Conservation of Plants and Animals
We know that large varieties of plants and animals are present on earth.
Different kinds of Animals and Plants
Deforestation:
The clearing of forests and using the land for various purposes is termed as deforestation. It is responsible for survival threat to many living organisms.
Causes of deforestation:
1. Rapid urban development:
2. Agriculture related purposes:
3. Fuel requirement:
5. Making furniture.
6. Moreover, natural causes like forest fires, droughts, etc. are also responsible for deforestation.
Consequences of deforestation:
1. Increase in the temperature and pollution level. 2. Decrease in the ground water level.
3. Decrease in rainfall and fertility of soil.
4. Increase in natural calamities like floods, droughts, etc.
5. Decrease in the water holding capacity and water infiltration rate of soil. The other properties of the soil like nutrient content, texture, etc., also change because of deforestation
6. Global warming:
Deforestation will decrease number of trees that will lead to increase in carbon dioxide level in the atmosphere. The carbon dioxide gas traps the heat rays reflected from earth’s surface and this will result in increase in temperature on earth and it will disturb the water cycle too and may reduce rainfall. This could cause droughts.
Global Warming 7. Desertification:
Deforestation is also responsible for the change in the soil properties. Lesser number of trees will result into more soil erosion. The removal of top layer of soil will result into hard rocky layer which is less fertile and humus. Eventually, the fertile land will be converted into deserts. Such a process is known as desertification.
Desertification
Conservation of Forest and Wildlife:
(i) To prevent deforestation and for the conservation of forests and wildlife, the government has implement many rules, methods and policies.
(ii) Amongst many steps, areas called sanctuaries, national parks and biosphere reserves have been marked where activities like plantation, cultivation, grazing, hunting, poaching, etc. are prohibited.
Sanctuary:
(i) These are the places where animals and their habitants are safe from any external disturbances with very limited human activities.
(ii) Some of the well known sanctuaries in India are Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand, Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan, etc.
National Park:
(i) These are the places where animals can use their habitats and natural resources freely.
(ii) Some of the well known sanctuaries in India are Bandipur National Park in Karnataka, Keoladeo Ghana National Park in Rajasthan, etc.
Sanctuary and National Park in Gujarat, India
Biosphere Reserve:
(i) These are the places for conservation of wild life, animals, plants, traditional life of tribes, etc. (ii) These are the areas meant for the conservation of bio diversity.
(iii) The biosphere reserve conserves the biodiversity and culture of that particular area.
Biological Diversity or Biodiversity:
(i) It refers to the variety of organisms living on the earth, their inter-relationships and their relationships with the environment.
(ii) Some of the well known biosphere reserves in India are Nilgiri biosphere reserve in Karnataka, Sunder bans in West Bengal, etc.
(iii) The Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve consists of one national park named as Satpura and two
Flora and fauna:
(1) Flora:
(i) The plants of a particular region or area are termed as its flora.
(ii) Examples of flora include sal, coral, teak, mango, jamun, sunflower, etc.
(2) Fauna:
(i) The animals of a particular region or area are termed as its fauna. (ii) Examples of fauna include deer, lion, parrot, eagle, ant, goldfish, etc.
Species:
It is a group of organisms which are capable of interbreeding. They can reproduce and give births to infants of the same kind and not of other kinds. These organisms will possess the same
characteristics.
Endemic Species:
(i) These are the species which are completely confined in a particular area and not found anywhere else.
Any animal or plant could be endemic to an area, a state or a country.
(ii) If any destruction takes place at such habitats, then it could affect their population and could also endanger the entire species existence.
Example of endemic species includes tree like sal, wild mango, etc. and animals like bison, Indian giant squirrel, etc. which are found only in Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve.
Wildlife Sanctuary:
(i) These are the areas reserved for the protection, and giving suitable living conditions to animals. Activities like hunting; poaching, capturing, etc. of animals is prohibited in these sanctuaries. (ii) Sanctuaries have given protection to many endangered species like black buck, white eyed buck, elephant, golden cat, pink headed duck, gharial, marsh crocodile, python, rhinoceros, etc.
(iii) Indian sanctuaries have unique landscapes - broad level forests, mountain forests and bush lands in deltas of big rivers.
National Park:
(i) These are the reserves that are large and diverse that provides protection to entire ecosystem. (ii) They preserve plants, animals, lands and historic objects etc. of that particular area.
Satpura National Park:
(i) It is the first Reserve Forest of India.
(ii) The finest Indian teak is found in this forest.Moreover, rock shelters are also found in this park. (iii) There are pre-historic things found in this park showing existence of humans in this forests and give us idea about the primitive people. Even, rock paintings have been found in this place. These figures include animal and men fighting, hunting, dancing and playing instruments.
(iv) An initiative “Project Tiger” was launched by the government to protect tigers in this place. The main aim behind this project was to protect and increase the tiger population of the country.
In earlier times, animals like lions, elephants, wild buffaloes, etc. were also found in this reserve forest.
Endangered species:
(i) Those animals whose numbers are gradually decreasing and might get extinct soon are known as endangered animals.
(ii) The animals small in size are more likely to become endangered than the bigger animals. Examples of some endangered animals are snow leopard, Giant Panda, whooping crane, etc.
Ecosystem:
(i) It is a system that comprises of all the plants, animals and micro-organisms dwelling in a particular area along with non-living things like air, water, soil, etc.
(ii) There is an equal importance of each and every organism whether it may be snakes, frogs, lizards, bats, etc. for proper functioning of an ecosystem.
Ecosystem
Red Data Book:
(i) It is a book which has list of all the endangered plants and animals. (ii) The books for plants, animals and other species are all individual.
Migration:
(i) It is the seasonal movement of animals, birds, etc. from one place to another in search for better climate, breeding place, food, etc.
(ii) There are many birds that migrate from one part of the earth to another due to climatic changes mainly for breeding purpose. They need suitable climate for rearing their young ones.
Recycling of Paper:
One of the reasons for deforestation is the manufacturing of the papers. Remember, lots of harmful chemicals are utilized in manufacturing process of papers. It takes 17 full grown trees to make one tonne of paper. Hence, it is advisable to save, reuse and recycle paper. Paper can be recycled five to seven times for use.
Reforestation:
It is the restocking of deforested forests by planting new trees.
Steps to follow reforestation:
1. Try to implant new plants of same species which were present before. 2. Try to plant the same or more number of trees as are cut.
3. Natural reforestation – It is the natural growth of trees taking place at deforestation site if left undisturbed. No human involvement is needed in this case.
4. Forest Act - It is the act initiated to preserve and conserve forests, so that people inhabiting these forests can fulfill their basic needs.
Main Points Conservation of Plants and Animals
❖ Biodiversity: Occurrence of innumerable number of different types of organisms and the whole range of their varieties (biotypes) adapted to different climates, environments and areas. ❖ Wildlife sanctuary, national park and bio-sphere reserve are names given to the areas meant
for conservation and preservation of forest and wild animals.
❖ Biodiversity refers to the variety of living organisms in a specific area.
❖ Plants and animals of a particular area are known as the flora and fauna of that area. ❖ Endemic species are found only in a particular area.
❖ Endangered species are those which are facing the danger of extinction. ❖ Red Data Book contains a record of endangered species.
❖ Migration is the phenomenon of movement of a species from its own habitat to some other habitat for a particular time period every year for a specific purpose like breeding.
❖ We should save, reuse and recycle paper to save trees, energy and water. ❖ Reforestation is the restocking of destroyed forests by planting new trees.
❖ Flora: Different types of plants belonging to an area. Example: Silver ferns, sal, teak, mango, etc.
❖ Fauna: All animals found in an area. Example: dog, frog, insects, bull, jackal, etc.
❖ Endemic Species: Species of plants and animals found exclusively in a particular area. These are not naturally found anywhere else.
❖ Extinct Species: Species of plants and animals which have already been lost. Example: Dodo, Indian cheetah, Pink-headed duck, etc.
❖ Threatened Species: Species that is liable to become extinct if it is not allowed to realise its full biotic potential by removed the caused of threat.
❖ Type of Threatened Species:
(i) Endangered Species: A species of animal or plant that is seriously at risk of extinction.
Page 14 (ii) Vulnerable Species: A vulnerable species is a species of animals or plants which are likely to
become endangered unless something changes. Example: Chinkara deer and black buck, golden langur, etc.
(iii) Rare Species: Species whose population are originally small and scattered in the world.
❖ National Parks: Protective areas reserved exclusively for the betterment of the wildlife. These are established at the approval of legislature. Example: Hazaribagh National Park in Jharkhan, Desert National Park in Rajathan, etc.
❖ Sanctuaries: Hunting prohibited areas set up by government are known as sanctuaries. These are only for the protection of wild animals. Example: Jaldapara in Madarihat (West Bengal), Keoladeo Ghana in Bharatpur (Rajasthan)
❖ Migration: The regular, periodic, two way movements of birds and some animals from their place of residence to some other place along well defined routes. It is linked to seasonal factors, breeding, shortage of foods, etc. The Bharatpur bird sanctuary is known for the migratory birds.
Page 15
Question Bank
Class: VIII Subject : Science Chapter: Conservation of Plants and Animals
__________________________________________________________________________________________
NCERT Textbook Questions
Question 1. Fill in the blanks.
(a) A place where animals are protected in their natural habitat is called ______ (b) Species found only in a particular area is known as ______
(c) Migratory birds fly to faraway places because of ________ changes. Answer:
(a) Wildlife sanctuary (b) endemic species (c) climatic
Question 2.
Differentiate between the following.
(a) Wildlife sanctuary and biosphere reserve
Wildlife sanctuary Biosphere reserve
The area reserved in a forest for the protection of wild animals.
The area meant for the protection or conservation of the biodiversity. It also helps in maintaining the culture of that area.
(b) Zoo and wildlife sanctuary
Page 16 A place where animals are protected in an
artificial habitat, for an exhibition.
A protected area where animals live in their natural habitat.
(c) Endangered and Extinct species
Endangered species Extinct species
The species of animals whose numbers are diminishing to such a level that they might face extinction.
The species of animals whose number is zero because of changes in their habitat and other calamities.
(d) Flora and Fauna
Flora Fauna
The plants which are found in a particular area; e.g.Jamun, sal, etc.
The animals which are found in a particular area; e.g., leopard, cheetah, elephant, etc.
Question 3.
Discuss the effects of deforestation on the following: (a) Wild animals
(b) Environment
(c) Villages (Rural areas) (d) Cities (Urban areas) (e) Earth
(f) The next generation Answer:
Page 17 (a) Wild animals: Trees are the habitats as well as sources of food for the wild animals. Deforestation leads to the destruction of the natural habitats of wild animals.
(b) Environment: Deforestation increases the temperature and pollution level of the environment. With the increase in the carbon dioxide level and a decrease in the oxygen level, it gives rise to global warming. It also lowers the level of ground water. Moreover, deforestation decreases the soil fertility and so, increases the chances of natural calamities.
(c) Villages (Rural areas): The decline in rainfall, the decrease in soil fertility, and the chances of natural disaster affect the village life.
(d) Cities (Urban areas): Deforestation result in global warming. It also results in the increase in the level of pollution. Hence, deforestation affects the life in cities.
(e) Earth: Deforestation decreases the fertility of soil. It changes the physical properties of soil. All these changes result in desertification.
(f) The next generation: Deforestation will majorly affect the life of next generation. The next
generation will face problems at every step. Climatic conditions will be adversely affected. There will be scarcity of food and clean environment. Next generation won’t be able to see most of the animal species due to habitat loss.
Question 4.
What will happen if
1. we go on cutting trees
2. the habitat of an animal is disturbed. 3. the top layer of soil is exposed. Answer:
1. If we go on cutting trees, then:
• the temperature will increase to a greater extent.
• the chances of natural disaster to occur will increase.
• the water cycle will get disturbed. 2. If the habitat of an animal is disturbed, then:
• the animals will lose their natural habitat and will reach the level of being endangered.
• most of the animals may be forced to invade places meant for human living in search of food and shelter.
3. If the top layer of soil is exposed, then:
• the exposed layer will lose all its nutrients, especially the hummus.
• the water holding capacity of soil will decrease.
Page 18 Question 5.
Answer in brief.
1. Why should we conserve biodiversity?
2. Protected forests are also not completely safe for wild animals. Why? 3. Some tribals depend on the jungle. How?
4. What are the causes and consequences of deforestation? 5. What is Red Data Book?
6. What do you understand by the term migration? Answer:
1. The variety in life existing on the earth, their inter-relationships, and their relationships with the environment is referred to as biodiversity. We should conserve biodiversity so as to maintain the food chain. The disturbance in the food chain may affect the whole ecosystem.
2. Since capturing and killing of animals by poachers is still rampant in protected forests and areas, so they are not safe for wild animals.
3. Some tribes depend on the jungle for the fulfillment of their basic needs of life, such as food, medicine, clothing, shelter, etc.
4. The causes of deforestation may be the following:
• Natural causes like forest fires, droughts, etc.
• Building factories and houses.
• Procuring land for cultivation.
• Making furniture and using wood as fuel. The consequences of deforestation are:
• Natural calamities like floods, etc.
• Increase in the temperature of the earth, i.e., global warming.
• Change in the physical properties of soil.
• A decrease in groundwater level.
• Extinction of many flora and fauna.
5. Red Data Book is a sourcebook which keeps records of all endangered plants and animals.
6. Migration means the movement of a species from its own habitat to some other place during a certain period in a year for breeding or to overcome some climatic conditions.
Question 6.
In order to meet the ever-increasing demand in factories and for shelter, trees are being continually cut. Is it justified to cut trees for such projects? Discuss and prepare a brief report.
Answer:
It’s not justified to cut trees just to fulfill our needs. Trees are known as ‘the lung of the earth’. They are the habitat of many living organisms, including animals. They give us oxygen, and maintain the O2-CO2 balance as well. They firmly bind the soil and hence prevent soil erosion. They also reduce
the chances of natural disasters like floods and droughts. They help conserve our rich biodiversity. The cutting of trees causes an increase in the carbon dioxide (CO2) level, which results in global
warming. Moreover, it causes soil erosion, floods, the greenhouse effect, etc. Hence, trees must be protected.
Page 19 Question 7.
How can you contribute to the maintenance of green wealth of your locality? Make a list of actions to be taken by you.
Answer:
By taking up the following actions, I can contribute to the maintenance of green wealth of my locality by:
• Planting saplings and trees.
• Not throwing the garbage on the streets.
• Forbidding others to cut trees.
• Making people aware of the significance of a clean and green environment.
• Watering the plants regularly and taking proper care of them.
• Reusing and recycling paper to save trees, energy, and water. Question 8.
Explain how deforestation leads to reduced rainfall. Answer:
Trees give out a huge amount of water in the form of water vapour during transpiration. The reduction of water vapour affects cloud formation and thus, results in less rainfall.
Question 9.
Find out about national parks in your state. Identify and show their location on the outline map of India.
Page 20 Consider the map given below:
Page 21 Question 10.
Why should paper be saved? Prepare a list of ways by which you can save paper. Answer:
A large number of trees can be saved by saving paper. This will also save water that is used to manufacture paper. Moreover, the harmful chemicals used in papermaking will show their least effects on human beings and other organisms.
Some ways to save paper are the following:
• recycling of paper.
• economical use of paper.
• paper should not be burnt. Question 11.
Complete the word puzzle. Down
1. Species on the verge of extinction.
2. A book carrying information about endangered species. 5. Consequence of deforestation.
Across
1. Species which have vanished.
3. Species found only in a particular habitat.
Page 22 Solution:
NCERT Intext Activities Solved
Activity 1 (NCERT Textbook, Page 77)Add more causes of deforestation to your list and classify them into natural and man-made. Solution:
Natural causes of deforestation: (i) Forest fires
(ii) Severe drought
Man-made causes of deforestation: (i) Wood for the manufacturing of paper. (ii) Wood for fuel and the making of houses. Activity 2 (NCERT Textbook, Page 78)
Animal life is also affected by deforestation. How? List the points and discuss them in your class. Solution:
(i) Due to deforestation, a great disturbance is caused in the food chain. (ii) Deforestation makes the animals homeless.
Page 23 (iv) Herbivorous animals face the scarcity of food due to deforestation.
(v) Animals face bad effects of natural calamities. Activity 3 (NCERT Textbook, Page 79)
Find out the number of national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and biosphere reserves in your district, state and country. Record in Table 7.1. Show these areas in an outline map of your state and India. Protected Areas for Conservation
Protected Areas National Park Wildlife Sanctuary Biosphere Reserve
In my district
In my state
In my country
Solution: Do it yourself.
Activity 4 (NCERT Textbook, Page 80)
List the factors disturbing the biodiversity of your area. Some of these factors and human activities may disturb the biodiversity unknowingly. List these human activities. How can these be checked? Discuss in your class and write a brief report in your notebook.
Solution:
Cutting of trees, rising air, water and land pollution, excessive construction, using more resources or their products affect the biodiversity harshly.
Activity 5 (NCERT Textbook, Page 81)
Try to identify the flora and fauna of your area and list them. Solution:
Flora (trees and plants): Pipal, sal, teak, kadamb, babool, mango, guava, ferns, arjun, keekar, etc., are flora present in our locality.
Page 24 Fauna (animals): Blue-bull, chinkara, cheetal, deer, leopard, wolf, wild dog, etc., are the fauna
present in our locality.
Activity 6 (NCERT Textbook, Page 81)
Find out the endemic plants and animals of the region where you live. Endemic plants: Mahua, wild mango, sal, jamun, etc.
Endemic animals: Bison, Indian giant squirrel, etc. Activity 7 (NCERT Textbook, Page 82)
Visit a nearby zoo. Observe the conditions provided to the animals. Were they suitable for animals? Can animals live in an artificial setting instead of their natural habitat? In your opinion, will the animals be comfortable in a zoo or in their natural habitat?
Solution:
A zoo tends to provide suitable conditions for the animals to live in, similar to their natural habitat. Yes, animals can live in an artificial setting instead of their natural habitat, as they live in natural environment and stay protected*from people.
As per my opinion, animals are safer in the zoo in comparison with their natural environment,
because special care is taken for the animals in the zoo. But I think animals feel more comfortable to live in their natural habitat as no one wants to live in prison.
1 Mark Questions and Answers
Question 1.What is meant by deforestation ? Answer:
Deforestation means clearing of forests,and using that land for other purpose like building houses and factories.
Question 2.
What is meant by biosphere ? Answer:
Biosphere is that part of the earth in which living organisms exist or which supports life. Question 3.
Define biodiversity. Answer:
Biodiversity means the variety and variability of all microorganisms, plant and animal life. Question 4.
Name two animals which have become extinct. [NCT 2011] Answer:
Page 25 Question 5.
What are Biosphere reserves ? Answer:
Biosphere reserves are the areas meant for conservation of microorganisms, plants and animals. Question 6.
Define species. Answer:
Species is a group of individuals which are capable of interbreeding with each other. Question 7.
What are endemic species ? Answer:
Endemic species are exclusively found in a particular area only in small numbers. Question 8.
What is meant by Wildlife sanctuaries ? Answer:
Wildlife sanctuaries are some areas where wild animals are protected and preserved Question 9.
What are National Parks ? Answer:
National parks are reserves that protect the flora and fauna of the place. Question 10.
Why has the survival of some animals become difficult ? Answer:
Survival of some animals has become difficult because of changes in their natural habitat. Question 11.
What is meant by ecosystem ? Answer:
An ecosystem comprises of all the plants, animals and microorganisms in an area along with non-living components such as climate, soil, river, etc.
Question 12.
What is Red Data Book ? Answer:
Red Data Book is the source book which keeps a record on population status of the species included in the Red List.
Page 26 Question 13.
What are migratory birds ? Answer:
Birds who cover long distances to reach another land are known as migratory birds. Question 14.
Name the first Reserve Forest of India. Answer:
Satpura National Park. Question 15.
Name two wildlife sanctuaries of India. Answer:
Kangha and Sultanpur. Question 16.
Kaziranga and Corbett are …………. of India. Answer:
National parks. Question 17.
Name two endangered species of animals. Answer:
The bison and antelope are endangered species of animals. Question 18.
Why should soil be conserved ? Answer:
Soil should be conserved to maintain the fertility of the soil. Question 19.
Name two animal species which have become extinct in the past years. Answer:
Dodo and thylacine. Question 20.
Give one word for species found only in a particular area. Answer:
Endemic species. Question 21.
Page 27 Answer:
IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources).
2 Mark Questions and Answers
Question 1.
Why do we feel the need for conserving natural resources more than our ancestors did ? Give two reasons.
Answer:
We have to conserves the natural resources because :
• the population of the world has increased.
• as man has progressed his needs have increased. Question 2.
Differentiate between the following : [NCERT] 1. Wildlife sanctuary and Biosphere reserve. 2. Zoo and Wildlife sanctuary.
3. Endangered and Extinct species. 4. Flora and Fauna.
Answer:
1. Wildlife sanctuary is a reserve area where wild animals are protected and preserved.
Biosphere reserves are the areas meant for conservation of biodiversity, i.e., variety of plants, animals and microorganisms. .
2. Zoo is a place where animals live in artificial settings for public display. Wildlife sanctuary is a place where animals live in their natural habitat within a protected area.
3. Endangered species are those whose number are diminishing and are facing extinction. Extinct species are those which are already finished.
4. Flora are the plants found in a particular area and fauna are the animals found in a particular area. Question 3.
What is the role of small animals in the ecosystem ? Answer:
The role of small animals is important because they form a part of the food chain and food webs. Question 4.
Name the flora and fauna of Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve. Answer:
Flora – Sal, teak, mango, jamun, silver fern, arjun.
Page 28 Question 5.
Name two endemic flora and endemic fauna of Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve. Answer:
Endemic flora – Sal and wild mango
Endemic fauna – Bison, Indian giant squirrels and flying squirrels. Question 6.
Give two reasons why sanctuaries should be maintained. Answer:
• Sanctuaries are places where killing (poaching) or capturing of any animal is strictly prohibited.
• Sanctuaries provide protection and suitable living conditions to wild animals. Question 7.
What are Rock shelters ? Where are they found ? Answer:
Rock shelters are found inside the Satpura National Park. These are the prehistoric evidences of human life in these jungles, which give us an idea about the life of primitive humans.
Question 8.
What is Project Tiger ? What is its objective ? Answer:
Project Tiger was launched on 1st April 1973 by our government to protect the tigers of the country. Question 9.
Why should paper be saved ? Answer:
We should save paper because it takes 17 full grown trees to make one tonne of paper. Question 10.
How can we save paper ? Answer:
We should reuse used paper and recycle it. Question 11.
How can the resources be conserved ? Answer:
Resources can be conserved by :
• not wasting the resources.
Page 29 Question 12.
Which factors are responsible for cutting of forest ? Answer:
As man’s need for land used in housing and farming and wood for fuel and construction increased, he started cutting down forests.
Question 13. Expand
• WWF
• IUCN Answer:
• World Wildlife Fund.
• International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources Question 14.
How can overgrazing destroy forests ? Answer:
Due to overgrazing, the young trees get eaten or killed by trampling. The lower leaves are eaten up and the roots and trunks are injured by cattle.
Question 15.
How does vegetation help to conserve water ? Answer:
Vegetation slows down the flow of rain water on land and increases the absorption of water by the soil.
Question 16.
Give the difference between Red List and Red Data Book. Answer:
The Red List is a compilation of endangered wildlife species. The Red Data Book provides data on population status of the species included in the Red List.
3 Mark Questions and Answers
Question 1.1. What is Top soil ?
2. Mention two ways by which soil erosion can be prevented. [DA V (Winter) 2001] Answer:
Page 30 1. Top soil is the layer of soil contains rock particles, living organisms and humus.
2. Soil erosion can be prevented by :
• Contour or step farming, which reduces the flow of water.
• Planting trees as the roots help to bind the soil. Question 2.
Mention two steps needed for conserving wildlife. Name two endangered species of animals. Answer:
The following steps can be taken to conserve wildlife :
• by preserving the habitat of wildlife.
• by making hunting regulations and ensuring their effective implementation. Bison and Beaver are two endangered species.
Question 3.
“When we conserve forests, we conserve wildlife and soil also”. Discuss. [DAV2002] Answer:
Wildlife conservation is related to forest conservation. Man has cleared forests, converted grasslands into farmlands and flooded large areas by constructing dams. This has destroyed the habitat of the wildlife. Forests prevent soil erosion and maintain the fertility of the soil.
Question 4.
Explain three ways to conserve forests. [DAV2001] Answer:
Three ways to conserve forests are : .
• Planned harvesting — cutting few trees at a time, so that the uncut trees prevent soil erosion and make seeds.
• Protection from fire.
• Protection from overgrazing by cattle, sheep, horses, etc. Question 5.
How can the cutting of trees affect the ecological balance of a particular area ? [DAV (Winter) 1999] Answer:
Cutting of trees :
• Disturbs the habitat of wild animals, which would lead to extinction of animal.
• Promotes soil erosion.
• More floods are caused
• Disturbs oxygen – carbon dioxide percentage. Question 6.
Page 31 1. A place where animals are protected in their natural habitat is called …………
2. Species found only in a particular area is known as ……… 3. Migratory birds fly to far away places because of ………. changes Answer:
1. Sanctuary 2. Endemic species 3. Climatic
Question 7.
What will happen if: [NCERT] 1. we go on cutting trees.
2. the habitat of an animal is disturbed. 3. the top layer of the soil is exposed. Answer:
1. If we go on cutting trees, rainfall and fertility of the soil will decrease. The chances of natural calamities such as floods and drought will increase. It will lead to decrease in the water holding capacity of the soil and movement of water from the soil surface into the ground. Animal life is also affected by
deforestation.
2. If the habitat of an animal is disturbed, it endangers their existence. Survival of some animals becomes difficult because of the disturbances in their natural habitat.
3. Removal of the top layer of soil exposes the lower hard and rocky layers. This soil has less humus and it is less fertile. Gradually the fertile land can convert into deserts.
Question 8.
“Water is renewable but oil is not”. Explain. Answer:
Water evaporates from forest and other vegetation and condenses in the upper layers of the atmosphere to form clouds and then it rains. The water goes down in the soil and is therefore, a renewable source.
Oil is found below the earth in crude form. It is formed after millions of years. When the oil is used, it is lost. Therefore, it is not a renewable source.
Question 9.
What is the difference in conservation of renewable and non-renewable resources ? Answer:
Conserving of renewable resources is to utilise them in such a way that nature is able to replenish them as fast as they are used. In the case of non-renewable resources it is not so. These resources take a long time in their formation and will get finished very soon. So, they should be used judiciously.
Page 32
5 Mark Questions and Answers
Question 1.
Discuss the effects of deforestation on the following : [NCERT] 1. Wild animals.
2. Environment.
3. Villages (Rural areas). 4. Cities (Urban areas). 5. Earth.
6. The next generation. Answer:
1. The natural habitat of wild animals is destroyed by deforestation.
2. Deforestation decreases the level of oxygen in the atmosphere and ground water level.
3. In the rural areas deforestation leads to loss in soil fertility and increased chances of natural calamities such as floods and drought.
4. Deforestation will lead to global warming in the cities.
5. On 4he whole earth, deforestation would lead to high temperatures and increased pollution level natural calamities and reduced levels of oxygen and ground water.
6. The next generation would not have enough wood and paper. Question 2.
Answer in brief: [NCERT]
1. Why should we conserve biodiversity ?
2. Protected forests are also not completely safe for wild animals. Why ? 3. Some tribals depend on the jungle. How ?
4. What are the causes and consequences of deforestation ? 5. What is Red Data Book ?
6. What do you understand by the term migration ? Answer:
1. Biodiversity is important for all living creatures for the preservation of environment and for economic reasons. Biodiversity is useful in scientific and medical research.
2. Protected forests are also not safe because people living in the neighbourhood encroach upon them and destroy them.
3. Many tribes still live in the jungle and are depend on the trees and the animals for their survival. 4. Causes of deforestation :
• Using land for cultivation.
• Building houses and factories.
• Making furniture or using wood as a fuel.
• Forest fires and severe drought. 5. Consequences of deforestation:
Page 33
• Increases the temperature and pollution level on the earth.
• Decreases the level of oxygen in the atmosphere and lowers ground water level.
• Increases chances of natural calamities.
• Promotes soil erosion.
6. Migration means movement of the birds to far away specific areas every year during a particular time because of climatic changes.
Question 3.
List the methods by which non-renewable resources can be conserved. Answer:
Non-renewable resources can be conserved by following methods : 1. Avoid wasteful use of sources.
2. Recycling resources e.g., paper, plastic bottles, etc.
3. Finding substitutes for non-renewable sources of energy, that is using alternative sources of energy such as solar energy, wind energy, etc.
4. Repair and use the appliance rather than discard it as soon as it gets spoilt. Question 4.
“Conservation of resources means not only using the resources judiciously but also maintaining their quality”. Discuss.
Answer:
This statement is correct because if we have the resources of poor quality, it is of no use. We may have enough water, but if it is polluted it causes more harm than benefit. It causes many diseases in human beings and animals. Polluted air causes more harm in many cities as people get many diseases.
Question 5.
Why is managing of resources not very simple ? Answer:
Managing resources is not very simple because the problems are inter related. Solving one problem leads to another problem. Banning of insecticides will save wildlife but will lead to shortage of food due to destruction of crops by insects. So, we can say that banning of one thing leads to shortage of another thing.
Question 6.
1. How does planting of trees help to conserve soil ? 2. Why should chemical fertilisers be used with caution ? Answer:
1. The roots of trees helps to find the soil and prevent soil erosion. Rows of trees planted along the edges of farms act as wind breakers and prevent erosion by wind.
Page 34 2. Chemical fertilisers damage the porous structure of the soil and also kill soil organisms such as
earthworms which add loose fertile soil to the fields. Question 7.
1. What are endemic species ? “ 2. Why are these endemic species ? Answer:
1. The species which are unique to a specific region are known as endemic species. Sal and wild mango are two example of endemic flora and bison and flying squirels are examples of endemic fauna. 2. These are endemic species because
• their ecological requirements are met over a small area.
• they are not capable of moving to other suitable habitats. Question 8.
1. What are the five conservation categories of wildlife ?
2. How many biosphere reserves, national parks and sanctuaries are there in India ? Answer:
1. There are five conservation categories of wildlife — extinct, endangered, vulnerable, rare and unsufficiently known species.
2. There are 15 biosphere reserves, 90 national parks and 448 sanctuaries in India.
MCQs
Question 1.
Conversion of fertile land into deserts is known as (a) deforestation (b) desertification (c) conservation (d) none of these. Answer: (b) Question 2.
The variety of life on the earth is commonly referred to as (a) biodiversity
(b) biosphere (c) afforestation (d) none of these.
Page 35 Answer:
(a)
Question 3.
The first national park in India is (a) Bandipur national park (b) Kaziranga national park (c) Jim Corbett national park (d) Satpura national park. Answer:
(c)
Question 4.
All type of plant life is known as (a) fauna (b) flora (c) forest (d) none of these. Answer: (b) Question 5.
When no member of a species exists, it is known as (a) endemic species
(b) endangered species (c) extinct (d) vulnerable species. Answer: (c) Question 6. Snow leopard is (a) vulnerable species (b) endangered species (c) extinct (d) endemic species. Answer: (b) Question 7.
A species found only in one particular place is known as (a) endemic
Page 36 (c) endangered (d) extinct. Answer: (a) Question 8.
Migration of birds takes place because (a) they like to travel
(b) to find abundant food (c) to meet other birds (d) none of these. Answer:
(b)
Question 9.
Growing new trees in forests is known as (a) deforestation (b) desertification (c) afforestation (d) none of these. Answer: (c) Question 10.
How many Biosphere Reserves in India has the Indian Government established ? (a) 10 (b) 5 (c) 14 (d) 20 Answer: (c)
EXTRA QUESTIONS
Multiple Choice Questions
Question. 1 Wild buffalo is an endangered species because . (a) its population is diminishing . (b) it has become extinct (c) it is found exclusively in a particular area
Page 37
Answer. (a) Wild buffalo is an endangered species because its population is diminishing.
Endangered species are the species which are facing the risk of extinction. Their numbers are decreasing ts such a low level that they might face extinction soon.
Question. 2 Which one of the following changes may occur due to desertification? (a) Decrease in atmospheric temperature
(b) Increase in water holding capacity of soil (c) Increased chances of floods
(d) Conversion of fertile land into a desert
Answer. (d) The process by v’hich fertile land becomes desert is called desertification. It takes place
due to the deforestation.
When forest trees are cut, there will be no roots to bind the soil particles together and prevent them from carrying away. Thus, the top layer of soil erodes out exposing the lower hardy and rocky soil layer. This layer is not fertile. Gradually plants do not grow well and fertile land gets converted into a desert.
Question. 3 Which one of the following statements is true about a Biosphere Reserve? (a) It is a protected area where only endemic species live
(b) It is meant only for the conservation of plants and animals
(c) It is meant to conserve both, the biodiversity and the culture of that area (d) There are no other protected areas within its limits
Answer. (c) A Biosphere Reserve is large, protected area of land meant for the conservation of
wildlife, biodiversity and the traditional lifestyle of tribal people (i.e culture) living in the area.
Question. 4 The places meant for conservation of biodiversity in their natural habitat are (i) Zoological garden (ii) Botanical garden
(iii) Wildlife sanctuary (iv) National park (a) (i) and (ii) (b) (ii) and (iii)
(c) (iii) and (iv) (d) (i) and (iv)
Answer. (c) Wildlife sanctuary, national parks are in situ conservation methods of biodiversity. These
places are meant for conservation of species in their natural habitat.
The other options, i.e. zoological and botanical gardens are ex situ conservation methods. These places conserve the species outside its natural habitat.
Question. 5 Which one of the following statement is true about endemic species? (a) They are found exclusively in a specific habitat
(b) Endemic species can never become endangered (c) They are found only in zoos and botanical gardens (d) They are not affected by the destruction of their habitat
Answer. (a) Endemic species are those species of plants and animals which are found exclusively in
a specific habitat.
e.g. Sal and wild mango are endemic plants of Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve.
Their existence is endangered by the destruction of their habitats, increasing human population and introduction of new species.
Page 38
Question. 6 Which of the following feature is correct for a wildlife sanctuary? (a) It is an artificially created area for animals protection
(b) It is a protected area for threatened and endangered wild animals (c) It is meant for conservation of only plant species
(d) Capturing and poaching of anjmals is strictly prohibited here
Answer. (a) A wildlife sanctuary is a protected area, which is artificially created for the protection of
wild animals in their natural habitat. Killing (poaching) or capturing of animals is strictly prohibited in these areas.
Question. 7 Which statement is incorrect about endangered species? (a) Their number has decreased drastically
(b) They might become extinct in the near future (c) They pose a danger to other animals
(d) Their natural habitat needs to be protected
Answer. (c) The species which are facing the risk of extinction due to their diminishing numbers : are
called endangered species.
An animal species become endangered due to: (i) they are few in number.
(ii) they are being killed by predators. (iii) hunted by human.
(iv) their natural habitat is being destroyed.
Question. 8 What do blackbuck, elephant, python and golden cat together represent in a forest?
(a) Fauna (b) Ecosystem (c) Flora (d) Species
Answer. (a) Blackbuck, elephant, python and golden at together represent fauna in a forest. The
animals of particular area called fauna of that area.Flora is the plants of a particular area. Ecosystem includes all the living organisms of an area and their physical environment. Species is a group of population which are capable of interbreeding.
Question.9 The Red Data Book keeps a record of all the (i) endemic species (ii) extinct species
(ii) endangered plants (iv) endangered animals (a) (i) and (ii) (b) (ii) and (iii)
(c) (iii) and (iv) (d) (i) and (iv)
Answer. (c) Red Data Book is the source book which keeps a record of all the endangered animals
and plants. There are different Red Data Books for plants, animals and other species.
Question. 10 Migratory birds fly to far away areas during a particular time of a year. Which of the following conditions present in their habitat during that time are responsible for this behaviour?
(i) Unavailability of food.
Page 39
(iii) Over crowding.
(iv) Lack of nesting areas. (a) (ii) and (iii) (b) (i) and (ii) (c) (i) and (iv) (d) (ii) and (iv)
Answer. (d) The process of a bird moving from one place to another due to the climatic changes is
called migration. It is an adaptation to escape extreme weather conditions and lack of nesting areas. They fly for laying eggs as the weather in their natural habitat becomes very inhospitable.
Question. 11 In our country, large patches of forests are being cleared for cultivation of crops. The environmental impact of such a practice will lead to : (a) soil erosion (b) soil pollution (c) soil conservation (d) soil fertility
Answer. (a) Soil erosion will be the environmental impact of clearing larger patches of forests
(deforestation). When trees are cut down, then there are no roots to bind the soil particles and prevent them from being carried away by strong wind or water.
This removal of top layer of soil is called soil erosion.
Very Short Answer Type Questions
Question. 12 Why is it important to conserve forests? Answer. It is important to conserve forests because forests:
1. maintain the level of C02 in atmosphere.
2. bind the top layer of soil that increases its fertility.
3. help in absorbing rain water and thus, preventing floods. 4. maintain the water cycle.
5.serve as natural habitat of various species.
Question. 13 Mention any one action that you have undertaken to conserve trees.
Answer. I take part in various afforestation programmes where I also spread awareness about
individual measures that can be taken by people for conservation of trees such as recycling paper, planting a tree on special occasions, etc.
Question. 14 State whether the following statements are True or False. Correct the false statements.
(i) There can be a wildlife sanctuary within a biosphere reserve. (ii) Plants of a particular area are collectively termed as fauna.
(iii) Deforestation leads to an increase in the water holding capacity of the soil. (iv) Bison is an endemic fauna of Pachmarhi biosphere reserve.
Answer. 1 .True
2.False,
Plants of a particular area are collectively termed as flora. 3.False,
Page 40 erosion.
4. True
Question. 15 Can a forest regenerate naturally in a short period of time?
Answer. Reforestation (i.e. regeneration of a forest) can take place naturally by leaving the
deforested area undisturbed for some time.
During this period, the area re-establishes itself without the interference of human beings by the natural growth of trees.
This process, however takes a long time in terms of years.
Question. 16 Name the first reserve forest of India.
Answer. Satpura National Park located in Madhya Pradesh is the first reserve forest of India. Short Answer Type Questions
Question. 17 Why are wildlife sanctuaries important for conservation of plants and animals? Answer. In a wildlife sanctuary, killing and capturing of wild animals is strictly prohibited. Any human
activity which disturbs the wild animals and plants or their habitat is not allowed.
So, in these areas, animals live in natural environment protected from any interference. This is why, sanctuaries are important.
Question. 18 Why are endemic organisms in greater danger of becoming extinct?
Answer. Endemic organisms are confined to a limited geographical area. They cannot adapt or live
outside their natural habitat. This means any disturbance to their habitat will adversely affect them. Thus, they are in greater danger of becoming extinct.
Question. 19 How are even small animals important in an ecosystem?
Answer. Small animals might be small in size but their role in ecosystem is very important which
cannot be ignored.
They are the part of food chains and food webs which are essential for maintaining balance in nature.
Question. 20 A new species X is introduced in a forest. How is it likely to affect the local species of that area?
Answer. The new species is likely to affect the local species as it poses threats in following manner:
1. Preying on native species.
2. Increasing competition for food or other resources. 3. Cadsing or carrying disease.
4. Preventing native species from reproducing. 5. Altering the structure of food webs.
Page 41
Question. 21 Does soil erosion affect the fertility of soil? How?
Answer. Yes, soil erosion affects the fertility of the soil. It removes the top layer of soil (i.e. fertile
layer) which exposes the hard rocky lower layers which are less fertile.
Question. 22 What is the unique feature of the biodiversity found in Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve?
Answer. The biodiversity found in Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve is similar to those of the upper
Himalayan peaks and to those belonging to the lower Western Ghats. Thus, making it unique.
Question. 23 Mention the aim of Forest (Conservation) Act.
Answer. The aim of Forest (Conservation) Act is preservation and conservation of natural forests and
meeting the basic needs of the people living in or near the forests.
Question. 24 What is biodiversity?
Answer. Biodiversity or Biological diversity refers to the variety of organisms existing on the earth,
their interrelationships and their relationship with the environment.
Long Answer Type Questions
Question. 25 Is deforestation associated with global warming? Explain.
Answer. Plants use carbon dioxide gas from the atmosphere for the process of ‘photosynthesis’.
When a lot of trees are cut down (i.e., deforestation), then lesser number of trees will be left.
The lesser number of trees will use up less carbon dioxide due to which the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere will increase. Thus, deforestation increases the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
Carbon dioxide gas traps the sun’s rays that are reflected by the earth (causing greenhouse effect). Trapping of rays by carbon dioxide increases the temperature of earth’s atmosphere. This will lead to global warming.
The gradual increase in the overall temperature of earth’s atmosphere due to the greenhouse effect cacTsecf by the increased level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is called global warming. This explains that deforestation is strongly associated with global warming.
Question. 26 How does deforestation leads to frequent floods and droughts?
Answer. When the forest trees are cut down, then the lesser number of trees put less water vapour
into atmosphere through transpiration. Since, less water vapour is put into the atmosphere, there is less rainfall in that area.
When there is less rainfall in an area, then less water percolates into the ground. Due to this, the groundwater level also gets lowered. The shortage of surface water (in ponds, lakes, etc) and groundwater due to persistent low rainfall in an area can lead to droughts.
Deforestation also leads to a decrease in the water holding capacity of the soil. When trees are cut down there are no roots for absorbing rain water. Thus, the movement of water from the soil surface injo the ground is reduced.
Page 42 So, there are floods. Soil erosion caused by cutting of trees also contributes to floods. The eroded soil keeps on collecting river bed, decreasing its depth. This leads to overflow when heavy rains occur.
Question. 27 Why should we save paper?
Answer. Paper should be saved because it produces from our important natural resource, i.e. trees
(around 17 full grown trees are needed to make one tonne of paper).
Therefore, in order to save trees and prevent the impact of their loss on living world, we need to save paper. We can save paper by following ways:
1.Paper should be recycled.
2.Use both side of a paper for writing purpose. .
3.Spread awareness regarding the value of saving paper.
A Few More Questions
Question 1 A.
Which gas in the atmosphere is used by the trees and plants in photosynthesis? Answer:
The correct Answer: is Carbon dioxide
Carbon dioxide is absorbed during photosynthesis by plants. Question 1 B.
Which gas in the atmosphere traps the heat rays reflected by the earth? Answer:
The correct Answer: is Carbon monoxide (CO)
Carbon monoxide traps the heat rays reflected by the earth and causes global warming. Question 2.
Write one word for :
Variety of plants, animals and microorganisms found in an area. Answer:
The correct Answer: is Biodiversity
The variety of plant and animal life in the world or in a particular habitat, a high level of which is usually considered being important and desirable.
Question 3.
What name is given to that part of the earth in which living organism exist (or which supports life)? Answer:
The correct Answer: is Biosphere.
The biosphere is composed of the living organisms and the environment. It is the only layer of the planet earth in which life exists and so is unique in itself.
Page 43 Question 4.
What the three types of protected area which have been earmarked for the conservation of forest and wildlife.
Answer:
Wild life sanctuaries, National parks and Biosphere reserves are the three types of protected area which have been earmarked for the conservation of forest and wildlife.
Question 5.
Name one Wildlife Sanctuary and one National park which are contained in Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve.
Answer:
The Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve is located within areas of Hoshangabad, Betul, and Chhindwara Districts in Madhya Pradesh state. It includes three wildlife conservation units:
1. Bori Sanctuary 2. Pachmarhi Sanctuary 3. Satpura National Park Question 6.
Name any five threatened wild animals which are protected and preserved in our wildlife Sanctuaries. Answer:
Tiger, Lion, Elephant, Indian monkey, Indian rhinoceros and Indian leopard are the five threatened wild animals which are protected and preserved in our wildlife Sanctuaries.
Question 7.
For what purpose are National Parks in our country established? Answer:
National parks protect places of natural beauty. national park is home to many endemic species. They also protect places important to Aboriginal people, and places that show how people lived in the past. National parks are protected areas.
Question 8.
Name the first Reserve Forest of India. Answer:
The correct Answer: is The first Reserve Forest Of India was Satpura National Park. Question 9.
Name the objects of historical significance found in Satpura National Park. Answer:
The objects of historical importance known as rock shelters are found inside this park. These rock shelters are the evidence of prehistoric human life in this jungle. It gives a clue about the life of the primitive people who lived in this area long ago. 55 rock shelters have been identified in this area.
Page 44 Question 10.
Name two animals which have vanished from? Satpura National Park and two animals which are still found there.
Answer:
Some of the wild animals found in satpura National park are Tiger and Leopard. The two animals that have vanished from satpura national park are Indian white buffalo and swamp deer
Question 11.
What name is given to those species:
(a) that are on the verge of vanishing from earth? (b) that have died out completely?
Answer:
(a) The endangered species are on the verge of vanishing from earth if proper measures and protection rules will not be implemented along with provision of breeding grounds and natural habitats.
(b) Extinct species have died out due to change in weather and habitat. They have also been wiped out due to irrational human activities like hunting, agricultural land clearance and wildfires
Question 12.
Name the publication which contains record if all the endangered species (plants and animals, etc). Answer:
The correct Answer: is IUCN Red list
The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (also known as the IUCN Red List or Red Data List), founded in 1964, is the world’s most comprehensive inventory of the global conservation status of biological species.
Question 13.
Name any five endangered specie of animals listed in the Red Data Book of India. Answer:
Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica) Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) Blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) Banteng (Bos javanicus)
Central Kashmir vole (Alticola montosa) Question 14.
What is the Answer: to deforestation? Answer:
The Answer: to deforestation is Afforestation. It is the establishment of a forest or stand of trees in an area where there was no previous tree cover.
Page 45 either naturally (by natural seeding, coppice, or root suckers) or artificially (by direct seeding or
planting). Question 15.
Name the various old paper products which can be recycled. Answer:
Recycled tote bags Recycled paper vase Recycled gift tags
Recycled paper bags and decoration items
The above mentioned items can be recycled and reused. It saves the trees from cutting down and also leads to minimal expenditure.
Question 16.
How many full grown trees are needed to make 1 tonne of paper? Answer:
25 trees are approximately required to produce 1 ton of paper. Question 17.
State one way in which we can reuse paper. Answer:
We can reuse paper in different ways. Here, we are writing some of the common ways to reuse the paper.
1. We can make greeting cards from the used papers. 2. We can make a wallart from used papers.
3. Newspaper or old wrapping paper can be used as package padding―shred, crumple or tear and eliminate the need for Styrofoam!
Question 18.
Fill in the following blanks with suitable words:
(a) Deforestation increases the level of……….. in the atmosphere. (b) Species found only in a particular area is known as……… species. (c) A place where animals are protected in their natural habitat is called (d) Satpura National Park is a part of……… Biosphere Reserve. (e) Rd Data Book contains a record of……….. species.
(f) Migratory birds fly to faraway places because of……… changes.
(g) In reforestation, the planted trees should be of the same………. Which were cut down in that forest?
(h) Paper can be recycled………… to…… times. Answer:
(a) The correct Answer: is Carbon dioxide
Deforestation increases the level of carbon dioxide as in absence of trees it is not used and causes global warming
Page 46 (b) The correct Answer: is Endemic Species
Endemic species can survive in that particular habitat. (c) The correct answer is Wildlife sanctuary
Wildlife sanctuary is a place where animals are given their natural habitat and they have freedom to roam freely. They are also protected.
(d) The correct answer is Pachmarhi (e) The correct answer is Endangered
Endangered species are on the verge of extinction if they are not protected and bred properly in their respective habitats.
(f) The correct answer is Climatic
Climatic changes like extreme weather makes the migratory birds to move to some other areas for some time and enables them to survive and breed.
(g) The correct answer is Species
In reforestation the forest is regrown. The weather and soil conditions of a particular place is best for the similar species and hence their survival rate also increases.
(h) The correct answer is Five to Seven
Short Answer Type Questions
Question 19.What is meant by deforestation? what are the causes of deforestation? Answer:
Deforestation is the removal of a forest or strands of trees where the land is thereafter converted to a non-forest use. Examples of deforestation include conversion of forestland to farms, ranches, or urban use.
The conversion of forests into agricultural plantations is a major cause of deforestation. The increase in global demand for commodities, such as palm oil and soybeans, are driving industrial-scale
producers to clear forests at an alarming rate. Livestock ranching and forest clearing for livestock ranching is another contributor to deforestation.
Question 20.
What are the consequences of deforestation? Answer:
The consequences of deforestation is a loss of biodiversity. Deforestation also increases greenhouse gas emissions, disrupts the water cycle, increases soil erosion and decreases the natural beauty of an area.
Question 21.
What is desertification? Name one human activity which may lead to desertification. Answer:
The Desertification is a land degradation in which relatively dry area of land becomes increasingly arid, typically losing its bodies of water and vegetation and wildlife.
Page 47 Agriculture, animal husbandry, and groundwater pumping/depletion, are all significant contributors to the process.
Question 22.
Explain how, deforestation makes the soil infertile leading to desertification. Answer:
Deforestation in simple term means the felling and clearing of forest cover or tree plantations to accommodate agricultural, industrial or urban use. It involves permanent end of forest cover to make that land available for residential, commercial or industrial purpose. Deforestation can also be seen as removal of forests leading to several imbalances ecologically and environmentally. What makes deforestation alarming is the immediate and long term effects it is bound to inflict if continued at the current pace. Some predictions state that the rain forests of the world will be destroyed completely if deforestation continues at its current pace.
Question 23.
What is global warming? Name the gas responsible for causing global warming. Answer:
Global Warming is the increase of Earth’s average surface temperature due to effect of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide emissions from burning fossil fuels or from deforestation, which trap heat that would otherwise escape from Earth. the gas responsible for causing global warming is carbon dioxide.
Question 24.
How does deforestation reduce rainfall on the one hand and lead to floods on the other? Answer:
When trees are cut down and there is desertification in that area so there is no transpiration and hence it result in no or minimal rainfall. When there are floods the absence of trees leads to soil erosion. It is due to the fact due to absence of trees there are no roots to hold the soil together and it gets washed away in flood.
Question 25.
Define the term ‘biosphere’. Answer:
The biosphere is the global ecological system integrating and comprising all living beings and their relationships, including their interaction with the elements of the lithosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere. Question 26. Define it: (i) biodiversity (ii) ecosystem Answer:
Page 48 Biodiversity – The variety of plant and animal life in the world or in a particular habitat, a high level of which is usually considered being important and desirable.
Ecosystem – An ecosystem is a community of living organisms with the nonliving components of their environment (things like air, water and mineral soil), interacting as a system. These biotic and abiotic components are linked through nutrient cycles and energy flows.
Question 27.
What will happen if the natural habitat of a wild animal is destroyed? Answer:
If the natural habitat of a wild animal is destroyed then the animals will run towards human habitat. There will be no space for animals and this will eventually force them to die. Plants on other hand will grow enormously and the whole life cycle and food cycle will be disturbed.
Question 28.
What is the purpose of establishing several Biosphere Reserve, Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks in India?
Answer:
The purpose of establishing several Biosphere Reserve, Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks in India is to provide protected habitat to animals birds and plants which otherwise will be captured by humans. The other purpose is also to provide ample of space to flora and fauna to survive and grow in numbers without the fear of human intervention. This also leads to conservation and development of natural forest lands.
Question 29.
State the role of Biosphere Reserve. Answer:
A biosphere reserve is an ecosystem with plants and animals of unusual scientific and natural interest.
Each Biosphere Reserve should fulfill three basic functions, which are complementary and mutually reinforcing:
Conservation function–to contribute to the conservation of landscapes, ecosystems, species and genetic variation;
Development function–to foster economic and human development which is socio-culturally and ecologically sustainable;
Logistic function–to provide support for research, monitoring, education and information exchange related to local, national and global issues of conservation and development.
Question 30.
What is meant by the ‘flora’ and ‘fauna’ of an area? Give two examples of flora and two example of fauna of Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve.
Answer:
Page 49 Flora in Pachmarhi is Mango and silver ferns.
Fauna in pachmarhi is Tiger and wild boar. Question 31.
What is meant by the ‘flora’ and ‘fauna’ and which belong to ‘flora of the Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve ?
Sal, Arjun, Cheetal, Teak, Leopard, Fern, Blue bull, Barking deer, Mango, Wolf. Answer: Sal flora Arjun flora Teak flora Fern flora Mango flora Leopard Fauna Blue bull Fauna Deer Fauna Wolf Fauna Question 32.
What is the difference between ‘flora’ and ‘fauna’? Answer:
Flora refers to plants Fauna refers to animals. Question 33.
What is meant by ‘Species’ ? Give any five examples of species. Answer:
A group of living organisms comprising similar individuals capable of exchanging genes or interbreeding.
Alpaca – Vicugna pacos.
Anole lizard – Anolis carolinensis. Armadillo – Dasypus novemcinctus. Bushbaby – Otolemur garnettii. Cat – Felis catus.
Chicken – Gallus gallus. Question 34.
What’s do you understand by ‘endemic species’ ? Name two plant species and two animal species endemic to Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve area.
Answer:
Species having relatively small ranges are called endemic species. On remote oceanic islands, almost all the native species are endemic.
The endemic ‘fauna’ animal species are chinkara and nilgai.
