NCERT Solutions for Class 8th Science
Chapter 7 – CONSERVATION OF PLANTS AND ANIMALS
(Complete Downloadable Chapter Solution PDF file is at the bottom of the page)
Q.1 Fill in the blanks:
(a) A place where animals are protected in their natural habitat is called ___________.
(b) Species found only in a particular area is known as ______________.
(c) Migratory birds fly to far away places because of _____________ changes.
Ans (a) A place where animals are protected in their natural habitat is called _sanctuary_.
(b) Species found only in a particular area is known as _endemic_.
(c) Migratory birds fly to far away places because of _climatic_ changes.
Q.2 Differentiate between the following:
(a) Wildlife sanctuary and biosphere reserve
(b) Zoo and wildlife sanctuary
(c) Endangered and extinct species
(d) Flora and fauna
Q.3 Discuss the effects of deforestation on the following:
(a) Wild animals
(b) Environment
(c) Villages (Rural areas)
(d) Cities (Urban areas)
(e) Earth
(f) The next generation
Ans Deforestation means clearing of forests and using that land for other purposes like cultivation, building houses etc. Effects of deforestation are:
(a) Wild animals: Deforestation destroys the living habitat of the wild animals which will lead to decline in the number of animals due to lack of food and shelter. Some of the species may get extinct due to scarcity of food and protection.
(b) Environment: 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.
Q.4 What will happen if:
(a) we go on cutting trees.
(b) the habitat of an animal is disturbed.
(c) the top layer of soil is exposed.
Q.5 Answer in brief:
(a) Why should we conserve biodiversity?
Ans Biological diversity or biodiversity, refers to the variety of organisms (plants, animals, microorganisms etc.) existing on the earth, their interrelationships and their relationship with the environment. They are all interdependent for survival and absence of any will affect the life of the other. Hence we should conserve biodiversity to maintain the balance in nature.
(b) Protected forests are also not completely safe for wild animals. Why?
(c) Some tribals depend on the jungle. How?
(d) What are the causes and consequences of deforestation?
(e) What is Red Data Book?
Ans Red Data Book is the source book which keeps a record of all the endangered animals and plants. There are different Red Data Books for plants, animals and other species.
(f) What do you understand by the term migration?
Q.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.
Q.7 How can you contribute to the maintenance of green wealth of your locality? Make a list of actions to be taken by you.
Q.8 Explain how deforestation leads to reduced rainfall.
Q.9 Find out the information about the national parks in your state. Identify and show their location on the outline map of India.
Q.10 Why should paper be saved? Prepare a list of ways by which you can save paper.
Q.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.