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

Medium

Comprehension

Prelims 2014

Based on the above passage:

What is the most important message conveyed by the passage?

Select an option to attempt

Explanation

Statement A is incorrect. While the passage mentions that the Himalayan region has rich endemic diversity, it is not the central message. The primary focus is on conservation strategies rather than just highlighting endemism.

Statement B is correct. The passage emphasizes the need to shift conservation efforts from a species-habitat focus to a broader approach that considers biogeographic ranges. It advocates for landscape-level interconnectivity between protected areas, allowing natural adjustments to climate change. This shift is presented as a necessary step to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Himalayan ecosystem.

Statement C is incorrect. Although the passage discusses the adverse effects of climate change on the Himalayan ecosystem, it does so to justify the need for a new conservation approach rather than making it the main message.

Statement D is incorrect. The passage states that the Himalayan ecosystem sustains both upland and downstream communities, but it does not claim that life in these areas would be entirely unsustainable without it. The focus remains on conservation strategies rather than the absolute dependence of communities on the ecosystem.