Activity worksheet 2.

1_b_Virtual field activity

Rethink and Revise

When we think about the ecosystems in Delhi and its biodiversity, we might find it difficult to
imagine. The image of Delhi in our minds is that of an urbanized, and densely populated city
with old monuments, markets, buildings, and offices of multinational companies. However, if we
recall our visits, if any, from Qutub Minar, or/and Sanjay Van, we will realize that they have
dense vegetation with thorny shrubs and trees. We might wonder about the types of
ecosystems to which these trees and shrubs belong, how they look, whether they are natural or
managed by humans, and what are different types of animals found. In addition, we might be
curious to know and imagine the different varieties and study the relationships between living
beings, and their influence on the environment and us, by applying different models you have
learned in the unit ecosystem.
This activity will help us understand and build knowledge about the types of ecosystems and
their rich biodiversity in Delhi. We will apply this understanding to realise the importance of such
ecosystems in supporting a complex food web and preserving biodiversity. The present
worksheet is an attempt to transform our imaginations about the types of ecosystems in Delhi,
their richness and diversity, and their significance to us and our city.

In the first part of this exercise, the volunteers from the forest department have shown photos
and videos and built information on the types of ecosystems of Delhi and its different
biodiversity parks. We interacted with the volunteers to have clarity and more information on the
ecosystems and biodiversity of Delhi.

After taking a virtual field trip, this worksheet is the second part of your practice. Here you will
check your knowledge and understanding by rethinking and answering the questions given
below.

NOTE:

➔ Each learner MUST first attend part 1 of this activity to attempt the worksheet.
➔ Use your notes from the journal entry you might have made during part 1 of this exercise
for retrieving information/keywords/data.
➔ Read the questions CAREFULLY.
 Activity worksheet 2.1_b_Virtual field activity

Record your observations in the following table based on part 1 of this exercise.

SEE THINK WONDER

What did you see and find new in What do you think is/are the Are you curious to learn more
the photos/videos/interaction reasons of the processes that about any process from the
shown in field activity session? you have seen in the photos/videos/interaction shown
photos/videos/interaction? in the field activity session?

E.g. I SEE the I THINK it is I WONDER what will happen

I am eager to learn more about

The field activity provided a great
opportunity to learn about
ecosystems and biodiversity. We
discussed the significance of
abiotic components, the causes of
biodiversity loss, and the
ecosystem services on which we
rely and how Biodiversity loss
affects our ecosystem
Biodiversity loss: This is the
ecosystem services and the
decline in the number of
Delhi ecosystem. I am
different species of plants and
particularly interested in
animals in an ecosystem. It is
ecosystem services such as
caused by a variety of factors,
carbon sequestration. I am also
including habitat loss, pollution,
interested in the challenges
and overexploitation.
facing the Delhi ecosystem.

If the space to answer the above question is limited, you can attach a separate sheet.

After recording your observations in the table, read the questions given below carefully. Think
 Activity worksheet 2.1_b_Virtual field activity

and reflect and answer the following. You can refer to the notes you might have entered in your
journal, or class notes during the field activity.

Q.1. What are different types of ecosystems found in Delhi?

Delhi is home to a variety of ecosystems, including forests, grasslands, wetlands, and

urban ecosystems.

 The Aravalli Biodiversity Park, the Yamuna Biodiversity Park, and the Northern
Ridge are all examples of forests in Delhi. These forests are home to a wide variety
of plants and animals, including many that are endangered.

 The Tughlaqabad Fort Complex and the Sultanpur National Park are two examples
of grasslands in Delhi. These grasslands are important for grazing animals and for
providing habitat for birds and other wildlife.

 The Najafgarh Drain and the Okhla Bird Sanctuary are two examples of wetlands in
Delhi. These wetlands are important for waterbirds and other wildlife, and they also
help to filter pollutants from the water.

 Delhi also has a variety of urban ecosystems, such as parks, gardens, and roadside
trees. These urban ecosystems provide important benefits for people, such as
improving air quality and providing places for recreation.

Q.2. Fill in the information about the abiotic features of the Delhi Ecosystem as shown by the
volunteers from the forest department in their presentation in today's video.

Physical features

Temperature

25°C (77°F) in January to 40°C (104°F) in May.

Rainfall Receives an average of 27 inches of rain annually, with most rain falling
during the months June-September.
 Activity worksheet 2.1_b_Virtual field activity

Light
Gets 12 hours of sunlight daily, brightest in summer. 

Wind
Experiences strong winds, during the summer months, carry dust and
pollution into the city, contributing to poor air quality

Topography/Soil
Is a plain city surrounded by hills. Its sandy, loamy soil is good for crops
like wheat, rice, and vegetables.

Q.2. a) List and discuss different plant and animal species found in different ecosystems of
Delhi.

Delhi is home to a variety of ecosystems, each with its own unique set of plant and animal
species:

Forests
Plants: teak, sal, peepal, dhama, arjun, jamun, gulmohar, jasmine, rose
Animals: tigers, leopards, deer, peacocks, parrots, owls, snakes, lizards, tortoises, frogs, toads
Grasslands
Plants: khar, bhusa, durba, dandelion, clover, mustard, babul, neem, acacia
Animals: blackbuck, chinkara, nilgai, quails, partridges, larks, snakes, lizards, tortoises, frogs,
toads

Wetlands
Plants: lotus, water lily, water hyacinth, sedge, reed, cattail, grass, clover, mustard
Animals: otters, shrews, bats, herons, egrets, ducks, snakes, lizards, turtles, frogs, toads
Urban ecosystems
Plants: neem, peepal, banyan, gulmohar, jasmine, rose, dandelion, clover, mustard
Animals: bats, rats, mice, sparrows, pigeons, crows, snakes, lizards, turtles, frogs, toads

Q.3. Choose any two plant and animal species from the above list. Discuss in detail their
functions and significances to the ecosystems.
 Activity worksheet 2.1_b_Virtual field activity

 Plant species:
Neem tree: The neem tree is a keystone species in the forest ecosystem. It provides food and
shelter for a wide range of animals, including birds, insects, and mammals. It also helps to
improve air quality by absorbing pollutants. The neem tree is also used in making medications,
soaps, and other items.

Babul tree: The babul tree is another important plant species in the forest ecosystem. It provides
shade, shelter, food, and helps to prevent soil erosion and improve air quality. The babul tree's
thick, thorny branches provide a safe haven for small animals. Its large leaves provide shade
and food for animals. Its deep roots hold soil in place and prevent grazing. The babul tree's
leaves also release oxygen and trap dust and pollutants.

 Animal species:
Peacock: The peacock is a large bird that is native to India. It plays a number of important roles
in the forest ecosystem. It is a predator of insects and other small animals. The peacock also
helps to disperse seeds by eating fruits and vegetables and then depositing the seeds in its
droppings. This helps to ensure that the seeds are spread to new areas, where they can grow
into new plants.

Frogs: Frogs are an important part of the forest ecosystem. They are predators of insects and
other small animals, which helps to control their populations. Some species of frogs, such as the
Indian tree frog, are also pollinators. They help to spread pollen from flower to flower, which is
important for plant reproduction. Frogs are also indicators of environmental health. They are
sensitive to changes in their environment, so their presence or absence can be used to assess
the health of the ecosystem

Q.4. Name biodiversity parks in Delhi and identify the type(s) of ecosystems found in these
biodiversity parks. Discuss in detail the abiotic and biotic features of any one type of biodiversity
park in Delhi.

Biodiversity Parks in Delhi

There are several biodiversity parks in Delhi, each with its own unique ecosystem. These parks
play an important role in conserving biodiversity and providing a home for a variety of plants and
animals.

 Yamuna Biodiversity Park: This park is located in the Northern Ridge of Delhi and is home
to a variety of ecosystems, including forests, grasslands, wetlands, and urban ecosystems.
It is a popular spot for recreation and offers a variety of activities, such as hiking, biking, and
bird watching.
 Activity worksheet 2.1_b_Virtual field activity

 Aravalli Biodiversity Park: This park is located in the Aravalli Hills of Delhi and is a smaller
park with a focus on conserving native plant and animal species. It is home to a variety of
trees, shrubs, and herbs, as well as mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians.

 Tilpath Valley Biodiversity Park: This park is located in the Southern Ridge of Delhi and is a
small park with a focus on educating the public about biodiversity. It is home to a variety of
plants and animals, and it offers a variety of educational programs and activities.

 Neela Hauz Biodiversity Park: This park is located in the Mehrauli area of Delhi and is a
small park with a focus on conserving water bodies. It is home to a variety of water birds
and other animals, and it offers a variety of educational programs and activities.

Abiotic and Biotic Features of Aravalli Biodiversity Park:

The Aravalli Biodiversity Park is a hot, dry park that receives an average of 68 centimeters (27
inches) of rainfall per year. The park is located on a plain that is surrounded by hills, and it has a
variety of landscapes, including grasslands, forests, and wetlands.

The park is home to a variety of plants, including trees, shrubs, and herbs. Some of the
common trees found in the park include neem, peepal, and banyan. Some of the common
shrubs found in the park include gulmohar, jasmine, and rose. Some of the common herbs
found in the park include dandelion, clover, and mustard.

The park is also home to a variety of animals, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and
amphibians. Some of the common mammals found in the park include bats, rats, and mice.
Some of the common birds found in the park include sparrows, pigeons, and crows. Some of
the common reptiles found in the park include snakes, lizards, and turtles. Some of the common
amphibians found in the park include frogs and toads.

Q.5. What are the different challenges and threats mentioned by the speaker faced by
biodiversity parks in Delhi? Discuss in detail ANY ONE of them by giving reasons.

Challenges and Threats to Biodiversity Parks in Delhi:

The speaker mentioned several challenges and threats faced by biodiversity parks in Delhi.
These include:

 Land and sea use change: This includes habitat loss and degradation, which can be
caused by agricultural land use, deforestation, and urbanization.
 Pollution: This can make the environment unsuitable for survival, both directly and
indirectly. For example, air pollution can damage plants and animals, and water pollution
can make it difficult for animals to find clean water to drink.
 Activity worksheet 2.1_b_Virtual field activity

 Species overexploitation: This occurs when too many individuals of a species are taken
from the wild, which can lead to population decline or even extinction. For example,
overfishing is a major threat to many marine species.

 Climate change: This can cause a variety of problems for biodiversity parks, such as forcing
animals to shift their ranges or confounding the signals that trigger seasonal events.

 Invasive species and disease: Invasive species are those that are not native to a particular
area and can outcompete or displace native species. Diseases can also be a major threat
to biodiversity, especially when they are new to an area and the native species have no
immunity to them.

 Land and sea use change: Land and sea use change is a major threat to biodiversity parks
in Delhi. This is because agriculture is responsible for 80% of the global deforestation.
When forests are cleared to make way for agricultural land, it leads to the loss of habitat for
a wide variety of plants and animals. In addition, agricultural practices, such as the use of
pesticides and fertilizers, can pollute the environment and harm wildlife.

 Pollution:Pollution is another major threat to biodiversity parks in Delhi. Air pollution can
damage plants and animals, and water pollution can make it difficult for animals to find
clean water to drink. In addition, pollution can also disrupt the natural balance of
ecosystems, making it more difficult for species to survive.

Agricultural land use is a major threat to biodiversity parks in Delhi because it leads to habitat
loss and pollution.

 When forests are cleared to make way for agricultural land, it leads to the loss of habitat for a
wide variety of plants and animals. This is because the new use of the land may not be suitable
for the plants and animals that were living there before. For example, agricultural land is often
cleared of trees and other vegetation, which can make it difficult for animals to find food and
shelter.
Agricultural practices, such as the use of pesticides and fertilizers, can pollute the environment
and harm wildlife. Pesticides can contaminate water and soil, making it unsafe for animals to
live in. Fertilizers can runoff into waterways, causing algae blooms that can kill fish and other
aquatic life.
In addition to habitat loss and pollution, agricultural land use can also contribute to climate
change. When forests are cleared, the trees that were once there are no longer able to absorb
carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This can lead to an increase in greenhouse gas
emissions, which contribute to climate change.
The loss of biodiversity is a serious problem that has far-reaching consequences. Biodiversity is
essential for the functioning of ecosystems, and it provides us with a variety of benefits, such as
food, medicine, and clean air. By protecting biodiversity parks in Delhi, we can help to ensure
that these important ecosystems are preserved for future generations.
 Activity worksheet 2.1_b_Virtual field activity

Q.6. How can you contribute to the conservation of the biodiversity

I can contribute to the conservation of biodiversity by:

 Reducing my impact on the environment. I can do this by recycling, using less energy, and
driving less.

 Supporting sustainable businesses. When I buy products from sustainable businesses, I am

helping to create a market for products that are produced in a way that protects the
environment.

 Getting involved in conservation efforts in my community. I can volunteer for a local

environmental organization or plant trees in my neighborhood.

 Educating others about the importance of biodiversity. I can talk to my friends and family
about the threats to biodiversity and what they can do to help.