Forest ecology and biodiversity

Course Details:

• LTP: 1 0 0 [One lecture/ Week]

Textbook:• Ecology and Environment by P.D Sharma

Rastogi Publications, 11th Edition,(2014).• Botany in Forestry and Environment Ashok

Kumar Khanna Bhandhu Publishers, 1st Edition, (2001).

COURSE CONTENTS• Introduction: Concepts of ecology and biodiversity, Historical

development of ecology as a science. Concept of levels of biological organization.

• Ecosystem: Definition, Classification, Distribution. Trophic levels, food webs, ecological pyramids and energy flow.

• Forest environment: Abiotic components, Biotic components , Interactions, Nutrient cycling,

• Population ecology :Definition, Population dynamics , Carrying capacity • Community ecology: Species interaction, Ecological succession,

Terminology, Climax vegetation types, Methods to study effects of forest management on succession. Island Biogeography. Autecology of important tree species.

• Biodiversity and conservation :Definition, Distribution of diversity in life forms, Hotspots of biodiversity, Measurement of diversity and diversity indices. Principles of conservation biology, Ex situ and In situ methods of conservation, Biosphere concept. Conservation – efforts in India and worldwide.

What is Ecology?

The scientific study of interactions between different organisms and between organisms and their environment or surroundings

What is Biodiversity? The variability among living organisms from all sources including terrestrial, marine, and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they are a part;

this includes diversity within species, between species and of ecosystems.

Why Biodiversity is important?

Provides food, fodder, fruit, fuel, timber, medicine

1.Commercial value :

Oil, Fertilizers etc. extracted from species of plants and animals.

2.Biological value:

Pollination Soil formation Nutrient enrichment

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3.Recreational Value:

Can not be measured in terms of money.

4. Aesthetic Value: Art, Poetry, Literature.

5.Scientific Value:

Gene Pool, Evolution, Human Welfare, etc,.

Value of a TreeA tree that lives for 50 years generates:

• Rs. 5.3 lakhs worth of oxygen

• Facilitates Rs. 6.4 lakhs worth of soil erosion control

• Creates Rs. 10.5 lakhs worth of air pollution control

• Provides Rs. 5.3 lakhs worth of shelter for birds and animals

• Recycles Rs. 6.4 lakhs worth of fertility

• Besides provide flower, fruits and timber

• When a tree is fell it is something worth more than Rs. 33. 9 lakhs.

….Value of a Tree

Threats to Biodiversity

1. Deforestation and overgrazing

2. Habitat destruction and fragmentation of the

area.

3. Poaching and hunting for flesh, fur, skin, horn, naiI and recreation.

4. Forest fires including smoking in the woods.

5. Over exploitation‑ of the resources.

9.Population pressure and unequal

distribution of the resources

10. Agricultural expansion

11.Spreading urbanization and establishment of industries.

12.Construction of hydro electric‑ power projects

13. Climatic changes like depletion of ozone, global warming, increased concentration of carbon dioxide, etc,

14. Mining activities and quarrying.

15. Lack of awareness.

Impact of Loss Of BiodiversityImpact of Loss Of Biodiversity

Global warming and climate change

Increased pollution

Soil erosion and loss of fertility

Decomposition rateby microbes is altered

Nutrient cycling is altered

Reduces gene pool - affects speciation

Food chain is altered

Alteration in HydrologicCycle

UNIT-1 Introduction:

UNIT-2 Ecosystem:

UNIT-3 Forest environment

Grassland Shola forest

UNIT-4 Population ecology

UNIT-5 Community ecology

UNIT-6 Biodiversity and conservation

The course outcome… Students will learn about basics of ecology and biodiversity. Students will acquaint about various biological processes in forest

ecosystem. Students will get knowledge about bio diversity and environment. Student will learn the concepts of ecological pyramids

Next ClassUnit I. Introduction to ecology and biodiversity

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