Chapter 7: Conservation of plants and Animals

Extra Internal Question and Answer:

Question: What is deforestation? What are the main causes of deforestation?

Answer: Deforestation means the large-scale cutting down of forests and trees by humans. It results in the clearing of forest areas for other purposes like agriculture, construction, or industries. This disturbs the natural balance of the environment.
The main causes of deforestation are:

(i) Cutting trees for timber and fuel

(ii) Clearing land for agriculture and grazing

(iii) Construction of houses, roads, and industries

(iv) Making paper and other wood products

(v) Forest fires and natural causes (like droughts)

Question: Why is it important to conserve forests?

Answer: It is important to conserve forests because they maintain ecological balance and support life on Earth. Forests provide oxygen, absorb carbon dioxide, and help in rainfall. They are home to many plants and animals. Conserving forests also prevents soil erosion and protects biodiversity for future generations.
Question: What is afforestation?

Answer: Afforestation is the process of planting trees in an area where there were no forests earlier. It helps to increase forest cover and restore ecological balance. Afforestation improves air quality, prevents soil erosion, and provides habitat for wildlife. It is an important step in conserving the environment.
Question: How is reforestation different from afforestation?

Answer: The difference between reforestation and afforestation is :

Reforestation	Afforestation
It means planting trees again in a place where forests were cut down or destroyed earlier.	It means planting trees in an area where there were no forests before.
It helps to restore the original forest that existed in that area.	It helps to create a new forest in a barren or non-forest area.
It is done to bring back lost biodiversity and maintain ecological balance.	It is done to increase forest cover and improve the environment.

Question: What are the harmful effects of deforestation on rainfall?

Answer: Deforestation has a harmful effect on rainfall. Trees play an important role in the water cycle by releasing water vapour into the air through transpiration. When large numbers of trees are cut down, the amount of water vapour in the atmosphere decreases. As a result, clouds do not form properly and rainfall becomes less. This leads to reduced rainfall and can even cause droughts in some areas.
Question: What is desertification? What are the main causes of desertification? 

Answer: Desertification is the process by which fertile land gradually turns into desert. This happens when the soil loses its productivity due to loss of vegetation, water, and nutrients. As a result, the land becomes dry, barren, and unable to support plant life.
The main causes of desertification are:

(i) Deforestation : Cutting down trees reduces vegetation cover, which leads to soil erosion.

(ii) Overgrazing : Excessive grazing by animals removes grass and plants, making the soil loose and dry.

(iii) Overuse of land : Continuous farming without giving the soil time to recover reduces its fertility.

(iv) Drought : Lack of rainfall dries up the soil and kills vegetation.

(v) Improper irrigation : Excessive or poor irrigation can make the soil salty and unfit for crops.

Question: Why is it important to control desertification?

Answer: It is important to control desertification because it reduces the fertility of land and makes it unsuitable for growing crops. This affects food production and can lead to shortage of food. It also disturbs the balance of the environment and harms plants, animals, and human life.
Question: What is meant by drought? What are the main causes of drought?

Answer: Drought is a condition when an area receives very little or no rainfall for a long period, leading to shortage of water.

The main causes of drought are lack of rainfall, deforestation, excessive use of water, and poor water management. These factors reduce water availability and affect crops, animals, and human life.

Question: What do you understand by flora and fauna? Given example

Answer: Flora refers to all the plants found in a particular region, such as trees, grasses, and shrubs. Example: Teak trees, grass.
Fauna refers to all the animals found in a particular region, including mammals, birds, and insects. Example: Tiger, deer.

Question: What are the effects of deforestation on flora and fauna?

Answer: Deforestation destroys the natural habitat of plants and animals. Many species of flora and fauna lose their shelter and food, so they may die or migrate. This reduces biodiversity and disturbs the balance of nature.

Question: What are endangered species? Give examples of flora and fauna.

Answer: Endangered species are those plants and animals which are in danger of becoming extinct due to loss of habitat, hunting, or environmental changes.
Examples of fauna: tiger, elephant.
Examples of flora: red sandalwood, pitcher plant.

Question: What is the role of forests in maintaining flora and fauna?

Answer: Forests play an important role in maintaining flora and fauna. They provide natural habitat, food, and shelter to many plants and animals. Forests help in maintaining balance in nature by supporting biodiversity. They also protect soil, conserve water, and regulate climate, which is essential for the survival of both flora and fauna.
Question: What are endemic species? Give two examples.

Answer: Endemic species are plants and animals that are found only in a particular area and nowhere else in the world. Their distribution is limited to a specific region due to special environmental conditions.
Examples: Bison and Indian giant squirrel.
Question: How are endemic species different from endangered species?

Answer: The difference between the endemic species and endangered species are:

Endemic Species	Endangered Species
Found only in a particular area or region.	Species that are in danger of extinction.
Not necessarily at risk of extinction.	Population is very low and decreasing.
Example: Indian giant squirrel.	Example: Tiger.

Question: What is an ecosystem?

Answer: An ecosystem is made of all the plants, animals and microorganisms in an area along with non-living components such as climate, soil,river deltas etc.

Exercises

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.

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

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

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

Answer:  (a) The differences between a Wildlife Sanctuary and a Biosphere Reserve:

Wildlife Sanctuary	Biosphere Reserve
(i) It is an area meant to protect wild animals in their natural habitat.	(i) It is a large protected area meant to conserve biodiversity, including plants, animals, and microorganisms.
(ii) Focuses mainly on the safety of animals.	(ii) Focuses on conservation of entire ecosystems.
(iii) Human activities such as tourism may be allowed, but only in a controlled manner.	(iii) It has different zones such as the core, buffer, and transition, with human activity increasing from the centre towards the outside.
(iv) Smaller in size compared to a biosphere reserve.	(iv) Much larger in size.
Example: Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (Kerala).	Example: Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (India).

(b) The differences between Zoo and Wildlife Sanctuary:

Zoo	Wildlife Sanctuary
(i) Animals are kept in enclosed spaces, often away from their natural habitat.	(i) Animals live in their natural surroundings without being removed from the area.
(ii) The main aim is education, recreation, and conserving endangered species through breeding.	(ii) The aim is to protect animals and their habitats from hunting, poaching, and disturbance.
(iii) Zoos are usually located in cities or towns and are much smaller in area.	(iii) Sanctuaries cover large natural areas like forests and grasslands.
(iv) Animals are provided food and care by humans.	(iv) Animals find food on their own in the wild.
(v) Human presence around animals is common.	(v) Human interference is kept very limited.

(c) Difference Between Endangered and Extinct Species

Endangered Species	Extinct Species
(i) These are species whose numbers are reducing very fast and they are at the risk of becoming extinct in the near future.	(i) These are species that have completely disappeared from the Earth.
(ii) They still exist in the wild, but in very small numbers.	(ii) They no longer exist anywhere on the planet.
(iii) Protection and conservation can still save them.	(iii) They cannot be brought back once extinct (except rare lab attempts like cloning).
Example: Tiger, Asian Elephant, Blue Whale.	Example: Dodo, Passenger Pigeon, Dinosaurs.

 (d) The difference between Flora and fauna :

Flora	Fauna
(i) All the plants found in a particular area.	(i) All the animals found in a particular area.
(ii) Includes trees, shrubs, herbs, grasses, algae, etc.	(ii) Includes birds, insects, mammals, reptiles, fishes, etc.
(iii) They make their own food using photosynthesis.	(iii) They depend on plants or other animals for food.
(iv) Flora helps in producing oxygen and maintaining the balance of gases.	(iv) Fauna helps in pollination, seed dispersal, and maintaining food chains.
Examples: Mango tree, neem, lotus, ferns.	Examples: Tiger, elephant, peacock, frog.

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

Answer: (a) Wild animals: Deforestation destroys the natural habitats of wild animals. They lose shelter and food sources, leading to reduced population, migration to human areas, and even extinction of some species. It disrupts the balance of ecosystems, making survival difficult for wildlife.

(b) Environment: Trees regulate climate, absorb carbon dioxide, and produce oxygen. Cutting forests increases air pollution, reduces rainfall, and raises temperatures. Soil erosion also occurs as tree roots are removed, leading to degraded land and disrupted local weather patterns.

(c) Villages (Rural areas): Rural communities often depend on forests for fuel, food, and materials. Deforestation causes scarcity of resources, reduced agricultural productivity due to soil erosion, and water shortages. This affects livelihoods and can lead to migration to cities in search of work.

(d) Cities (Urban areas): Deforestation contributes to air pollution, higher temperatures, and reduced rainfall in urban areas. It also increases the risk of floods due to poor water absorption by soil. Less greenery reduces recreational spaces and negatively impacts the health and well-being of city residents.

(e) Earth: Forests act as the planet’s lungs, absorbing carbon dioxide and regulating climate. Large-scale deforestation accelerates global warming, increases greenhouse gases, and causes loss of biodiversity. It contributes to environmental instability, affecting the balance of nature on a global scale.

(f) The next generation: Future generations may face severe consequences of deforestation, such as climate change, loss of wildlife, and scarcity of natural resources. Reduced forests mean less oxygen, more pollution, and unstable ecosystems, making life harder for humans, plants, and animals alike.
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.

Answer: (a) Continuous tree cutting leads to deforestation. This causes loss of biodiversity, soil erosion, reduced rainfall, global warming, and climate change. The balance of nature is disturbed, and both humans and animals face scarcity of oxygen, food, and shelter.

(b) Animals lose their shelter and food sources, which can cause migration, conflict with humans, or even extinction. The disruption affects reproduction and survival, and the whole ecosystem balance gets disturbed because every species plays a role in its environment.

(c)  Exposed topsoil is prone to erosion by wind and water. It loses nutrients, reducing soil fertility and affecting agriculture. Rivers may get silted, leading to floods, and plants struggle to grow, further disturbing the ecological balance.
5. Answer in brief.
(a) Why should we conserve biodiversity?
(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?
(f) What do you understand by the term migration?

Answer: (a) Biodiversity ensures ecological balance, provides food, medicine, and raw materials, and maintains the survival of life on Earth. Conserving it helps protect species, habitats, and the overall health of the environment.

(b) Even in protected forests, animals face threats like poaching, habitat fragmentation, human interference, and pollution, which can endanger their survival.

(c) Tribals rely on forests for food, shelter, fuel, medicinal plants, and livelihood. They use resources sustainably for daily needs and cultural practices.

(d) Causes of deforestation:

(i) Cutting trees for timber and fuel.

(ii) Clearing land for agriculture, roads, and settlements.

(iii) Mining and industrial expansion.

(iv) Natural causes like forest fires.

Consequences of deforestation:

(i) Loss of biodiversity and extinction of species.

(ii) Soil erosion and reduced fertility.

(iii) Climate change and global warming.

(iv) Scarcity of water and disruption of the ecological balance.

(e)  The Red Data Book lists all endangered and threatened species of plants and animals, helping in their conservation and protection.

(f) Migration is the seasonal or periodic movement of animals from one place to another in search of food, water, or suitable breeding conditions.
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.

Answer: Report on Cutting Trees for Factories and Shelter:

Trees are being cut at a rapid rate to meet the growing demands of industries and housing. While development is necessary, uncontrolled deforestation is not justified because it leads to loss of biodiversity, soil erosion, air pollution, and climate change. Forests provide oxygen, maintain ecological balance, and support wildlife, which are crucial for life on Earth.

Sustainable alternatives like planting more trees, using recycled materials, and planning urban growth carefully can reduce the impact. Development should balance human needs with environmental protection to ensure resources and a healthy planet for future generations.

Conclusion: Cutting trees for projects without planning is harmful. Sustainable methods must be adopted to protect forests while fulfilling human requirements.
7. How can you contribute to the maintenance of green wealth of your locality? Make a list of actions to be taken by you.

Answer: The list of actions you can take to maintain the green wealth of your locality are :

(i) Plant more trees in vacant spaces, school grounds, and community areas.

(ii) Take care of existing trees by watering them, protecting them from damage, and trimming when necessary.

(iii) Avoid cutting trees unnecessarily and raise awareness among friends and neighbours.

(iv) Use paper and wood wisely and recycle them whenever possible.

(v) Participate in cleanliness drives to keep green areas free from waste.

(vi) Support community gardens and parks to increase greenery in urban areas.

(vii) Educate others about the importance of trees and forests for the environment.
8. Explain how deforestation leads to reduced rainfall.

Answer: Deforestation reduces the number of trees, which play a key role in the water cycle. Trees release water vapour into the air through transpiration, which helps in cloud formation. When forests are cut, less water vapour enters the atmosphere, leading to fewer clouds and reduced rainfall. This can cause droughts and affect agriculture and water availability.

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

Answer: Name the national park in your state.

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

Answer: Paper should be saved because it is made from trees, and saving it helps prevent deforestation. It also conserves water and energy, reduces pollution from paper waste, and ensures natural resources are available for future generations.

 Ways to save paper:

(i) Use both sides of a sheet before discarding it.

(ii) Reuse old notebooks and paper for rough work or crafts.

(iii) Recycle paper whenever possible.

(iv) Avoid unnecessary printing and use digital files for reading or sharing.

(v) Make notebooks at home from used paper.

(vi) Use paper wisely in schools and offices, limiting wastage.

(vii) Plant trees to compensate for paper use and protect forests.

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.

 

Answer: The solution to the words puzzle :

   Down
1. Species on the verge of extinction: Endangered .
2. A book carrying information about endangered species: Red Data Book.
5. Consequence of deforestation: Desertification .
  Across
1. Species which have vanished : Extinct .
3. Species found only in a particular habitat: Endemic .
4. Variety of plants, animals and microorganisms found in an area: Biodiversity .