Social Science - Class 8
Chapter 1 : Conservation of Plants and Animals
All the available study materials for this chapter are listed below. Watch, download, and start studying!
Watch All Videos of This Chapter from PLAYLIST
A. Fill in the blanks.
1. International Day for Biological Diversity is observed on May 22.
2. A group of organisms, capable of interbreeding under natural conditions, is known as a species.
3. Endemic species are the species that are found only in a particular area.
4. Bandipur National Park is an important reserve for Project Tiger.5. Gahirmatha Turtle sanctuary in Odisha is the breeding ground for the ‘giant olive ridley turtle’ which migrate here from the Pacific Ocean.
B. Match the following.
1. Rhinoceros → (b) Kaziranga National Park
2. Giant Panda → (a) Endangered
3. Flamingos → (e) Migration
4. Cheetah → (d) Vulnerable
5. Passenger Pigeon → (c) Extinct
C. Write a technical term or an appropriate word for each of the following statements.
1. Protection, and preservation of wildlife and natural resources, is known as–
▢ afforestation
▢ preservation
▢ deforestation
▢ conservation ✅
2. The cheetah is a vulnerable species because–
▢ it is found in selected areas.
▢ it wil be 'extinct' soon.
▢ it will be 'endangered' soon. ✅
▢ its hunting is banned
3. Plants, found in a particular area, are referred to as–
▢ species
▢ forest
▢ flora✅
▢ fauna
4. Which one of the following is not an outcome of deforestation in an area?
▢ increased rainfall ✅
▢ increased temperature
▢ decreased rainfall
▢ decreased soil erosion
5. A region, in which ‘conservation of biodiversity’ in its natural habitat is practised, is known as a–
▢ botanical garden
▢ national park✅
▢ aquarium
▢ zoo
D. Answer the following questions in brief.
1. How have ‘urbanisation and industrialisation’ led to a large scale deforestation’?
Answer: Forest land is being cut down to build cities, roads, factories, and other development projects. Trees are also being cut for making paper, medicines, furniture, and other products. These activities have caused large-scale cutting of forests.
Answer: The new species may take away food, water, or shelter from the local species. It may hunt the local animals or disturb the food chain. Some local species may even disappear because of it.
Answer: A biosphere reserve is a protected area where people and nature live together in balance. It also promotes sustainable living. Two examples in India are Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve.
4. How does the ‘Red data book’ help in protecting biodiversity?
Answer: The Red Data Book lists animals, plants, and fungi that are endangered. This helps us understand which species need protection and guides us in saving them.
5. Why do some birds and animals migrate?
Answer: Some birds and animals migrate to find more food and better places to breed.
6. How do birds ‘get helped’ in navigation while undertaking long distance flights?
Answer: Birds have sharp eyesight and remember ground clues well. They also use the Sun, stars, and Earth’s magnetic field to find direction. A special part in their head works like a natural compass.
5. Distinguish between a National Park and a Wildlife Sanctuary.
Answer:
National Park – No human activity is allowed, the boundaries are fixed, and it is not open to the public.
Wildlife Sanctuary – Some human activity is allowed, boundaries are not fixed, and it is open to the public.
E. Answer the following questions.
1. Explain how deforestation can result in droughts and floods.
Answer: Trees hold the soil together through their roots. When forests are cut down, the soil becomes loose and easily gets washed away by rain, causing floods.
Without trees, water does not soak into the ground properly, and this increases surface runoff. On the other hand, trees also help in maintaining the water cycle by releasing moisture into the air through transpiration. If there are fewer trees, less moisture goes into the air, leading to reduced rainfall. This causes droughts.
Deforestation also contributes to global warming, which further disturbs weather patterns and rainfall. So, cutting trees can lead to both floods and droughts, affecting humans, animals, and the environment.
2. ‘Extinction of tiger can destabilise the entire forest ecosystem and result in a large-scale loss of biodiversity.’ Justify this statement.
Answer: Tigers are top predators in the food chain. If tigers go extinct, the number of herbivores like deer will increase quickly, as there will be no predator to control their population. These herbivores will eat a lot of plants and grass, which will destroy forests over time. Plants are the main source of food and shelter for many animals and insects.
If plants get destroyed, the entire food web gets disturbed. Slowly, many other animals and plants may also become extinct due to the loss of food and habitat. This results in a major loss of biodiversity. So, tigers play an important role in keeping the forest ecosystem balanced.
3. Why are endemic species at a greater risk of becoming extinct? List the human action related causes’ that are responsible for their extinction.
Answer: Endemic species live in only one particular region and are not found anywhere else. If their habitat is destroyed or damaged, they cannot survive, and there are no other places for them to live.That’s why they are at a higher risk of extinction.
Human actions like cutting forests, building roads, factories, or cities, using too many natural resources, polluting land and water, and bringing new species into their habitat all disturb their natural life.
These activities reduce their food and shelter. They also break the food chain and change the climate in that area. All of these actions increase the chances of extinction for these unique and special species.
4. “The growing human population poses a grave threat to biodiversity”. Justify this statement.
Answer: As human population grows, the demand for land, food, water, and other resources also increases. Forests are cut down to build houses, roads, factories, and farms. This leads to habitat loss for many animals and plants.
Also, industries and cities release waste and pollution into air, water, and soil, which further harms biodiversity. Overuse of natural resources by humans leaves less for wildlife.
Hunting, poaching, and illegal trading of animals and plants also increase. All these human actions disturb natural ecosystems and can cause many species to become endangered or extinct. The growing population creates pressure on the environment and reduces biodiversity, which is harmful for both nature and humans.
5. Explain the difference between extinct, endangered and vulnerable species.
Answer:
Extinct species are those that no longer exist anywhere on Earth. For example, dinosaurs are extinct.
Endangered species are those that are very few in number and can become extinct soon if not protected. The tiger is an example.
Vulnerable species are those that are still surviving but are at risk of becoming endangered in the near future due to habitat loss, pollution, or other reasons. For example, giant pandas are considered vulnerable.
Each category shows the level of threat to a species. Extinct is the most serious, followed by endangered, and then vulnerable. Protection of these species is important to maintain ecological balance and biodiversity.
6. List five ways in which you, as an individual, can contribute to conserving forests and wildlife.
Answer:
Plant trees regularly in your area to increase green cover.
Use less paper and avoid wasting it, since paper is made from trees.
Create awareness by telling others about the importance of forests and wildlife.
Use forest products carefully and don’t waste things like wood, fruits, and fuel.
Follow the 3Rs – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle to save natural resources.
Apart from these, avoid buying items made from animal parts, support eco-friendly products, and join cleanliness or tree plantation drives. Every small action by an individual can help save forests and wildlife, and protect our environment for the future.