Conservation planning in India has gradually shifted from protecting a handful of high-profile animals to including insects and, eventually, plants. Analyse why this broadening of scope reflects a more scientifically sound approach to conservation. Use the idea of biodiversity and ecological interdependence to support your answer.
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-26 13:29 · grounding rag
Model Answer
Early conservation in India focused only on high-profile animals like tigers, rhinoceros, and crocodiles. While this was necessary, it was ecologically incomplete.
Why broadening scope is more scientific:
- Biodiversity is interdependent: All species — animals, insects, and plants — are linked in food webs and ecological processes. Protecting only tigers without protecting their prey base or habitat plants is insufficient.
- Insects are ecologically critical: Butterflies, beetles, and moths perform pollination and decomposition. Their inclusion under the Wildlife Act (1980, 1986) reflects understanding that ecosystem health depends on these smaller species.
- Plants are the foundation: In 1991, plants were added to the protected list for the first time. Since all animal life ultimately depends on plants, their conservation is essential.
- Genetic diversity matters: Conservation preserves genetic diversity of plants and animals, which is vital — agriculture still depends on traditional crop varieties and fisheries on aquatic biodiversity.
- Ecosystem over species: As the text states, conservation projects now focus on biodiversity rather than a few components, preserving entire biotopes rather than single species.
This holistic approach acknowledges that ecological interdependence makes every species — however small — indispensable to the survival of the whole system.
Source: Conservation of Forest and Wildlife in India, Project Tiger — Chapter 2
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Explanation
- The key phrase from the passage is: "conservation projects are now focusing on biodiversity rather than on a few of its components" — quote or paraphrase this directly.
- Examiners expect you to link insects → plants → genetic diversity → ecological interdependence as a logical chain.
- Mention the specific years (1980, 1986 for insects; 1991 for plants) — these show factual accuracy and earn marks.
- Avoid writing a vague essay. Use numbered/bulleted points for a 5-mark answer; it shows organised thinking and is easier to mark.