8 class Chapter: Conservation of Plants and Animals NOTES
1. Fill in the blanks.
(a) A place where animals are protected in their natural habitat is called a _________.
Answer: Sanctuary
(b) Species found only in a particular area are known as _______.
Answer: Endemic
(c) Migratory birds fly to faraway places because of ________ changes.
Answer: Climatic
2. Differentiate between the following.
(a) Wildlife sanctuary and biosphere reserve
| Wildlife Sanctuary | Biosphere Reserve |
|---|---|
| Area where wild animals are protected | Area for conservation of biodiversity |
| Protects animals in natural habitat | Protects plants, animals and microorganisms |
| Example: Jim Corbett National Park | Example: Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve |
(b) Zoo and wildlife sanctuary
| Zoo | Wildlife Sanctuary |
|---|---|
| Animals kept in artificial habitat | Animals live in natural habitat |
| For public exhibition | For protection of wildlife |
(c) Endangered and extinct species
| Endangered Species | Extinct Species |
|---|---|
| Species close to extinction | Species that no longer exist |
| Example: Bengal tiger | Example: Passenger pigeon |
(d) Flora and fauna
| Flora | Fauna |
|---|---|
| Plant life of an area | Animal life of an area |
3. Discuss the effects of deforestation on the following.
(a) Wild animals: Loss of habitat and risk of extinction.
(b) Environment: Increase in CO₂ leading to global warming and disturbed rainfall.
(c) Villages: Soil erosion and loss of fertile land.
(d) Cities: Increased floods, droughts and pollution.
(e) Earth: Global warming, desertification and disturbed water cycle.
(f) Next generation: Environmental problems like droughts, floods and climate change.
4. What will happen if
(a) We go on cutting trees
Loss of wildlife habitat, global warming, floods and droughts.
(b) The habitat of an animal is disturbed
Animals move away or may die due to lack of food and shelter.
(c) The top layer of soil is exposed
Soil erosion occurs and land becomes infertile.
5. Answer in brief.
(a) Why should we conserve biodiversity?
To maintain the balance of nature and survival of plants and animals.
(b) Protected forests are also not completely safe for wild animals. Why?
People living nearby may hunt animals or use forest resources.
(c) Some tribals depend on the jungle. How?
They get food, fuel, shelter and other resources from forests.
(d) What are the causes and consequences of deforestation?
Causes:
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Urban expansion
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Agriculture and grazing
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Cutting trees for firewood
Consequences:
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Soil erosion
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Floods and droughts
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Global warming
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Loss of biodiversity
(e) What is Red Data Book?
A book that contains a list of endangered plants and animals.
(f) What do you understand by migration?
Seasonal movement of animals or birds from one place to another.
6. Is it justified to cut trees for factories and shelter?
No, it is not justified.
Cutting trees causes soil erosion, floods, droughts, global warming and loss of biodiversity.
Forests must be conserved.
7. How can you contribute to the maintenance of the green wealth of your locality?
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Plant more trees
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Protect existing plants
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Create awareness about saving forests
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Water plants regularly
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Encourage people to grow trees
8. Explain how deforestation leads to reduced rainfall.
Trees help maintain the water cycle.
Deforestation increases CO₂ and temperature, which disturbs the water cycle, leading to less rainfall and droughts.
9. Find out about national parks in your state.
Example: Periyar National Park (Kerala).
10. Why should the paper be saved? List ways to save paper.
Paper should be saved because trees are cut to make paper.
Ways to save paper:
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Recycle used paper
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Use both sides of paper
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Avoid wastage
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Spread awareness about saving paper
11. Complete the word puzzle.
Down
-
Endangered
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Red Data Book
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Deserts
Across
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Extinct
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Endemic
-
Biodiversity