Question

Study the pie chart given below, representing the global biodiversity and proportionate number of species of major taxa.

Answer the following questions:
[a] Identify 'X' and 'Y' in the given pie chart.
[b] Which one of the two 'X' or 'Y' is the most species-rich taxonomic group and by what percentage?
[c] Name the level of Biodiversity represented by the following:

• (i) Estuaries and alpine meadows in India.
• (ii) The medicinal plant \(\textit{Rauwolfia vomitoria}.\)

Hint:

In ecosystem diversity, the variety of ecosystems in a particular area is key. In species diversity, the variety of species, such as \textit{Rauwolfia vomitoria}, contributes to the richness of biodiversity.

Answer 1

(a) Identify 'X' and 'Y' in the given pie chart. - Based on the pie chart, we can identify 'X' and 'Y' as follows: 
- 'X' represents Invertebrates. 
- 'Y' represents Crustaceans. 
(b) Which one of the two 'X' or 'Y' is the most species-rich taxonomic group and by what percentage? 
- 'X' (Invertebrates) is the most species-rich taxonomic group. 
- Invertebrates make up a significant percentage of global biodiversity, estimated at around \(75(\%)\) of total species richness. 
- Therefore, 'X' (Invertebrates) is the most species-rich taxonomic group with approximately \(75(\%)\) of the species.
(c) Name the level of Biodiversity represented by the following: 
(i) Estuaries and alpine meadows in India: 
- The level of biodiversity represented by estuaries and alpine meadows is Ecosystem Diversity. 
- These ecosystems are rich in diverse species, including plants, animals, and microorganisms, contributing to the diversity of the environment.
(ii) The medicinal plant \(\textit{Rauwolfia vomitoria:} \)
- The level of biodiversity represented by the medicinal plant \(\textit{Rauwolfia vomitoria}\) is Species Diversity. 
- \(\textit{Rauwolfia vomitoria}\) represents a single species, contributing to the overall diversity of plant species.