REVISION NOTES
Chapter: Conservation of Plants and Animals
1. Biodiversity
Biodiversity means the variety of plants, animals and microorganisms found in a particular area.
These organisms depend on each other and the environment.
2. Deforestation
Deforestation is the cutting down of forests and using the land for other purposes.
8 BS CH 6 conservation of plant…
Causes of Deforestation
Human causes
Agriculture
Construction of houses and factories
Furniture making
Fuel wood
Natural causes
Forest fires
Severe droughts
3. Consequences of Deforestation
1. Global Warming
Increase in carbon dioxide (CO₂) in atmosphere.
Causes rise in temperature.
2. Disturbance in Water Cycle
Rainfall decreases.
Leads to droughts.
3. Soil Erosion
Removal of top fertile soil layer.
4. Desertification
Fertile land gradually becomes desert.
5. Floods
Soil cannot hold water properly.
4. Conservation of Forest and Wildlife
Protection of plants and animals is called conservation.
Protected areas are created to protect biodiversity.
Types of Protected Areas
Wildlife Sanctuary
National Park
Biosphere Reserve
5. Wildlife Sanctuary
Area where wild animals are protected in their natural habitat.
Hunting and poaching are strictly prohibited.
Example animals protected:
Elephant
Rhinoceros
Python
Crocodile
6. National Park
Large protected area for conservation of wildlife and natural resources.
Human activities like grazing, hunting and cutting trees are not allowed.
Example: Satpura National Park.
7. Biosphere Reserve
Large protected area to conserve plants, animals and tribal life.
Maintains biodiversity.
Example:
Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve.
8. Flora and Fauna
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Flora | Plants of a particular region |
| Fauna | Animals of a particular region |
Examples in forests:
Flora: Sal, teak, mango
Fauna: Deer, leopard, wolf
9. Endemic Species
Species found only in a particular area.
Examples:
Indian giant squirrel
Bison
Threats:
Habitat destruction
Population increase
Introduction of new species
10. Endangered Species
Species whose numbers are decreasing and may become extinct.
Examples:
Tiger
Rhinoceros
Elephant
11. Extinct Species
Species that no longer exist on Earth.
Example:
Dinosaurs
12. Red Data Book
A book containing records of endangered plants and animals.
Maintained internationally and also in India.
13. Migration
Migration is the seasonal movement of animals or birds from one region to another.
Reason:
Climate change
Breeding
Food availability
Example:
Siberian crane migrates to India.
14. Ecosystem
An ecosystem includes:
Plants
Animals
Microorganisms
Non-living components (soil, water, climate)
All these interact with each other.
15. Recycling of Paper
Paper is made from trees.
Facts:
17 trees are required to make 1 tonne of paper.
Solutions:
Save paper
Reuse paper
Recycle paper
This helps protect forests.
16. Reforestation
Planting trees again in deforested areas is called reforestation.
Two types:
Natural reforestation
Artificial reforestation (plantation)
Goal:
Restore forests and maintain green wealth.