Q.Humans benefit from diversity of life. Give two examples.

Of course. Let's look at this from the NCERT perspective. The textbook makes it clear that humans derive immense practical and existential value from biodiversity. The benefits are not just abstract; they are concrete and essential for our survival and well-being.

Here are two clear examples of how humans benefit from the diversity of life, as per the NCERT:

• Food and Agriculture: Biodiversity is the foundation of our food supply. We rely on a vast array of plants, animals, and microorganisms for nutrition. For instance, our major food crops like wheat, rice, and maize are just a few species drawn from the immense genetic diversity of wild plants. This genetic reservoir is crucial for breeding new, more resilient crop varieties. …

The idea that humans benefit from the diversity of life is not just a poetic notion — it is a practical reality that the NCERT textbook grounds in concrete examples. Biodiversity, the variety of living organisms on Earth, underpins everything from the air we breathe to the food we eat. The textbook highlights two particularly clear examples: the role of bees in pollination and the use of plants in medicine.

Consider bees first. These insects are not merely a curiosity of nature; they are essential pollinators for a vast number of crops — fruits, vegetables, nuts, and oilseeds. Without bees, the reproduction of these plants would plummet, leading to drastically reduced harvests. The NCERT explicitly notes that bees contribute to the pollination of crops, which directly supports agriculture and food security. This is a service that no technology can replace at scale, and it is entirely dependent on maintaining bee diversity.

Anchor on the textbook's own 'narrowly utilitarian' (direct economic benefits) and 'broadly utilitarian' (ecosystem services like pollination) arguments — one example fro …