Correct Option
The correct option is 2 and 3 only.
Explanation
Biodiversity plays a critical role in the global economy by providing essential resources such as food, medicine, and industrial raw materials. It encompasses not only wild species but also genetic varieties used in agriculture (agro-biodiversity). The economic valuation and utilization of these biological resources often lead to geopolitical and legal challenges regarding ownership and benefit-sharing.
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1 is Incorrect: Biodiversity is a fundamental source of medicinal resources. A significant proportion of modern pharmaceuticals are derived from plants, animals, and microorganisms (e.g., Quinine from Cinchona trees, Taxol from Yew trees). Traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda and TCM rely almost entirely on biological resources.
- Statement 2 is Correct: The commercial utilization of bio-resources has triggered conflicts regarding the division of natural resources and intellectual property rights. Issues such as biopiracy (unethical patenting of biological resources) and the equitable sharing of benefits arising from genetic resources (addressed by the Nagoya Protocol) are major sources of international dispute.
- Statement 3 is Correct: Agro-biodiversity is a subset of general biodiversity. It refers to the variety and variability of animals, plants, and microorganisms that are used directly or indirectly for food and agriculture, including crop varieties, livestock breeds, and soil organisms.
Key Takeaway
Biodiversity is economically significant as a reservoir for pharmaceuticals and agricultural genetics. Its commercial exploitation necessitates regulatory frameworks to manage conflicts over resource sovereignty and benefit sharing.