By Momina Shehzadi | BS Zoology Graduate, Pakistan In this article, we will learn Fungi - Morphology, Reproduction, Physiology and Importance - in simple words with diagram. This topic is very important for BS Zoology and Microbiology students. Fungi are found everywhere around us. They are present in soil, in water, in air, on dead plants, on dead animals, on our food, on our skin and even inside our body. When bread becomes old, green or black spots appear on it. These spots are fungi. When we see mushroom growing after rain, that is also a fungus. When yeast is used to make bread soft, that is also a fungus. Fungi are very different from bacteria and plants. They are eukaryotic organisms. It means their cells have a true nucleus and other membrane bound organelles. They do not have chlorophyll, so they cannot make their own food like plants. They get their food from other living or dead things. That is why they are called heterotrophic organisms. The study of fungi is called mycolog...
By Momina Shehzadi | BS Zoology Graduate, Pakistan
In this article, we will learn about Biodiversity in Pakistan in simple words with examples. This topic is very important for BS Zoology Semester 2 students.
Biodiversity means the variety of all living organisms on earth. It includes all animals, plants, and microorganisms found in different habitats. The term Biodiversity is made of two words, Bio means life and diversity means variety.
Pakistan is a very rich country in biodiversity. Although Pakistan covers only a small area, we have almost all types of ecosystems. We have hot deserts in Thar, dense forests in Murree and Swat, high mountains in Gilgit-Baltistan like K2, and a long coastal area in Karachi and Gwadar. Due to these different habitats, thousands of species live in Pakistan.
Types of biodiversity
( Important for Exam)
There are three main types of biodiversity:
1.Genetic Diversity :
It means variation in genes within a single species. For example, there are many different varieties of wheat and rice in Pakistan. Similarly, all humans are same species but we have different eye colors and heights due to genetic diversity.
2.Species Diversity:
It means variety of different species in a specific area. For example, Margalla Hills National Park has more than 600 plant species and 250 animal species. More species diversity means a healthier ecosystem.
3.Ecosystem Diversity:
It means variety of ecosystems in a region. Pakistan has great ecosystem diversity because we have forest ecosystem, desert ecosystem, river ecosystem (Indus River), and marine ecosystem (Arabian Sea).
Importance of biodiversity in Pakistan
1.Ecological Importance
Biodiversity maintains balance in nature. Forests in Pakistan give us oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide. Bees and butterflies help in pollination of crops like mango and mustard. Microorganisms decompose dead bodies and make soil fertile.
2.Economic Importance
Our economy depends on biodiversity. Many important medicines are made from plants like Artemisia. Food, wood, leather, and honey all come from biodiversity. The fishing industry in Sindh and Balochistan provides jobs to thousands of people.
3.Scientific and Educational Importance
Biodiversity is very important for Zoology and Botany students. It helps in research, education and discovery of new species. Many Pakistani universities are doing research on snow leopards and Indus dolphins.
Threats to Biodiversity in Pakistan (Most Important Topic for BSc and BS zoology)
1.Deforestation:
This is the biggest threat. Trees are cut for wood, furniture and to make new housing societies. Forests in Murree, Swat and Azad Kashmir are decreasing rapidly. When trees are cut, animals lose their homes.
2.Illegal Hunting and Poaching:
Illegal hunting of Markhor (National Animal of Pakistan), Houbara Bustard, Snow Leopard, and freshwater turtles is a serious issue. These animals are hunted for trophy, fur and illegal export.
3. Climate Change:
Increase in temperature is melting glaciers in northern areas. This is destroying the habitat of snow leopards and brown bears. Change in rainfall pattern is also affecting crops.
4.Water Pollution:
Industrial waste and chemical waste from factories in Faisalabad, Sialkot and Karachi is thrown into River Ravi and River Indus. This water pollution is killing fish, Indus Blind Dolphin and other aquatic life.
5.Population Growth:
Pakistan's population is increasing very fast. More population needs more land for houses and food. So forests and natural habitats are converted into agricultural land and cities.
6.Introduction of invasive Species:
Non-native plants like Lantana camara and Parthenium are spreading very fast in Islamabad and Punjab. They destroy local plants and take their food and space.
Conservation of Biodiversity in Pakistan
Pakistan government has taken many steps for conservation. There are more than 30 National Parks like Margalla Hills National Park Islamabad, Hingol National Park Balochistan. Organizations like WWF-Pakistan are working for awareness. We should avoid plastic pollution, plant more trees and say no to illegal hunting.
Conclusion:
Pakistan is blessed with very rich biodiversity but it is in serious danger. As a Zoology student, it is our responsibility to spread awareness about conservation. If we save biodiversity today, our future generation will live in a healthy environment. This notes is specially prepared for BSc Zoology Part 1 and Part 2, BS Zoology Semester 2 students of GCUF, University of Punjab, University of Sargodha and other Pakistani universities
FAQs for exam preparation:
1. How many types of biodiversity are there?
Answer: 3 (Genetic, Species, Ecosystem)
2. Which animal is the national animal of Pakistan?
Answer: Markhor
3. What is the biggest threat to biodiversity in Pakistan?
Answer: Deforestation and Habitat Loss
4. Which is the largest National Park of Pakistan?
Answer: Hingol National Park
Q5: What are 3 types of biodiversity?
Ans: Genetic Diversity, Species Diversity, and Ecosystem Diversity are 3 main types.
Q6: Why Pakistan is rich in biodiversity?
Ans: Because Pakistan has deserts, forests, mountains, rivers, and coastal areas, so many different species can live here.
Also read previous complete topic Biosphere
Written by Momina Shehzadi from Pakistan. I made these notes for my exams.
Comments
Post a Comment