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Introduction

Life exists in many diverse forms. There are plants, animals, microorganisms and other life forms. They all occur in different morphological forms and exhibit a wide spectrum of sizes, shapes, colours etc.

The range includes from very tiny plants to large trees and bacteria to elephants. Similar to the diversity in these life forms, there is diversity in their habitats. The living forms exist in deep oceans, dry deserts, cold snow covered regions and on high mountains.

Life originated in very primitive form and such a diversity has evolved over billions of years. Each species existing on the Earth has its importance and a unique place in the ecosystem. These species have diverse roles and uses. In fact, many of these species are yet to be explored. Many of the species which existed earlier do not occur today. Also, various new forms which were not present earlier, have evolved during the course of time. Thus, old species are continually being replaced by new ones. This keeps on happening at all times and would happen in future also. Many factors are responsible for this change. But during last few decades, the rate of disappearance of various species has been very fast. Obviously, the new species do not appear at such a fast rate. Thus, something beyond the natural process of evolution of species is responsible for such loss Ofbiodiversity.

There are many reasons for this loss of diversity. It is a matter of serious concern and demands immediate attention and appropriate corrective measures.

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Source: Ahluwalia V. (ed.). Malhotra S. (ed.) Environmental Science. CRC Press,2007. — 368p.. 2007

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