Humboldt’s Enigma

Explorers and naturalists have been curious why some areas are more biodiverse than others.

What is Humboldt’s enigma?

It is a term used to describe the puzzle of why some mountain regions, especially in the tropics, have exceptionally high biodiversity, contrary to the expected decrease in diversity away from the equator.
It is named after Alexander von Humboldt, a 19th-century naturalist who explored the relationship between climate, geography, and species distribution.
Humboldt’s enigma challenges the conventional wisdom that the most biodiverse areas are the lowland tropical forests.
Tropical diversity- They have more energy, resources and ecological niches leading to higher biodiversity.
The diversity decreases away from the tropics, but mountains have been an important exception which is the essence of Humboldt’s enigma
Mountain diversity- Mountains play a key role in generating and maintaining diversity.
The factors that drive biodiversity on mountains such as climate, geology and evolutionary processes.

What drives the biodiversity in mountain?

Mountains can act as cradle or museum of species, depending on their history and stability.
Geological process- Uplifts result in new habitats where new species arise, so the habitats are cradles.
- Northern Andes in South America have diverse biomes and habitats supported by rich variety of species across elevation.
Climatic conditions- Species on some climatologically stable mountains persist there for long time, so these spots are museums that accumulate many such species over time.
- Shola Sky Island in India- Sholicola and the Montecincla ancient bird species have survived in isolated peaks of Western Ghats
Geological heterogeneity- A key factor in biodiversity formation as different types of rocks and soils influence plant diversity and adaptation.
Mountains with more geological diversity tend to have more biodiversity.
- Eastern Himalayas have groups of birds which evolved elsewhere and dispersed to the Himalaya, resulting in higher diversity there.

What lies ahead?

There is a need for more fine scale data on species distribution and evolution especially in under studies regions like the Eastern Ghats India to know about the rich biodiversity.
National programmes such as National Mission on Himalayan Studies, the National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem, and the National Mission on Biodiversity and Human Wellbeing should be strengthened, bolstered by the will to support basic research on diversity

Steps taken to study biodiversity in India

National Mission on Himalayan Studies

Launch year- 2015-16
Aim- To provide much needed focus on the conservation and sustainable management of natural resources in the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR).
Goal- To improve quality of life and maintain ecosystem health of the region to ensure long- term ecological security to the country.

National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem

Launch year- 2010
It is one of the 8 missions outlined in the National Climate Change Action Plan (NAPCC) of India.
Aim- To facilitate the development of long term policy measures for sustaining and safeguarding the Himalayan ecosystem, including Himalayan glaciers.

National Mission on Biodiversity and Human Wellbeing

Launch year- 2018
Approval- By Prime Minister’s Science, Technology and Innovation Advisory council (PM-STIAC)
Aim- To bring biodiversity and conservation to the forefront of Indian science, policy, and society’s attention.

Source:

Join Our Telegram

National Education Policy 2020

Anti-Microbial Resistance Cause and Solution

Formation Day

03 Dec, 25
SHARE

On 1st November, eight Indian states—Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, and Tamil Nadu—along with five Union Territories—Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chandigarh, Delhi, Lakshadweep, and Puducherry—celebrate their Formation Day. This date marks an important milestone in India

Turtle (Kachhua) Wildlife Sanctuary

02 Dec, 25
SHARE

The Turtle Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as the Kachhua Sanctuary, is located in the Varanasi district of Uttar Pradesh. It is recognised as India’s first freshwater turtle wildlife sanctuary, established to conserve endangered turtle species and support the ecological health of the Ganga River. Location and Extent The sanctuary co

Introduction of AI and Computational Thinking (CT) in

02 Dec, 25
SHARE

The Ministry of Education plans to introduce Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Computational Thinking (CT) from Class 3 onwards in the 2026–27 academic year. This initiative is part of the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) 2023 and aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The aim is to prepare student

Sal Tree

02 Dec, 25
SHARE

Scientists from the Environment Department of Himachal Pradesh University (HPU) in Shimla have recently revealed that the Sal tree (Shorea robusta) is the most effective natural air purifier for combating rising pollution levels. Their findings highlight the tree’s superior capacity to trap dust, absorb gases, and cleanse the air compared

US Resumes Nuclear Weapon Testing

02 Dec, 25
SHARE

The President of the United States has ordered the resumption of nuclear weapon testing after a gap of 33 years, the last test being in 1992. This decision marks a significant shift in global nuclear policy and has far-reaching implications for geopolitics, the environment, and international security. Status of Global Nuclear Weapon Testing