Class 8 Science Chapter 5 Question Answers - Conservation of Plants and Animals

Q1: What is Satpura Tiger Reserve?
Ans: It is a Project Tiger which was launched by the government in the country to protect the tigers.

Q2: What do you mean by deforestation?
Ans: The cutting of trees on a large scale is called deforestation.

Q3: Define biosphere.
Ans: Biosphere is that part of the earth in which living organisms exist or which supports biological diversity.

Q4: What are fauna?
Ans: The animal species found in a particular area are called fauna.

Q5: Define 'Red Data Book.'
Ans: A book that keeps records of all the endangered plant and animal species is called a Red Data Book.

Q6: What are endangered animals?
Ans: The animals whose numbers are diminishing to such a level that they might face extinction are known as 'endangered animals.'

Q7: Define national park.
Ans: A national park is an area reserved for wildlife where they can freely use the habitats and natural resources.

Q8: Define endemic species.
Ans: The species of plants and animals which are found exclusively in a particular area are called endemic species.

Q9: Mention the causes of deforestation.
Ans: The causes of deforestation could be:

• Forest fires
• Building houses, factories
• Severe droughts
• Using wood for various purposes
• Human encroachment and procuring land for cultivation

Q10: What is biodiversity?
Ans: The diversity of plant and animal life in a particular habitat (or in the world as a whole) is called biodiversity.

Q11: What do you mean by desertification?
Ans: The conversion of fertile land into deserts is called desertification.

Q12: Explain the term ecosystem.
Ans: Ecosystem is a system formed by the interaction of a community of organisms with their physical environment.

Q13: What are flora?
Ans: The plant species found in a particular area are called flora.

Q14: What is the definition of species?
Ans: Species is a group of populations which are capable of interbreeding.

Q15: Define migratory birds.
Ans: The birds which cover long distances to reach another land for various reasons are known as migratory birds.

Q16: Explain how deforestation associated with global warming.
Ans: Plants absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere for photosynthesis. Deforestation results in de-creased number of trees leading to accumulation of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere traps heat rays reflected by the earth which results in global warming.

Q17: How can we protect wildlife?
Ans: Wildlife plays a significant role in maintaining a balance in the environment. They can be protected by establishing secured and protected area, which are restricted for human activities that are against the protection of wildlife. Cutting of trees, hunting, poaching are strictly banned there. Many of these areas are national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.

Q18: How does deforestation lead to frequent floods and droughts?
Ans: Deforestation results in decreased water holding capacity of soil. This reduces the infiltration of water into the ground which causes floods. On the other hand, deforestation leads to higher level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere which causes global warming. Scarcity of trees disturbs the water cycle and may reduce rainfall leading to droughts.

Q19: What do you mean by Biosphere Reserve?
Ans: Biosphere Reserve is a large area of protected land for the conservation of wildlife, plant and animal resources and traditional life of the tribals living in that area.

Q20: Why is the conservation of biodiversity important?
Ans: Because of the following reasons, the conservation of biodiversity is important:

• It boosts tourism and thus, plays a significant role in enhancing the economy of the country.
• It maintains the fertility of soil.
• It helps in maintaining the ecological balance on the earth.
• Biodiversity is a rich source for the study of genetics and evolution.
• It helps in maintaining the weather by regulating climatic changes, rainfall, etc.