distinguish between the following by giving one point (flora and fauna)
Answers
Basis for Comparison
Flora
Fauna
Definition Flora is defined as all the naturally occurring native plants of a particular region. Fauna is all the animal life present in a particular place or at a particular time period.
Classification Flora is classified into native flora, agricultural and horticultural flora, and weed flora. Fauna is classifies into cryofauna, cryptofauna, infauna, epifauna, macrofauna, megafauna, meiofauna and microfauna.
Includes Flora includes all plants. Fauna includes all animals.
Study The study is flora is termed ‘Botany’. The study of fauna is termed ‘Zoology’.
Nutrition Flora is autotrophs, capable of producing their own food and energy. Fauna is heterotrophs, dependent on plants for their food and energy.
Ecological role Plants are the producers in an ecosystem. Animals are the consumers of an ecosystem.
Locomotion Flora includes plants that are immovable. Fauna includes animals that are mobile.
Evolution The organisms in flora are considered to have arrived before fauna. Fauna developed later than flora according to the theories of evolution.
Cell wall The cell wall is present in the cells of the plants in flora. The cell wall is absent in the cells of the animals in fauna.
Chloroplasts Chloroplasts are present in flora, most of which are involved in food production or storage. Chloroplasts are not present in fauna. They store their energy in the mitochondria.
Climate Flora is affected by the climate of a region. Fauna affects the climate of a region.
Examples Flowering plants, grass, forest are some examples of flora. Reptiles, birds, insects, and fishes are some examples of fauna.
Introduction to Flora and Fauna
The ecosystem is a complex, interconnected network comprising biotic and abiotic elements. Biotic elements include all living organisms such as plants, animals and microorganisms. Abiotic components, on the other hand, include non-living entities that are vital for the survival of life and these include soil, water, climate, etc. Among all biotic elements, Flora and Fauna are the most fascinating ones.
Flora and Fauna Meaning
In a nutshell, the term flora relates to all plant life and the term fauna represents all animal life. Let us dive deeper into these terms, exploring their origins and etymologies.
Flora Meaning
The term flora in Latin means “Goddess of the Flower.” Flora is a collective term for a group of plant life found in a particular region. The whole plant kingdom is represented by this name.
Flora is classified and differentiated based on many factors. The best one among them is the area in which they grow or are found. Some grow in desert regions or in water, some are found in hilly areas while some are endemic to a specific geographic location.
According to the place at which they grow, they have adaptations also. For example, Cactus plants are naturally seen in deserts. They have adaptations like modified leaves or prickles to preserve water and protect themselves from predators.
The agricultural flora consists of plants cultivated by men for their use. Horticulture is the practice of growing ornamental and decorative flowers, which are also known as garden flora.
Fauna Meaning
Fauna represents the animal life indigenous to a region. There are many explanations regarding the origin of the word. As per Roman mythology, Fauna or “Faunus” is the name of the goddess of fertility. Another source is “Fauns” which means “Forest spirits.“
Animal kingdom comprises a variety of animal life forms. Hence, the classification of fauna is much more complex than the floral division. Therefore, for ease of classification;
Birds are categorized under the name Avifauna.
Fishes under Pisci Fauna.
Microorganisms including bacteria and virus are generally considered under animal kingdom, they are known as Microfauna.
All unknown and undiscovered animals are named as cryptofauna.
Since time immemorial, there have been accounts of animals that have been thought to exist but have eluded the scientific community, thereby classifying them as cryptofauna or cryptids.
Most of these reports are just tall tales but until recently, a few have documented through actual physical evidence and scientific scrutiny. One such example is the colossal squid. This cryptid has been allegedly been sighted since the 17th and 18th century, often being cited in the diaries and logbooks of sailors.
It wasn’t until the 21st century when conclusive proof was found in the form of a live specimen being entangled in a fishing net. It was taken in and studied by scientists who concluded that it was a new species of squid. Since then, there has been undisputed confirmation about the existence of giant squids.
The earth is beautiful because of all these life forms. Other life forms depend on them for various resources and exploit them.
Conservation of flora and fauna is thus necessary for future survival. Biosphere reserves, national parks, zoos and sanctuaries are a few instances of the measures taken by the government for conservation of flora and fauna. Another example is the Tiger project launched by the Government of India with the goal of saving the tigers in the country from extinction.