With reference to the passage, the following assumptions have been made: 1. To maintain natural ecosystems, exploitation of natural resources should be completely avoided. 2. Not only anthropogenic but also natural reasons can adversely affect ecosystems. 3. Loss of endemic diversity leads to the extinction of ecosystems. Which of the above assumptions is/are correct?

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

CSATEasyPrelims 2014Comprehension

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?

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. The passage does mention that the exploitation of natural resources puts stress on the Himalayan ecosystem, but it does not advocate for the complete avoidance of resource exploitation. Instead, it emphasizes the need for conscious conservation efforts and sustainable approaches rather than a total ban on resource use.

Statement 2 is correct. The passage highlights both anthropogenic factors (such as population pressure and resource exploitation) and natural factors (such as climate change, altered precipitation patterns, and biotic influences) as threats to the Himalayan ecosystem. This confirms that ecosystems can be adversely affected by both human activities and natural causes.

Statement 3 is incorrect. The passage discusses the loss of endemic diversity and its impact on biodiversity and ecosystem services. However, it does not claim that the loss of endemic species alone leads to the extinction of entire ecosystems. Instead, it focuses on the vulnerability of endemic species and the importance of conservation efforts to sustain the ecosystem.