Extra 30 short questions and answers from the chapter:5 "Conservation of Plants and Animals" for Class 8 Science (CBSE):-
1. What is deforestation?
Ans: Deforestation is the process of cutting down trees and clearing forests for human activities like agriculture, urbanization, and industrialization.
2. List any two causes of deforestation.
Ans:
Agriculture expansion
– Cutting forests to grow crops.
Urbanization
– Construction of roads, buildings, and cities.
3. How does deforestation affect the environment?
Ans:
Increases carbon dioxide levels
– Leads to global warming.
Causes soil erosion
– Loss of fertile soil.
Leads to loss of biodiversity
– Endangers plant and animal species.
4. What is a biosphere reserve?
Ans: A biosphere reserve is a large protected area that aims to conserve wildlife, plants, and human communities while allowing sustainable use of natural resources.
5. Name two biosphere reserves in India.
Ans:
Nilgiri
Biosphere Reserve
Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve
6. What are national parks?
Ans: National parks are protected areas where wildlife is conserved in their natural habitat, and activities like hunting, poaching, and deforestation are strictly prohibited.
7. Name two national parks in India.
Ans:
Jim Corbett National Park (Uttarakhand)
Kaziranga
National Park (Assam)
8. What are wildlife sanctuaries?
Ans: Wildlife sanctuaries are protected areas where animals can live safely in their natural habitat, but some human activities like grazing and tourism may be allowed under regulations.
9. Name two wildlife sanctuaries in India.
Ans:
Gir
Wildlife Sanctuary (Gujarat)
Ranthambore
Wildlife Sanctuary (Rajasthan)
10. What is the Red Data Book?
Ans: The Red Data Book is a record that maintains a list of endangered and extinct species of plants and animals. It is maintained by IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature).
11. Define endemic species.
Ans: Endemic species are those plants and animals that are found only in a specific region and nowhere else in the world. Example: Lion-tailed macaque (Western Ghats).
12. What are endangered species? Give one example.
Ans: Endangered species are animals and plants that are at risk of extinction due to habitat loss, poaching, and deforestation. Example: Bengal Tiger.
13. What is an extinct species? Give one example.
Ans: Extinct species are those that no longer exist due to environmental changes or human activities. Example: Dodo.
14. What is afforestation?
Ans: Afforestation is the process of planting trees in deforested areas to restore forests and prevent environmental degradation.
15. How does deforestation lead to soil erosion?
Ans: Trees hold the soil with their roots. When forests are cut down, the soil becomes loose and gets washed away by wind and water, leading to soil erosion.
16. How does deforestation affect rainfall?
Ans: Forests help in rainfall by releasing moisture into the air. Cutting down trees reduces moisture and leads to less rainfall and desertification.
17. What is poaching?
Ans: Poaching is the illegal hunting and killing of wild animals for their skin, bones, fur, and other valuable body parts.
18. What are the effects of global warming?
Ans:
Rising temperatures
leading to climate change.
Melting of glaciers
causing sea-level rise.
Frequent natural disasters
like floods and droughts.
19. How can we conserve forests?
Ans:
Afforestation
– Plant more trees.
Control deforestation
– Reduce tree cutting.
Sustainable use of resources
– Use paper and wood wisely.
20. What are migratory birds? Give an example.
Ans: Migratory birds are birds that travel long distances during specific seasons to find better living conditions. Example: Siberian Crane.
21. What is reforestation?
Ans: Reforestation is the process of planting trees in an area where forests have been destroyed. It helps restore biodiversity and maintain ecological balance.
22. How do forests help maintain ecological balance?
Ans:
Absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen
.
Provide shelter to wildlife
.
Prevent soil erosion
and maintain fertility.
23. What is a botanical garden?
Ans: A botanical garden is a place where different species of plants are grown, maintained, and studied for conservation and research purposes.
24. Why is conservation of biodiversity important?
Ans:
Maintains ecological balance
.
Prevents extinction of species
.
Preserves genetic diversity
for future generations.
25. What is a seed bank?
Ans: A seed bank is a storage facility that preserves the seeds of various plant species to protect biodiversity and prevent extinction.
26. What is the role of the government in wildlife conservation?
Ans:
Creating national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves
.
Banning poaching and illegal hunting
.
Running conservation projects like Project Tiger
.
27. How does deforestation contribute to climate change?
Ans: Trees absorb carbon dioxide (CO₂). Cutting down trees increases CO₂ in the air, leading to global warming and climate change.
28. How do forests help in preventing floods?
Ans: Trees hold the soil firmly and help in water absorption. When forests are cut, excess water flows freely, causing floods.
29. What is the difference between a wildlife sanctuary and a national park?
Ans:
Wildlife sanctuary
– Allows some human activities like grazing.
National park
– No human activity is allowed; it is strictly protected.
30. What is Project Tiger?
Ans: Project Tiger is an initiative by the Indian government started in 1973 to protect and increase the population of tigers in the country.
