Test: Conservation of Plants & Animals- 1 - UPSC MCQ

• The removal of top fertile layer of soil is called soil erosion. 
• Soil is a natural resource that may look robust and endless, but is in fact the fragile product of thousands of years of formation.
• Topsoil, which lies closest to the surface of the land, contains essential nutrients for crops. It is this layer of soil that is endangered by wind and water erosion.
• Soil erosion decreases soil fertility, which can negatively affect crop yields.
• It also sends soil-laden water downstream, which can create heavy layers of sediment that prevent streams and rivers from flowing smoothly and can eventually lead to flooding.

Forest fires are one of the natural causes of deforestation. When fires occur in forests, they can destroy trees and vegetation, leading to deforestation.

Desertification is the process by which fertile land becomes desert, typically due to deforestation, soil erosion, and other environmental factors that degrade the soil's quality and reduce its productivity.

The part of earth in which living organisms are found is called biosphere. Biosphere includes lithosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere.

The Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve consists of one national park named Satpura and two wildlife sanctuaries named Bori and Pachmarhi

Biosphere reserve is the largest among various protected areas for plants and animals. Biosphere reserves covers large area and different zone. Wildlife sanctuary and national park are small areas.

Migratory birds fly to distant areas annually due to climatic changes, often to escape harsh weather conditions in their natural habitats and to find more hospitable environments for laying eggs.