NCERT Class 11 Geography Fundamental of Physical Geography: Chapter 14 — FUNDAMENTALS OF PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY 114
This chapter from NCERT's Fundamental of Physical Geography for Class 11 introduces the concept of Biodiversity and Conservation. It defines biodiversity as the number and variety of organisms in a specific region, encompassing variations in plants, animals, microorganisms, genes, and ecosystems. The chapter highlights that biodiversity is a result of billions of years of evolution and is not evenly distributed, being richer in tropical regions and diminishing towards the poles. It explains that biodiversity is influenced by geomorphic processes, solar energy, and water availability. The text further breaks down biodiversity into three levels: genetic diversity (variations within species), species diversity (variety of species), and ecosystem diversity (variety of ecosystems). It emphasizes that genetic diversity is crucial for healthy population breeding and that biodiversity is a constantly evolving system, with species having an average lifespan of one to four million years.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 11 |
| Subject | Geography |
| Book | Fundamental of Physical Geography |
| Chapter | Chapter 14 — FUNDAMENTALS OF PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY 114 |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 3 minutes |
| Word count | 505 |
Learning outcomes
- Define biodiversity and its significance.
- Understand the three levels of biodiversity: genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity.
- Recognize the factors influencing biodiversity distribution.
- Appreciate the evolutionary history and dynamic nature of biodiversity.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Biodiversity | The number and variety of organisms found within a specified geographic region. |
| Genetic diversity | Variation of genes within species. |
| Species diversity | The variety of species within a region. |
| Ecosystem diversity | The variety of ecosystems within a region. |
| Evolution | The process by which different kinds of living organisms are thought to have developed and diversified from earlier forms during the history of the earth. |
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Practice questions
- What is biodiversity? Answer: Biodiversity is the number and variety of organisms found within a specified geographic region, including the varieties of plants, animals, microorganisms, the genes they contain, and the ecosystems they form.
- Name the three levels of biodiversity. Answer: The three levels of biodiversity are genetic diversity, species diversity, and ecosystem diversity.
- Where is biodiversity generally richer on Earth? Answer: Biodiversity is generally richer in the tropics.
Practice MCQs
Q1. Biodiversity is a combination of which two words?
Explanation: Biodiversity is derived from 'Bio' meaning life and 'diversity' meaning variety, thus representing the variety of life.
Q2. Which level of biodiversity refers to the variation of genes within species?
Explanation: Genetic diversity specifically deals with the variations in genes among individuals within the same species.
Q3. As one approaches the polar regions, biodiversity tends to:
Explanation: The text states that as one moves towards the polar regions, there are fewer species, indicating a decrease in biodiversity.
Q4. What is considered the best estimate for the total number of species globally?
Explanation: The chapter estimates that the number of species globally is around 10 million, though the range can be from 2 to 100 million.
Q5. Which factor is mentioned as a basic cause for weathering variations and resultant biodiversity?
Explanation: The input of solar energy and water are identified as the basic causes for variations in weathering and the resulting biodiversity.
Frequently asked questions
What is biodiversity?
Biodiversity refers to the number and variety of organisms found in a specific geographic area, including the diversity of genes, species, and ecosystems.
What are the three main levels of biodiversity?
The three main levels of biodiversity are genetic diversity, species diversity, and ecosystem diversity.
Where is biodiversity most concentrated on Earth?
Biodiversity is most concentrated in the tropical regions of the Earth.
What is genetic diversity?
Genetic diversity is the variation of genes within a species, which is essential for the healthy breeding of a population.
How long has biodiversity existed on Earth?
Biodiversity as we know it today is the result of approximately 2.5 to 3.5 billion years of evolution.
What influences the variation in biodiversity across different regions?
Factors like geomorphic processes, input of solar energy, and water availability influence weathering variations and, consequently, biodiversity.
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Topics covered
NCERT Class 11 Geography — Fundamental of Physical Geography — Chapter 14 — FUNDAMENTALS OF PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY 114. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.