Science STD 8 Chapter 5: Conservation of Plants and Animals

Science STD 8 Chapter 5: Conservation of Plants and Animals - Exercises

1. Fill in the blanks.

(a) A place where animals are protected in their natural habitat is called wildlife sanctuary.
(b) Species found only in a particular area is known as endemic species.
(c) Migratory birds fly to far away places because of climatic changes.

2. Differentiate between the following.

(a) Wildlife sanctuary and biosphere reserve

Wildlife Sanctuary	Biosphere Reserve
An area where animals are protected from any disturbance to them and their habitat.	A large area of protected land for the conservation of wildlife, plant and animal resources, and the traditional life of tribals.
Its main focus is on the protection of animals.	It is meant for the conservation of the entire biodiversity and the culture of that area.
A biosphere reserve may contain a wildlife sanctuary within its boundaries.	It can contain other protected areas like national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.

(b) Zoo and wildlife sanctuary

Zoo	Wildlife Sanctuary
It is an artificial setting where animals are kept for public display.	It is a natural habitat where animals are protected.
Animals are confined in cages or enclosures.	Animals are free to move within a protected natural environment.
The animals' living conditions are not their natural habitat.	The animals are protected in their natural habitat.

Endangered Species	Extinct Species
Species whose numbers are diminishing to a level that they might face extinction.	Species that have completely vanished from the Earth.
They still exist but are at a high risk of disappearing.	They no longer exist anywhere in the world.
Example: Tiger, black buck.	Example: Dinosaurs.

(d) Flora and fauna

Flora	Fauna
The plants found in a particular area are termed as flora of that area.	The animals found in a particular area are termed as fauna of that area.
Example: Sal, teak, mango, fern are the flora of a forest.	Example: Tiger, deer, wolf, giant squirrel are the fauna of a forest.

3. Discuss the effects of deforestation on the following.

(a) Wild animals
Deforestation destroys the natural habitat of wild animals, leading to a loss of food and shelter. This can force them to migrate or lead to a decrease in their population, making them endangered. In some cases, it can lead to their extinction.
(b) Environment
Deforestation increases the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, leading to global warming. It also disrupts the water cycle, causing a decrease in rainfall and an increase in natural calamities like floods and droughts. It can also lead to an increase in soil erosion and a decrease in soil fertility.
(c) Villages (Rural areas)
The effects of deforestation on rural areas include a decrease in rainfall and soil fertility. It also leads to floods and soil erosion. Villagers who depend on forests for food, shelter, water, and medicinal plants lose their source of livelihood.
(d) Cities (Urban areas)
Deforestation in nearby areas affects cities by increasing air pollution and temperature. It can also lead to changes in the climate, making the weather hotter and drier. Reduced rainfall can cause water shortages, and an increased risk of floods can also threaten cities.
(e) Earth
Deforestation on a large scale leads to global warming, desertification, and a decline in biodiversity. It increases the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, which traps heat and raises the Earth's temperature. It also disturbs the natural balance of the planet's ecosystems.
(f) The next generation
The next generation will face the severe consequences of deforestation, such as climate change, water shortages, natural disasters, and a loss of biodiversity. They will have limited access to forest products and a less healthy environment. The loss of unique plant and animal species will also be a major concern.

4. What will happen if...

(a) we go on cutting trees.
If we continue cutting trees, the carbon dioxide level in the atmosphere will increase, leading to global warming. The water cycle will be disturbed, causing a decrease in rainfall and an increased risk of floods and droughts. It will also destroy the habitats of wild animals, leading to a loss of biodiversity and the extinction of many species.
(b) the habitat of an animal is disturbed.
If an animal's habitat is disturbed, it may lose its source of food and shelter. This can force the animal to migrate to other areas in search of a new home. If it cannot adapt to the new environment, its population may decline, and it may become an endangered or extinct species.
(c) the top layer of soil is exposed.
If the top layer of soil is exposed, it will be vulnerable to soil erosion. The fertile topsoil, rich in humus and nutrients, will be washed away by rain or blown away by wind. This will expose the lower, rocky layers, making the land less fertile and eventually leading to desertification.

5. Answer in brief.

(a) Why should we conserve biodiversity?
We should conserve biodiversity because it refers to the variety of life on Earth, including plants, animals, and microorganisms. All these species are interconnected in an ecosystem, and the loss of one species can affect the entire food chain. Biodiversity provides us with a wide range of resources, medicines, and a stable environment.
(b) Protected forests are also not completely safe for wild animals. Why?
Even protected forests are not completely safe for wild animals because people living in the surrounding areas may encroach upon them. These people sometimes destroy the forests for various reasons, such as grazing their livestock or collecting firewood, which can disturb the animals' habitats and threaten their survival.
(c) Some tribals depend on the jungle. How?
Some tribal communities depend on the jungle for their food, shelter, and livelihoods. They have traditional knowledge about the medicinal plants and other useful resources found in the forest. The forest provides them with everything they need to live, from food to building materials.
(d) What are the causes and consequences of deforestation?
The causes of deforestation include procuring land for cultivation, building houses and factories, and using wood as fuel. The consequences of deforestation are an increase in global warming, a decrease in rainfall and soil fertility, soil erosion, and an increased risk of natural calamities like floods and droughts. It also leads to the loss of biodiversity.
(e) What is Red Data Book?
The Red Data Book is a source book that keeps a record of all the endangered plants and animals. It is maintained internationally by an organisation. India also maintains a Red Data Book for the species found within the country. It is a crucial tool for conservation efforts.
(f) What do you understand by the term migration?
Migration is the phenomenon of movement of a species from its own habitat to some other habitat for a particular time period every year. This movement is usually triggered by climatic changes. Migratory birds, for example, fly to far-off places to lay eggs when the weather in their natural habitat becomes very cold and inhospitable.

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.

No, it is not justified to cut trees for such projects. A report on this topic would argue that while industrial and population growth are important, they should not come at the cost of the environment. The report would highlight the negative consequences of deforestation, such as climate change, loss of biodiversity, and disruption of the water cycle. It would suggest that sustainable development, such as reforestation and the use of alternative resources, is a better way to meet the demands of a growing population without destroying forests.

7. How can you contribute to the maintenance of green wealth of your locality? Make a list of actions to be taken by you.

As an individual, I can contribute to the maintenance of green wealth in my locality by:

Planting more trees and plants in my surroundings, such as in my garden, school, or neighbourhood.
Taking care of the existing trees and plants by watering them regularly and protecting them from harm.
Encouraging my friends and neighbours to plant trees and adopt sustainable practices.
Organising awareness campaigns about the importance of trees and forests.
Avoiding the use of paper unnecessarily and promoting the recycling of paper.

8. Explain how deforestation leads to reduced rainfall.

Deforestation leads to reduced rainfall because plants play a crucial role in the water cycle. They absorb water from the soil through their roots and release it into the atmosphere as water vapour through a process called transpiration. When trees are cut down, less water is released into the atmosphere, which disrupts the formation of clouds and reduces rainfall. This can lead to droughts and desertification in the affected areas.

9. Find out about national parks in your state. Identify and show their location on the outline map of India.

This is a research-based activity. You would need to find out the names and locations of national parks in your state and mark them on an outline map of India. For example, if you are in Gujarat, you would find and mark Gir National Park on the map. This helps in understanding the geographical distribution of protected areas in the country.

10. Why should paper be saved? Prepare a list of ways by which you can save paper.

Paper should be saved to protect forests and conserve natural resources. The production of one tonne of paper requires 17 full-grown trees, a lot of energy, and a significant amount of water. Saving paper helps in reducing deforestation, conserving energy and water, and decreasing the amount of harmful chemicals used in paper manufacturing. Ways to save paper include:

Using both sides of a paper for writing.
Using slates, whiteboards, or digital devices for notes.
Recycling old paper and newspaper.
Reusing envelopes and other paper materials.
Sharing textbooks and notebooks with others.

11. Complete the word puzzle.

[Image of a word puzzle]

Across

1. Species which have vanished. EXTINCT

3. Species found only in a particular habitat. ENDEMIC

4. Variety of plants, animals and microorganisms found in an area. BIODIVERSITY

Down

1. Species on the verge of extinction. ENDANGERED

2. A book carrying information about endangered species. RED DATA BOOK

5. Consequence of deforestation. DESERTIFICATION

Suggested Activities and Projects

1. Plant at least five different plants in your locality during this academic year and ensure their maintenance till they grow.

Outline: This is a practical and impactful activity that involves tree planting and conservation. By planting and taking care of five different plants, you would gain a sense of responsibility and firsthand experience of the effort required to maintain green wealth. This project directly contributes to the environment and helps in promoting a greener locality.

2. Promise yourself that this year you will gift at least 5 plants to your friends and relatives on their achievements, or on occasions like birthdays. Ask your friends to take proper care of these plants and encourage them to gift plants to their friends on such occasions. At the end of the year count the plants that have been gifted through this chain.

Outline: This project is a creative way to promote environmental conservation. By gifting plants, you create an awareness chain that encourages others to do the same. This activity not only adds to the green cover of the locality but also teaches the importance of nurturing plants. Counting the number of plants at the end of the year would show the impact of your initiative.

3. Is it justified to prevent tribals from staying in the core area of the forest? Discuss the matter in your class and note down the points for and against the motion in your notebook.

Outline: This activity involves a class debate on a complex social and environmental issue. The points "for" the motion would include protecting endangered species and preserving the forest from human interference. The points "against" the motion would highlight that tribal communities have a symbiotic relationship with the forest, and they have traditional knowledge that helps in conservation. The discussion would lead to a nuanced understanding of the issue and its various perspectives.

4. Study the biodiversity of a park nearby. Prepare a detailed report with photographs and sketches of the flora and fauna.

Outline: This is a project-based learning activity to study biodiversity in a local area. By visiting a park, you would observe and document the various plants (flora) and animals (fauna) present there. The report would include photographs and sketches, along with notes on the different species found. This activity helps in understanding the concept of biodiversity on a micro-level and its importance in our daily lives.

5. Make a list of the new information you have gathered from this chapter. Which information did you find the most interesting and why?

Outline: This activity is a reflection exercise to consolidate your learning. You would list all the new information you have learned, such as the definitions of endemic and endangered species, the role of a biosphere reserve, or the causes of deforestation. You would then reflect on which piece of information was the most interesting to you and explain why, which helps in personalising the learning experience.

6. Make a list of various uses of papers. Observe currency notes carefully. Do you find any difference between a currency paper and paper of your notebook? Find out where currency paper is made.

Outline: This project combines research with practical observation. You would list various uses of paper, from writing to packaging. You would then observe and compare the texture and quality of a currency note and a regular notebook paper. You would find that currency paper is more durable, with a unique texture, and is made from a different material (rag) to make it more resistant to wear and tear. You would also research where currency paper is made, which is usually in a special government-run facility.

7. Karnataka Government had launched 'Project Elephant' to save Asian elephants in the state. Find out about this and other such campaigns launched to protect threatened species.

Outline: This project is a research activity on government-led conservation campaigns. You would research 'Project Elephant' and find out its objectives, such as protecting elephant habitats and addressing human-elephant conflicts. You would also research other similar campaigns, like 'Project Tiger', to understand how governments and organisations work to protect and conserve threatened species on a large scale.