Olympiad Test: Conservation Of Plants And Animals - 1 - Class 8 MCQ

Project Tiger in India
Project Tiger was launched in India in 1973.
Explanation:
- Project Tiger was initiated by the Government of India to protect the endangered Bengal tigers and their habitats.
- The project aimed to ensure a viable population of tigers in their natural habitats and also to protect them from poaching, habitat loss, and other threats.
- It was launched on April 1, 1973, by then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
- The project was implemented in nine tiger reserves across the country, covering areas with high tiger populations.
- The initial phase of the project focused on monitoring tiger populations, studying their behavior, and improving their habitats.
- Later, efforts were made to relocate villages from the core areas of tiger reserves to reduce human-wildlife conflict.
- The project's success led to an increase in the tiger population in India, and it has served as a model for tiger conservation in other countries as well.
- Project Tiger is considered one of the most successful conservation programs in the world.
Conclusion:
Project Tiger was launched in India in 1973 with the aim of protecting the endangered Bengal tigers and their habitats. It has been instrumental in increasing the tiger population in the country and is recognized as a successful conservation initiative globally.

Question: The plants found in a particular region are called?
Answer: The plants found in a particular region are called Flora. Here is a detailed explanation:
Definition:
- Flora refers to the collective plant life that exists in a particular region or time period.
- It includes all the plant species, including trees, shrubs, herbs, ferns, mosses, and algae, found in a specific area.
Key Points:
- Flora is a term used to describe the plants in a specific geographical area or ecosystem.
- It encompasses all types of plant life, from large trees to microscopic organisms.
- Flora is an essential component of the ecosystem and plays a vital role in maintaining the balance of nature.
- The study of flora is an important field of botany and helps in understanding plant diversity, distribution, and ecology.
- Different regions around the world have their unique flora, influenced by factors such as climate, soil, and geographical features.
- Flora can vary significantly from one region to another, resulting in diverse ecosystems and habitats.
Example:
- The flora of the Amazon rainforest includes a vast array of plant species, such as giant trees, orchids, bromeliads, and medicinal plants.
- The flora of the Sahara Desert consists mainly of drought-resistant plants like cacti, succulents, and desert grasses.
Conclusion:
- The term "flora" is used to describe the plants found in a particular region.
- It encompasses all types of plant life and is essential for maintaining the balance of ecosystems.

To answer this question, let's analyze the consequences of cutting down all trees in a forest:
Erosion of Soil:
- Trees play a crucial role in preventing soil erosion. Their roots hold the soil in place, preventing it from being washed away by rain or wind.
- Without trees, the top layer of soil becomes exposed to the elements, leading to increased erosion.
- Erosion can result in the loss of fertile topsoil, making it difficult for plants to grow and reducing agricultural productivity.
Desertification:
- Trees contribute to the overall moisture levels in an area through the process of transpiration.
- When trees are absent, the moisture levels decrease, and the land becomes drier.
- With prolonged absence of trees, the land can gradually turn into a desert, a process known as desertification.
- Desertification leads to the loss of biodiversity, reduced water availability, and the inability to sustain plant and animal life.
Therefore, cutting down all trees in a forest leads to both erosion of soil and desertification. Therefore, the correct answer is option C: both (a) and (b).

Why cattles should be stopped from overgrazing to conserve forests:
- Overgrazing by cattles can have negative impacts on forests and their biodiversity. It is important to control their grazing activities to maintain a healthy balance.
- Overgrazing can lead to the depletion of grass and other vegetation in the forest area.
- When cattles eat too much grass, it affects the natural regeneration of plant species, leading to a decline in the forest's overall health.
- Overgrazing also damages the soil structure, making it more susceptible to erosion.
- Erosion can result in the loss of fertile topsoil, which further degrades the forest ecosystem.
- Uncontrolled grazing can also lead to the spread of invasive plant species, which can outcompete native vegetation and disrupt the natural balance of the forest.
- By stopping cattles from overgrazing, the forest ecosystem can recover and regenerate naturally, promoting biodiversity and preserving the overall health of the forest.
Conclusion:
Controlling overgrazing by cattles is essential for the conservation of forests and their biodiversity. By preventing overgrazing, we can ensure the long-term sustainability of forests and protect their ecological integrity.

Which one of these is not included in wildlife?

Answer: C - Horse

Explanation:
To determine which one is not included in wildlife, we need to understand the definition of wildlife and the characteristics of each option.
Definition of wildlife:
Wildlife refers to all living organisms in their natural habitat that are not domesticated or cultivated by humans.
Characteristics of each option:
A: Elephant
- Elephants are wild animals that are commonly found in various habitats such as forests, savannahs, and grasslands.
- They are a prominent part of wildlife and are known for their large size and distinctive features.
B: Leopard
- Leopards are wild animals that belong to the cat family and are found in various habitats, including forests, grasslands, and mountains.
- They are known for their spotted coat and are considered a significant part of wildlife.
C: Horse
- Horses are domesticated animals that have been bred and used by humans for various purposes such as transportation, agriculture, and sports.
- They are not considered a part of wildlife because they are not found in their natural habitat and are dependent on human care and management.
D: Lion
- Lions are wild animals that are primarily found in grasslands, savannahs, and open woodlands.
- They are apex predators and play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems, making them an integral part of wildlife.
Conclusion:
Based on the definition of wildlife and the characteristics of each option, it can be concluded that the horse (option C) is not included in wildlife as it is a domesticated animal dependent on human care and management.

Conservation Categories of Wildlife:

A: Extinct

B: Endangered

C: Endemic

D: Vulnerable

Answer: D (Vulnerable)

Explanation:

The given options are conservation categories of wildlife, but the option 'Vulnerable' does not fall under the conservation category of wildlife. Here is a detailed explanation of each category:

Extinct:

• Refers to a species that no longer exists.


• All members of the species have died out.


• There are no surviving individuals.


• Examples include the dodo bird and the Tasmanian tiger.

Endangered:

• Refers to a species that is at risk of becoming extinct.


• The population of the species is critically low.


• They are facing threats such as habitat loss, poaching, or climate change.


• Examples include the Sumatran tiger and the black rhinoceros.

Endemic:

• Refers to a species that is native or restricted to a specific geographic area.


• They are found in a particular region and not found anywhere else.


• Examples include the Galapagos tortoise and the kiwi bird.

Vulnerable:

• Refers to a species that is at risk of becoming endangered.


• The population of the species is declining.


• They are facing threats, but not as severe as endangered species.


• Examples include the African elephant and the giant panda.

Therefore, the correct answer is option D, 'Vulnerable', as it does not belong to the conservation category of wildlife.

Wildlife conservation in natural habitats is done in:
Sanctuaries:
- Sanctuaries are designated areas where wildlife is protected and conserved.
- They provide a safe haven for various species of animals and plants.
- These areas are managed and monitored to ensure the well-being of the wildlife.
National Parks:
- National parks are protected areas of land, typically owned by a national government, where wildlife and their habitats are conserved.
- They are established to preserve the natural environment and biodiversity.
- National parks often have specific regulations and restrictions to protect the wildlife and their habitats.
Biosphere Reserves:
- Biosphere reserves are designated areas that aim to conserve biodiversity while promoting sustainable development.
- They are larger than sanctuaries and national parks and typically include a core area, buffer zone, and transition area.
- Biosphere reserves focus on the conservation of ecosystems, species, and genetic diversity.
All of these:
- Wildlife conservation in natural habitats is done in all of the mentioned options.
- Sanctuaries, national parks, and biosphere reserves all play a crucial role in protecting and conserving wildlife and their habitats.
In conclusion, wildlife conservation in natural habitats is carried out in sanctuaries, national parks, and biosphere reserves. These designated areas provide protection and support for various species, ensuring their survival and promoting biodiversity conservation.

Wildlife in India is diverse because of diverse


There are several reasons why wildlife in India is diverse. The diverse wildlife can be attributed to the following factors:
1. Habitat
- India is home to a wide range of diverse habitats, including forests, grasslands, wetlands, deserts, and coastal areas.
- Each habitat supports different types of flora and fauna, resulting in a rich and varied wildlife population.
2. Species
- India boasts a high number of species, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and marine life.
- The country is known for its iconic and unique wildlife, such as the Bengal Tiger, Indian Elephant, Asiatic Lion, and Indian Rhino.
3. Climate
- India's diverse climate, ranging from tropical in the south to temperate in the north, provides a wide range of ecological conditions.
- Different climate zones support different species and contribute to the overall biodiversity.
4. Cultural Importance
- India has a long history of cultural practices that emphasize the coexistence of humans and wildlife.
- Many species are considered sacred in Indian culture, leading to protection and conservation efforts.
Overall, the diverse wildlife in India is a result of the country's varied habitats, rich species composition, diverse climate, and cultural significance. These factors contribute to the preservation and conservation of the country's unique and precious wildlife.

Explanation:
The correct answer is C: storms. Deforestation refers to the clearing, destroying, or removal of forests or trees. It has various negative impacts on the environment and ecosystems. However, storms are not directly caused by deforestation. Here are detailed explanations of the other options:
A: Desertification:
- Deforestation can contribute to desertification, which is the process of fertile land turning into desert-like conditions.
- Trees play a crucial role in retaining moisture in the soil, and their removal can lead to soil erosion, reduced water retention, and the loss of fertile land.
B: Global warming:
- Deforestation significantly contributes to global warming and climate change.
- Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and act as carbon sinks, helping to regulate the planet's temperature.
- When forests are cleared, the stored carbon is released into the atmosphere, contributing to the greenhouse effect and global warming.
D: Reduction in groundwater:
- Deforestation can lead to a reduction in groundwater levels.
- Trees play a vital role in absorbing and retaining water through their roots, which helps maintain groundwater levels.
- Without trees, rainwater is not efficiently absorbed into the ground, leading to decreased groundwater availability.
In summary, while deforestation can cause desertification, global warming, and a reduction in groundwater, it does not directly cause storms. Storms are natural weather phenomena that occur due to atmospheric conditions and other factors.

Answer:

If all animals disappeared from an area, they are called extinct.

Explanation:

• Extinct: This term is used to describe a species that no longer exists anywhere on Earth.


• Endangered: This term is used to describe a species that is at risk of becoming extinct in the near future.


• Vulnerable: This term is used to describe a species that is at risk of becoming endangered if its population continues to decline.


• Endemic: This term is used to describe a species that is native to a specific geographic area and is not found anywhere else.

In the given scenario, since all animals have disappeared from the area, it means that all species are no longer present there, making them extinct. Therefore, the correct answer is A: extinct.