# Biodiversity Register

## Overview

In this chapter, students explore the concept of biodiversity through real-life observations and activities. They learn how to create a biodiversity register by collecting data about different living organisms found in their surroundings. The chapter encourages systematic observation, recording, and reflection through interaction with experts, surveys, and use of digital tools.

## Key Topics Covered

### 1. Understanding Biodiversity

* **Definition**: Biodiversity refers to the variety of all life forms including plants, animals, birds, insects, and microorganisms.
* **Importance**: Maintaining biodiversity is crucial for a balanced ecosystem. The extinction of any species affects the entire ecological chain, including humans.
* **Uses**: Biodiversity information can reveal knowledge about crops, pests, medicinal plants, and cultivation methods.

### 2. What is a Biodiversity Register?

* A biodiversity register is a systematic record of the variety of living organisms in a particular area.
* It includes:

* Local and scientific names
* Habitat and soil types
* Use of plants and animals
* Threats and pests
* Cultural and seasonal details

### 3. Tools and Sources for Recording

* Talk to teachers, elders, or experts.
* Use books, libraries, the Internet, and mobile apps.
* Tools needed: Notebook, pencil, eraser, magnifying lens, camera/smartphone for recording and sketching.

### 4. Safety Precautions

* Wear shoes and cover skin during field visits.
* Avoid disturbing wildlife and plants.
* Do not leave litter behind.
* Follow safe internet practices.

### 5. Activities

#### Activity 1: Observation Around You

* Identify insects, birds, animals, and worms.
* Record where they are found and their names in different languages.

#### Activity 2: Meet an Expert

* Prepare questions and interact with forest officers, farmers, conservationists, or Ayurvedic practitioners to learn about biodiversity.

#### Activity 3: Identify Places for Survey

* Select accessible places like school surroundings, water bodies, gardens, and religious sites.
* Identify different habitats and record observations.

#### Activity 4: Scheduling Visits

* Form student groups and plan multiple visits throughout the school year to observe seasonal changes.

#### Activity 5: Recording Biodiversity

Students fill tables to record observations of:

* Crop plants
* Fruit plants
* Fodder plants
* Weed plants
* Pests

Each table captures:

* Plant name
* Local and scientific names
* Planting methods
* Special features (season, habitat, etc.)
* Uses
* Sketch or photograph

#### Activity 6: Identifying Unknown Species

* Use sources like Google Lens and AI tools to find missing details such as names or uses.

#### Activity 7: Presentation

Two parts:

* **Part 1**: Summarise findings using guiding questions.
* **Part 2**: Reflect and analyse data. Compare biodiversity across places, seasons, and species.

### 6. Interaction and Reflection

* Write about your learning from experts and the community.
* Reflect on how biodiversity has changed in the area over time.
* Record time taken for each activity and prepare a timeline.


## New Terms and Definitions

| Term | Simple Definition |
| --------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Biodiversity | The variety of living organisms like plants, animals, and insects in one place. |
| Habitat | The natural home of a plant or animal. |
| Scientific name | A name used by scientists that is the same in all languages. |
| Variety | Different types within the same kind of plant or animal. |
| Cropping season | The time of the year when crops are grown. |
| Fruiting season | The time when fruit trees bear fruit. |
| Pests | Insects or animals that harm plants. |
| Pesticide | A chemical used to kill pests and protect plants. |
| Weedicide | A chemical used to kill unwanted plants (weeds). |
| GI Tag | A government label given to products grown in special places (e.g., Basmati rice). |

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## Practice Questions

### Easy (3)

1. **What does biodiversity mean?**
**Answer**: It means the variety of living things in an area.
**Explanation**: Biodiversity includes all animals, plants, insects, and microorganisms.

2. **What tool can be used to observe small insects?**
**Answer**: A magnifying glass.
**Explanation**: It helps to see small details clearly.

3. **What is a pesticide used for?**
**Answer**: To kill pests that harm plants.
**Explanation**: It protects crops from insects and other harmful creatures.

### Medium (2)

4. **Why is it important to record biodiversity?**
**Answer**: To understand and protect different species and their environment.
**Explanation**: Recording helps in conservation and maintaining ecological balance.

5. **What can be used if we don’t know the name of a plant?**
**Answer**: Ask an expert or use a mobile app like Google Lens.
**Explanation**: These tools help identify unknown species.

### Difficult (3)

6. **What is the use of a biodiversity register?**
**Answer**: It records information about living organisms and their habitats.
**Explanation**: This information helps in study, conservation, and planning farming activities.

7. **What are the features recorded for crop plants in the register?**
**Answer**: Names (local and scientific), variety, planting method, use, season, and sketches/photos.
**Explanation**: These help in understanding the diversity of crops.

8. **How can you tell if a plant is seasonal or not?**
**Answer**: By observing it in different seasons or asking knowledgeable people.
**Explanation**: Seasonal plants appear or bear fruits/flowers only in specific times of the year.

### Very Difficult (2)

9. **How can loss of biodiversity affect human life?**
**Answer**: It disrupts the food chain, affects crops, and causes loss of useful plants or animals.
**Explanation**: All species are interconnected, and loss of one affects the rest.

10. **Explain how AI tools can help in biodiversity studies.**
**Answer**: AI tools like Google Lens can identify unknown plants, insects, or pests from photos.
**Explanation**: They provide scientific names and more details instantly, improving learning and recording accuracy.

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