Class VIII

Science
Chapter 7
CONSERVATION OF PLANTS AND ANIMALS
Topics:-Deforestation And Its Causes, Consequences Of Deforestation,
BIODIVERSITY, Biosphere Reserve, Flora, Fauna, Endemic Species

Prepared by-Vijay Kumar Sethi

Deforestation and Its Causes
• Deforestation means clearing of forests and using that land for other purposes.
Causes of deforestation:-
• Man made causes:-Trees in the forest are cut for some of the purposes mentioned below:
1. Procuring (हासिल करना) land for cultivation.
2. Building houses and factories.
3. Making furniture
4. Using wood as fuel.
5. Mining
6. Dam construction
• Some natural causes of deforestation are
1. Forest fires and
2. Severe (गंभीर)droughts
Consequences of Deforestation
• Deforestation increases the temperature and pollution level on the earth.
• It increases the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere which leads to
global warming.
• Ground water level also gets lowered.
• Deforestation disturbs the balance in nature.
• Deforestation destroys the habitats of many wild animals.
• If cutting of trees continues, rainfall and the fertility of the soil will decrease.
• There will be increased chances of natural calamities such as floods and
droughts.
• Deforestation also leads to a decrease in the water holding capacity of the soil
• Fewer trees result in more soil erosion and gradually it leads to desertification
GLOBAL WARMING
• Plants need carbon dioxide for photosynthesis.
• Fewer trees would mean that less carbon dioxide will be used up resulting in its increased amount in the
atmosphere. This will lead to global warming as carbon dioxide traps the heat rays reflected by the earth.

DROUGHTS
• The increase in temperature on the earth disturbs the water cycle and may reduce rainfall. This could cause
droughts.
DESERTIFICATION
• Fewer trees result in more soil erosion.
• Removal of the top layer of the soil exposes the lower, hard and rocky layers. This soil has
less humus and is less fertile. Gradually the fertile land gets converted into deserts. It is
called desertification.

FLOODS
• Deforestation also leads to a decrease in the water holding capacity of the soil.
• The movement of water from the soil surface into the ground (infiltration rate) is reduced.
So, there are floods.
BIOSPHERE
• Biosphere is that part of the earth in which living organisms exist or
which supports life.
BIODIVERSITY
• Biological diversity or biodiversity, refers to the variety of organisms
existing on the earth, their interrelationships and their relationship with
the environment.
PROTECTED AREAS FOR CONSERVATION OF PLANTS AND ANIMALS
• Plantation, cultivation, grazing, felling (cutting down) trees, hunting and
poaching (बिना आज्ञा प्रवेश करना) are prohibited there.
• Wildlife sanctuaries,
• national parks,
• biosphere reserves
Wildlife Sanctuary :
Areas where animals are protected from any disturbance to them and their habitat.
Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary, Maharashtra Sambhar Wildlife Sanctuary, Rajasthan
Gahirmatha Turtle Sanctuary, Orissa
National Park :
Areas reserved for wild life where they can freely use the habitats and natural resources.
Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan Kaziranga National park, ASSAM
Jim Corbett National Park, UTTARAKHAND
Biosphere Reserve :
Large areas of protected land for conservation of wild life, plant and animal resources and traditional life
of the tribal living in the area.
Nilgiri , Gulf of Mannar, Sunderban, Nanda Devi, Pachmarhi.
 The difference between wildlife sanctuary and national park

Wildlife sanctuary national park

The main aim is to protect a particular Highly known for preserving the flora,
flora or fauna. fauna, landscape and historical objects
Wildlife sanctuaries have lesser National parks are highly restricted areas,
restrictions than national parks. which are not open to all the people

There are no fixed boundaries National parks have clearly marked

boundaries
Human activities are allowed to a limited Human activities are strictly prohibited
extent
For example-Gir Wildlife Sanctuary, For example-Ranthambore National Park,
Gujarat, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Rajasthan, Kaziranga National Park, Assam,
Kerala, Bori Wildlife Sanctuary MP Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand
Biosphere Reserve
• The Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve consists of one national
• biosphere reserves are the areas
park named Satpura and two wildlife sanctuaries named
meant for conservation of biodiversity.
Bori and Pachmarhi
• biodiversity is the variety of plants,
animals and microorganisms generally
found in an area.
• The biosphere reserves help to
maintain the biodiversity and culture
of that area.
• A biosphere reserve may also contain
other protected areas in it.
Flora
• The plants found in a particular area are termed flora of that area.
• Sal, teak, wild mango, jamun, silver ferns, arjun, etc., are the flora of the Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve
Fauna
• The animals found in a particular area are termed fauna of
that area
• chinkara, blue bull, barking deer, cheetal, leopard, wild dog,
wolf, etc. are examples of the fauna of the Pachmarhi
Biosphere Reserve
Endemic Species
• Endemic species are those species of plants and animals which are
found exclusively in a particular area.
• They are not naturally found anywhere else.
• A particular type of animal or plant may be endemic to a zone, a state or
a country
• sal and wild mango -endemic flora of the Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve.

• Species is a group of population which

are capable of interbreeding.
• This means that the members of a species
can reproduce fertile offspring only with
the members of their own species and not
with members of other species.
• Members of a species have common
characteristics.
Endemic Species
• Bison, Indian giant squirrel and flying squirrel are endemic fauna of
Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve
• the destruction of their habitat, increasing population and introduction
of new species may affect the natural habitat of endemic species and
endanger their existence.
 Class VIII
Science
Chapter 7
CONSERVATION OF PLANTS AND ANIMALS
Topics:-Wildlife Sanctuary, National Park, Project Tiger, Endangered animals,
Red Data Book, Migration, Recycling of Paper, Reforestation

Prepared by-Vijay Kumar Sethi

Wildlife Sanctuary
• Wildlife Sanctuaries provide protection and suitable living conditions to wild
animals. For example ‘Pachmarhi Wildlife Sanctuary’
• People living in wildlife sanctuaries are allowed to do certain activities such as
grazing by their livestock (पशु), collecting medicinal plants, firewood, etc.
• Some of the threatened wild animals like black buck, white eyed buck, elephant,
golden cat, pink headed duck, gharial, marsh crocodile, python, rhinoceros, etc., are
protected and preserved in our wild life sanctuaries.
Wildlife Sanctuary
• Indian sanctuaries have unique landscapes—broad level forests,
mountain forests and bush lands in deltas of big rivers.
• Protected forests are not safe because people living in the
neighbourhood encroach (अनधिकार प्रवेश करना) upon them and destroy
them
National Park
• National parks are large and diverse enough to protect whole sets of ecosystems.
• They preserve flora, fauna, landscape and historic objects of an area.
• Satpura National Park is the first Reserve Forest of India.
• The finest Indian teak is found in this forest.
Project Tiger
• Project Tiger was launched by the government on the 1st  of April, 1973 to protect the
tigers in the country.
• The objective of this project was to ensure the survival and maintenance of the tiger
population in the country.
• For example:-‘Satpura Tiger Reserve’
Endangered animals
• Animals whose numbers are diminishing(कम होनेवाला) to a level that they might face extinction
(विलुप्त, समाप्त) are known as the endangered animals
• Survival of some animals has become difficult because of disturbances in their natural habitat.
• In order to protect plants and animals strict rules are imposed in all National Parks.
• Human activities such as grazing, poaching (बिना आज्ञा प्रवेश करना, अवैध शिकार), hunting, capturing
of animals or collection of firewood, medicinal plants, etc. are not allowed
Ecosystem
• An ecosystem is made of all the plants, animals and microorganisms in an area along with non-
living components such as climate, soil, river deltas etc.

Red Data Book

• Red Data Book is the source book which keeps a record of all the endangered animals and
plants.
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 for a specific purpose like breeding.
• Birds who cover long distances to reach another land are known as migratory birds
• For example:-Siberian crane, Greater flamingo
• Migratory birds fly to far away areas every year during a particular time because of climatic changes.
• They fly for laying eggs as the weather in their natural habitat becomes very cold and inhospitable.
Recycling of Paper
• Another cause of deforestation-Making papers.
• It takes 17 full grown trees to make one tonne of paper.
• Therefore, we should save paper.
• Paper can be recycled five to seven times for use.
• If each student saves at least one sheet of paper in a day, we can save many trees in a year.
• We should save, reuse used paper and recycle it.
• By this we not only save trees but also save energy and water needed for manufacturing paper.
• Moreover, the amount of harmful chemicals used in paper making will also be reduced.
Reforestation
• Answer to deforestation is reforestation.
• Reforestation is restocking (फिर से इकट्ठा करना) of the destroyed forests by planting new trees.
• The planted trees should generally be of the same species which were found in that forest.
• We should plant at least as many trees as we cut.
• Reforestation can take place naturally also.
• If the deforested area is left undisturbed, it reestablishes itself. In natural reforestation there is no role of
human beings.
• If we have to retain our green wealth for future generations, plantation of more trees is the only option.
• India have Forest (Conservation) Act.
• This act is aimed at preservation and conservation of natural forests and meeting the basic needs of the
people living in or near the forests.
 Class VIII
Science
Chapter 7
CONSERVATION OF PLANTS AND ANIMALS
Topics:-Explanation of Answers of Exercise Questions of NCERT Text Book

Prepared by-Vijay Kumar Sethi

 Q1 Fill in the blanks.
(a) A place where animals are protected in their natural habitat is called________ . Ans:- sanctuary
(b) Species found only in a particular area is known as ______________. Ans:- endemic
(c) Migratory birds fly to far away places because of ____________ changes. Ans:- climatic
Q2 . Differentiate between the following.
(a) Wildlife sanctuary and biosphere reserve

Wildlife sanctuary Biosphere reserve

(i) It is an area within which animals are protected from (i) It is a large protected area constructed for the
possible dangers such as hunting. Their habitat is also conservation of biodiversity.
conserved in this area.

(ii) It provides protection and suitable living conditions (ii) It helps in the conservation of various life forms such
to wild animals. as plants, animals, and micro- organisms.

(iii) Pachmarhi sanctuary is a wildlife sanctuary. (iii) Pachmarhi biosphere reserve is a popular biosphere
reserve.
 (b) Zoo and wildlife sanctuary  

Zoo Wild life sanctuary

(i) It is a facility in which animals are kept for public (i) It is an area within which animals are protected
exhibition. from possible dangers such as hunting.

(ii) It is an artificial habitat. (ii) It conserves the natural habitat of animals.

(iii) In zoo animals are kept in cages. (iii) In wild life sanctuary animals are open
(c) Endangered and extinct species
Endangered species Extinct species
(i) Endangered species are those which are facing (i) Extinct species are those which are not existing,
the danger of extinction. Hence these are extinct.

(ii) Blue whale, tiger, leopard, etc. are examples of (ii) Dodo, passenger pigeon, dinosaurs etc. are
endangered species. examples of extinct species
 (d) Flora and fauna

Flora Fauna
(i) It refers to all living plants in a particular (i) It refers to all animals living in a
area. particular area.

(ii) Sal, teak, mango, etc. form the flora of (ii) Leopard, wolf, wild dog, etc. form the
Pachmarhi biosphere reserve. fauna of Pachmarhi biosphere reserve.

Q3 Discuss the effects of deforestation on the following.

(a) Wild animals
Answer:-
• Trees and other vegetation form the habitat of many animals . Deforestation destroyed the habitat of
wild animals, so their numbers will decrease.
(b) Environment
Answer:-
• Plants absorb C02 from the atmosphere to perform photosynthesis. If plants are destroyed, then the level

of C02 in the atmosphere will rise. As a result, C02 will trap more heat radiations, thereby adding to global
warming. An increase in the temperature of the Earth will disturb the natural water cycle. As a result,
there will be a change in the rainfall pattern. This could lead to floods or droughts.
(c) Villages (Rural areas)
• Answer:-
• In villages the major source of income is farming. Deforestation increases the chances of soil erosion. As
a result, soil loses humus and become less fertile and there is decrease in productivity of soil. Which
affect the livelihood (रोजी रोटी, आजीविका) of villagers.
(d) Cities (Urban areas)
Answer:-
• Deforestation in cities will lead to increase in pollution . Increased level of CO 2 may increase the
temperature which can disturb the natural water cycle.
(e) Earth
Answer:-
• As a result of deforestation, chances of desertification, droughts, floods, etc. increase.
Deforestation can also increase the level of C02 in the earth’s atmosphere. It will lead to an
increase in temperature i.e., global warming. As a result, the entire natural water cycle will get
disrupted
(f) The next generation
Answer:-
• Deforestation is slowly changing our environmental conditions. It is responsible for global warming,
soil erosion, greenhouse effect, drought, floods, and many other global problems. As a result, the next
generation will have to face severe consequences of deforestation.
Q4 What will happen if.
(a) we go on cutting trees.
Answer:-
• If we go on cutting trees, the natural habitat of many animals will get completely destroyed. As a result, the
biodiversity of many areas will be affected. Also, there will be an increase in the temperature of the Earth, which
can disturb the natural water cycle. As a result, there will be a change in the rainfall pattern. This could lead to
floods or droughts. This will also increase the risk of soil erosion, desertification, and natural calamities.
(b) the habitat of an animal is disturbed.
Answer:-
• The habitat of an animal provides it with necessities such as shelter, food, and protection. If the habitat of an
animal is disturbed, then it will be forced to go to other places in search of food and shelter. The animal could get
killed by other animals or human being in this process.
(c) the top layer of soil is exposed.
Answer:-
• If the top layer of soil is exposed, then it will gradually expose the lower layer of soil, which is hard and
rocky in nature. This type of soil is less fertile as it contains less humus. Continued soil erosion will make
the land infertile which results in desertification.
Q5 Answer in brief.
(a)Why should we conserve biodiversity?
Answer:-
• Biodiversity refers to the number and variety of various life forms such as plants, animals, and micro-
organisms in an area. Plants and animals depend on each other for survival. This means that the
destruction of either of the two will affect the life of the other. Hence, we need to conserve biodiversity to
maintain the balance of nature.
(b) Protected forests are also not completely safe for wild animals. Why?
Answer:-
• People who live near the forests use resources from forests to fulfil their day-to-day needs. The animals
would be threatened by the presence of human population . This results in the killing of wild animals and
selling their products for large amounts of money.

(c) Some tribals depend on the jungle. How?

Answer:-
• Tribals gather food, fodder, and fallen branches of trees from forests. Hence, they depend on forests
for their daily requirements.
(d) What are the causes and consequences of deforestation?
Answer:-
Causes of deforestation:-
1. Procuring (हासिल करना) land for cultivation. Consequences of deforestation
2. Building houses and factories. (i) Increases in temperature and pollution level on the earth.
3. Making furniture (ii) Soil erosion
4. Using wood as fuel. (iii) Loss of biodiversity
5. Mining (iv) Floods and droughts
6. Dam construction (v) Climate change due to global warming
7. Forest fires and (vi) Decrease in rainfall
8. Severe droughts (vii)Decrease in the fertility of the soil
(viii)Soil erosion
(e) What is Red Data Book?
Answer:-
• Red Data Book is the source book which keeps a record of all the endangered animals
and plants.
(f) What do you understand by the term migration?
Answer:-
• 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.
Q6 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:-
• No. It is not at all justified to cut trees to meet the ever increasing demands of human population.
• Forests are the habitat of several organisms including wild animals.
• They provide us with good quality air as they give out O2 and absorb the harmful CO2 gas from the
atmosphere. In the process, they prevent the excessive heating of the atmosphere.
• They prevent soil erosion and natural calamities such as floods and droughts.
• They increase the fertility of the soil and help to conserve biodiversity.
• The cutting of forests to meet the demands of growing human population will lead to global warming,
soil erosion, greenhouse effect, droughts, floods, and many more problems.
• The destruction of forests will disturb the balance of nature.
Hence, forests must be conserved.
Q7 How can you contribute to the maintenance of green wealth of your locality? Make a list of actions to be
taken by you.
Answer:-
• I can help in maintaining the green wealth of my locality by taking care of the plants and trees growing in or
around my locality.
• I can plant more and more trees.
• I can also encourage the people in my locality to plant more trees and take care of the existing trees by
informing them about the importance of trees.
• I can make young children aware of the effects that deforestation has on our environment and on our planet.
• I can also ask them to water the plants daily, which will take very little of their time.
Q8 Explain how deforestation leads to reduced rainfall
Answer:-
• Plants need carbon dioxide for photosynthesis.
• Fewer trees would mean that less carbon dioxide will be used up resulting in its increased
amount in the atmosphere. This will lead to global warming as carbon dioxide traps the heat
rays reflected by the earth.
• The increase in temperature on the earth disturbs the water cycle and may reduce rainfall.
This could cause droughts.
 Q9.Find out about national parks in your state. Identify and show their location on the outline map of India
Answer:- National Park in Madhya Pradesh

Name Place
Kanha National Park Mandla
Bandhavgarh National
Park Umaria

Madhav National Park Shivpuri

Sanjay National Park Sidhi
Van Vihar National Park Bhopal
Satpura National Park Pachmarhi
Pench National Park Seoni,Chhindwara
National Park in Rajasthan Districts

Ranthambore National Park Sawai Mad

hopur

Sariska National Park Alwar

Jaisalmer, 
Desert National Park
Barmer
Q10 Why should paper be saved? Prepare a list of ways by which you can save paper.
Answer:-
• Paper should be saved because it takes around seventeen full grown trees to make one tonne of paper.
Trees, as we know, are important to maintain a balance of nature. Therefore, in order to save trees and
prevent the impact of their loss on living organisms, we need to save paper. Ways by which paper can be
saved:
(i) Collect used paper and recycle it.
(ii) Use both sides of a paper for writing.
(iii) Spread awareness about the importance of paper.
(iv) Use paper properly and intelligently.
Q11 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.
4. Variety of plants, animals and microorganisms
found in an area.