7

Conservation of Plants
and Animals
Expected Learning Outcomes

Knowledge to be gained: •Ecosystem •Importance of biodiversity •Consequences of deforestation

•Biosphere reserves •Wildlife sanctuaries •National parks •Endangered and extinct species
Skill to be developed: •Identifying ora and fauna of a habitat.
Attitude to be inculcated: •Biodiversity is essential for the sustenance of any ecosystem and for the
ecological balance on Earth.
e word ‘conserve’ means to protect from organisms) living in a particular habitat.
damage. In this chapter, we are going to study
ECOSYSTEM
about why we need to protect plants and animals
e natural environment in which a particular
and the methods for their conservation. But
animal or plant lives is called its habitat.
before we study about that, we need to know the
However, living things do not live in isolation.
meaning of some terms.
ey interact with other animals and plants.
WILDLIFE ey need food and other materials from their
Wildlife refers to the animals and plants which surrounding in order to survive. ey utilise the
are found naturally in the forest or any other sunlight, and also interact with air, water and
natural habitat. Wild animals and plants are not soil. us, the life of an organism is affected by
domesticated. ey live, grow and multiply on the living (biotic) as well as the non-living
their own in their natural habitat. (abiotic) things around it. An ecosystem is a
BIODIVERSITY self-sustaining environment which includes
e word ‘biodiversity’ is derived from the terms all the living (plants, animals and micro-
‘bio’ meaning ‘biological’ and ‘diversity’ meaning organisms) as well as all the non-living
‘variety’. Biodiversity refers to the variety of components (air, water, soil, etc.) present in the
living organisms (plants, animals and micro- environment. In an ecosystem, the various
106 Exploring Science-8
organisms interact among themselves (through
food chains and food webs). ey also interact
with their physical environment in various ways.
IMPORTANCE OF BIODIVERSITY
In an ecosystem, living organisms depend upon
each other for survival. All organisms are linked
with each other through the food web. Animals
depend on plants for food and shelter. Plants
depend on animals for dispersal of seeds. Fungi Fig.1 Deforestation
and bacteria decompose the dead plants and Causes of Deforestation
animals and add nutrients to the soil. In this way,
Deforestation is done for the following reasons:
an ecosystem is well-balanced with each
organism having an important role. u To build homes, factories, roads, dams, etc.

All organisms in an ecosystem are very u To obtain more agricultural land for the

complexly related to each other. Any harm done cultivation of more food crops to support the
to any kind of plant or animal may affect other growing population and for cultivating cash
kinds of plants and animals present in the crops, like rubber and palm trees.
ecosystem. Sometimes, some animals or plants u For the mining of minerals, such as coal,
are so important for an ecosystem that if they are petroleum and ores.
removed, the whole ecosystem may die. u To obtain wood for fuel and timber, for the
erefore, biodiversity is important for the construction of furniture.
sustenance of an ecosystem. e more diverse u To make paper and other products.
an ecosystem is, the healthier it is. It provides Apart from the above man-made causes of
a wide range of biotic and non-biotic deforestation, there are also natural causes
components to ful l each other’s demands. of deforestation, like forest res, oods,
e biggest threat to the existence and survival of earthquakes and severe droughts.
most wildlife (animals, birds and plants) is Consequences of Deforestation
deforestation. Deforestation causes loss of
D e fore st at i on w i l l h ave t h e fol l ow i ng
habitat for many plants and animals, and is a
consequences:
major threat to the biodiversity of an ecosystem.
Let us learn more about it. u Shortage of wood and other forest
DEFORESTATION products
As we know, forests are extremely useful to us. Forests give us useful products like honey,
However, they are being destroyed to get more wax, latex, medicinal plants, fuel and timber.
land for the growth of cities, agricultural land, Deforestation would lead to a shortage of all
industries, etc. Trees are also cut for timber and these products.
fuel. u Global warming
e large-scale felling of trees and clearing of Forests act as the lungs of the Earth. Trees
forests is called deforestation. take in carbon dioxide and give out oxygen.
Conservation of Plants and Animals 107
 Deforestation would cause an increase in of surface water and groundwater leads to
carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. is droughts.
would lead to an increase in global warming. u Frequent ooding of rivers
e carbon dioxide gas present in the
Forest trees absorb rainwater and help
atmosphere traps the Sun's heat re ected by
in their percolation into the ground.
the Earth. If more carbon dioxide is present
Deforestation causes the rainwater to rush
in the atmosphere, more heat is trapped,
along the surface of the forests and ow into
which leads to an increase in the overall
the rivers. is rushing of water combined
temperature of the Earth’s atmosphere.
with the erosion of soil due to moving water
Global warming can be very dangerous as it
leads to ooding of rivers.
leads to the melting of the polar ice caps at a
u Deforestation results in the loss of habitat of
rapid rate and a rise in the sea levels. A rise in
sea level would cause oods and submerge many animals and birds.
the low-lying coastal areas. e change in CONSERVATION OF FORESTS AND
atmospheric temperature also affects the WILDLIFE
water cycle and may result in lower rainfall. We should conserve the forests and wildlife to
u Deserti cation preserve the biodiversity present in the
Deforestation would cause an increase in soil ecosystem. is includes the prevention of plants
erosion. Trees hold the topsoil together and and animals from becoming extinct and the
protect them from agents of erosion, such as maintenance of the ecological balance in nature.
wind and owing water. As a result of soil We have studied about the methods to conserve
erosion, the top fertile layer of the soil gets forests in Class VII. Some of the methods of
eroded. e infertile layers with less humus conservation of forests and wildlife are as
get exposed, which inhibits the rate of follows:
growth of plants. u e unauthorised felling of forest trees
With continued erosion of fertile soil, should be banned. Deforestation leads to the
gradually, the fertile land gets converted into depletion of forests and destroys the natural
a desert. is is called deserti cation. habitat of wild animals and birds.
u Decrease in rainfall and reduction in u Planned harvesting, i.e., cutting only some

groundwater of the trees in an area, should be promoted.

e uncut trees prevent soil erosion and
Forests release water vapour into the
produce seeds for the growth of new plants.
atmosphere t hroug h t he pro cess of
transpiration (evaporation from leaves). is u Afforestation should be promoted. In case
addition of water vapour accelerates the of deforestation caused due to authorised
water cycle, leading to rainfall in the area. infrastructural, industrial or mining
Deforestation affects the water cycle, leading activities, an equal area of land should be
to a decrease in the rainfall in the area. When planted with a variety of trees to make up for
there is less rainfall, less water percolates into the loss in the long run.
the ground, which gradually decreases the u Poaching or capturing of any wild animals is
groundwater level. e continued shortage illegal. Strict vigilance should be maintained
108 Exploring Science-8
 and action must be taken against people who produce offspring. All members of a species have
are found involved in poaching activities. similar characteristics. Other examples of species
u Biosphere reserves, national parks and are Cat, Tiger, Horse, Mango, Neem, Guava, etc.
wildlife sanctuaries should be created to Human beings are also a species.
conserve the natural habitat of wild animals Some species of plants and animals are found
and protect them from the in uence of only in a particular area. ey are not found
human activities. anywhere else on the Earth. Such plants and
Flora and Fauna animals are said to be ‘endemic’ to that particular
Some plants and animals are found naturally in a area.
particular area. e plants and animals that are Endemic Species are those species of plants
found naturally in a particular area are called and animals which are found exclusively in a
ora and fauna respectively of that area. e particular area.
term ‘ ora’ means ‘plants’ and ‘fauna’ means For example, the Asiatic Lion is found only in the
‘animals’. Gir forest of Gujarat; Hangul (Kashmiri Red
Endemic Species Stag) is found only in Kashmir; the Lion Tailed
Species refers to a group of similar organisms Macaque is endemic to the Western Ghats of
that can mate and reproduce. For example, all India; the Nilgiri Blue Robin is a blue bird found
kinds of dogs are part of the same species (dog only in and around the Nilgiri Hills of the
species), because they can interbreed and Western Ghats.

Fig.2 Asiatic lion Fig.3 Hangul (Kashmiri red stag)

Fig.4 Lion tailed macaque Fig.5 Nilgiri blue robin

Conservation of Plants and Animals 109

 Presently, there are 18 biosphere reserves in
Activity-1 India. Some of the biosphere reserves and their
locations are:
Find out if there are any endemic plant and
u Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve
animal species of the region where you live.
(Uttarakhand)
Take the help of your teacher or parents.
u Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (Tamil Nadu,
Biosphere Reserves, Wildlife Sanctuaries Kerala and Karnataka)
and National Parks u Sunderbans (West Bengal)
Biosphere Reserves, Wildlife Sanctuaries and u Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve (Madhya
National Parks are the three types of areas that Pradesh)
are protected by the Government for the
u Manas Biosphere Reserve (Assam)
conservation of wildlife. e government has
passed laws to earmark certain areas as protected Structure of a Biosphere Reserve
and prohibit certain human activities in such A biosphere reserve is divided into three zones:
areas. Human activities like settlement, cutting (i) Core zone
of trees, grazing of land, cultivation of crops and (ii) Buffer zone, and
hunting and poaching of wild animals are
(iii) Transition zone
prohibited by law in these areas.
Biosphere Reserves, Wildlife Sanctuaries and
National Parks are protected areas inhabited Transition zone
Buffer zone
by a huge vari e ty of or a and f auna Core zone
(biodiversity) and some endemic species.
ese areas are of high biological importance Human settlements
and, therefore, need to be protected. ey are Tourism/ recreation
Education training
necessary for conserving wild animals in their Monitering
natural surroundings and to maintain a healthy Research Sation
ecological balance. Fig.6 Structure of a biosphere reserve
Let us study about these three different types of Core zone
protected areas in detail. e innermost zone of a biosphere reserve is
BIOSPHERE RESERVES known as the core zone. e core zone is strictly
A biosphere reserve is a large area of protected protected and no human activity is allowed in
land meant for the conservation of wildlife, this area. People are not allowed to live inside the
plant and animal resources and the traditional core zone. It houses an undisturbed ecosystem
lifestyle of the tribal people living in the area. for the growth of wildlife.
We can say that biosphere reserves are meant for Buffer zone
the conservation of biodiversity. e middle zone of a biosphere reserve is called
A biosphere reserve is such a large area that it the buffer zone. It surrounds the core zone. In
may contain other protected areas (like wildlife the buffer zone, very limited and speci c human
sanctuaries and national parks) in it. activities are allowed. ese activities may
110 Exploring Science-8
include research, environmental education and Case Study: Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve
tourism. Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve is a 5000 km
Transition zone square large biosphere reserve, located in the
e outermost zone of a biosphere reserve that state of Madhya Pradesh. It is spread across parts
surrounds the buffer zone is called the transition of Betul District, Hoshangabad District and
zone. People are allowed to live and work in this Chhindwara District. e Pachmarhi Biosphere
area. Tribal people who are native to the area Reserve also contains other protected areas
reside in this zone. Non-destructive activities within it. It contains one national park and two
like settlement of houses, cultivation of crops, wildlife sanctuaries, namely—e Satpura
recreation and research are permitted. Cultural National Park, Bori Wildlife Sanctuary, and
groups, scientists and conservation agencies Pachmarhi Wildlife Sanctuary. ere is also a
work together in this zone to use the area in a reservoir called Tawa Reservoir in the biosphere
sustainable way for the welfare of tribal people reserve.
living in this area. Like ever y other biosphere reserve, the
Role of Biosphere Reserves Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve consists of its own
Biosphere reserves perform the following ora and fauna, and also houses a few endemic
functions: species. It is also inhabited by several tribal and
u ey help in maintaining the biodiversity of non-tribal communities. Because of its unique
an area. biodiversity, Pachmarhi is a National heritage of
u ey help in the conservation of wildlife. India.
u ey help in the conservation of the lifestyle Sal, teak, mango, jamun, silver fern, arjun, etc.,
of the people indigenous to that area (tribal make up the ora of the Pachmarhi Biosphere
people). Reserve.
u ey help in preser ving the natural Chinkara, blue-bull, barking deer, cheetal,
ecological balance. leopard, wild dog, wolf, etc., make up the fauna of
u ey provide an undisturbed ecosystem for the Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve.
the growth of wildlife. e Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve also nests
u ey are the best way to save endemic some of the endemic species. Some of them are:
species, especially those that are on the verge
„ Flora—Sal and Wild mango.
of extinction.
„ Fauna—Flying squirrels, Indian giant
u ey provide naturally protected areas for
scienti c research and environmental studies. squirrels and Bisons.

↑N Pachmarhi Sanctuary
Tawa To Pipariya
Reservoir
Neemghan Panarpani gate
Satpura National Park
Churna
Pachmarhi
Fig.7 Pachmarhi Bori
Bori sancturary
Biosphere Reserve

111
(a) Indian Giant Squirrel (b) Flying Squirrel (c) Bison
Fig.8 Endemic fauna of Pachmarhi Reserve

WILDLIFE SANCTUARIES NATIONAL PARKS

e term ‘sanctuary’ means ‘a place of safety’. A National park is a large area of protected
A wildlife sanctuary is an area of protected land that is set by the government to conserve
land meant for the protection of wild animals the natural environment. ese areas are
in their natural environment. e capturing or reserved for wildlife where they can freely use
poaching of any species of animal is strictly the habitat and natural resources. National
prohibited in this area. Any human activity parks also aim to protect the historical objects
which disturbs the wild animals or their habitat and landscape of an area. In a national park, the
is not allowed in a wildlife sanctuary. Wildlife landscapes and its ora and fauna are present in
sanctuaries protect many threatened species, their natural state. National parks have scenic
which are on the verge of extinction. In beauty and are also used for public recreation
sanctuaries, animals live in their natural habitats and enjoyment.
where any kind of human activity is restricted. e exploitation of natural resources, large-scale
In India, there are more than 500 wildlife construction, hunting and cultivation in a
sanctuaries that protect some of the threatened national park is strictly prohibited. India has
wild animals, like Indian elephants, Black bucks, more than 100 national parks. Many wildlife
Pink-headed ducks, Gharials, Golden cats, sanctuaries that saw good growth and protection
Python, etc. Some wildlife sanctuaries house a of threatened species were turned into national
wide variety of birds; they are specially named parks.
Bird Sanctuaries. Some of the prominent national parks of India
Some of the prominent wildlife sanctuaries of are:
India are: u e Great Himalayan National Park,
u Sanjay Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary, Himachal Pradesh
Maharashtra
u Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand
u Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, Rajasthan
u Kaziranga National Park, Assam
u Chilika Bird Sanctuary, Odisha
u Manas National Park, Assam
u Sultanpur Lake Bird Sanctuary, Haryana
u Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya
u Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala
Pradesh
u Madumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu
u Panna National Park, Madhya Pradesh
u Manas Wildlife Sanctuary, Assam

112 Exploring Science-8

u Pench National Park, Madhya Pradesh u Chinnar National Park, Kerala
u Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh u Periyar National Park, Kerala.
u Satpura National Park, Madhya Pradesh
u Dudhwa National Park, Uttar Pradesh Knowledge Booster
Combustion and ame
• Rock shelters are also found inside the Satpura
u Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur,
Na onal Park. These are evidence of prehistoric
Rajasthan human life in these jungles. These give us an idea of
u Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan the life of primi ve people.
• Rock pain ngs are found in these shelters. A total of
u Sariska National Park, Rajasthan 55 rock shelters have been iden fied in Pachmarhi
u Gir National Park, Gujarat Biosphere Reserve.
• Figures of animals and men figh ng, hun ng, dancing
u Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnataka
and playing musical instruments are depicted in these
u Bandipur National Park, Karnataka pain ngs. Many tribals s ll live in the area.

Afghanistan

China

e Great Himalayan
Pakistan
Jim-Corbett
Sultanpur
Keoladeo ghana Nepal
Dudhwa Bhutan Kaziranga
Bharatpur
Manas
Ranthambore
Rajgir
Bangladesh
Pench
Nal Sarovar Palamu
Satpura
Gir Kanha
Myanmar
Simlipal

Sanjay Gandhi Chilika

Arabian Kolleru Lake Bay of Bengal

Bandipur
Sea
Pulicat

Madumalai
Idukki
Kodikkarai National Park
Periyar
Bird Sanctuary
Fig.9 Wildlife Reserves
Sri Wildlife Sanctuary
in India Lanka

113
 Biosphere Reserves Wildlife Sanctuaries

A Biosphere Reserve is spread over a large area. A Wildlife Sanctuary is spread over a comparatively
smaller area.
Indigenous and local people form an integral part of People are not allowed to settle and human activities are
Biosphere Reserves. strictly restricted in Wildlife Sanctuaries.
ey aim to conserve the biodiversity as well as the ey aim to protect the wild animals in their natural
indigenous lifestyle of the local people. habitat.
Human activities like cultivation and building of Any human activity which disturbs the wild animals or
settlements are allowed. their habitat is not allowed.

Wildlife Sanctuaries National Parks

A Wildlife Sanctuary aims to protect wild animals in A national park aims to conserve wildlife ( ora and
their natural environment. fauna), landscape, historical objects, as well as the scenic
beauty of the area.
A Wildlife Sanctuary is dedicated to the protection
Along with the conservation of wildlife, national parks
of wild animals only. It is not meant for recreational
are meant for recreational and enjoyment purposes also.
purposes.
It may not be an area of scenic beauty. It is an area of scenic beauty.

Zoological Parks and Botanical Gardens are used to conserve and study threatened
Zoological parks (zoos) are places where animals species of plants. ey also serve as seed banks,
and birds are kept in an arti cial habitat for public where seeds of various plant species are
view. Zoos are found in almost every city. preserved in controlled conditions. Botanical
gardens are located in many cities.
Botanical gardens are places where a variety of
Zoos and botanical gardens are open for public
plant species are planted and maintained. ey
visits and serve as recreational places.

Fig.10 Zoo Fig.11 Botanical Garden

Activity-2
Take the help of your teacher or parents and ll in the table given below:
Protected Areas— National Parks Wildlife Sanctuaries Biosphere Reserves

In my district
In my state
In my region

114 Exploring Science-8

EXTINCT AND ENDANGERED SPECIES IUCN and Red Data Book
You would have studied that long ago, there were For the conservation of wildlife, the United
dinosaurs present on Earth. It is believed that Nations has established the International
due to some catastrophe, all the dinosaurs died. Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
e whole dinosaur species went extinct and no e job of the IUCN is to identify and classify all
more dinosaurs are found anywhere now. the species of ora and fauna according to the
A species which no longer exists anywhere on threat of their extinction.
the Earth is called an extinct species. ere are e IUCN publishes a Red Data Book every year,
several species of animals and plants which have which classi es all the species of plants and
gone extinct. Some examples of extinct animal animals based on the threat of their extinction.
species are Dinosaurs, Dodo, Irish deer, Red Data Books are published in many
Mountain quail of western Himalayas, etc. countries. ey provide useful information on
the threat of extinction of various species found
in that country. ere is also a Red Data Book of
India.
Categorisation of species in Red Data Book
Extinct reatened Lower risk

EX EW CR EN VU nt cd lc
Fig.12 Dodo
EX: Extinct Extinct
In recent years, the population of many wildlife EW: Extinct in the Wild Species
species has been decreasing, mainly due to the
CR: Critically Endangered
changes brought in the environment by human reatened
EN: Endangered
involvement. Human activities have encroached Species
VU: Vulnerable
on and destroyed the habitat of many species.
is destruction has disturbed the delicate NT: Near reatened
Lower Risk
balance of nature, and continues to threaten the CD: Conservation Dependent Species
extinction of many species. LC: Least Concern

e large-scale killing of animals also leads to a PROJECT TIGER

disruption in the food chain of an ecosystem, Tiger is one of the many wild animal species
thereby creating an ecological imbalance in which is slowly disappearing and is now
nature. considered an endangered species. India used to
e species which are facing the threat of have a huge population of different varieties of
extinction are called endangered species. Some tigers. At the turn of the 20 century, India had a
examples of endangered animal species are the population of tigers that ranged from 20,000 to
Asiatic lion, Snow leopard, Hangul (Kashmiri 40,000. However, due to the hunting practices of
Red Stag), Lion-tailed macaque, Great Indian the Maharajas and the British, as well as
bustard, Namdapha ying squirrel, Malabar poaching activities, their number dwindled
civet, Tiger, etc. drastically to less than 1,500 in the seventies.

Conservation of Plants and Animals 115

 Migration is an adaptation found among some
birds to escape the harsh and cold conditions of
their habitat in the winter season. Mainly, birds
and sh migrate from one habitat to another for
feeding and breeding purposes.
We have studied Siberian cranes that migrate from
Siberia to the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary in
Rajasthan every year. Siberian cranes have also
been noticed in the Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary of
Fig.13 Royal Bengal Tiger
Haryana and some wetlands of the North-East.
In 1973, the Indian Government launched ey come to India to escape the harsh winters of
‘Project Tiger’ with an ambition to save our Siberia. Most birds also choose to breed when they
national animal—e Royal Bengal Tiger, from migrate to warmer places. e Siberian cranes y
extinction, and to increase the population of the back to Siberia when the winter season ends and it
tigers in the country. e Project Tiger was starts becoming warm again.
launched from the Jim Corbet National Park in
Uttarakhand. It started with creating 9 tiger Knowledge Booster
Combustion and ame
reserves in various national parks, to ensure the The Arc c Tern is called the ‘champion of migra on’. It
survival and maintenance of the tiger population migrates from the Arc c region in the north to the
throughout India. Antarc c region in the south every year. This means that
it covers a distance of about 35,000 km every year.
e Satpura National Park located in the
Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve also made a tiger
reserve and worked towards the conservation of
tigers. Now, a signi cant increase in the
population of the tiger in the Satpura National
Park has been noticed.
At present, there are 47 such tiger reserves across
India. Due to the strict implementation of
various wildlife conservation steps, prohibition
Fig.14 Migration of birds
on poaching and projects like ‘Project Tiger’, the
tigers were protected from becoming extinct and RECYCLING OF PAPER
there has been a steady rise in the population of Paper is one of the important products that we
tigers over the years. At present, there are about manufacture from the wood pulp we get from
3000 tigers in India, which is the highest in the forests. It takes 17 full-grown trees to make one
world (about 70% of the tigers in the world are in tonne of paper. Manufacturing of paper is
India). directly linked to deforestation and felling of
MIGRATION trees. It is, therefore, important that we do our
Migration is the phenomenon of movement of best to save paper.
a species from its original habitat to some Apart from minimising the use of paper for only
other habitat for a particular time period every necessary work, we can also make a conscious
year, for a speci c purpose like breeding. effort to use recycled paper whenever possible.
116 Exploring Science-8
We can also perform our duty by collecting old REFORESTATION
newspapers, magazines, notebooks, etc., and e answer to the problem of deforestation is
giving them to junk dealers. e junk dealers, in reforestation. Reforestation is the restocking of
turn, sell them to the paper mills that recycle the the destroyed forests by planting new trees.
junk paper and make it reusable. Paper can be
e planted trees should generally be of the same
recycled ve to seven times for use. By doing this,
species which were found in the forests. rough
we not only save trees, but also save energy and
reforestation, we should try to replicate the
water needed for manufacturing paper.
natural ora of the forest. e plants that are
Moreover, the number of harmful chemicals
naturally found in a habitat are best suited to
used in paper manufacturing will also be
reduced. survive in that habitat. We should plant at least as
many trees as we cut.
Make use of the 3R principle when it comes
Reforestation can take place naturally also. If the
to using paper:
deforested area is le undisturbed, it re-
u Reduce the use of paper establishes itself. In natural reforestation, there is
u Reuse paper no role for the human beings.
u Recycle paper We have already caused tremendous damage to
Advantages of Recycling Paper our forests. If we have to retain our green wealth
for future generations, the plantation of more
u Saving forests (trees) from being cut.
and more trees is the only option. Keeping this in
u Saving electricity and water involved in mind, the Indian Government passed the Forest
making paper. (Conservation) Act, which aims at preserving
u Reducing the amount of chemicals used in and conserving natural forests and meeting the
making paper. basic needs of the people living in or near the
We studied how paper is recycled in Class VII. forests.

Checkpoint-1
Write True or False
1. e increase in population is one of the reasons for deforestation. ______________
2. e term fauna represents the wild animals found in an area. ______________
3. Deforestation leads to a decrease in the water-holding capacity of soil. ______________
4. Endemic species are found everywhere. ______________
5. Some human activities are allowed in the core zone of a biosphere reserve. ______________

Keywords
Wildlife : Animals and plants found naturally in the forest.
Biodiversity : Variety of living organisms living in a particular area.
Habitat : e environment in which a particular organism lives.
Ecosystem : A self-sustaining community of organisms along with their non-living
environment.

Conservation of Plants and Animals 117

 Deforestation : Large-scale felling of trees and clearing of forests.
Flora : e plant life found in an area.
Fauna : e animal life found in an area.
Species : A group of the same type of organisms that can mate and reproduce.
Endemic : Con ned to a particular area.
Extinct : Found no more on Earth.
Sanctuary : A place where somebody feels safe from enemies.

Points to Remember
u Biodiversity refers to the variety of living organisms (plants, animals and microorganisms)
found in a habitat.
u An ecosystem is a self-sustaining environment which includes all the living and non-living
components of the environment.
u Conservation of biodiversity is required for the sustenance of an ecosystem, as well as to
maintain an ecological balance on the Earth.
u Deforestation is the biggest threat to biodiversity.
u e large-scale felling of trees and clearing of forests is called deforestation.
u Many human activities and natural factors are responsible for deforestation.
u Deforestation can result in global warming, deserti cation, reduction in groundwater, droughts
and oods. It also leads to the loss of habitat for many birds and animals.
u Plants and animals of a particular area are known as the ora and fauna of that area.
u Endemic species are found only in a particular area.
u Biosphere reserves, national parks and wildlife sanctuaries are protected areas, created for the
conservation of forests and wildlife.
u A biosphere reserve is a large area of protected land meant for the conservation of wildlife, plant
and animal resources and the traditional lifestyle of the tribal people living in the area.
u Wildlife sanctuaries and national parks are areas of protected land meant for the protection of
wild animals in their natural environment.
u National parks also aim to protect the historical objects and landscape of an area.
u Extinct species are those that no longer exist on Earth.
u Endangered species are those species which are facing the danger of extinction.
u e Red Data Book contains a record of endangered species.
u Migration is the phenomenon of movement of a species from its original habitat to some other
habitat for a particular time period every year, for a speci c purpose like breeding.
u We should reduce, reuse and recycle paper to save trees, energy and water.
u Reforestation is the restocking of destroyed forests by planting new trees.

118 Exploring Science-8

 Exercise
A. Tick (3) the Correct Option
1. Which of the following is not a protected area?
(a) Biosphere Reserve (b) Wildlife Sanctuary
(c) National Park (d) Botanical Gardens
2. e organisation that maintains the Red Data Book is:
(a) IUCN (b) WWF
(c) UNSESCO (d) Government of India
3. Project Tiger was launched from ___________National Park.
(a) Kanha (b) Satpura
(c) Jim Corbett (d) Kaziranga
4. Which of these is an extinct animal?
(a) Dodo (b) Asiatic lion
(c) Snow leopard (d) Hangul
5. Irish deer is a/an:
(a) endangered species (b) vulnerable species
(c) extinct species (d) near threatened species
B. Fill in the Blanks with Suitable Words
1. ‘Biodiversity’ is derived from the terms ‘bio’ meaning ______________ and ‘diversity’
meaning ______________.
2. ______________ refers to a group of similar organisms that can interbreed.
3. ______________ species are found exclusively in a particular area.
4. ______________ is a protected land meant for the conservation of wildlife as well as the
lifestyle of the local tribal people.
5. ______________ species are those species which are facing the danger of extinction.
C. Very Short-Answer-Type Questions
1. De ne wildlife.
2. De ne biodiversity.
3. De ne habitat.
4. De ne ecosystem.

Conservation of Plants and Animals 119

 5. What is deforestation?
6. Name four biosphere reserves of India, along with their locations.
7. Name four wildlife sanctuaries of India, along with their locations.
8. Name four national parks of India, along with their locations.
9. Name four endangered animal species that are found in India.
10. What is reforestation?
D. Short-Answer-Type Questions
1. What is the importance of biodiversity? Explain with an example.
2. Mention four causes of deforestation.
3. What is deserti cation?
4. What are ora and fauna?
5. What are endemic species? Explain with a few examples.
6. What is the role of a biosphere reserve?
7. How are zoological parks and botanical gardens different from other protected areas?
8. What are extinct and endangered species? Give examples of each.
9. What is the red data book? Which institution is responsible for its publication?
10. What is migration? Why do birds migrate?
E. Long-Answer-Type Questions
1. What are the consequences of deforestation?
2. Mention some of the methods of conservation of forests and wildlife.
3. Explain the structure of a biosphere reserve.
4. Differentiate between biosphere reserves and wildlife sanctuaries.
5. Differentiate between wildlife sanctuaries and national parks.
6. Write a brief note on Project Tiger.

HOTS
1. How does overgrazing lead to deserti cation?
2. What is the effect of deforestation on cities?
3. Cherapunji in Meghalaya receives the highest rainfall in India, but the amount of rainfall in
Cherapunji has decreased in recent years. Why do you think rainfall has reduced in
Cherapunji?

120 Exploring Science-8

 Activity Zone
1
C
A. Complete the word puzzle.
1. Species on the verge of extinction.
2
Down

2. A book carrying information about

Ë

endangered species. G
3
D
5. Consequence of deforestation.
Ë
Across

1. Species which have vanished.

3. Species found only in a particular habitat.
4 5
4. Variety of plants, animals and microorganisms D E
found in an area. S

Project Work
B. We have studied about ‘Project Tiger’, which saved them from extinction and led to an
increase in the population of tigers in the country. Similar to Project Tiger, the Government of
India has also started ‘Project Elephant’ and ‘Project Snow Leopard’. With the help of the
internet, nd out more about both these projects. Find out about the steps taken to conserve
these wild animals. Make a detailed report on your ndings.
C. Organise a debate on the topic—“Is it justi ed to prevent tribals from staying in the core area
of the forest?” Note down the points for and against the motion in your notebook.

Science Excursion
D. Along with your science teacher, plan a visit to a national park in your state. Collect
information on the ora and fauna found in that national park. Ask the guide if there are any
endemic species present in the national park. Click a few pictures of your visit. Write a short
note on your visit, and paste the pictures that you clicked, in your notebook.

e-Resources
Please visit the link given below or scan the QR code for more resources
on this chapter:
https://www.megamindpublication.com/s-5-science/b-4-exploring-science-8/c-51/
conservation-of-plants-and-animals.html

Conservation of Plants and Animals 121