NEET/JEE Coaching Scholarship
Get up to 90% Scholarship on Offline NEET/JEE coaching from top Institutes
Search Colleges, Exams, Schools & more
NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Biology Chapter 15 Biodiversity and Conservation
Edited By Irshad Anwar | Updated on Apr 10, 2025 06:58 PM IST | #CBSE Class 12th
According to the CBSE Syllabus 2025-26, this chapter has been renumbered as Chapter 13.
NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Biology Chapter 13 Biodiversity and Conservation: Biodiversity forms the foundation of life on Earth. Understanding this is important for sustainable living, which is why the chapter solutions provide a structured approach to key concepts. These answers help students understand topics like species diversity, ecological balance, and conservation strategies. By referring to these questions and answers in Class 12, students can improve their knowledge and answer complex questions with clarity. Proper preparation with these detailed explanations ensures a thorough understanding of biodiversity's importance in maintaining ecological stability. The NCERT Solutions prove very useful for students in their board exams.
This Story also Contains
- Biodiversity and Conservation NCERT Solutions Class 12 PDF
- NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Biology Chapter 13 Biodiversity and Conservation
- Biodiversity and Conservation NCERT Solutions Class 12- Concepts
- Important Topics of Class 12 Biology Chapter 13 NCERT solutions
- How to solve NCERT Class 12 Biology Chapter 13 questions effectively?
- NCERT Chapter-wise Solutions for Class 12 Biology
- Practice Questions for Class 12 Biology Biodiversity and Conservation
Biodiversity loss due to human activities is a major concern, making conservation efforts essential. The Class 12 Biology Biodiversity and Conservation NCERT Solutions cover topics like endangered species, conservation strategies, and laws protecting biodiversity. These concepts are vital for exams and practical applications in environmental studies. Going through NCERT Class 12 Solutions provides step-by-step explanations of key concepts.
Biodiversity and Conservation NCERT Solutions Class 12 PDF
The PDF for the chapter can be downloaded from the below link:
Also Read: NCERT Exemplar for Class 12 Biology Chapter 13 Biodiversity and Conservation
NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Biology Chapter 13 Biodiversity and Conservation
The exercise questions of the chapter are given below-
Q1. Name the three important components of biodiversity.
Answer:
Biodiversity refers to the vast variety present among the various life forms. The three components of biodiversity are
1. Genetic diversity
3. Ecosystem diversity
Q2. How do ecologists estimate the total number of species present in the world?
Answer:
To estimate the number of species present on Earth, ecologists statistically compare the species richness of well-studied groups of insects of tropical and temperate regions and these ratios are extrapolated with other groups of plants and animals to estimate the species richness found on Earth. As per estimates, about 7 million species are present on Earth.
Q3. Give three hypotheses for explaining why tropics show the greatest levels of species richness.
Answer:
Tropics show the greatest level of species richness due to the following reasons (hypotheses)
1. The climate of tropical areas is more stable as compared to temperate areas. So the local populations, continuously live in the absence of natural disturbances.
2. Tropical communities are highly productive and can support a wide range of other species. This is mainly because the tropics receive more solar energy.
3. In the tropics, there are warm temperatures and high humidity. Such conditions are favourable for varieties of fungi, plants and algae.
Q4. What is the significance of the slope of regression in a species-area relationship?
Answer:
The slope of regression has a major role in determining the species-area relationship. In smaller areas, the slope of regression is similar regardless of the taxonomic group or region. On the other hand, in the case of larger areas, the curve is steeper. Biodiversity also increases from higher to lower altitudes.
Q5. What are the major causes of species losses in a geographical region?
Answer:
The major causes of species losses in a geographical region are as follows;
1. Habitat loss and fragmentation
2. Over-exploitation
3. Alien species invasion
4. Co-extinction
Q6. How is biodiversity important for ecosystem functioning?
Answer:
Importance of biodiversity in ecosystem functioning
1. Biodiversity is important for maintaining stability, productivity, resilience, alternative pathways and overall health of a particular ecosystem.
2. A scientist named David Tilman confirmed that the higher the biodiversity higher the productivity of the ecosystem as more plants are there to photosynthesize and more decomposers are there to recycle the waste of the ecosystem. He also proved that if the biodiversity of an area is high then a year-to-year variation in total biomass will be lesser contributing to the overall stability of an ecosystem.
3. Rich biodiversity provides resilience against natural as well as man-made disturbances.
4. To clarify the importance of rich biodiversity on ecosystem functioning, the River Popper hypothesis was proposed by Paul Ehrlich. He cited that the way in an aeroplane all parts are joined by thousands of rivets, in an ecosystem all components are joined by species. As more and more rivets are removed the parts of the aeroplane disassemble. Similarly, as species are removed the functioning of the ecosystem also gets affected.
Q7. What are sacred groves? What is their role in conservation?
Answer:
Sacred groves are the traditionally protected patches of forests around places of worship where local tribal communities actively participate to protect these regions and do not allow to cutting of even a single branch of the tree because of religious reasons. Sacred groves in India are found in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, Maharashtra, Khasi and Jaintia hills in Meghalaya, Aravali hills in Rajasthan and Sarguja, Chanda and Bastar areas of Madhya Pradesh.
Role of sacred groves on the conservation of biodiversity
1. Sacred groves help in the protection of several rare, endangered and endemic species.
2. In these regions, deforestation is strictly prohibited and thus they are biodiversity-rich areas.
Answer:
Ecosystem services refer to goods or benefits that we get from the ecosystem. Prevention of soil erosion and floods comes under benefits provided by the ecosystem to us. The ecosystem includes both abiotic and biotic components. The biotic components are the living organisms present in an ecosystem. Biotic components play a role in providing ecosystem services. Some of these roles are as follows:
1. The roots of plants hold the soil particles very tightly. This prevents the erosion or degradation of the top layer of soil
2. Plants increase soil fertility and biodiversity.
3. The presence of plants also helps in controlling the flow of floods and leads to minimal destruction.
4. The roots of plants make the soil porous thus allowing water to seep into the soil.
5. The carbon dioxide and oxygen balance are maintained in the ecosystem via plants and animals.
Answer:
Animals have achieved greater diversification than animals due to the following reasons:
1. Animals possess a nervous system to receive stimuli and show a response against them.
2. Animals are motile and they can avoid competition thus leading to greater diversification.
3. Animals are subjected to less seasonal variations as compared to plants.
Plants are fixed and they require more evolutionary adaptations to obtain their requirements of water, minerals, sunlight, avoiding herbivory etc. Thus, there is higher diversity among animals than plants.
Answer:
Yes, some harmful pathogens, i.e. disease-causing organisms with little or no role in the ecosystem, can be made to go extinct. Their extinction will not lead to any effect on the ecological balance. These pathogens may include smallpox virus, etc. Poliovirus is about to be eradicated. There are efforts to make this world free from diseases such as TB, AIDS, Malaria, etc. Since the microorganisms causing these diseases have no role to play in the environment, they can be made to get eradicated.
NCERT Exemplar Class 12 Solutions
Biodiversity and Conservation NCERT Solutions Class 12- Concepts
The chapter provides a comprehensive understanding of the diversity of life forms and the importance of their conservation.
The chapter discusses the various topics:-
Biodiversity
- Biodiversity refers to the different types of life forms, including genes, species and ecosystems.
- They all play an important role in maintaining ecological balance, providing resources for survival, and sustaining ecosystem functions.
NEET Highest Scoring Chapters & Topics
Most Scoring concepts For NEET (Based On Previous Year Analysis)
Download EBookBiodiversity Conservation
- It involves the protection and management of the ecosystem, species, and genetic diversity.
- It includes in-situ and ex-situ conservation methods.
- The sustainable use of resources and efforts such as the construction of national parks, gene banks, etc help preserve biodiversity.
NCERT Solutions for Class 12- Subject-wise
Important Topics of Class 12 Biology Chapter 13 NCERT solutions
Important topics of the chapter are given below:
13. Biodiversity and Conservation
13.1 Biodiversity
13.2 Biodiversity Conservation
How to solve NCERT Class 12 Biology Chapter 13 questions effectively?
To solve the textbook questions effectively, one needs to understand the concepts clearly first. The chapter has certain key terms, such as species richness, ecosystem diversity and conservation strategies. Making notes of the chapter is really important, highlighting all the important points and terms. The Biodiversity and Conservation NCERT Solutions has all the solved exercise questions, with to-the-point answers and necessary information. Finally, one should practice these solutions to have an overall idea of the chapter and build confidence before the exams.
NCERT Chapter-wise Solutions for Class 12 Biology
The chapter-wise solutions for all chapters are given below:
Practice Questions for Class 12 Biology Biodiversity and Conservation
Below are a few solved practice questions:
Q1. Name four regions in and around our country that are considered biological hot spots.
Answer:
Four Biological Hotspots in and around India:
- The Himalayas
- Indo-Burma
- Sundaland
- Western Ghats
Q2. Explain any three ways other than zoological parks, botanical gardens, and wildlife safaris, by which threatened species of plants and animals are being conserved ‘ex-situ'.
Answer:
Ex-situ conservation is also known as offsite conservation means the conservation of the endangered species in the man-made or artificial habitat which limits their original natural habitat. Some examples of ex-situ conservation are zoos, nurseries, gardens, aquariums, botanical gardens, seed banks etc. In Cryopreservation, very low temperatures are used to preserve intact living tissues and cells structurally.
The ways other than the botanical gardens, wildlife sanctuaries, and zoological parks for the threatened species to be conserved Ex-situ are: -
- Gametes of these threatened species can be preserved in fertile or viable conditions for long periods using cryopreservation techniques.
- Eggs can be fertilised in vitro.
- Tissue culture methods can be used for plants’ propagation.
- Seed bank – seeds of different genetic strains can be kept for long periods
- Sperm bank – Semen or sperm can be stored
- Pollen bank – pollen grains can be stored
Q3. How did David Tillman show that the ‘‘stability of a community depends on its species richness’’? Explain.
Answer:
David Tilman shows that the ‘‘stability of a community depends on its species richness’’ by using outdoor plots. Each plot had a different number of species.
Tilman found that plots with more species showed less year-to-year variation in total biomass. He also showed that in his experiments, increased diversity contributed to higher productivity.
Q4. What are alien species? Give one example.
Answer:
When some species are introduced unintentionally or deliberately for whatever purpose, some of them turn invasive and cause the decline or extinction of indigenous species, known as alien species. Example- The Nile perch
Q5. Write the difference between genetic biodiversity and species biodiversity that exists at all levels of biological organisation.
Answer:
Genetic diversity is when a single species might show high diversity at the genetic level over its distributional range. The genetic variation shown by the medicinal plant Rauwolfia vomitoria growing in different Himalayan ranges might be in terms of the potency and concentration of the active chemical (reserpine) that the plant produces, whereas Species diversity is the diversity at the species level. For example, the Western Ghats have a greater amphibian species diversity than the Eastern Ghats.
Also Check NCERT Books and NCERT Syllabus here:
- NCERT Books Class 12 Biology
- NCERT Syllabus Class 12 Biology
- NCERT Books Class 12
- NCERT Syllabus Class 12
Class 12 Biodiversity and Conservation NCERT Solutions provide a structured approach to understanding the importance of biodiversity and conservation strategies. These answers simplify complex topics like species diversity, ecosystem services, and conservation techniques. By referring to the chapter explanations, students can effectively prepare for board exams and competitive exams. The detailed explanations also include well-explained answers, diagrams, and key points to aid better memory. For thorough revision, the questions and answers serve as a valuable resource.
We hope you will ace your board examination with the help of NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Biology Chapter 13 Biodiversity and Conservation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the important topics of NCERT solutions for class 12 biology chapter 13 biodiversity and conservation?
- Biodiversity
- How Many Species are there on Earth and How Many in India?
- Patterns of Biodiversity
- The importance of Species Diversity to the Ecosystem
- Loss of Biodiversity
- Biodiversity Conservation
- Why Should We Conserve Biodiversity?
- How do we conserve Biodiversity?
2. What are the three main components of biodiversity ncert?
The three main components of biodiversity ncert are:
1. Genetic diversity
2. Species diversity
3. Ecosystem diversity
3. Why you should use NCERT solutions for class 12 biology chapter 13 biodiversity and conservation?
NCERT solutions for Class 12 Biology Chapter 13 Biodiversity and Conservation provide accurate explanations, clear concepts, and exam-oriented answers. They help in understanding ecological balance, conservation strategies, and human impacts, ensuring strong preparation for board exams and competitive tests like NEET.
4. What are the role of sacred groves on the conservation of biodiversity?
Sacred groves help in the protection of a number of rare, endangered and endemic species. In these regions, deforestation is strictly prohibited and thus they are biodiversity-rich areas.
5. How to score well in Chapter 13 of NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Biology?
The NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Biology Chapter 13 lays a solid foundation for the fundamental ideas covered in the chapter. Based on the most recent CBSE marking criteria and weighting, the solutions provided by expert faculty are precise. Students will learn more about the ideas that are crucial for the board exams by consulting these solutions. Students are better able to remember the concepts when they receive precise answers in a systematic format.
6. What are the major threats to biodiversity as per Chapter 13 of NCERT Biology?
According to NCERT Biology Chapter 13, the major threats to biodiversity include habitat loss and fragmentation, overexploitation of resources, alien species invasions, and co-extinction.
7. How does biodiversity contribute to ecosystem services?
Biodiversity is important for ecosystem services as it consists of the functioning of ecosystems, which in turn provide essential benefits like clean water, food, and climate regulation, all important for human well-being and economic activities.
8. What are biodiversity hotspots according to NCERT?
According to NCERT, biodiversity hotspots are biogeographic regions with high levels of species richness and endemism (unique species found nowhere else), that are also facing significant threats of destruction.
9. How does habitat destruction affect biodiversity?
Habitat destruction, a major threat to biodiversity, leads to the loss of species and resources, disrupts ecosystems, and makes them more vulnerable to other threats, ultimately reducing biodiversity.
10. What are Ramsar Sites mentioned in NCERT Biology Chapter 13?
Ramsar sites are designated because they meet the criteria for identifying Wetlands of International Importance. The first criterion refers to sites containing representative, rare or unique wetland types, and the other eight cover Sites of international importance for conserving biological diversity.
Also Read
Articles
Certifications By Top Providers
Digital Banking Business Model
Via State Bank of India Full-Stack Web Development
Via Masai School Banking 101 A Guide for Beginners in the Banking Sector
Via EduBridge Artificial Intelligence Projects
Via Great Learning Business Analytics Foundations
Via PW Skills Edx
1115 coursesCoursera
816 coursesUdemy
394 coursesFuturelearn
295 coursesHarvard University, Cambridge
98 coursesUniversity of Michigan, Ann Arbor
83 coursesExplore Top Universities Across Globe
University of Essex, Colchester
Wivenhoe Park Colchester CO4 3SQUniversity College London, London
Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BTThe University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh
Old College, South Bridge, Edinburgh, Post Code EH8 9YLUniversity of Bristol, Bristol
Beacon House, Queens Road, Bristol, BS8 1QUUniversity of Delaware, Newark
Newark, DE 19716University of Nottingham, Nottingham
University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RDUniversity of Connecticut (UConn) Scholarships for UG & PG Students
5 min ⋆ Mar 19, 2025 05:03 AM ISTUK Grading System 2025: Levels, Degree and Meaning
6 min ⋆ Mar 19, 2025 05:03 AM ISTIELTS 2025 Exam: Test Dates (March), Registration, Syllabus, Fees
17 min ⋆ Mar 04, 2025 12:03 PM ISTIELTS Exam Dates 2025: Slot Booking, Test Schedule Check Here
11 min ⋆ Mar 04, 2025 12:03 PM ISTSDS Canada 2025-26: Requirements, Countries, Success Rate, Documents
7 min ⋆ Mar 18, 2025 12:03 PM ISTGRE Sample Papers 2025 with Answers: Download PDF
8 min ⋆ Mar 18, 2025 12:03 PM ISTQuestions related to CBSE Class 12th
Have a question related to CBSE Class 12th ?
Changing from the CBSE board to the Odisha CHSE in Class 12 is generally difficult and often not ideal due to differences in syllabi and examination structures. Most boards, including Odisha CHSE , do not recommend switching in the final year of schooling. It is crucial to consult both CBSE and Odisha CHSE authorities for specific policies, but making such a change earlier is advisable to prevent academic complications.
Manasvini Gupta 30 January,2025
Hello there! Thanks for reaching out to us at Careers360.
Ah, you're looking for CBSE quarterly question papers for mathematics, right? Those can be super helpful for exam prep.
Unfortunately, CBSE doesn't officially release quarterly papers - they mainly put out sample papers and previous years' board exam papers. But don't worry, there are still some good options to help you practice!
Have you checked out the CBSE sample papers on their official website? Those are usually pretty close to the actual exam format. You could also look into previous years' board exam papers - they're great for getting a feel for the types of questions that might come up.
If you're after more practice material, some textbook publishers release their own mock papers which can be useful too.
Let me know if you need any other tips for your math prep. Good luck with your studies!
Jefferson 25 September,2024
It's understandable to feel disheartened after facing a compartment exam, especially when you've invested significant effort. However, it's important to remember that setbacks are a part of life, and they can be opportunities for growth.
Possible steps:
-
Re-evaluate Your Study Strategies:
- Identify Weak Areas: Pinpoint the specific topics or concepts that caused difficulties.
- Seek Clarification: Reach out to teachers, tutors, or online resources for additional explanations.
- Practice Regularly: Consistent practice is key to mastering chemistry.
-
Consider Professional Help:
- Tutoring: A tutor can provide personalized guidance and support.
- Counseling: If you're feeling overwhelmed or unsure about your path, counseling can help.
-
Explore Alternative Options:
- Retake the Exam: If you're confident in your ability to improve, consider retaking the chemistry compartment exam.
- Change Course: If you're not interested in pursuing chemistry further, explore other academic options that align with your interests.
-
Focus on NEET 2025 Preparation:
- Stay Dedicated: Continue your NEET preparation with renewed determination.
- Utilize Resources: Make use of study materials, online courses, and mock tests.
-
Seek Support:
- Talk to Friends and Family: Sharing your feelings can provide comfort and encouragement.
- Join Study Groups: Collaborating with peers can create a supportive learning environment.
Remember: This is a temporary setback. With the right approach and perseverance, you can overcome this challenge and achieve your goals.
I hope this information helps you.
Kanishka kaushikii 17 September,2024
Hi,
Qualifications:
Age: As of the last registration date, you must be between the ages of 16 and 40.
Qualification: You must have graduated from an accredited board or at least passed the tenth grade. Higher qualifications are also accepted, such as a diploma, postgraduate degree, graduation, or 11th or 12th grade.
How to Apply:
Get the Medhavi app by visiting the Google Play Store.
Register: In the app, create an account.
Examine Notification: Examine the comprehensive notification on the scholarship examination.
Sign up to Take the Test: Finish the app's registration process.
Examine: The Medhavi app allows you to take the exam from the comfort of your home.
Get Results: In just two days, the results are made public.
Verification of Documents: Provide the required paperwork and bank account information for validation.
Get Scholarship: Following a successful verification process, the scholarship will be given. You need to have at least passed the 10th grade/matriculation scholarship amount will be transferred directly to your bank account.
Scholarship Details:
Type A: For candidates scoring 60% or above in the exam.
Type B: For candidates scoring between 50% and 60%.
Type C: For candidates scoring between 40% and 50%.
Cash Scholarship:
Scholarships can range from Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 18,000 per month, depending on the marks obtained and the type of scholarship exam (SAKSHAM, SWABHIMAN, SAMADHAN, etc.).
Since you already have a 12th grade qualification with 84%, you meet the qualification criteria and are eligible to apply for the Medhavi Scholarship exam. Make sure to prepare well for the exam to maximize your chances of receiving a higher scholarship.
Hope you find this useful!
Yuvan 30 August,2024
hello mahima,
If you have uploaded screenshot of your 12th board result taken from CBSE official website,there won,t be a problem with that.If the screenshot that you have uploaded is clear and legible. It should display your name, roll number, marks obtained, and any other relevant details in a readable forma.ALSO, the screenshot clearly show it is from the official CBSE results portal.
hope this helps.
Ashvadha 12 July,2024
Popular CBSE Class 12th Questions
A block of mass 0.50 kg is moving with a speed of 2.00 ms-1 on a smooth surface. It strikes another mass of 1.00 kg and then they move together as a single body. The energy loss during the collision is
| Option 1)
|
Option 2)
|
| Option 3)
|
Option 4)
|
An athlete in the olympic games covers a distance of 100 m in 10 s. His kinetic energy can be estimated to be in the range
| Option 1)
|
Option 2)
|
| Option 3)
|
Option 4)
|
A particle is projected at 600 to the horizontal with a kinetic energy . The kinetic energy at the highest point
| Option 1)
|
Option 2)
|
| Option 3)
|
Option 4)
|
In the reaction,
| Option 1)
|
Option 2)
|
| Option 3)
|
Option 4)
|
How many moles of magnesium phosphate, will contain 0.25 mole of oxygen atoms?
| Option 1)
0.02 |
Option 2)
3.125 × 10-2 |
| Option 3)
1.25 × 10-2 |
Option 4)
2.5 × 10-2 |
Colleges After 12th
Study Resources, Applications and Opportunities
NEET/JEE Coaching Scholarship
ApplyGet up to 90% Scholarship on Offline NEET/JEE coaching from top Institutes
NEET Most scoring concepts
Get nowThis ebook serves as a valuable study guide for NEET 2025 exam.
NEET Previous 10 Year Questions
Get nowThis e-book offers NEET PYQ and serves as an indispensable NEET study material.
JEE Main Important Physics formulas
Get nowAs per latest 2024 syllabus. Physics formulas, equations, & laws of class 11 & 12th chapters
JEE Main Important Chemistry formulas
Get nowAs per latest 2024 syllabus. Chemistry formulas, equations, & laws of class 11 & 12th chapters
TOEFL ® Registrations 2024
ApplyAccepted by more than 11,000 universities in over 150 countries worldwide
News and Notifications
April 04, 2025 - 08:39 PM IST
April 02, 2025 - 06:26 PM IST
April 01, 2025 - 03:37 PM IST
March 29, 2025 - 03:10 PM IST
CBSE Board Exams 2025 Live: Class 12 accountancy paper 'moderate' in difficulty level, exam analysis
March 26, 2025 - 10:22 PM IST
CBSE Class 12 Accountancy Exam Analysis 2025: Paper ‘moderate', includes application-based questions
March 26, 2025 - 03:13 PM IST
March 25, 2025 - 10:35 PM IST
Stay up-to date with CBSE Class 12th News
Ask
Question
Student Community: Where Questions Find Answers
Back to top