Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment
5. An invasive alien species is an agent of change and threatens native biological diversity and the consequences can be catastrophic. Examine. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Easy
Reference: Environment by Shankar
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 3 and mentioned as part of Mission-2022 Secure timetable.
Key Demand of the question:
To explain the major causes for rising cases of man-animal conflict.
Directive:
Examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we must investigate the topic (content words) in detail, inspect it, investigate it and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question. While doing so we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their implications.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Start by explaining the term invasive alien species.
Body:
First, Explain the various threats posed by them. Provide examples and present the scenario of harm posed by invasive species in India – 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
Next, Write about the various government policies and programmes in this direction.
Conclusion:
Conclude with solutions to address the issue.
