Question

Assertion :If the forest cover is reduced to half, what is most likely to happen on a long term basis is that tribals living in these areas will starve to death. Reason: Forests are essential as they conserve wild plants, so their lack will affect crop breeding programmes due to nonavailability of germplasm.

• A. A and R both are true and R is correct explanation of A.
• B. A and R both are true but R is not correct explanation of A.
• C. If A is correct and R is wrong.
• D. If A is wrong and R is true.

Answer 1

The correct option is D If A is wrong and R is true.

Biodiversity provides the raw materials, combinations of genes, that produce the plant varieties and animal breeds upon which agriculture depends. As genetic diversity erodes, our capacity to maintain and enhance crop forest and livestock productivity decreases along with the ability to respond to changing conditions. Genetic resources hold the key to increasing food security and improving the human condition.

The removal of trees without sufficient reforestation has resulted in damage to habitat, biodiversity loss and aridity. It has adverse impacts on biosequestration of atmospheric carbon dioxide.