NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Science Chapter 5 Conservation of Plants and Animals

NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Science Chapter 5

Chapter 5 Science Class 8, Conservation of Plants and Animals, explains why forests and wildlife need protection. The chapter covers the effects of deforestation, conservation of biodiversity, protected areas, endangered species, migration, and reforestation.

Below are the NCERT questions and answers for Class 8 Science Chapter 5 in a clear format for revision.

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Conservation of Plants and Animals Class 8 Questions and Answers

1. Fill in the blanks

(a) A place where animals are protected in their natural habitat is called a __________.

Answer: A place where animals are protected in their natural habitat is called a wildlife sanctuary.

(b) Species found only in a particular area are known as __________.

Answer: Species found only in a particular area are known as endemic species.

(c) Migratory birds fly to faraway places because of __________ changes.

Answer: Migratory birds fly to faraway places because of climatic changes.

2. Differentiate between the following

(a) Wildlife Sanctuary and Biosphere Reserve

Wildlife Sanctuary	Biosphere Reserve
It is an area where wild animals are protected from hunting and other threats.	It is a larger protected area aimed at conserving biodiversity and ecosystems.
Protection focuses strongly on wildlife and their habitats.	It can include plants, animals, microorganisms, and local communities.
Example: Gir Wildlife Sanctuary.	Example: Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve.

(b) Zoo and Wildlife Sanctuary

Zoo	Wildlife Sanctuary
Animals are kept in controlled or artificially created enclosures.	Wild animals are protected in their natural habitats.
Animals are maintained mainly for conservation, education, research, or public viewing.	The natural habitat of wildlife is protected from threats such as hunting.
It is not the animal's natural habitat.	It provides protection within the animal's natural habitat.

(c) Endangered and Extinct Species

Endangered Species	Extinct Species
Species that face a high risk of extinction are called endangered species.	Species that no longer exist anywhere are called extinct species.
Their populations have declined to a level that requires conservation efforts.	No living individuals of the species remain.
Example: Bengal tiger.	Example: Dodo.

(d) Flora and Fauna

Flora	Fauna
Flora refers to the plant life of a particular region.	Fauna refers to the animal life of a particular region.
Examples include trees, shrubs, and other plants.	Examples include mammals, birds, reptiles, and other animals.

Also, check: NCERT Solutions Class 8 Science Chapter 1 Crop Production

3. Discuss the effects of deforestation on the following

(a) Wild Animals

Deforestation destroys or reduces the natural habitats of wild animals. Animals may lose their food, shelter, and breeding areas. This can reduce wildlife populations and increase the risk of species becoming endangered.

(b) Environment

Deforestation reduces vegetation and can disturb the balance of ecosystems. It can contribute to increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, soil erosion, changes in the water cycle, and changes in rainfall patterns.

(c) Villages and Rural Areas

Trees help hold soil together through their roots. When forests are removed, soil erosion can increase. The loss of fertile topsoil can reduce soil productivity and affect people who depend on forests and agriculture.

(d) Cities and Urban Areas

Deforestation can affect the local water cycle and increase environmental problems such as soil erosion and water-related risks. Loss of vegetation can also reduce natural green cover around urban areas.

Students can explore more science concepts about plants, animals, biodiversity, and the environment through interactive learning resources on CuriousJr.

(e) Earth

Large-scale deforestation can contribute to soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, increased carbon dioxide levels, and changes in the water cycle. These changes can affect ecosystems and the climate.

(f) The Next Generation

Continued deforestation can leave future generations with fewer forests, reduced biodiversity, degraded soil, and disturbed ecosystems. Conserving forests today helps protect natural resources for the future.

4. What will happen if

(a) We go on cutting trees?

If trees continue to be cut at a large scale, many animals will lose their natural habitats. Deforestation can also increase soil erosion, reduce biodiversity, disturb the water cycle, and contribute to increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

(b) The habitat of an animal is disturbed?

When an animal's habitat is disturbed, it may lose access to food, water, shelter, and breeding areas. The animal may have to move to another location, which can affect its survival.

(c) The top layer of soil is exposed?

The top layer of soil contains humus and is important for plant growth. When it is exposed, wind and water can cause soil erosion. Continued loss of topsoil can reduce soil fertility and make the land less suitable for growing plants.

Also, check: NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Science Chapter 3 Combustion and Flame

5. Answer in brief

(a) Why should we conserve biodiversity?

Biodiversity includes the variety of plants, animals, and other living organisms in an area. Different organisms depend on one another in an ecosystem. Conserving biodiversity helps maintain ecological balance and protects species and their habitats.

(b) Protected forests are also not completely safe for wild animals. Why?

Protected forests may still face threats such as illegal hunting, poaching, and other human activities. Such activities can harm wild animals even when their habitats are legally protected.

(c) Some tribals depend on the jungle. How?

Many tribal communities depend on forests for resources such as food, fuel, fodder, medicines, and materials for their daily needs. Forests are also closely connected with their traditional livelihoods and ways of life.

(d) What are the causes and consequences of deforestation?

Deforestation can occur because forests are cleared for agriculture, settlements, industries, roads, and other human activities. Excessive cutting of trees can lead to habitat loss, soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, changes in the water cycle, and increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

(e) What is the Red Data Book?

The Red Data Book is a record of threatened species of plants and animals. It provides information about species that are at risk and need conservation attention.

(f) What do you understand by the term migration?

Migration is the movement of animals from one region to another at particular times of the year. Birds may migrate because of changes in climate, availability of food, or suitable conditions for breeding.

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

Answer: Students should identify a national park in their own state and mark its location on an outline map of India.

For example, Periyar National Park is located in Kerala.

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

Answer: Paper is made from plant-based raw materials, so reducing unnecessary paper use can help reduce pressure on forest resources. Saving and recycling paper are simple ways to support conservation.

Ways to save paper include:

• Reuse paper whenever possible.

• Write on both sides of a sheet.

• Recycle used paper.

• Avoid unnecessary printing.

• Use digital documents when appropriate.

• Spread awareness about responsible paper use.

Conservation of Plants and Animals Class 8 Notes

The following key points provide a quick revision of Conservation of Plants and Animals Class 8:

• Deforestation: Large-scale removal of forests can cause habitat loss, soil erosion, and biodiversity loss.

• Biodiversity: The variety of living organisms found in an area.

• Wildlife Sanctuary: A protected area where wild animals and their habitats are conserved.

• National Park: A protected area established to conserve wildlife, plants, and natural ecosystems.

• Biosphere Reserve: A large protected area created to conserve biodiversity and ecosystems.

• Endangered Species: Species facing a high risk of extinction.

• Extinct Species: Species that no longer exist.

• Flora: Plant life of a region.

• Fauna: Animal life of a region.

• Endemic Species: Species naturally found only in a particular geographical area.

• Migration: Seasonal or periodic movement of animals from one region to another.

• Reforestation: Replanting trees in areas where forests have been destroyed or reduced.

Short Questions and Answers

What is biodiversity?

Biodiversity refers to the variety of living organisms, including plants, animals, and microorganisms, found in an area.

What is deforestation?

Deforestation is the large-scale removal of trees and forest vegetation from an area.

What are endemic species?

Endemic species are species that are naturally found only in a particular geographical area.

What is reforestation?

Reforestation is the process of restoring forests by planting trees in areas where forests have been destroyed or reduced.

What is an endangered species?

An endangered species is a species that faces a high risk of extinction.

Extra Questions and Answers

Why are wildlife sanctuaries important?

Wildlife sanctuaries protect wild animals and their habitats from threats such as hunting and other harmful human activities.

What is the difference between endangered and extinct species?

Endangered species still exist but face a high risk of extinction, whereas extinct species no longer exist anywhere.

Why is reforestation important?

Reforestation helps restore tree cover and can support the recovery of habitats, soil, and ecosystems in areas where forests have been lost.

Why do some animals migrate?

Animals may migrate because of seasonal changes, food availability, breeding needs, or unsuitable environmental conditions.

How does deforestation affect soil?

Without tree roots and vegetation to help hold soil in place, wind and water can increase soil erosion and remove fertile topsoil.

Quick Revision of Class 8 Science Chapter 5

Conservation of Plants and Animals focuses on protecting forests, wildlife, and biodiversity.

Remember these key terms:

Deforestation → Habitat loss → Biodiversity loss

Wildlife Sanctuary → Protection of wildlife

National Park → Protection of natural ecosystems

Biosphere Reserve → Conservation of biodiversity

Endemic → Found naturally in a particular area

Endangered → At risk of extinction

Extinct → No longer exists

Flora → Plants

Fauna → Animals

Migration → Movement from one region to another

Reforestation → Restoration of forest cover