Ecosystem Fundamentals

Definition:
An ecosystem serves as the fundamental unit of ecological study, uniting the physical environment, plants, and animals within a cohesive framework. This monistic concept facilitates the exploration of interactions between biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) components.

Components:
1. Autotrophic Components: Dominated by green plants, responsible for food preparation through photosynthesis.
2. Heterotrophic Components: Encompass animals and micro-organisms, utilizing, rearranging, and decomposing organic substances provided by autotrophic components.

Key Points:
- Unity of System: Ecosystems provide a holistic view, integrating living and non-living elements for comprehensive ecological study.
- Interaction Dynamics: Understanding the interplay between autotrophic and heterotrophic components reveals the intricate balance within ecosystems.

Note: The ecosystem concept enhances our grasp of the intricate relationships shaping the natural world.

Great Indian Bustard

Description:
The Great Indian Bustard, a robust avian species, holds the title of one of the heaviest flying birds, boasting an impressive weight of up to 15 kilograms. Its preferred habitat includes dry grasslands and scrublands within the Indian subcontinent.

Habitat Range:
Endemic to the Indian subcontinent, these magnificent birds are predominantly found in regions such as Rajasthan (Desert National Park), Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh in India, as well as parts of Pakistan.

Major Threats:
The survival of the Great Indian Bustard faces various challenges:
- Infrastructure Collisions: High mortality rates due to collisions with power lines and wind turbines.
- Habitat Depletion: Shrinking grasslands contribute to the decline of their natural habitat.
- Hunting: The unfortunate practice of hunting poses an additional threat to their population.

Conservation Status:
- IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered species.
- CITES: Listed under Appendix I.
- Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Designated as a species under Schedule I.

Note: Urgent conservation efforts are imperative to safeguard the future of this critically endangered species.

भारत के सैन्य ऑपरेशन से संबंधित देश

👉 **ऑपरेशन करुणा- म्यांमार*
👉 *ऑपरेशन कावेरी- सूडान*
👉ऑपरेशन दोस्त - *तुर्की सीरिया*
👉 *ऑपरेशन *गंगा - यूक्रेन*
👉 *ऑपरेशन देवी शक्ति- अफगानिस्तान*
👉 *ऑपरेशन अजय- इजरायल*

Wildlife Sanctuary of India

State  —Wildlife Sanctuary
✍️—Himachal Pradesh  —Chandratal, Pong Dam Lake, Renuka
✍️—Jammu-Kashmir  —Changthal Cold Desert, Hokersar, Surinsar-Mansar
✍️—Jharkhand  —Dalma, Gautam Buddha, Hazaribagh, Parasnath, Palamu, Topchanchi
✍️—Karnataka  —Dandeli, Ghatprabha, Chincholi, Talakaveri.
✍️—Kerala  —Thadekkad Birds, Idukki, Neyyar, Parambikulam, Malabar, Periyar, Voynad, Kumaracom
✍️—Andhra Pradesh  —Koringa, Kolleru, Nagarjuna Sagar- Srisailam, Pranahita
✍️—Telangana  —Nagarjuna Sagar - Shri Shailam, Pranahita, Kinneersani
✍️—Bihar   —Barela Lake (present-day Salim Ali Jubba Sahni Birds Vihar), Bhimbandh, Gautam Buddha, Kanwarzhil, Kaimur, Valmiki, Vikramashila Ganga-Dolphin

#upscPrelims