Chapter 7 . CONSERVATION OF PLANTS AND ANIMALS

Exercises :

1. Fill in the blanks.
(a) A place where animals are protected in their natural habitat is called............... .
(b) Species found only in a particular area is known as .................... .
(c) Migratory birds fly to far away places because of ............... changes.

Answer : (a) A place where animals are protected in their natural habitat is called a wildlife sanctuary or a nature reserve .

(b) Species found only in a particular area is known as an endemic species .

(c) Migratory birds fly to far away places because of seasonal or climatic changes.

2. Differentiate between the following.
(a) Wildlife sanctuary and biosphere reserve
(b) Zoo and wildlife sanctuary
(c) Endangered and extinct species
(d) Flora and fauna

Answer : (a) Wildlife sanctuary and biosphere reserve :

A wildlife sanctuary is a protected area where animals are provided a safe habitat and are protected from hunting or poaching. It focuses on the conservation of wildlife.

A biosphere reserve, on the other hand, is a larger area that includes not only wildlife but also various ecosystems, human settlements, and sustainable development. It aims to promote conservation, research, education, and sustainable development in the region.

(b) Zoo and wildlife sanctuary :

A zoo is a facility where animals are kept in enclosures for public display and education purposes. The main focus is on exhibiting different species of animals to the public.

A wildlife sanctuary, as mentioned earlier, is a protected area where animals are given a safe habitat and protection. The primary focus is on conservation and protection of wildlife in their natural environment.

(c) Endangered and extinct species :

Endangered species are those species that are at a high risk of becoming extinct in the near future. Their population is declining, and they are facing threats to their survival.

Extinct species are those species that no longer exist. They have completely disappeared from the Earth, and there are no living individuals of that species remaining.

(d) Flora and fauna :

Flora refers to the plant life or vegetation in a particular area or region.

Fauna refers to the animal life or the collective term for all animal species in a particular area or region.

3. Discuss the effects of deforestation on the following.
(a) Wild animals
(b) Environment
(c) Villages (Rural areas)
(d) Cities (Urban areas)
(e) Earth
(f) The next generation

Answer : (a) Wild animals: Deforestation has a significant impact on wild animals. It destroys their natural habitats, leading to loss of shelter, food sources, and breeding grounds. Many species depend on specific forest ecosystems, and deforestation disrupts their ecological balance, causing population decline and even extinction. It also increases the risk of human-wildlife conflicts as animals venture into human settlements in search of resources.

(b) Environment: Deforestation negatively affects the environment in several ways. It contributes to climate change by reducing the absorption of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, by trees. This leads to an increase in global warming. Deforestation also disrupts water cycles, leading to soil erosion, decreased groundwater levels, and altered rainfall patterns. It results in the loss of biodiversity, as many unique plant and animal species depend on forests for survival.

(c) Villages (Rural areas): Deforestation can have adverse effects on villages and rural areas. It disrupts traditional livelihoods that rely on forests, such as gathering forest products, subsistence farming, and hunting. The loss of forest resources affects the local economy and can lead to poverty and food insecurity. Deforestation also increases the risk of natural disasters like floods and landslides, which can devastate rural communities.

(d) Cities (Urban areas): Deforestation indirectly affects cities and urban areas. It can lead to water scarcity and reduced water quality as deforested areas are less able to absorb and retain rainfall. Forests play a crucial role in regulating local climates, and deforestation can contribute to higher temperatures and worsened air pollution in cities. Moreover, the influx of people from deforested rural areas to cities in search of alternative livelihoods can strain urban infrastructure and resources.

(e) Earth: Deforestation has profound implications for the Earth as a whole. Forests play a critical role in maintaining global ecosystems, regulating climate, and preserving biodiversity. Their destruction disrupts the balance of carbon dioxide and oxygen levels, contributes to climate change, and accelerates the loss of biodiversity. It also leads to soil degradation, reduced water availability, and increased vulnerability to natural disasters, ultimately impacting the overall health and stability of the planet.

(f) The next generation: Deforestation poses significant challenges for future generations. It degrades the natural resources that are essential for their well-being, such as clean air, water, and diverse ecosystems. The loss of biodiversity can limit opportunities for scientific research and potential discoveries of new medicines or technologies. Additionally, deforestation's contribution to climate change can lead to more frequent and severe weather events, impacting the quality of life and increasing the burden on future generations to address these issues

4. What will happen if.
(a) we go on cutting trees.
(b) the habitat of an animal is disturbed.
(c) the top layer of soil is exposed.

Answer : (a) If we continue cutting trees without proper management and reforestation efforts, several negative consequences will arise. These include loss of biodiversity, increased carbon dioxide levels leading to climate change, soil erosion, and increased risk of flooding.

(b) When the habitat of an animal is disturbed, it can result in loss of food sources, shelter, displacement, and fragmentation of populations, increasing the risk of extinction and disrupting ecosystems.

(c) Exposing the top layer of soil can lead to soil erosion, reduced water-holding capacity, nutrient depletion, and increased runoff and water pollution, affecting agricultural productivity and ecosystem health.

5. Answer in brief.
(a) Why should we conserve biodiversity?
(b) Protected forests are also not completely safe for wild animals. Why?
(c) Some tribals depend on the jungle. How?
(d) What are the causes and consequences of deforestation?
(e) What is Red Data Book?
(f) What do you understand by the term migration?

Answer : (a) Biodiversity conservation is essential for maintaining ecological balance, sustaining ecosystems, and ensuring the well-being of human societies. Biodiversity provides ecosystem services, supports food and water security, offers potential for scientific and medical discoveries, and holds cultural and aesthetic value.

(b) Protected forests may still face threats such as poaching, habitat loss, and human encroachment due to insufficient resources, inadequate enforcement, or conflicts with human activities.

(c) Tribals rely on the jungle for their livelihood, obtaining food, medicine, shelter, and other forest resources. Their traditional knowledge and sustainable practices contribute to the conservation of biodiversity.

(d) Deforestation is primarily caused by activities like logging, agriculture expansion, and infrastructure development. Consequences include habitat destruction, loss of biodiversity, soil erosion, climate change, water scarcity, and negative impacts on local communities.

(e) The Red Data Book is a compilation of records assessing the conservation status of endangered, threatened, and extinct species. It provides information on population trends, distribution, and threats to assist in conservation planning and management.

(f) Migration refers to the seasonal movement of animals from one place to another. It is driven by factors such as food availability, breeding needs, or climate changes. Animals undertake migration to find suitable habitats or resources, often covering long distances. Migration is observed in various species, including birds, mammals, fish, and insects .

6. In order to meet the ever-increasing demand in factories and for shelter,trees are being continually cut. Is it justified to cut trees for such projects? Discuss and prepare a brief report.

Answer :  Title: Balancing the Demand for Development and Conservation of Trees

Introduction: The continuous cutting of trees to meet the growing demand for factories and shelter raises questions about the justification of such projects. This report aims to discuss the pros and cons of cutting trees for development projects and provide a balanced perspective.

Pros of cutting trees:

Economic growth: Factories and infrastructure projects contribute to economic development, job creation, and improved living standards for people.

Meeting housing needs: Cutting trees for shelter projects helps provide homes for a growing population.

Industrial production: Factories require raw materials for manufacturing goods, and wood from trees can be used as a resource.

Conservation of trees:

Environmental impact: Trees play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance by absorbing carbon dioxide, releasing oxygen, and providing habitats for diverse species. Cutting trees disrupts these ecosystems and contributes to climate change.

Deforestation: Excessive tree cutting leads to deforestation, which reduces biodiversity and threatens the survival of many plant and animal species.

Soil erosion: Trees help prevent soil erosion by holding the soil together with their roots. Cutting trees can lead to increased erosion and loss of fertile soil.

Climate change: Trees act as carbon sinks, absorbing carbon dioxide and mitigating climate change. Their removal contributes to higher levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

Balancing development and conservation:

Sustainable practices: Adopting sustainable development practices can help minimize the impact on trees and ecosystems. This includes reforestation efforts, using alternative building materials, and promoting energy-efficient technologies in factories.

Tree conservation policies: Implementing strict regulations and policies that promote responsible tree cutting, reforestation, and afforestation can help strike a balance between development and conservation.

Public awareness and participation: Educating the public about the importance of trees, promoting conservation initiatives, and encouraging community participation in sustainable development can lead to more conscientious decision-making.

Conclusion: While the demand for factories and shelter is important for economic growth and human well-being, it is crucial to balance development projects with the conservation of trees. Implementing sustainable practices, adopting responsible tree cutting policies, and fostering public awareness can help ensure a harmonious coexistence between development and the preservation of our precious natural resources

7. How can you contribute to the maintenance of green wealth of your locality? Make a list of actions to be taken by you.

Answer :  (i) Plant and nurture trees in available spaces.

(ii) Participate in local tree planting and conservation initiatives.

(iii) Practice responsible waste management, including recycling and composting.

(iv) Promote awareness about the importance of green spaces and biodiversity.

(v) Conserve water by practicing water-saving techniques.

(vi) Support local organic farming and sustainable agriculture.

(vii) Minimize the use of single-use plastics and opt for eco-friendly alternatives.

(viii) Encourage community participation in environmental clean-up drives.

(ix) Advocate for sustainable development practices in local projects.

(x) Educate others about the benefits of preserving the green wealth and inspire them to take action.

8. Explain how deforestation leads to reduced rainfall.

Answer : Deforestation disrupts the water cycle and leads to reduced rainfall. Trees play a crucial role in releasing moisture into the atmosphere through transpiration. Without trees, there is less evaporation and moisture available for condensation, resulting in decreased cloud formation and ultimately reduced rainfall in the affected areas.

9. Find out about national parks in your state. Identify and show their location on the outline map of India.

Answer :

10. Why should paper be saved? Prepare a list of ways by which you can save paper.

Answer : Paper should be saved to reduce deforestation, conserve natural resources, and minimize environmental impact.

Some ways to save paper are :

I. Use digital alternatives for documentation and communication.

II. Print on both sides of the paper.

III. Opt for electronic statements and invoices.

IV. Recycle and reuse paper.

V. Encourage paperless practices in schools, offices, and organizations.

VI. Promote e-books and digital reading materials.

VII. Use cloth towels or hand dryers instead of paper towels.

VIII. Practice responsible paper consumption by only printing when necessary.

IX. Encourage double-sided printing in offices and institutions.

X. Support initiatives that promote sustainable paper production and usage.

11. Complete the word puzzle.
             Down
1. Species on the verge of extinction.
2. A book carrying information about endangered species.
5. Consequence of deforestation.
            Across
1. Species which have vanished.
3. Species found only in a particular habitat.
4. Variety of plants, animals and microorganisms found in an area.

 

Answer :