserving biodiversity protects both nature and our own future.
Scoring tip: Use the three headings exactly: narrowly utilitarian, broadly utilitarian, ethical. Give one example under each.
