HANSRAJ COLLEGE
PowerPoint Presentation
Presented By:
Submitted to:
Diksha Mathur
Poonam Rani
14419
BSc.(Hons.)Zoology 1st year
A Visit to a
Biodiversity
Content
• Biodiversity
Biodiversity
“Biodiversity is the variation among living organisms from
different sources including terrestrial, marine and desert
ecosystems, and the ecological complexes of which they are
a part.”
Biodiversity describes the richness and variety of life on
earth. It is the most complex and important feature of our
planet. Without biodiversity, life would not sustain.
Biodiversity includes the number of different organisms and
their relative frequencies in an ecosystem. It also reflects
the organization of organisms at different levels.
Flora
The term flora in Latin means
“Goddess of the Flower.”
Flora is a collective term for a
group of plant life found in a
particular region. The
whole plant kingdom is
represented by this name.
The agricultural flora consists
of plants cultivated by men
for their use. Horticulture is
the practice of growing
ornamental and decorative
flowers, which are also
known as garden flora.
Categories of Flora
Medicinal Plants
Endangered Plants
Aromatic Plants
Ornamental Plants
Juniper
(Juniperus oxycedrus)
Kingdom : Plantae
Phylum : Coniferophyta
Class : Pinopsida
Order : Pinales
Family : Cupressaceae
Genus : Juniperus
Species : J.oxycedrus
Habitat
Depending on taxonomic viewpoint, between 50 and 67
species of junipers are widely distributed throughout the
Northern Hemisphere, from the Arctic, south to
tropical Africa, from Ziarat, Pakistan, east to eastern Tibet in
the Old World, and in the mountains of Central America.
Uses and Economic Importance
Junipers have a great number of uses. The berries are good
for digestive problems, gastrointestinal infections, kidney
and bladder problems, cramps, acne, and food flavoring;
while the wood is used for furniture and other
products. Juniper oil has a fresh, warm, balsamic, woody
pine needle odor.
Royal Palm
(Roystonea regia)
Kingdom : Plantae
Division : Tracheophyta
Class : Monocotyledon
Order : Arecales
Family : Arecaceae
Genus : Roystonea
Species : R.regia
Habitat
The royal palm is a large majestic palm that is native to south Florida
and Cuba. It is considered cold hardy to about 28°F or USDA Cold
Hardiness Zone 10A. This species quickly grows to heights of 50–70
ft., with a spread of 20–25 ft., and has a smooth light gray trunk up to
2 ft.
Uses and Economic Importance
Junipers have a great number of uses. The berries are good for
digestive problems, gastrointestinal infections, kidney and bladder
problems, cramps, acne, and food flavoring; while the wood is used
for furniture and other products. Juniper oil has a fresh, warm,
balsamic, woody pine needle odor.
Cycas
(Cycas revoluta)
Kingdom : Plantae
Division : Cycadophyta
Class : Cycadopsida
Order : Cycadales
Family : Cycadaceae
Genus : Cycas
Species : C.revoluta
Habitat
Cycads are found in a range of habitats including tropical forests,
seasonally dry forests and savannas. One species of the African
cycads, genus Encephalartos, has evolved to withstand the stress
of living in desert environments. Typically, cycad plants are most
successful in habitats with well-drained soils.
Uses
The male cones of the plant are used in Ayurvedic medicine as a
cure for rheumatoid arthritis and muscle pains. This cycad, due to
its demand for medicinal purposes, and consequent reduction in
living populations, is now an endangered species. In traditional
Chinese medicine, cycad seeds are used to treat hypertension,
musculoskeletal disorders, gastrointestinal distress, cough, and
amenorrhea.
Jasmine
(Jasminium officinale)
Kingdom : Plantae
Division : Magnoliophyta
Class : Magnoliopsida
Order : Lamiales
Family : Oleaceae
Genus : Jasminium
Species : J.officinale
Habitat
Jasmines are native to tropical and subtropical regions of Eurasia,
Australasia and Oceania, although only one of the 200 species is native to
Europe. Their center of diversity is in South Asia and Southeast Asia. A
number of jasmine species have become naturalized in Mediterranean
Europe.
Uses
The flower is used to make medicine. Jasmine has been used
for liver disease (hepatitis), liver pain due to cirrhosis, and abdominal
pain due to severe diarrhea (dysentery). It is also used to
cause relaxation (as a sedative), and in cancer treatment. Jasmine is used
on the skin to reduce the amount of breast milk, for skin diseases, and to
speed up wound healing.
Jasmine is inhaled to improve mood, reduce stress, and reduce food
cravings.
In foods, jasmine is used to flavor beverages, frozen dairy desserts, candy,
baked goods, gelatins, and puddings.
Rose
(Rosa gallica)
Kingdom : Plantae
Division : Angiosperms
Class : Dicotyledonae
Order : Rosales
Family : Rosaceae
Genus : Rosa
Species : R.gallica
Habitat
A rose is a woody perennial flowering plant of the genus Rosa, in the
family Rosaceae, or the flower it bears.[There are over three
hundred species and tens of thousands of cultivars.
Uses
Roses are best known as ornamental plants grown for their flowers in
the garden and sometimes indoors. They have been also used for
commercial perfumery and commercial cut flower crops. Some are
used as landscape plants, for hedging and for other utilitarian
purposes such as game cover and slope stabilization. It is certified to
be antiseptic, anti- oxidant and is a rich source of vitamin A, B3, C, D
and E. Rose water is often added to various eye care products as it
provides a cooling and soothing effect to eyes. Rose water itself can
also be used to treat various eye infections.
Hibiscus
(Rosa sinensis)
Kingdom : Plantae
Division : Magnoliophyta
Class : Dicotyledonous
Order : Malvales
Family : Malvaceae
Genus : Hibiscus
Habitat
Originally native to tropical Asia it is now grows throughout warm-
temperate, subtropical and tropical regions throughout the
world. Hibiscus is easily grown over a wide range of conditions. Their
diverse habitats range from wetlands to savannahs and woodlands.
Uses
The flowers and other parts of the plant are used to make medicine.
People use hibiscus for pressure ,high cholesterol, to increase
the production of breast milk, and many other conditions, but there is no
good scientific evidence to support most of these uses. Due to their
soothing (demulcent) and astringent properties, the flowers and leaves
have been traditionally used to treat conditions such as cancer and
gallbladder attacks, to lower blood pressure , to relieve dry coughs , and
topically to treat skin afflictions .
Curry Tree
(Murraya koenigii)
Kingdom : Plantae
Division : Magnoliophyta
Class : Dicotyledon
Order : Sapandales
Family : Rutaceae
Genus : Murraya
Species : M.koenigii
Habitat
Curry leaf, is a small, tropical to sub-tropical tree or shrub that
typically grows to 6-15' tall and is noted for its pungent,
aromatic, curry leaves which are an important flavoring used in
Indian/Asian cuisine. This tree is native to moist forests in India
and Sri Lanka.
Uses
It is often applied to skin as a moisturizer or to help fade scars.
Since the oil has antiseptic and antibacterial properties, the oil
can also be applied to cuts or wounds . Flowers from the curry
plant can be used to make herbal tea. The plant's leaves can be
freshly plucked and added to salads. They can help in weight
loss and are rich in Vitamin A, B, C and B2. It can help in treating
dysentery, constipation and diarrhea.
Holy Basil
(Ocimum temuiflorum)
Kingdom : Plantae
Division : Tracheophyta
Class : Dicotyledon
Order : Lamiales
Family : Lamiaceae
Genus : Ocimum
Species : O.tenuiflorum
Habitat
Basil is an aromatic perennial plant in the family Lamiaceae. It is
native to the Indian subcontinent and widespread as a cultivated
plant throughout the Southeast Asian tropics.
Uses
Basil most popularly known as Tulsi has been used for thousands of
years in Ayurveda for its diverse healing properties. Healing Power:
The Basil or Tulsi plant has many medicinal properties.
The leaves strengthen the stomach and help in respiratory
diseases. Kidney Stone: Basil has strengthening effect on the kidney.
It thus acts as a natural immunity booster and keeps infections at bay.
It has immense anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal properties
which protect us from a variety of infections. Tulsi leaves extract
increases the T helper cells and natural killer cells activity, boosting
the immune system.
Indian Gooseberry
(Phyllanthus emblica)
Habitat
Amla is a very common plant in India. It can be easily found
growing in semi – arid regions and plains of northern India. Uttar
Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh are
preferable subtropical area for cultivation of amla.
Uses
The healing and medicinal properties of amla are innumerable as it
is loaded with vitamin C, calcium, iron, phosphorous, carotene,
vitamin B, protein and fiber.
Amla holds a lot of great religious significance during rituals in the
Hindu month of Kartik, that usually falls in between October and
November. In many parts of India, it is a practice to offer the fruit
as a Naivedya to Lord Shiva and eat it to ward off various
respiratory infections, common cold, flu and other health
problems that are caused due to the imbalances of vata, kapha
and pitta. Amla is a powerhouse of antioxidants and ancient
medicine endorses the consumption of this fruit to prevent the
formation of cancer cells. It can be consumed raw, in the form of
juice, churna, candy, pickles or supplements.
Rafflesia
(Rafflesia arnoldii)
Kingdom : Plantae
Division : Magnoliophyta
Class : Dicotyledon
Order : Asterales
Family : Asteraceae
Genus : Symphyotrichum Nees
Species : Symphyotrichum
georgianum
Georgia Aster
(Symphyotrichum georgianum)
• endangered
Kingdom : Plantae
Division : Magnoliophyta
Class : Dicotyledon
Order : Asterales
Family : Asteraceae
Genus : Symphyotrichum Nees
Species : S.georgianum
• endangered
Fauna
Fauna represents the
animal life indigenous
to a region. As per
Roman mythology,
Fauna or “Faunus” is
the name of the
goddess of fertility.
Another source is
“Fauns” which means
“Forest spirits. Animal
kingdom comprises a
variety of animal life
forms.
Categories of Fauna
Avifauna
Pisci Fauna
Micro fauna
Crypto fauna
Cat
(Felis catus)
Kingdom : Animalia
Phylum : Chordata
Class : Mammalia
Order : Carnivora
Family : Felidae
Genus : Felis
Species : F.catus
Cats were first domesticated in the Near East around 7500 BC. It was
long thought that cat domestication was initiated in ancient Egypt, as
since around 3100 BC veneration was given to cats in ancient Egypt. As
of 2017, the domestic cat was the second-most popular pet in the
United States, with 95 million cats owned. In the United Kingdom,
around 7.3 million cats lived in more than 4.8 million households as of
2019.
The toes and paws, as well as the tip of the nose, are also very sensitive
to touch. Cats also have an acute sense of hearing. Their ears contain almost 30
muscles (compared with 6 in humans); as a result, they can turn them many
times more quickly in the direction of a sound than can a dog.
Golden Retriever
(Canis lupus)
Kingdom : Animalia
Phylum : Chordata
Class : Mammalia
Order : Carnivora
Family : Canidae
Genus : Canus
Species : C.lupus
Dogs live in many habitats, including prairies, deserts, grasslands, forests, rain
forests, coastal regions and arctic zones. Dogs are highly adaptable, yet some
evolved for specific environments, such as breeds that developed heavy coats to
withstand freezing climates.
The dog (Canis familiaris when considered a distinct species or Canis lupus familiaris
when considered a subspecies of the wolf) is a domesticated carnivore of the family
Canidae. It is part of the wolf-like canids, and is the most widely abundant terrestrial
carnivore. Each breed of dog may have its own special traits—things like fluffy fur,
floppy ears, curly tails, or spots
Hyena
(Hyaena hyaena)
Kingdom : Animalia
Phylum : Chordata
Class : Mammalia
Order : Carnivora
Family : Hyaenidae
Genus : Hyaena
Species : H.hyaena
Hyenas are widespread and found in most habitats. Spotted hyenas are
found in all habitats, including savannas, grasslands, woodlands, forest
edges, subdeserts, and even mountains up to 4,000 meters. It lives in north
and northeast Africa, the Middle East and Asia, all the way to southern
Siberia. Hyenas can adapt to almost any habitat and are found in
grasslands, woodlands, savannas, forest edges, sub-deserts and mountains
as high up as 13,000 feet (3962.4 m), according to the National Wildlife
Foundation.
The spotted hyena is the largest species, and it grows to 4 to 5.9 feet (1.2 to
1.8 meters) long and 2.5 to 2.6 feet (77 to 81 centimeters) tall from paw to
shoulder. They weigh 88 to 190 lbs. (40 to 86 kg). Unlike other species,
spotted females are 10 percent heavier than males. The black spots for
which they are named cover their otherwise tawny brownish-gold coats.
Their front legs are longer than their hind ones, giving their profile a bison-
like appearance.
Giraffe
(Giraffa camelopardalis)
Kingdom : Animalia
Phylum : Chordata
Class : Mammalia
Order : Artiodactyla
Family : Giraffidae
Genus : Girrafa
Species : G.camelopardalis
The natural habitat for giraffes used to be distributed throughout North and West
Africa, including the Sahara, and along the Nile. However, today giraffes are only
found in sub-Sarahan Africa.
Giraffes are the world's tallest mammals, thanks to their towering legs and long
necks. A giraffe's legs alone are taller than many humans—about 6 feet . These long
legs allow giraffes to run as fast as 35 miles an hour over short distances and cruise
comfortably at 10 miles an hour over longer distances.
Hippopotamus
(Hippopotamus amphibius)
Kingdom : Animalia
Phylum : Chordata
Class : Mammalia
Order : Artiodactyla
Family : Hippopotamidae
Genus : Hippopotamus
Species : H.amphibius
Hippos can live in virtually any habitat with access to water and grass. As long as they
can submerge themselves and graze nearby, they can survive in an ecosystem. They are
commonly found in savannas and forests, but their range has been severely reduced..
There has been an increasing reduction in access to fresh water across Africa, leading
to a serious decline in hippo range and population. Now, hippos are found only in the
northern Democratic Republic of Congo, South Africa, Uganda, the Gambia, Tanzania,
Sudan, Somalia, Kenya, and Ethiopia.
Hippopotamuses are large mammals, with short, stumpy legs, and barrel-shaped
bodies. They have large heads, with broad mouths, and nostrils placed at the top of
their snouts. Like pigs, they have four toes, but unlike pigs, all of the toes are used in
walking. Hippos are large semi-aquatic mammals, with a large barrel-shaped body,
short legs, a short tail and an enormous head! They have greyish to muddy-brown skin,
which fades to a pale pink colour underneath. 2) They are considered the second
largest land animal on Earth (first place goes to the elephant!
Chameleon
(Chamaeleo calyptratus)
Kingdom : Animalia
Phylum : Chordata
Class : Reptilia
Order : Squamata
Family : Chamaeleonidae
Genus : Chamaeleo
Species : C.calyptratus
The many different species of chameleon have adapted to a large variety of ecosystems.
Chameleons can be found in tropical rainforests, mountain rainforests, savannas, and even
deserts. The vast majority of chameleon species live in trees, but a few species live on the
ground. Many different species can be found in Madagascar and Africa. Some species also
live in Europe, Sri Lanka, India, the Middle East, and islands in the Indian Ocean.
A chameleon is a very unique lizard that belongs to the Chamaeleonidae family. They
inhabit warm locations such as rainforests and deserts. They are known to change colors,
rapidly shoot their long tongues outward, and move their eyes independently.
Chameleons change colors as a defense mechanism from predators, a signal to other
chameleons, and as a technique to regulate body temperature. Bright colors would signal
dominance while toned down colors signal submission.
Russian Tortoise
(Testudo horsfieldii)
Kingdom : Animalia
Phylum : Chordata
Class : Reptilia
Order : Testudines
Family : Testudinidae
Genus : Testudo
Species : T.horsfieldii
These fascinating animals are found almost worldwide. Sea turtles can be found in all
oceans, except for the north and south poles. Turtles and tortoises can be found in
North, South, and Central America, Africa, Australia, and Eurasia. Because they are
cold-blooded, colder temperatures restrict their northernmost range.
Russian tortoises are sexually dimorphic, with females slightly larger than males. The
carapace is broad, rounded, and “stocky” or dorsoventrally flattened. The shell is
generally greenish-brown to black, fading to yellow between the scutes with a
yellowish-brown body. Russian tortoises are one of the smaller species of genus
Testudo, measuring up to 20 cm (8 in) in length. Adult size ranges from 12-20 cm (5-8
in). Russian tortoises are sexually dimorphic, with females slightly larger than males.
The carapace is broad, rounded, and “stocky” or dorsoventrally flattened.
Cockatiel
(Nymphicus hollandicus)
Kingdom : Animalia
Phylum : Chordata
Class : Aves
Order : Psittaciformes
Family : Cacatuidae
Genus : Nymphicus
Species : N.hollandicus
Cockatiels are native to Australia, where they are found largely in arid or semi-
arid country but always close to water. Largely nomadic, the species will move to
where food and water is available. They are typically seen in pairs or small flocks
They also live in the Northern Territory, Queensland, New South Wales, and
parts of Victoria and South Australia. The greatest population densities live in the
southwest.
Small parrots with a variety of color patterns and a crest, they are attractive as
well as friendly and easy to tame. Because of their small size, cockatiel care and
taming is easier than some other parrot species. They are capable of mimicking
speech, although they can be difficult to understand.
It has a yellow head, red ear patches, and a heavy beak used to crack nuts.
The cockatiel is in the same family (Cacatuidae) as the larger cockatoo. About 13
in. (32 cm) long, the cockatiel lives in open areas and eats grass seeds.
Finch Bird
(Taeniopygia guttata)
Kingdom : Animalia
Phylum : Chordata
Class : Aves
Order : Passeriformes
Family : Estrildidae
Genus : Taeniopygia
Species : T.guttata
These birds live across a vast range of the globe. Different species have different
distributions. While some species live throughout large areas, others only occupy a
tiny region or a single island.
You can find Finches in North, Central, and South America, as well as Eurasia, and
Africa. No species naturally live in Australia or Antarctica.
Finches are small, compactly built birds ranging in length from 10 to 27 cm (3 to 10
inches). Most finches use their heavy conical bills to crack the seeds of grasses and
weeds. Many species supplement their diet with insects as well. The nestlings are
unable to crack seeds and so are usually fed insects.
Endangered Species
Bornean Orangutan
(Pongo pygmaeus)
Kingdom : Animalia
Phylum : Chordata
Class : Mammalia
Order : Primates
Family : Hominidae
Genus : Pongo
Species : P.pygmaeus
Each species of orangutan has a slightly different range, and all are Critically
Endangered and extremely rare within their range. Year after year, the amount of
usable habitat shrinks, and the range of these creatures decreases.
The Bornean species exists on the island of Borneo, primarily on the eastern and
southern coasts. The Sumatran subspecies exists in, you guessed it, Sumatra!
Unfortunately, habitat destruction has restricted them to the northwestern tip of
the island. Finally, the Tapanuli species ranges only in South Tapanuli in Sumatra.
Orang-utans have a characteristic ape-like shape, shaggy reddish fur and grasping
hands and feet. Their powerful arms are stronger and longer than their legs and
can reach 2m in length, long enough to touch their ankles when they stand. There
are two different types of adult male orang-utan: flanged and unflanged.
Orang-utans have a characteristic ape-like shape, shaggy reddish fur and grasping
hands and feet. Their powerful arms are stronger and longer than their legs and
can reach 2m in length, long enough to touch their ankles when they stand. There
are two different types of adult male orang-utan: flanged and unflanged.
Amur leopard
(Panthera pardus orientalis)
Kingdom : Animalia
Phylum : Chordata
Class : Mammalia
Order : Carnivora
Family : Felidae
Genus : Panthera
Species : P.p.orientalis
Amur leopards live in a very small area near the Russia-China border. However, they
were formerly found over a much larger area, which included the entire Korean
peninsula.
The Amur leopard is adapted to the cool climate by having thick fur which grows up to
7.5 cm long in winter. For camouflage in the snow, their coat is paler than other
leopard subspecies. The Amur leopard's rosettes are widely spaced and larger than
those seen on other leopards.
