NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Science Chapter 7 Conservation of Plants and Animals

This is one of very important chapters of Class 8 science NCERT solutions as it gives us a better understanding of how we should protect our flora and fauna. It will help us understand the importance of afforestation, reforestation and wildlife conservation.

As development continues, natural habitats are getting destroyed. This is leading to the extinction of many wildlife species. This is why natural parks and wildlife sanctuaries are created to maintain the ecological balance. Students will understand the devastating effects of deforestation and how recycling can help the environment.

Download PDF of NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Science Chapter 7 Conservation of Plants and Animals

Before we start reading, let's understand the difference between afforestation and reforestation as well

Question: 1. Fill in the blanks.

(a) A place where animals are protected in their natural habitat is called sanctuary.

Sanctuaries are areas or places where the animals are kept protected from any outside disturbances.

(b) Species found only in a particular area is known as endemic.

Species of animals or plants that is particularly present in a specific place.

(c) Migratory birds fly to far away places because of climatic changes.

Birds fly from a place to another as per their requirements. As any disturbance occurs in the climate, they migrate.

Question: 2. Differentiate between the following.

(a) Wildlife sanctuary and biosphere reserve

Ans. Wildlife sanctuary:

● A habitat that gives protection to wild birds or animals.

● Private agencies own it or a government for protecting particular species.

● Example: Corbett national park.

Biosphere reserve:

● Reserved and protected by the government (whole land)

● Conserves various forms of life

● Example: Pachmarhi biosphere reserve

(b) Zoo and wildlife sanctuary

Ans. Zoo:

● Animals are kept for exhibition

● Artificial habitat where they may adapt or may not

● Example: Sri Venkateshwara Zoological Park

Wildlife sanctuary

● Natural habitat for providing protection to animals

● Killing and poaching of animals is not permitted.

● Example: Cauvery wildlife sanctuary

(c) Endangered and extinct species

Ans. Endangered species:

● Species that are lowering in number

● Could extinct due to habitat loss or poaching

● Example: Tiger

Extinct species:

● Species that are now no more present in the world

● Caused due to population growth, habitat loss and overconsumption

● Example: Javan rhinocerous

(d) Flora and fauna

Ans. Flora:

● All the native naturally present plants

● Important source of medicines

● More than approx. 5000 plant species are present

✍ Learn more about Plant Cell Definition, Diagram and Structure

Fauna:

● All the animal species or life

● Starts from microscopic organisms to humans

● Maintain equilibrium of the environment

Question: 3. Discuss the effects of deforestation on the following.

(a) Wild animals

Ans. Animals do not get food for their living as they are heterotrophs and depend on plants. The animals will also migrate as it serves to be a natural habitat for certain animals.

(b) Environment

Ans. It will disturb the ecological balance by disturbing the temperature and climate. Pollution will occur due to various harmful gases in the environment, oxygen will reduce and so on.

(c) Villages (Rural areas)

Ans. There will be decreased soil fertility which will affect the farmers, reduce rain and the chances of disaster may increase.

(d) Cities (Urban areas)

Ans. The main concern will be the air used for breathing. Due to industries, already the people of cities inhale polluted air, if trees or forests will be removed; its major effect will come on the air quality, tempearute will be increased due to global warming and diseases will occur.

(e) Earth

Ans. The soil’s fertility will be affected majorly, soil will be eroded and drought may occur. All the greenery areas will be covered with desert. The ecosystem will be imbalanced.

(f) The next generation

Ans. Long temperature alterations will occur, and changing climatic conditions will affect the plants and animal species. Inadequate amount of food supply will be there and the environment will be degraded.

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Question: 4. What will happen if.

(a) we go on cutting trees.

Ans. Climatic condition will be affected adversely, glaciers will start melting, water levels will rise and humans may encounter several diseases like cancer (skin).

(b) the habitat of an animal is disturbed.

Ans. Animals will wander around everywhere and will slowly become endangered due to lack of food and shelter.

(c) the top layer of soil is exposed.

Ans. All the nutrients required for plant growth will be hampered, capacity of water holding will decrease and the soil will be eroded.

Question: 5. Answer in brief.

(a) Why should we conserve biodiversity?

Ans. For conserving the ecological balance of the ecosystem as all are interrelated.

(b) Protected forests are also not completely safe for wild animals. Why?

Ans. It is because humans live there and use forests for fulfilling their own needs. Even animals may get killed due to human activities (also illegal activities).

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

Ans. Tribal people use forests for their food consumption and fodder. They need forests for their daily activities and also, to survive from modern humans.

(d) What are the causes and consequences of deforestation?

Ans. Causes:

1. Cultivation of land

2. Building factories and houses

3. Usage of wood

Consequences:

1. Increased carbon content in the air

2. Increased pollution and temperature

3. Disturbed natural balance

4. Increased natural calamities

(e) What is Red Data Book?

Ans. It is a book for keeping records of all the animals & plant species that are endangered.

(f) What do you understand by the term migration?

Ans. It refers to the movement from place to place. Animals do this for overcoming the adverse climatic conditions or in search of food.

✍ Understand the Modes of Reproduction in Animals

Question: 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.

Ans. No. For the sake of fulfilling human needs, we should not cut down trees or forests as they directly support in balancing the environment. Many animals’ habitat is present in the forest, Humans get oxygen from forests. If this is disturbed, then the ecological balance will be destroyed. If for human needs this is done, then plantation of trees should also be the major activity.

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

Ans. I can look around for greenery in my area and try not to hamper it and keep it safe. Also, I would ask people to do the same so that we can get fresh air around us. For this:

● I would take initiative to create awareness among people

● I would not allow people to easily remove off trees for their needs

● Encourage to plant trees

● Do not allow to disrupt the soil’s fertility

Question: 8. Explain how deforestation leads to reduced rainfall.

Ans. Rainfall will be reduced, if deforestation will occur because if there are no trees, then no water vapour will form, which will affect the formation of cloud and ultimately reduced rains. Further, soil will be dried up, which will again hamper trees.

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

Ans. The National parks in Maharashtra are:

1. Chandoli National Park, Sangli

2. Gugamal National Park, Amravati

3. Tadoba National Park, chandrapur

4. Navegaon National Park, Gondia

5. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru (Pench) National Park, Nagpur

6. Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Mumbai

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

Ans. We should save paper for saving trees, water and energy. As it takes 17 trees for making 1 tonne papers, we should save paper. We can save paper by:

● Recycling it

● Printing paper on both sides

● Reducing usage and opting online communication

Question: 11. 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.

Ans. Down:

1. Endangered

2. Red Data Book

5. Deserts

Across:

1. Extinct

3. Endemic

4. Biodiversity

Links to Other Resources for Class 8 Science

Other Class 8 Science Related Links
Understanding Structure and Functions of a Cell
What is Reproduction in Animal
Frictional Force Definition, and Types with Example
Compare LPG and Wood as Fuel
Water Pollution Causes and Effects with Example