Biotic Resources

Wild life and forest constitute the biotic resources of nature. Wild life is abundant on land as well as in water, both fresh and marine. Life abounds in all habitats on land and in water.

Wild Life

The term wild life generally gives the impression of large and ferocious animals living in the jungle or waters such as lions and tigers, crocodiles and rhinoceros. Wild life refers to any living organism in its natural habitat. It includes all plants, animals and microorganisms other than animals domesticated and cultivated plants.

The term wild life was introduced by William Hornaday in 1913 in his book, "Our Vanishing Wild Life".

Economic importance of wild life plants

1) They produce food for all organisms

2) They provide beneficial substances like drugs, tannins, fibres, rubber, vegetable oils, fuel, condiments.

3) Some plants contain alkaloids which check growth of cancer cells.

Example: Rosy periwinkle.

4) Plants release O₂, cool environment by releasing H₂O vapour, check soil erosion, provide habitat for animals; prevent floods and control climate.

5) Dead leaves provide humus to the soil.

6) Provide pleasing greenery.

Animals

1) They enrich the soil with their excreta

2) Insects help in pollination and some birds and animals help in dispersal of fruits and seeds.

3) Burrowing animals like earthworm make soil porous to facilitate plant growth.

4) They provide food (meat, eggs, oil) fur, wool, silk, leather, must, ivory, horns, honey, lac, pearls, shells, gurno etc.

5) Some animals act as scavengers.

6) They are of use in biological control of pests.

Microorganisms

a) They act as decomposers in nature.

b) They clear the environment of debris and clean the environment.

c) They fix atmospheric nitrogen and provide it to plants.

d) They are used in industries to produce alcohol, acetone, vinegar, methane, some vitamins and antibiotics.

e) They are also used in netting of flax and hemp, curing of tea and tobacco, preparation of hides and in production of food.

Effect of wild life loss

1) Destruction of wild life leads to loss of valuable materials.

2) Disappearance of any link in a food chain upsets nature's balance and creates problems.

3) New improved varieties of crops and other useful animals are derived from their wild relatives by genetic modification. This indicates the need for protecting wild life for breeding programmes in agriculture, horticulture, sericulture, animal husbandary etc.

4) Animals are needed for biological and medical research.

5) Aesthetic value - A world without these magnificent creatures would be a dull place for man to live.

6) Wild life is a cultural asset of a country. It inspires man. Without them our literature and religion would be poorer.

7) A species once lost will be lost forever. Therefore, it would be unethical to let any species to disappear during our times. We must protect wild life for the future generations.

8) Every species has a right to live in this world and share the available resources. Man should honour their right and let the wild life flourish.

Extinction of wild species

Extinction refers to the disappearance of a species from earth when its last surviving member dies.