Biosphere : The World Of Life Forms

Biosphere : the world of life forms

Introduction

Biosphere is the region of earth where life occurs or it is the life zone of earth. It includes air water and land. Almost all part of the earth including the coldest poles, hottest deserts and the ocean depths supports one or other kind of life form. It is interesting to note that all the life forms on the earth are interlinked into a hierarchy or web, the web of life. Man is also a strand in this web. The biosphere is a complex of distinct ecosystems that represent the interactions between a group of organisms and the environment or habitat in which they live and from which they derive energy and nutrients. Atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere and anthrosphere can be considered parts of the biosphere. It is estimated that about one and half million species of organisms have been already named and described by us. Many scientists argue that there can be more than forty million species existing on earth distributed along the length and breadth in the biosphere. Scientists working world over are adding thousands of new species to the list every year. It is evident that we know only a small bit of facts on the biosphere. The facts still hidden from our knowledge are thousands of folds than what we know already. The inquisitive mind of humans is trying to unfold the intricacies and mysteries of life. The tragedy is that part of ecosystems and many species of organisms are vanishing from the biosphere before they are coming to the sphere of our knowledge. Vast span of the tropical rain forests and large stretches of wetlands are being destroyed due to human activities. We are not sure how many species of organisms thriving in some remote corners in the rain forest of some oceanic islands in the tropics and in Amazon and tropical Asian rain forests are disappearing along with their habitats. The vast oceans with such massive stretch and huge quantity of water are not free from impacts of human activity. As children with inquisitive mind, we will have to look around to understand what is happening to the sphere of life. We should try to learn how species are distributed across the different spheres and how parameters like latitude, altitude and other ecological factors are influencing them. Small projects can be formulated taking examples from various realms around. This will help us to understand how nature has spun the different elements of life into much intricate and complex web of life. This will only help us to conserve life on this green planet and the children can be proud of their contribution to strengthen a fight for a mightier cause.

Project 1 Diversity of organisms in decaying logs/wood.

Fallen trees or logs are thought to be of no use. But from an ecological point of view, a fallen tree or rotting log is equally important as a standing tree. If fallen trees are left ne, after a period of time the tree will be decayed and disappear. We can say that, these trees have gone back to soil. This happens due to an ecological process with participation or interaction of innumerable life forms. Objectives: To study the diversity of organisms in a decaying or decomposing log. T observe the role of each group of organism in the process of decomposing. To document the organisms take part in the process in different seasons. To understand the dynamics of the components of the ecosystem. Methodology

Locate a suitable decaying/ fallen log. Periodical visit and sample collections are to be made in different seasons (summer, winter and rainy seasons). Different organisms like termites, beetle, ants, fungi, rats, frogs, earthworms, scorpion, centipeds, millipeds etc. are to be identified. Identification to group level ( eg. Beetle, fungi, geckos etc.) will be enough. Further level identification can be done if enough resource is available. The number of visits in different season and efforts in the field should be more or less uniform.

Analysis Season wise presence/ absence and abundance of different group of organism can be recorded during each visit and number of individuals of each group in samples can be recorded. The role of each group of organisms can be depicted in food web or food chain.

Conclusion and significance Even though appear inert from outside it can be understood that rigorous life activity is going on in a decaying wood. A number of organisms participate in the process. The phenomenon is the result of this kind of co-operation and interdependence, as a result of which nutrient recycling is done. Nothing is a waste in nature. Interference from the part of humans in the form of burning, spraying insecticides or chemicals, polluting the area etc. hamper this phenomenon .

Project 2 Documentation of changes in the food habits in humans

Man’s documented history begins with cultivation of crops and domestication of animals. In earlier days whatever available was eaten, then he started selectively planting and harvesting what he preferred. As time passed the preference and availability of types of crops changed. Industrial revolution and invasion of markets influenced the food habits a lot.

Objectives To document the food plants/ type of food in the past and present. To document the change in then food habit through generations To analyse the reason for change in food habits through time( weather its availability/ non availability/ market/ cultural changes/ life style changes etc.) and its implication on our health. Methodology

This is a more or less questionnaire based project. Interview with various age groups can be conducted. The questionnaire should contain questions regarding the type of food available in the past and reason for the change in food habits and its impact in human health and economy.

Analysis Vanishing food items/ plants need to be documented , nutritional/ health values of some past food items, trend in change in life style, culture and the probable impact of new and changed type of food on human health and economy.

Conclusion and significance

There is a need to document the ancient and traditional food items/ food plants used. Many items are only there in the minds of the elderly people, so these should be documented at the earliest. The traditional knowledge on food items and crops are important because many were having medicinal properties which kept the past generations fit. By probing through the food history, we would be able to find out the food items/ plants and their medicinal properties/ nutrient values which kept peoples health in sound condition. The knowledge generated may lead us to many remedies for different health problems and ailments. Critical food plants that are fast disappearing should be located and conserved at the earliest before these are completely lost to the humanity.

Project 3 Assessment of diversity of marine life forms based on discards of fishing.

During fishing by using different kinds of nets, a lot of non-target organism are also trapped which are discarded after coming to the shore. An analysis of such discards in fishing villages and fishing harbours would reveal the diversity of organisms in the ocean..

Objective To document the diversity of organism in the ocean. To assess the impact of fishing methods and the type of nets used on non-target organisms. To suggest remedial measures to minimize the impact on the non-target organism.

Methodology

Periodic visits to fishing villages and fishing harbours. Record species wise/group wise organisms contained in the discards. Note on the fishing gears used The diversity of organism in the discards should be identified to the level possible with the help of field guide or other expertise available.

Analysis

The abundance of the different species/ groups of marine organisms are analysed from the data collected periodically. Attempts may be made to analyse the abundance and relative abundance of different species/ groups in various seasons. The impact of different types of nets and fishing gears employed in fishing are to be evaluated.

Conclusion and significance: On the basis of the analysis an idea on the diversity and abundance of organisms in the ocean can be obtained. Also the impact of fishing methods on non target organisms and the long term impact on the oceanic ecosystem. Remedial measures may be suggested to minimize such impacts. Restriction of trolling in certain seasons, restriction of certain kinds of nets and other fishing gear may be suggested in certain regions and seasons based on the study. Designing nets with turtle escape windows can be recommended. The results of this simple project will be helpful to impart awareness among the children and through them among the fisher community the necessity to adopt sustainable resource utilization methods and conservation of the ecosystem.

Project 4 Diversity of plant species in a given area (forest/ wastelands/ mined area) and its influence on faunal diversity. The diversity of plant species in an area will give us idea on the kind ecosystem/biome existing in an area. The diversity of the faunal elements depend on the vegetation type to a great extend. So recording the diversity of plants in an area is preliminary to any ecological study.

Objective: To document the plant species diversity in an area To document other parameters like relative density, relative abundance etc. of plants species in an area To analyse the influence of floral community on faunal diversity. Methodology: List the flora/fauna species/ groups occurring in the study area. Document the species abundance by laying out appropriate quadrats/ transects ( 10m x 10m plots for trees, 3m x 3m for shrubs and 1mx 1m for herbs – minimum 10 quadrats). In the case of small organisms study in appropriately sized quadrate is advisable. In the case of large animals transect method will be appropriate. Analysis: Prepare data sheet for the plants Plot no. S. no. Local name Scientific name No.of individual

Appropriate datasheet may be created for fauna also. With the data available, calculate density, relative density, frequency, relative frequency,abundance, relative abundance etc.using the following formulae

Density= no. of individuals of species in all the sampling units/ total number of sampling units studied. This has to be represented in unit area. Thus the value has to be multiplied by 10000 for making it per hectare. Relative density(RD) = total no. of individuals species x 100 / total no. of individuals in all species. Frequency = No. of sampling units in which species occurred x 100/ No. of sampling units studied. Relative frequency (RF) =no. of occurrence of species species x 100/ total no. of occurrence of all species. Abundance =Total no. of individuals of the species in all the sampling units /No. of sampling units in which the species occurred. Relative abundance (RA) = No. of individuals of the species X100/Total no. of all species. The correlation between flora and fauna diversity can be analysed.

Conclusion and significance: Based on the data available, the total number of species and abundance of each species can be calculated. Also the interdependence of the plant and animal communities can be assessed. Both the abundance and rarity of ceratin plant and animal species may be noticed. These kind of information may be used for several impact assessment studies also.

Project 5 Studies on biodiversity of sacred groves.

Sacred groves are patches of vegetation protected traditionally in the name of religious beliefs or beliefs in local deities. These are relic ecosystem. There are several rare plants and animals that enjoy the protection through this kind of belief of a community. By studying the biodiversity in such protected pockets we can create the ecological history of the area.

Objectives:

To document various plant and animal species protected within the sacred groves. To document the traditions and rituals related to conservation practices.

Methodology:

The plant and animal diversity assessment can be done through laying out quadrats or transects according to the size of sacred groves. If the area of the grove is small total count of the individual in each species can be made. If the size is big, transect method can be adopted. For animals, birds and insects, direct counts/ observation by regular visit to the area may be done. To record the traditions and rituals, and traditional knowledge on plants and animals structured interviews with elderly people in the locality may be conducted.

Data analysis: Total number of species of plants, birds, insects, amphibians, etc are to be deduced from the observation. The abundance of different species/ groups of plants and organisms is to to be analysed from the data collected. Analysis of traditions, rituals and traditional knowledge and their role in the conservation of the sacred grove also are to be made.

Significance: Sacred groves give us insight into the traditional bio resource management practices. By studying the diversity one can find out which were the species once occurred in the are and how traditions and rituals helped to conserve several species in a small area. There are some sacred groves in the country where certain rare and endangered plants are still thriving.

Project 6 Biodiversity of bio-fences/ hedges

Biofences are the fences with live plants which are raised for protecting the crop fields and home stead from grazing animals and other intruders. Most of the plants selected for such fences are non browsable or thorny and hardy plants. However many other plants including climbers will be established along the fences, reinforcing them. Many butterflies, other insects and lizards find food and shelter in the hedges. Birds come for food, roosting and nesting in the live fences. Live fence is actually an ecosystem by itself.

Objectives To document the diversity of plants and other organism in live fence. To study the interaction between the plants and animals in live fence. To suggest desirable species for a live fence and methodology of maintenance To assess the diversity of medicinal plants and the species that are playing a major role in control of pests To assess the economy of live fences. Methodology: Locate suitable hedges/fences in near by area Make a list of plants –both planted and naturally grown. List out the medicinal plants and their uses. List out the plants that are used as green manure. Record periodically the butterflies, birds other selected group of organisms and their activities along the hedge. Observe and list out the birds and other organisms which help in control of pests. Work out the cost for making and maintaining biofenecs.

Analysis: The proportion plants naturally grown in the hedge can be calculated. An analysis can be made how the live hedges are supporting medicinal plants, manure plants, butter flies birds etc. An analysis of self reinforcement and maintenance of the hedge can be made. The contribution of the hedge and its biodiversity elements in controlling pests is to be assessed.

Because of the change in life style security implications, in many places the live fences have been replaced by walls. This has resulted in disappearance of interesting ecosystems like live hedges. The role played by the live hedges in enriching the biodiversity, availability of medicinal plants, manure and control of pests should be evaluated and its economy also should be assessed.

Project 7 Diversity in Home gardens

Home gardens are maintained for various purposes like shade, beauty, food, medicines, hedge etc. A rich variety of other plants and animals establish in the home gardens without our knowledge. A study of the plants and organism in the home gardens would help us to understand the presence of many food chains and food webs and microhabitats.

Objectives: To observe and record all life forms in the home gardens To understand the relationships between various plants and organisms and to establish the links (food, breeding, shelter etc.) among them. To record the seasonal variations and the type of biodiversity in the home gardens.

Methodology: Make the record of all plants in the home garden in the following format

S.No. Name of the Herb/ No of Natural/ Uses Taboos/beliefs plant shrub/ individuals planted attached if any tree/ climber It is better if the childrencan make study of different home gardens and compare the data. Observe the faunal elements at different times of the day and make a record of organisms in the format given. Observations are to be made in different seasons.

Date: Time: Weather: Sunny/ Rainy/ Cloudy etc. Type of Name No.of Place of Perception Reason for Status organisms individuals presence of the presence (resident/ ( ground, owner: ( Food/ visitor) leaf/ flower Likes/ pests/ shelter/ etc.) harmful/ not breeding concerned. etc.) Birds Butterflies Reptiles Rodents Beetles Worms

Analysis Establish links between various organisms and also their association with plants List the plants that attract more number of organisms. Establish the role of organisms (birds, bats etc. ) on seed dispersal, pollination, pest control etc. Effect of removing the weeds, pruning the trees etc. are also to be analysed.

It may be interesting to note that a variety of plants and animals colonise in the home gardens with out our knowledge. The study will provide an idea on interrelation between different organisms in home gardens. Each component is having a specific role in well established home gardens. The finding can give clue about how such a balanced system try to reduce the impact of pest on the crops and other useful plants.

Project 8 Study of weeds and their alternate uses

Weeds as per human perception are plants in wrong places where these cannot be entertained. Hence people try to weed them out by various means and methods. There are several weed plants around us that can be put in to use as medicine, manure , insect repellents etc. Objectives

To find out the diversity of so called weeds in given area. To document various alternate uses of weeds To understand the ecological value of weeds

Methodology Choose a convenient place like road side, open area and waste land. A quadrate of 10mX10m will be convenient for the study. List the plants considered as weeds and record them in appropriate table. Many plants we considering as weeds will be having some uses in some places. A kind of questionnaire/ interview schedule with the elderly people in the vicinity should be planned. Suggestions on the alternate uses also should be elicited. Record how other organism like butterflies, beetle, birds, etc. are depending on these plants.

Analysis

Classify the plants based on the traditional and probable uses.The relative abundance of weed and other plants in study plots may be assessed. The role of weeds as a ground cover may be looked in to. By analyzing the interaction with organisms, we will be able to get an idea on the ecological values.

As a result of this study we may be able to find out the use of many plants which we consider as weeds. Many of them will be medicinal plants and fodder plants. Some will be good as mulch and green manure for crops. Many plants can be put forth for alternate uses like making pulp, paper, compost, biogas, furniture, basket, building and thatching material, fiber etc. Many organisms like butterflies and birds depend on these plants. We may be considering this kind of interaction is of no practical use for humans but, nutrient recycling occur through this process. Exposed soil is prone to erosion by wind and rain; also direct exposure to sun affects the soil fertility. The so called weeds which cover such soil are actually giving protection from erosion and the sun.

Project 9 Study of biodiversity in urban areas

Many animals and plants are specific about their ecological needs. Change in the habitats and the ecosystems will be reflected in the composition of species in an area. Man caused changes in vegetation and land use. Urbanisation has resulted in the loss of many native plants and animals in an area and also resulted in the introduction of alien species. A closer look will reveal that an urban area is not that deserted. There will be still remaining islands of biodiversity or secondary habitats resulted by urbanization and may be still nurturing many plants and animals. Objectives To document the diversity of animal and plants in an urban area and to make a check list. To analyse the impact of urbanization on the animal and plant population. To suggest methods to enhance the diversity of plants and animals in an urban area.

Methodology

An urban area can be selected for the study and a geographical boundary maybe fixed. An almost complete survey or sample survey in some units may be conducted depending on convenience. Any new species encountered outside the selected units may be included in the check list. Ponds and lakes which support a variety of organisms may be included in the survey. The components which are to be included in the survey can be decided on availability of expertise and field guides. Trees, shrubs, birds, butterflies, dragonflies, amphibians, etc. can be considered. Quadrat/transect study may be planned depending on the situation in urban environment. The native and exotic plants and animals may be noted.

Analysis

A check list of plants and categories of organisms like birds, butterflies, dragonflies, etc. can be made from the data collected. Season wise abundance also can be studied. The abundance and proportion of native and introduced species can be assessed. The reason for more diversity/ reduction in diversity may be also may be assessed.

Conclusion and significance The change in vegetation due to the advancement of urbanization will have an impact on the diversity of plants and animals. During the study it may be revealed that in some islands of natural/ semi natural grove and in the vicinity ponds and lakes the diversity persisted even in an urban environment. The diversity of butterflies and bird species depends on the diversity of plants. The abundance of certain birds like crows, pariah kite and other scavengers are indicators of garbage in the urban area. The study may help in planning urban landscape.

Project 10 Documentation of plant articles and artifacts used

Plants and their products play an important role in human life. The various rationale of usage of plant derived products differs from people to people, based on their life style and social status. In modern days the natural products usage is thought to be coming down as plastics and other synthetic material substitutes replaced the many products from natural materials. Objectives : To document the plants and plant products that come to use in our life To evaluate the environmental and health risks of synthetic substitutes To enumerate the reasons for disappearance of plant articles if any, used in the past. To prepare the checklist of plant which are mainly used for making artifacts. Methodology Interview the people by using an appropriate questionnaire Catagorise the artifacts and products used in past and present List out the artifacts that can substitute the synthetic articles. Entries may be made in appropriate tabular columns made for this purpose. Information regarding the part of the plant used , uses, whether available now or not etc may be gathered. If not available the reason also may be probed.

Analysis

Plants and products will be listed and catagorised. List out the lost/ forgotten artifacts and products Find out the probable measures to conserve the plants of importance Record the traditional knowledge on the wood products and people’s perceptions Conclusion and significance Children will get an insight in to the local traditions. Change in life style and invasive markets are bringing further changes. Also our bioresouces are getting depleted. The study may result in suggestions from the part of the children to conserve and regenerate the plants which are used in making artifacts.

Project 11 Exploration of riparian vegetation The word "riparian" is derived from Latin ripa, meaning river bank. Plant communities along the river margins are called riparian vegetation, characterized by hydrophilic plants. Riparian zones are significant in ecology, environmental management and civil engineering because of their role in soil protection and conservation of biodiversity. Riparian zones occur in many biomes like grassland, woodland, and even in dry land. An ecological definition of riparian vegetation will vary in area (width) as a function of valley bottom, landform (fluvial surface), and stream characteristics.

Objectives : To get an idea on the role of river side vegetation in natural embankment. To determine the general characteristics of plants and animals in a riparian belt. To assess the reasons of river bank collapse/failure Methods: A known length of the riparian vegetation can be identified and surveyed by using standard method. Analysis:

Define population parameters (e.g., species richness, diversity,abundance etc…) Analyse in changes in riparian systems and how it result in bak collapse. Meet with research guide/statisticians for detailed analysis of the data sets.

. Conclusions and significance The project will help to understand how far special type of vegetation extending along the river bank help in stabilizing the dynamic interface of water and land. The reasons for river bank failure/ collapse may be analysed so as to suggest remedies. Children will try to compare the economy of natural embankment and artificial structures to reinforce the river banks.

1.13 A list of Suggested Projects:

 Comparison of wood decaying in swamp and dry lands  Decaying process in forest and non forest area  Comparison of wood decaying process in high rainfall area with low rain fall area  Documentation of prey, predator, scavengers, shelter seekers etc. which take part in wood decaying process  Analysis of chemical nature of the products of wood decomposition.  Study of interdependence of different organisms engaged in wood decay.  Documentation of tribal food habits/ food plants so as to establish relationship between food and health.  Documentation of vanishing food crops and suggested remedies.  Diversity of flora and fauna of rocky, sandy and mud flats along the coastal areas  Assessment on the diversity of organisms from the shells/ other exoskeletal and endoskeletal parts/ any other part of the organisms collected from the coast.

 A comparative account of different types of live hedges  Comparison of biodiversity of live hedges of different areas

 Weeds of different habitats like open area, agriculture lands and wetlands  Comparative study of soil properties from areas covered with different types of weeds  Feasibility of biogas production from weeds  Methods for composting of weeds and evaluation of their nutrient contents  Production of pulp and paper from weeds  Production of house hold articles from weeds  Comparison of diversity of plants and animals in different townships at various stages of urbanization.  Study on the diversity in vegetation islands ( Zoo, Botanical garden, Institution campus etc.) in urban area.  Comparison of diversity in the urban and rural environment.  Importance of riparian habitats to birds (an understanding of several riparian vegetative structure concepts is important, such as foliage density, foliage height diversity, and foliage patchiness)..  Study of pioneer plants in degraded lands  Role of plants in checking soil erosion. Simple experiments may be conducted in this regard  Effect of shifting cultivation on water sources  Study of traditional medicinal vegetables  Documentation of the status of diversity in different forest types and its aspect of deterioration and regeneration.  Documentation of forest produces extracted by people for different purpose and a study on the aspect of conservation.  Indicator species from different locality indicating soil pH,soil type, altitude etc.  Traditional knowledge on seed storage  Soil analysis of various ecosystems and its relation with biodiversity  Naturalisation of weeds/insects/birds and relation with adaptation to environmental factors.  Bird flowers and flower birds  Phenology of plants and weather documentation  Traditional knowledge on agricultural calendar  Diversity studies in mangroves.  Documentation of medicinal plants in given area (forest/ wastelands/ hillocks)  Diversity of fish fauna (edible and nonedible) as revealed from the nets of inland fishermen  Diversity and conservation of indigenous animal breeds:  Study of poultry, pig and sheep rearing and its economy  Livestock and livelihood