Extra 20 important long questions and answers from the chapter:5 "Conservation of Plants and Animals" for Class 8 Science (CBSE):-
1. What is deforestation? List its causes.
Ans: Deforestation is the large-scale cutting of trees and clearing of forests for various purposes.
Causes of Deforestation:
Agriculture expansion
– Forests are cleared for farming.
Urbanization
– More land is needed for roads and buildings.
Industrialization
– Setting up factories requires land.
Forest fires
– Accidental or natural fires destroy trees.
Grazing of animals
– Overgrazing damages vegetation.
2. Explain the consequences of deforestation.
Ans: Deforestation has severe effects on the environment.
Effects of Deforestation:
Loss of biodiversity
– Many species lose their habitat.
Soil erosion
– Without trees, soil is easily washed away.
Climate change
– Increased carbon dioxide levels lead to global warming.
Decreased rainfall
– Trees help in cloud formation and rainfall.
Desertification
– Continuous deforestation can turn fertile land into deserts.
3. What is a biosphere reserve? Mention its importance.
Ans: A biosphere reserve is a protected area that preserves wildlife, plants, and human communities while promoting sustainable use of resources.
Importance of Biosphere Reserves:
Conserve biodiversity
– Protects plant and animal species.
Maintains ecological balance
– Helps in climate regulation.
Supports research and education
– Scientists study biodiversity.
Encourages sustainable use of natural resources
– Promotes eco-friendly activities.
Protects endangered species
– Helps prevent species extinction.
4. What are wildlife sanctuaries? Mention their functions.
Ans: Wildlife sanctuaries are protected areas where animals live in their natural habitat with minimal human interference.
Functions of Wildlife Sanctuaries:
Provide a safe habitat for animals
.
Protect endangered species from poaching
.
Allow limited human activities like eco-tourism
.
Preserve genetic diversity of wildlife
.
Maintain ecological balance in nature
.
5. Define national parks. How are they important for conservation?
Ans: National parks are protected areas where animals, plants, and natural resources are conserved in their natural habitat.
Importance of National Parks:
Protects endangered species like tigers, elephants, etc.
Preserves natural landscapes and forests
.
Restricts human activities such as hunting and poaching
.
Promotes tourism and environmental education
.
Supports scientific research and biodiversity conservation
.
6. What are endangered species? Give examples.
Ans: Endangered species are those animals and plants that are at risk of extinction due to habitat loss, poaching, or environmental changes.
Examples:
Bengal Tiger
Indian Rhino
Snow Leopard
Olive Ridley Turtle
Great Indian Bustard
7. What is an extinct species? Give examples.
Ans: Extinct species are those that no longer exist due to environmental changes or human activities.
Examples:
Dodo
Passenger Pigeon
Woolly Mammoth
Tasmanian Tiger
Pink-headed Duck
8. What are endemic species? Give examples.
Ans: Endemic species are species found only in a particular geographical region and nowhere else in the world.
Examples:
Lion-tailed macaque (Western Ghats)
Nilgiri
Tahr
(Western Ghats)
Malabar Civet (India)
Andaman Wild Pig (Andaman Islands)
Kashmir Stag (India)
9. What is afforestation? How does it help in conservation?
Ans: Afforestation is the process of planting trees in deforested areas to restore forests.
Benefits of Afforestation:
Prevents soil erosion
by holding the soil together.
Increases oxygen production
and reduces CO₂.
Restores wildlife habitats
for animals and birds.
Reduces global warming
by absorbing greenhouse gases.
Improves rainfall
by increasing moisture levels.
10. What is Project Tiger? What is its significance?
Ans: Project Tiger was launched in 1973 by the Government of India to protect and increase the population of tigers.
Significance:
Protects Bengal Tigers from extinction
.
Preserves forest ecosystems
.
Reduces poaching and illegal wildlife trade
.
Creates awareness about tiger conservation
.
Improves tourism and research opportunities
.
11. What are the different types of protected areas for wildlife conservation? Explain each.
Ans: There are four types of protected areas for wildlife conservation:
Biosphere Reserves
– Large areas that protect biodiversity and allow human activities in certain regions.
National Parks
– Strictly protected areas where no human activities like hunting or grazing are allowed.
Wildlife Sanctuaries
– Areas where animals are protected, but limited human activities like tourism and grazing may be allowed.
Zoos
– Captive environments where animals are kept in enclosures for public awareness and conservation programs.
Botanical Gardens
– Protected areas where plants are grown and conserved for research.
Seed Banks
– Facilities that store seeds of different plant species for future conservation.
Marine Reserves
– Areas where aquatic life is protected from fishing and industrial activities.
12. How does deforestation lead to loss of biodiversity?
Ans: Deforestation is one of the main causes of biodiversity loss due to:
Habitat destruction
– Animals and plants lose their natural home, leading to extinction.
Disruption of food chains
– When trees and plants are removed, herbivores suffer, which affects the entire ecosystem.
Soil erosion
– Without tree roots, soil washes away, making it hard for plants to grow.
Climate change
– Trees absorb carbon dioxide; cutting them increases greenhouse gases and raises global temperatures.
Reduction in rainfall
– Trees release moisture, so their removal leads to lower rainfall.
Increased human-wildlife conflict
– Animals lose their habitat and enter human settlements in search of food.
Loss of medicinal plants
– Many medicinal plants grow in forests and are lost due to deforestation.
13. How can the government and individuals work together to conserve wildlife?
Ans: The government and individuals can take the following steps:
Government laws and policies
– Enforcing strict wildlife protection laws and banning poaching.
Creating more national parks and sanctuaries
– Expanding protected areas to safeguard species.
Educating people
– Schools, campaigns, and social media can raise awareness about conservation.
Afforestation programs
– Both the government and individuals should plant more trees.
Reducing pollution
– Preventing water and air pollution helps maintain habitats.
Sustainable resource use
– Encouraging eco-friendly products to reduce deforestation.
Animal rescue and rehabilitation
– Setting up
centres
to treat injured or endangered animals.
14. Explain the effects of poaching on wildlife and the environment.
Ans: Poaching refers to the illegal hunting of animals for their skin, horns, bones, or other body parts.
Leads to extinction of species
– Many animals like the Bengal tiger and rhino are at risk due to poaching.
Disrupts food chains
– Removing predators or prey from the ecosystem affects biodiversity.
Encourages illegal wildlife trade
– Smuggling of ivory, tiger skins, and rhino horns fuels illegal markets.
Reduces biodiversity
– The loss of one species affects many others.
Damages tourism and economy
– Wildlife tourism is affected when species become rare or extinct.
Promotes human-wildlife conflict
– As animal numbers decrease, surviving animals may enter human settlements.
Weakens genetic diversity
– Killing the strongest animals in a species reduces its ability to adapt to changes.
15. How does forest conservation help in maintaining the water cycle?
Ans: Forests play a crucial role in maintaining the water cycle in the following ways:
Transpiration process
– Trees release water vapor, which helps in cloud formation and rainfall.
Prevents water runoff
– Tree roots absorb and store rainwater, reducing floods.
Recharges groundwater levels
– Forests help maintain underground water tables.
Regulates humidity
– Forests keep the atmosphere moist, which affects regional weather.
Reduces soil erosion
– Tree roots hold soil in place, preventing loss of fertile land.
Maintains river ecosystems
– Forests near rivers protect aquatic life by preventing pollution.
Supports plant and animal life
– Water availability helps sustain diverse ecosystems.
16. What steps can be taken to prevent desertification?
Ans: Desertification is the process where fertile land turns into desert due to deforestation and climate change. It can be prevented by:
Planting trees (afforestation and reforestation)
– Helps bind the soil and prevent erosion.
Adopting sustainable farming practices
– Avoid overgrazing and use crop rotation.
Water conservation techniques
– Rainwater harvesting and drip irrigation reduce water wastage.
Restricting deforestation
– Forest laws should be enforced to protect green cover.
Reducing pollution
– Less air and soil pollution means healthier land.
Using organic fertilizers
– Prevents chemical damage to soil.
Restoring degraded lands
– Governments should rehabilitate affected areas.
17. What is the role of forests in controlling air pollution?
Ans: Forests play an essential role in reducing air pollution by:
Absorbing carbon dioxide
– Trees take in CO₂ and help
reduce
global warming.
Releasing oxygen
– Producing fresh air for humans and animals.
Filtering pollutants
– Leaves and branches trap dust and harmful gases.
Cooling the environment
– Trees provide shade and regulate temperature.
Reducing noise pollution
– Dense forests act as sound barriers.
Improving humidity levels
– More trees lead to better moisture retention in the air.
Supporting biodiversity
– Clean air benefits all living organisms.
18. How does conservation of biodiversity benefit humans?
Ans: Biodiversity conservation is crucial for human survival because:
Provides food and medicine
– Many plants and animals are sources of medicine and food.
Maintains ecological balance
– Prevents species extinction and ecosystem collapse.
Reduces climate change impact
– Forests absorb greenhouse gases.
Improves water and air quality
– Biodiversity ensures clean resources.
Supports agriculture
– Natural pollinators like bees help in crop production.
Promotes tourism
– Wildlife tourism generates revenue and jobs.
Cultural and spiritual value
– Many species and ecosystems hold religious and cultural significance.
19. Why are seed banks important for plant conservation?
Ans: Seed banks store seeds of various plants to preserve biodiversity and ensure future food security.
Prevents extinction of plant species
– Rare plants can be reintroduced.
Preserves genetic diversity
– Different plant varieties are stored for research.
Helps farmers
– Provides seeds during droughts or disasters.
Supports reforestation programs
– Seeds help regrow forests.
Aids in scientific research
– Helps study plant evolution and disease resistance.
Maintains food security
– Protects crop varieties from climate change.
Useful for future generations
– Acts as a backup against biodiversity loss.
20. What are the human activities that harm biodiversity?
Ans: Human activities that harm biodiversity include:
Deforestation
– Cutting trees destroys habitats.
Pollution
– Air, water, and soil pollution harm living organisms.
Poaching
– Illegal hunting of animals reduces wildlife populations.
Overfishing
– Depletes marine biodiversity.
Urbanization
– Construction damages ecosystems.
Introduction of invasive species
– Non-native species disrupt food chains.
Climate change
– Global warming affects species' survival.
