Textbook Solutions: Whose Place is it Anyway? | English (Voice Book) Class 8 PDF Download

A. Answer these questions with reference to the context. 

1.
a. 
Ans: Illegal poachers engage in the act of hunting and capturing animals unlawfully, often for the purpose of obtaining valuable body parts, such as ivory or pelts, which can be sold on the black market.

b. 
Ans: The poet is expressing concern about the survival of cheetahs in Botswana. By using the phrase "watch their last setting suns," the poet implies that the cheetahs may be on the brink of extinction, and their remaining time is running out, just like the sun setting.

c. 
Ans: One literary device used in these lines is personification, where human characteristics are attributed to non-human entities. In this case, the poet personifies the cheetahs by suggesting that they are capable of watching the sunsets, which is a human-like activity.

2.
a. 
Ans: The Arctic ice is melting primarily due to global warming caused by human activities, such as the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation. The release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere contributes to the warming of the Earth's climate, leading to the melting of polar ice caps.

b. 
Ans: The decline of polar bears is a result of the loss of their natural habitat caused by the melting Arctic ice. Polar bears heavily rely on sea ice for hunting seals, their primary food source. With the reduction of sea ice, their hunting grounds are shrinking, making it harder for them to find food and survive.

c. 
Ans: The poet is referring to the trust that wolves of Ethiopia may or may not have in humankind. It implies that due to the negative impact humans have had on the environment and the declining state of other animal species, the wolves may question whether they can trust humans to protect their own interests and habitats.

3.
a. 
Ans: The connection between a parking lot and a Puerto Rican toad in the first line is the concept of habitat destruction. The parking lot represents human development and urbanization, which often result in the destruction of natural habitats. The Puerto Rican toad, being a vulnerable species, is at risk of losing its habitat to human activities like building parking lots.

b. 
Ans: Logging, particularly ruthless logging practices that involve the large-scale removal of trees, can have a detrimental impact on koala bears. Koalas heavily rely on trees, especially eucalyptus trees, for food and shelter. When logging removes their habitat, it disrupts their food sources and can lead to the displacement and even death of koalas.

c. 

Ans: The poet uses a question mark after each of these lines to highlight the uncertainty and urgency surrounding the issues being addressed. It prompts the readers to consider the gravity of the situation and contemplate the potential consequences if action is not taken to address these environmental concerns.

B. Answer these questions. 

1.
Ans: The golden mole is threatened by the workings of a mine. The mining activities can lead to the destruction and disruption of the mole's habitat, causing a loss of shelter, food sources, and potential harm to the population.

2.
Ans: The poet uses the phrase "live on borrowed time" to suggest that the pine marten and polecat are facing imminent danger or a critical situation. It implies that their existence or survival is precarious and uncertain, possibly due to factors such as habitat loss, human encroachment, or declining population numbers.

3.
Ans: The poet is expressing concern about the potential extinction or destruction of the Mpingo tree. By asking "How soon until the Mpingo tree takes its final fall?," the poet wonders how long it will be until this tree, known for its valuable wood used in the production of musical instruments, is completely gone or no longer able to sustain its population due to deforestation or other threats.

4.
Ans: The homes of the snakes are being lost or destroyed as habitat turns into roads. This implies that the expansion of human infrastructure, such as roads, is encroaching upon the natural habitats of snakes. As a result, snakes are losing their homes and facing challenges in finding suitable habitats to live in.

5.
Ans: The poet refers to the 'true worth' of the animals mentioned in the poem. Their 'true worth' represents their intrinsic value, importance, and the role they play in the ecosystem. It implies that these animals have inherent worth beyond their economic or utilitarian value, and they deserve to be honored and valued for their existence and contribution to the natural world.

6.
Ans: Yes, it is possible to restore the rightful place of the animals mentioned in the poem through various conservation efforts. These efforts may include protecting and preserving their habitats, implementing stricter regulations against illegal poaching and hunting, promoting sustainable practices, raising awareness about the importance of biodiversity, and actively engaging in conservation projects and initiatives.

7.
Ans: The poet is conveying a message of environmental conservation, urging readers to recognize the threats faced by various animal species and the urgent need to protect and restore their habitats. The poem highlights the detrimental impact of human activities on wildlife and emphasizes the importance of valuing and preserving the natural world. It calls for collective action and responsibility to ensure the survival and well-being of all species sharing the Earth.