Chapter 7: Conservation of Plants and Animals

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS

1. Wild buffalo is an endangered species because
(a) its population is diminishing
(b) it has become extinct
(c) it is found exclusively in a particular area
(d) its poaching is strictly prohibited

Answer: (a) its population is diminishing
[ An endangered species means its numbers are declining and it risks extinction, not that it is already extinct or merely localized.]

2. Which one of the following changes may occur due to desertification?
(a) Decrease in atmospheric temperature.
(b) Increase in water holding capacity of soil.
(c) Increased chances of floods.
(d) Conversion of fertile land into a desert.

Answer: (d) Conversion of fertile land into a desert
[ Desertification turns productive land into desert, often due to deforestation, overgrazing, or climate changes.]

3. Which one of the following statements is true about a Biosphere Reserve?
(a) It is a protected area where only endemic species live.
(b) It is meant only for the conservation of plants and animals.
(c) It is meant to conserve both, the biodiversity and the culture of that area.
(d) There are no other protected areas within its limits.

Answer: (c) It is meant to conserve both, the biodiversity and the culture of that area.
[ Biosphere reserves aim to protect ecosystems, wildlife, and traditional lifestyles of local communities.]

4. The place meant for conservation of biodiversity in their natural habitat are
(i) Zoological garden    (iii) Wildlife sanctuary     (ii) Botanical garden    (iv) National park
(a) i & ii  ;        (b) ii & iii;        (c) iii & iv;         (d) i & iv

Answer: (c) iii & iv (Wildlife sanctuary and National park)
[ These are protected areas where plants and animals are conserved in their natural habitat, unlike zoos or botanical gardens.]

5. Which one of the following statements is true about endemic species?
(a) They are found exclusively in a specific habitat.
(b) Endemic species can never become endangered.
(c) They are found only in zoos and botanical gardens.
(d) They are not affected by the destruction of their habitat.

Answer: (a) They are found exclusively in a specific habitat .
[ Endemic species are limited to a particular area and are highly vulnerable to habitat destruction.]

6. Which of the following feature is correct for a wildlife sanctuary?
(a) It is an artificially created protected area for animals.
(b) It is a protected area for threatened and endangered wild animals.
(c) It is meant for conservation of only plant species.
(d) Capturing and poaching of animals is strictly prohibited here.

Answer:  (d) Capturing and poaching of animals is strictly prohibited here .
[ Wildlife sanctuaries protect animals and their habitats, and any harm or capture is legally banned. ]

7. Which statement is incorrect about endangered species?
(a) Their number has decreased drastically.
(b) They might become extinct in the near future.
(c) They pose a danger to other animals.
(d) Their natural habitat needs to be protected.

Answer: (c) They pose a danger to other animals.

[ Endangered species are those whose population has reduced a lot and are at risk of extinction. They usually need protection, not because they are dangerous, but because they are vulnerable.]

8. What do black buck, elephant, python and golden cat together represent in a forest?
(a) fauna     (b) flora  (c) ecosystem     (d) species

Answer: (a) fauna

[ Black buck, elephant, python and golden cat are all animals, and all animals living in a particular area are called fauna.]

9. The Red Data Book keeps a record of all the
(i) endemic species.   (ii) extinct species.   (iii) endangered plants.  (iv) endangered animals.
(a) i & ii                (b) ii & iii         (c) iii & iv             (d) i & iv

Answer: (c) iii & iv

[ The Red Data Book mainly keeps records of endangered plants and animals, which are at risk of becoming extinct and need protection.]

10.Migratory birds fly to far away areas during a particular time of a year. Which of the following conditions present in their habitat during that time are responsible for this behaviour?
(i) Unavailability of food.
(ii) Extreme weather conditions.
(iii) Over crowding.
(iv) Lack of nesting areas.
(a) ii & iii         (b) i & ii        (c) i & iv        (d) ii & iv.

Answer: (b) i & ii (Unavailability of food and Extreme weather conditions)
[ Migratory birds leave their habitat when food becomes scarce and weather turns harsh, seeking better conditions elsewhere.]

11. In our country, large patches of forests are being cleared for cultivation of crops. The environmental impact of such a practice will lead to
(a) soil erosion   (b) soil conservation    (c) soil pollution     (d) soil fertility

Answer: (a) soil erosion
[ Deforestation for cultivation removes trees that hold soil together, leading to increased soil erosion.]

VERY SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS

12. Why is it important to conserve forests?

Answer: It is important to conserve forests because they provide oxygen, absorb carbon dioxide, prevent soil erosion, regulate water cycles, and control floods and droughts. Forests are home to wildlife and provide resources like wood, medicine, and fodder. They also help prevent global warming by reducing greenhouse gases. Deforestation leads to ecological imbalance, climate change, and loss of biodiversity. Hence, forest conservation is essential for maintaining environmental stability and supporting life on Earth.

13. Mention any one action that you have undertaken to conserve trees.

Answer: We planted a sapling in our neighbourhood and cared for it by watering it daily. This helps increase green cover and protects the environment.

14. State whether the following statements are True or False. Correct the false statements.
(i) There can be a wildlife sanctuary within a biosphere reserve.
(ii) Plants of a particular area are collectively termed as fauna.
(iii) Deforestation leads to an increase in the water holding capacity of the soil.
(iv) Bison is an endemic fauna of Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve.

Answer: (i) True – A wildlife sanctuary can be inside a biosphere reserve.

(ii) False – Plants of a particular area are collectively termed as flora.

(iii) False – Deforestation leads to a decrease in the water holding capacity of the soil.

(iv) True – Bison is an endemic fauna of Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve.

15. Can a forest regenerate naturally in a short period of time?

Answer: No, a forest cannot regenerate naturally in a short period of time. It takes many years for a forest to grow back.

16. Name the first Reserve Forest of India.

Answer: The first Reserve Forest of India is the Satpura National Park (also known as Satpura Tiger Reserve), located in Madhya Pradesh. It was established in 1981.

SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS

17. Why are wildlife sanctuaries important for conservation of plants and animals?

Answer: Wildlife sanctuaries are important because they provide safe places for animals and plants to live and grow without disturbance. Hunting, cutting of trees and human activities are restricted there. This helps in protecting endangered species and maintaining balance in nature.

18. Why are endemic organisms in greater danger of becoming extinct?

Answer: Endemic organisms live only in one specific area. If that area gets disturbed by deforestation, pollution, or human activities, they have no other place to survive, so they are in greater danger of becoming extinct.

19. How are even small animals important in an ecosystem?

Answer: Even small animals are important because they help in food chains, pollination, decomposition and maintaining balance in nature. Without them, the ecosystem will get disturbed.

20. A new species X is introduced in a forest. How is it likely to affect the local species of that area?

Answer: A new species X may disturb the balance of the forest ecosystem. It may compete with local species for food, water and space. It can also prey on local species or spread diseases. This may reduce the population of local species or even lead to their extinction.

21. Does soil erosion affect the fertility of soil? How?

Answer: Yes, soil erosion affects the fertility of soil. When the top layer of soil is removed by wind or water, the nutrients present in it are also lost. This top layer is the most fertile part of the soil. So, erosion makes the soil less fertile and reduces crop growth.

22. What is the unique feature of the biodiversity found in Panchmarhi Biosphere Reserve?

Answer: The unique feature of the biodiversity in Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve is that it has a wide variety of plants and animals, including many endemic species that are found only in this region and nowhere else.

23. Mention the aim of Forest (Conservation) Act.

Answer: The aim of the Forest (Conservation) Act is to protect forests and control the cutting of trees. It helps in conserving forest land and using it carefully so that forests are not destroyed and natural balance is maintained.

24. What is biodiversity?

Answer: Biodiversity is the variety of living organisms found in a particular area, including plants, animals and microorganisms.

LONG ANSWER QUESTIONS

25. Is deforestation associated with global warming? Explain.

Answer: Yes, deforestation is closely associated with global warming.

Trees absorb carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere and release oxygen during photosynthesis. When forests are cut down, the amount of CO₂ absorbed decreases. At the same time, when trees are burnt or decay, the carbon stored in them is released back into the atmosphere as CO₂. Since CO₂ is a greenhouse gas, its increased concentration in the atmosphere traps more heat, leading to the greenhouse effect and rise in Earth’s temperature. This contributes to global warming. So, deforestation increases CO₂ levels and reduces oxygen production, both of which lead to global warming.

26. How does deforestation lead to frequent floods and droughts?

Answer: Deforestation leads to frequent floods and droughts due to the following reasons:

(a) Floods: Trees help absorb and hold rainwater. Their roots bind the soil, allowing water to seep into the ground. When forests are cut down, the soil becomes loose and cannot absorb water. Rainwater flows directly over the land into rivers, causing river levels to rise suddenly, leading to floods.

(b) Droughts: Because less water seeps into the ground after deforestation, the groundwater level decreases. During periods of low rainfall, there is not enough stored water in the ground. This results in water shortage, leading to droughts.

Thus, deforestation disturbs the natural water cycle, increasing both floods and droughts.

27. Why should we save paper?

Answer:  We should save paper because paper is made from trees. Saving paper means saving trees, which helps in reducing deforestation. Trees are important as they absorb carbon dioxide, release oxygen, prevent soil erosion, and maintain the water cycle. By saving paper, we also reduce the energy, water, and chemicals used in paper production, thereby decreasing pollution and helping to control global warming. Thus, saving paper contributes to forest conservation and a healthier environment.