Class 8 Science Chapter 5 HOTS Questions - Conservation of Plants and Animals

Q1: Why does it matter if a species go extinct?
Ans: When a species go extinct, with it the whole food web get disturbed due to inter-relationship and interaction between organisms. The species of organisms which might have been dependent on the extinct species for food may also get extinct due to starvation until it get an alternate option. If the dependent species shift its choice of food on another species then there might be a competition for food with other species. Thus, in a nutshell, a extinct species affect the whole ecosystem.

Q2: Can a forest regenerate naturally in a short period of time?
Ans: No, a forest takes a very long time for its growth and survival.

Q3: Mention the aim of Forest (Conservation) Act.
Ans: Its aim were — conservation of natural forests and meeting the basic needs of the people living in or near the forests.

Q4: How are even small animals important in an ecosystem?
Ans: Even very small animals form a part of food chain/food web in an ecosystem.

Q5: What is the affect of introduction of an exotic species to an ecosystem?
Ans: Exotic species may affect the existence of local species either through predation or competition.

Q6: Many people in world find it status symbol of wearing and keeping leather clothes and leather articles with them. Even Shahtoosh shawls made of an endangered species of antelope are also in greater demand and highly priced.

• Do you think we must use leather items for just show off?
• What is endangered species?
• Can you name an extinct species which was exploited for its meat?
• What values of people are shown in above paragraph?

Ans: 

• No
• A species which is at higher risk of getting extinct is known as endangered species.
• Dodo
• They are class conscious, selfish, irresponsible to nature, cruel, etc.

Q7: For centuries human activities such as hunting and encroachment have led to degradation of forests and extinction of many species of plants and animals. Government of India has taken many steps to conserve forests and wildlife. But this movement will not be a success without the involvement of all of us.
(a) What products are obtained from forests and wildlife?
(b) How can we help in conserving forest and wildlife?
(c) Can you name some organisation which are working against killing or poaching of animals?
(d) What values of human are shown here towards nature?
Ans: 
(a) From forests: Wood for fire, timber, furniture, medicines, forage for livestock, gums, raisins, pa-pers, etc.
From wildlife: Horns, skin, leather, fur, ivory, meat, fin, etc.
(b)

• By saying ‘No’ to animal products we can at least reduce their hunting and poaching.
• By not cutting the trees and planting more saplings we can help in restoring the natural habitat of wild animals.
• By creating awareness among people about importance of forests and wildlife.

(c) World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), World Soci-ety for the Protection of Animals (WSPA), etc.
(d) They are cruel, money-minded, selfish, reckless, etc.