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' from the pie chart. - From the pie chart, 'X' is Invertebrates and 'Y' is Crustaceans.
(b) Which of 'X' or 'Y' is the most species-rich taxonomic group and by what percentage?
- 'X' (Invertebrates) is the most species-rich taxonomic group.
- Invertebrates constitute approximately \(75(\%)\) of total species richness globally.
- Thus, 'X' (Invertebrates) is the most species-rich taxonomic group, accounting for about \(75(\%)\) of species.
(c) Identify the level of Biodiversity represented by: 
(i) Estuaries and alpine meadows in India: 
- Estuaries and alpine meadows represent Ecosystem Diversity.
- These diverse ecosystems host numerous plant, animal, and microbial species.
(ii) The medicinal plant \(\textit{Rauwolfia vomitoria:} \)
- The medicinal plant \(\textit{Rauwolfia vomitoria}\) represents Species Diversity.
- \(\textit{Rauwolfia vomitoria}\) is a single species, contributing to plant species diversity.