Topic: Geographical features and their location-changes in critical geographical features
(including water-bodies and icecaps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes;
Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation
1. What do you understand by the term ‘Invasive Alien Species’? Discuss the threats posed by them
to the native ecosystems, habitats and native species. (250 words).
The Hindu
CBD
Why this question:
Recently, a study by Biju Kumar and others from the Department of Aquatic Biology and
Fisheries, University of Kerala, revealed the role of the 2018 floods in introducing the most
dangerous fish species into Kerala’s wetlands. After a while, they slowly begin to wipe out local
diversity and the economy by altering the functions of the ecosystem. And yet no State or Union
Territory has any strong policy or law on the illegal rearing, breeding and trading of such invasive
ornamental and commercially important fish species.
Key demand of the question:
The question is straightforward and aims to throw light on the detrimental effects of Invasive
alien species on ecosystems, habitat and native species. Further, one must come up with the
measures to curb the impacts.
Directive:
Discuss – this is an all-encompassing directive which mandates us to write in detail about the key
demand of the question. we also have to discuss about the related and important aspects of the
question in order to bring out a complete picture of the issue in hand.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Start by explaining the term invasive alien species.
According to Convention on Biological Diversity, Invasive alien species (IAS) are species
whose introduction and/or spread outside their natural past or present distribution
threatens biological diversity.
Body:
Provide examples and present the scenario of harm posed by IAS in India.
Explain the various threats posed by them
threaten cultivable land and wildlife habitats alike.
may lead to the conversion of marshy wetlands into dry land. E.g.: water hyacinth
spread into the forests through the corridors created by landslides.
affect the soil and destroy the microhabitat of that area
and so on.Strengthen your answers by providing the proven case studies.
Discuss the measures and need for a policy to control their explosive spread.
Conclusion:
Conclude with significance of impeachment in a democratic country.
