Passage
The Himalayan ecosystem is highly vulnerable to damage, both due to geological reasons and on account of the stress caused by increased pressure of population, exploitation of natural resources and other related challenges. These aspects may be exacerbated due to the impact of climate change. It is possible that climate change may adversely impact the Himalayan ecosystem through increased temperature altered precipitation patterns, episodes of drought and biotic influences. This would not only impact the very sustenance of the indigenous communities in uplands but also the life of downstream dwellers across the country and beyond. Therefore, there is an urgent need for giving special attention to sustain the Himalayan ecosystem. This would require conscious efforts for conserving all the representative systems. Further, it needs to be emphasized that the endemics with restricted distribution, and most often with specialized habitat requirements, are among the most vulnerable elements. In this respect the Himalayan biodiversity hotspot, with rich endemic diversity, is vulnerable to climate change. The Threats include possible loss of genetic resources and species, habitats and concomitantly a decrease in ecosystem services. Therefore, conservation of endemic elements in representative ecosystems/habitats assumes a great significance while drawing conservation plans for the region. Towards achieving the above, we will have to shift towards contemporary conservation approaches, which include a paradigm of landscape level interconnectivity between protected area systems. The concept advocates a shift from the species-habitat focus to an inclusive focus on expanding the biogeographic range so that natural adjustments to climate change can proceed without being restrictive.
QUESTION
CSAT
Easy
Comprehension
Prelims 2014
According to the passage, the adverse impact of climate change on an ecosystem can be a
- Permanent disappearance of some of its flora and fauna.
- Permanent disappearance of ecosystem itself.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Select an option to attempt
Other Questions from this Passage
- ComprehensionView Answer for: Based on the above passage:Which one of the following statements best implies the need to shift toward contemporary conservation approach?
Based on the above passage:
Which one of the following statements best implies the need to shift toward contemporary conservation approach?
- ComprehensionView Answer for: Based on the above passage:What is the most important message conveyed by the passage?
Based on the above passage:
What is the most important message conveyed by the passage?
- ComprehensionView Answer for: With reference to the passage, the following assumptions have been made: To maintain natural ecosystems, exploitation of natural resources should be completely avoided. Not only anthropogenic but also natural reasons can adversely affect ecosystems. Loss of endemic diversity leads to the extinction of ecosystems.Which of the above assumptions is/are correct?
With reference to the passage, the following assumptions have been made:
- To maintain natural ecosystems, exploitation of natural resources should be completely avoided.
- Not only anthropogenic but also natural reasons can adversely affect ecosystems.
- Loss of endemic diversity leads to the extinction of ecosystems.
Which of the above assumptions is/are correct?
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