Conservation of Plants and Animals Class 8 Important Questions and Answers
Important questions of Class 8 Science Chapter 7 Conservation of Plants and Animals is given below. These important questions will help students while preparing for the exam. Practising these important questions will analyse their performance and work on their weak points. Score well in exam of Class 8 Science by going through these important questions. Students of Class 8 can download important questions of Class 8 Science Chapter 7 Conservation of Plants and Animals PDF by clicking the link provided below.
Important Questions of Class 8 Science Chapter 7 Conservation of Plants and Animals
Here you can get Class 8 Important Questions Science based on NCERT Text book for Class 8. Science Class 8 Important Questions are very helpful to score high marks in board exams. Here we have covered Important Questions on Conservation of Plants and Animals for Class 8 Science subject.
Very Short Answer Questions
1. Name some National Parks and sanctuaries.
Answer: Bharatpur Sanctuary, Lockchao Wildlife Sanctuary Kaziranga National Park and Satpura National Park.
2. What is the major threat to survival of organisms?
Answer: Deforestation.
3. What do you mean by deforestation?
Answer: The clearing (cutting) of forests and using that land for other purposes is called deforestation.
4. Write two natural causes of deforestation.
Answer: (i) Forest fire (ii) Severe droughts.
5. Name some products which we get from forests.
Answer: Fruits, vegetables, timber, fodder and medicines.
6. What is sanctuary?
Answer: The areas where animals are protected from any disturbance to them and their habitat are called sanctuary.
7. What are National Parks?
Answer: The areas reserved for wildlife where they can freely use the habitats and natural resources are called national parks.
8. Name the part of earth which supports the biodiversity.
Answer: Biosphere Reserve.
9. Write the name of two wildlife sanctuaries hosted by Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve.
Answer: Bori and Pachmarhi
10. What are flora?
Answer: The plants typically belonging to a particular area are called flora.
11. What are fauna?
Answer: The animals typically belonging to a particular area are called fauna.
12. Give examples of flora of the Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve.
Answer: Sal, teak, mango, jamun, silver ferns and arjun are the examples of flora.
13. Name some examples of fauna in Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve.
Answer: Blue-bull, barking deer, cheetal, leopard, wild dog and wolf are the examples of fauna.
14. Name any two endangered species protected in our wildlife sanctuaries.
Answer: Black buck and golden cat.
15. Give examples of two endemic flora.
Answer: Sal and wild mango.
16. Name two endemic fauna.
Answer: Bison and flying giant squirrel are endemic fauna.
17. What do you mean by species?
Answer: A group of population which is capable of interbreeding is called species.
18. Which is the first Reserve Forest of India?
Answer: Satpura National Park
19. What is a Zoo?
Answer: The place where animals receive protection is called a zoo.
20. What are rock shelters?
Answer: Rock shelters are the evidence of prehistoric human life in the jungles of Satpura.
21. What is the information provided by rock shelters?
Answer: Rock shelters give us an idea of the life of primitive people.
22. How many rock shelters are found in Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve?
Answer: Total 55 rock shelters are identified.
23. Name the plant found in the Satpura forests.
Answer: The finest Indian teak is found in the forest.
24. What is Satpura Tiger Reserve?
Answer: It is a Project Tiger which was launched by government to protect the tigers in the country.
25. When was Project Tiger launched?
Answer: 1st April 1973.
26. What do you mean by endangered animals?
Answer: The animals whose numbers are diminishing to a level that they might face extinction are known as the endangered animals.
27. Write the name of an extinct animal.
Answer: Dinosaurs.
28. What is a Red Data Book?
Answer: A source book which keeps a record of all the endangered animals and plants is called a Red Data Book.
29. Does the same Red Data Book keep the record of all plants and animals?
Answer: There are different Red Data Books for plants, animals and other species.
30. What are migratory birds?
Answer: The birds who cover long distances to reach another land are known as migratory birds.
31. Name some migratory birds.
Answer: Surkhab, Bar headed Goose, Arctictern, Siberian cranes, etc.
32. How many times a paper can be recycled?
Answer: 5 to 7 times.
33. Name the term related to the plantation of new plants.
Answer: Reforestation.
34. What is the revised Forest Policy of 1952 called?
Answer: Forest Act 1980.
Short Answer Type Questions
1: Define sanctuary and national parks with examples.
Answer: A wildlife sanctuary is an area where animal habitats and their surroundings are protected from any sort of disturbance. The capturing, killing and poaching of animals is strictly prohibited in these regions. For Examples: Sanjay Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary, Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary, etc.
National Park is an area reserved for wildlife where they can freely use the habitats and natural resource. National park contains extremely important habitats and species. This is protected areas in which human interference are not allowed. For Examples: Corbett National Park, Sunderban National Park, etc.
2: Explain deforestation and its causes.
Answer: Deforestation means clearing the forest or stands of trees, and using that land for other purposes.
Following are the main causes of deforestation:
- Procuring land for cultivation
- Building houses and factories
- Making furniture or using wood as fuel.
- Some natural causes of deforestation are forest fires and severe droughts.
3: What are the consequences of deforestation?
Answer: Consequences of deforestation:
1. Soil erosion
2. Loss of biodiversity
3. Floods and droughts
4. Climate change due to global warming
5. Disruption of water cycle
4: What are the effects of deforestation on soil?
Answer: Deforestation causes soil erosion. Because the roots of trees hold soil tightly and prevent the soil from erosion. If we cut trees the roots leave the soil and so that the soil will erode. When forest is cut down, nothing is there to protect the soil. Once the forests are cut down, the erosive effects are much worse than on flat land. Erosion and rainfall in such places can cause huge mudslides. This can cause serious land degradation. Loss of trees and other vegetation may cause soil erosion.
5: What is draught and desertification?
Answer: Because of deforestation the temperature on earth may increase, and this may disturb the natural water cycle and may reduce rainfall, this condition is called draught.
Removal of the top layer of the soil exposes the lower, hard and rocky layers. This soil has less humus and is less fertile. Gradually the fertile land gets converted into deserts. It is called desertification
6: What do you mean by biosphere reserves?
Answer: Biosphere reserves are the large areas of protected land meant for conservation of wild life, plants and animals resources and traditional life of the tribal residing in that area. It helps to maintain biodiversity and culture of that area.
Example: Pachmarhi biosphere reserves
7: What are the efforts of government regarding taking care of forests and animals?
Answer: The government lays down various rules, methods and policies for protection and conservation of wild life. Government are focussing on wildlife sanctuaries, national park, and biosphere reserves for conservation of plants and animals present in that area.
8: Name the national park and wildlife sanctuaries of Pachmarhi biosphere reserves.
Answer: National park named Satpura and two wildlife sanctuaries named as Bori and Pachmarhi
9: What is flora and fauna?
Answer: The plants and animals found in a particular area are termed flora and fauna of that area. Sal, teak, mango, etc. are the flora and barking deer, cheetah, leopard, wild dog, wolf, etc. are examples of the fauna.
10: List the factors disturbing biodiversity of a particular area.
Answer: Factors disturbing the biodiversity of a particular area are:
1. Deforestation
2. Air pollution (poisonous gases, smoke from vehicles)
3. Industrialisation
4. Poaching of animals
11: How can we prevent biodiversity from getting disturbed?
Answer: First of all by promoting afforestation that is by planting more and more plants, then by following rules and regulations made by government for prevention and conservation of these biodiversity.
12: What do you mean by endemic species?
Answer: Endemic species are those species of plants and animals which are found exclusively in a particular area. They are not naturally found anywhere else. A particular type of animal or plant may be endemic to a zone, a state or a country. Wild mango and Sal are two examples of the endemic flora. Bison, Indian giant squirrel and flying squirrel are endemic fauna.
13: What are the factors affecting natural habitat of endemic species?
Answer: Following are the factors affecting natural habitat:
- Increasing population which lead to clear land to be used by human beings for various purposes like making building, agriculture, industrialisation etc.
- Introduction of new species in their region
- Destruction of forests
- Air pollution
14: Explain species.
Answer: Species is a group of population residing together in a particular area and are capable of interbreeding; the members of a species are capable of reproduction by mating with the members of their own species and not with member of other species.
15: Discuss wild life sanctuaries and its importance.
Answer: A wildlife sanctuary is an area where animal habitats and their surroundings are protected from any sort of disturbance. The capturing, killing and poaching of animals is strictly prohibited in these regions.
They aim at providing a comfortable living to the animals. India has beautiful wildlife sanctuaries, with dense forests, large rivers, high and beautiful mountains.
16: Discuss National Parks and its importance.
Answer: National Park is an area reserved for wildlife where they can freely use the habitats and natural resource. Like Kaziranga National Park, Corbett National Park, etc. National park contains extremely important habitats and species. This is protected areas in which human interference are not allowed.
The main aim of a National Park is
- To conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage present in it.
- To promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities (of the Park) by the public
17: What was the aim of launching project tiger by government?
Answer: Project Tiger is a wildlife conservation program administrated by National Tiger Conservation Authority in India since 1973. Project Tiger program is specially start for the protection of Tigers in India. The main aim behind this project was to protect and increase the tiger population of the country.
18: Why some animals are called endangered animals?
Answer: Those animals which are facing high risk of becoming extinct are called endangered animals. The main reason for this is their diminishing number and they are threatened by changing environmental or predation parameter. Example: Tiger
19: Why dinosaur is called extinct animal?
Answer: Dinosaur is no longer living, because of disturbance in its natural habitat that causes difficulty in its survival and finally it gets extinct.
20: Name some of the animals that are in danger of becoming extinct.
Answer: Tiger, Panda, some small animals like frog, lizard etc
21: Define ecosystem.
Answer: All living and non-living components of environment are together called ecosystem, it includes plants, animals, and microorganisms in an area along with non-living components such as climate, soil, rivers etc.
22: Write short notes on Red Data Book.
Answer: The book which keeps the record of all endangered species including plants and animals. Red Data Book is different for animals, plants and other species. They are now being published in many different countries and provide useful information on the threat status of the species.
23: What do you understand by migration?
Answer: Migration is the behaviour of animals of flying in far away areas every year during a particular time because of change in climatic condition. Birds fly for laying eggs as weather in their natural habitat is not suitable for their survival and for laying eggs. Such birds are called migratory birds. For example: Flamingos, Siberian Cranes and Night heron.
24: Why is recycling of paper important?
Answer: About seventeen full grown trees are required to produce one tonne of paper. Paper can be recycled around five to seven times for use. We should save, reuse and recycle paper to save not only trees but also to save the energy, water and chemicals used to make paper.
25: Explain reforestation and its useful effects.
Answer: Reforestation is the restocking of destroyed forests by planting new trees. We should plant more and more trees. We have already caused a lot of damage to our forests. If we have to regain our green wealth, reforestation is the only option. Reforestation has following advantages:
- Provides more oxygen
- More room for wildlife
- Cut down on CO2
- Saves the planet
26: Differentiate between wildlife sanctuary and Zoo.
Answer:
| Zoo | Wildlife sanctuary |
| It is an area where animals are kept for public exhibition. | It is an area in which animals are protected in their natural habitat |
| It is an artificial habitat. | It provides protection of wild animals in their habitat. |
| A zoo contains animals which are brought from different parts of the country and other countries for exhibition. | A wildlife sanctuary contains animals and birds found locally in that area. |
| Example – Delhi zoo | Example – Sanjay Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary |
27: Differentiate between endangered species and extinct species.
Answer:
| Endangered Species | Extinct Species |
| Those plants and animals which exist but their number is decreasing so fast. | Those plants and animals which are not in existence |
| If we do not save them they will become extinct | They cannot be brought back into existence |
| Example – Bengal Tigers, One-horned Rhinoceros | Example – Asiatric Cheetah, Dinosaurs |
28: What will happen if the top layer of soil is exposed?
Answer: If the top layer of soil is exposed, then it will gradually expose the lower layer of soil, which is hard and rocky in nature. This type of soil is less fertile as it contains less humus. Continued soil erosion will make the land barren or infertile.
29: Why should we conserve biodiversity?
Answer: Biodiversity refers to the number and variety of various life forms like plants, animals microorganisms in an area, plants and animals are interdependent for survival. This means that the destruction of either of the two will automatically effect the survival of other, hence we should conserve our biodiversity to maintain the balance of nature.
30: How some tribal depends on the jungle?
Answer: There are some tribal who live in jungle and are totally dependent upon jungle for their food. They gather food, fodders and fallen branches of trees from forest and are dependent upon forest for their daily requirements.
31: How does deforestation cause to decrease rainfall?
Answer: Deforestation would mean that carbon dioxide increases in the atmosphere. It causes global warming as carbon dioxide traps the heat rays reflected by earth. The increase in temperature on earth disturbs the water cycle and reduces rainfall. This could cause droughts.
32: How does deforestation lead to a decrease in the water holding capacity of the soil?
Answer: Deforestation also leads to a decrease in the water holding capacity of the soil. The movement of water from the soil surface into the ground is reduced. So there are floods. The other properties of the soil like nutrient, content texture also change because of deforestation.
33: What is biodiversity?
Answer: Biosphere is that part of the earth in which living organisms exist or which support life. Biological diversity or biodiversity, refers to the variety of organisms existing on the earth, their interrelationships and their relationship with the environment.
34: How can we protect wildlife?
Answer: Wildlife plays an important role in maintaining balance in the environment. Wildlife can be protected by making special and conserved areas. These areas are restricted for human activities which are against wildlife. Poaching, hunting and cutting of trees are strictly banned. Such areas are called Sanctuaries and National Parks which conserve flora and fauna of earth.
35: What do you mean by species? Explain some detailed features.
Answer: Species are group of population which are capable of interbreeding. This means that the members of a species can reproduce fertile offsprings only with the members of their own species and not with members of other species.
Members of a species have common characteristics.
36: Which types of animals are much more in danger of becoming extinct?
Answer: The small animals are much more in danger of becoming extinct than the bigger animals. We kill snakes, frogs, lizards, bats and owls ruthlessly without realising their importance in the ecosystem. They might be small in size but their role in the ecosystem cannot be ignored. They form a part of food chains and food webs.
37: What do you mean by migration? Write the causes of migration of birds.
Answer: Some species of birds fly to far away areas every year in a particular season. This phenomenon is called migration.
Reasons of Migration:
(i) In search of food
(ii) Due to climatic changes
(iii) For laying eggs
(iv) To enjoy long summer days.
38: How does recycling and saving of papers related to deforestation?
Answer: Trees are used in making papers. About 17 full grown trees are used to make one tonne of paper. So wastage of paper is also a cause of deforestation. Therefore, we should recycle and save the papers. If we save papers, we can save many trees in a year. In this way recycling and saving of papers is directly related to avoid the deforestation.
39: What is the answer for deforestation?
Answer: Reforestation is the answer for deforestation. The reforestation means restocking of the destroyed forests by planting new trees. We should plant as many trees as we cut. If the deforested area is left undisturbed, it re-establishes itself. If we have to retain our green wealth for future generations, plantation of more trees is the only option.
40: What do you mean by Forest Conservation Act?
Answer: In India, we have the Forest Conservation Act. This act is aimed at preservation and conservation of natural forests and meeting the basic needs of the people living in or near the forests.
Long Answer Type Questions
1: Explain deforestation and its effects on plants, animals, soil and environment.
Answer: Deforestation means clearing the forest or stands of trees, and using that land for other purposes. Following are the main causes of deforestation
- Procuring land for cultivation
- Building houses and factories
- Making furniture or using wood as fuel.
- Some natural causes of deforestation are forest fires and severe droughts.
2: What do you mean by conservation of forests and wild life? Highlight all possible measures taken to conserve our forests and wild life.
Answer: The government lays down various rules, methods and policies for protection and conservation of wild life. Government are focussing on wildlife sanctuaries, national park, and biosphere reserves for conservation of plants and animals present in that area.
3: Why we should save papers?
Answer: About seventeen full grown trees are required to produce one tonne of paper. Paper can be recycled around five to seven times for use. We should save, reuse and recycle paper to save not only trees but also to save the energy, water and chemicals used to make paper. Thus, we should save papers to save plants and to save our planet from getting imbalanced.
4: How could we contribute to the maintenance and survival of green wealth of our society?
Answer: By planting more and more trees, by taking care of plants and trees growing in and around our society. By making people aware of the importance of trees and encouraging them to plant more and more trees, by making people aware of the harmful effects of deforestation. We should also water the plants for their proper growth.
5: What is the reason behind migration behaviour shown by some birds?
Answer: Migration is the behaviour of animals of flying in far away areas every year during a particular time because of change in climatic condition. Birds fly for laying eggs as weather in their natural habitat is not suitable for their survival and for laying eggs; such birds are called migratory birds, like Flamingos, Siberian Cranes and Night heron.