Conservation of Plants and Animals

Exercises

Question 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 Wildlife Sanctuary.

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

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

Question 2(a)

Differentiate between 'Wildlife sanctuary' and 'Biosphere reserve'.

Answer

Differences between 'Wildlife sanctuary' and 'Biosphere reserve':

Question 2(b)

Differentiate between 'Zoo' and 'Wildlife sanctuary'.

Answer

Differences between Zoo and Wildlife sanctuary:

Question 2(c)

Differentiate between 'Endangered' and 'Extinct species'.

Answer

Differences between Endangered and Extinct species:

Question 2(d)

Differentiate between 'Flora' and 'Fauna'.

Answer

Differences between Flora and Fauna:

Question 3(a)

Discuss the effects of deforestation on wild animals.

Answer

The effects of deforestation on wild animals are:

1. Deforestation leads to the loss of shelter, food sources, and breeding grounds for wild animals.
2. They are forced to migrate to urban areas in search of food and shelter leading to their clash with humans and exposing them to various threats.
3. Deforestation often results in the death of many wild animals gradually leading to their extinction.

Question 3(b)

Discuss the effects of deforestation on Environment.

Answer

Following are the effects of deforestation on Environment :

1. It increases the temperature and pollution level on the earth.
2. Ground water level gets lowered.
3. Rainfall decreases.
4. Fertility of soil decreases.
5. Higher carbon dioxide results in global warming.

Question 3(c)

Discuss the effects of deforestation on Villages (Rural areas).

Answer

The effects of deforestation on Villages (Rural areas) are:

1. Deforestation results in loss of shelter of wild animals. These animals often enter the nearby villages and pose a threat to villagers.
2. Villagers depend on forest products like wood, honey, resins etc. for their livelihood. Deforestation gives them economical set back.
3. Deforestation causes soil erosion and floods that decrease the fertility of soil hampering agricultural activities in rural areas.

Question 3(d)

Discuss the effects of deforestation on Cities (Urban areas).

Answer

The effects of deforestation on Cities (Urban areas) are:

1. Rise in temperature due to global warming.
2. Reduction in rainfall.
3. Increased pollution.
4. Increased risk of many natural calamities such as floods and droughts.
5. Deteriorating water quality and availability.

Question 3(e)

Discuss the effects of deforestation on Earth.

Answer

The effects of deforestation on Earth are:

1. Climate change: Untimely rainfall, frequent droughts and heat waves are a few effects of climate change.
2. Desertification: Removal of the top layer of the soil exposes the lower, hard and rocky layers. This soil has less humus and is less fertile. Gradually the fertile land gets converted into deserts.
3. Soil erosion: Deforestation leaves the land naked and this causes large scale loss of top fertile layer of soil.
4. Flooding: The barren lands are more susceptible to flooding.
5. Global warming: Destruction of forest results in accumulation of green house gases leading to global warming.

Question 3(f)

Discuss the effects of deforestation on the next generation.

Answer

The effects of deforestation on the next generation will be:

1. The next generation will likely face more extreme weather events, rising temperatures, and other climate-related challenges, impacting their quality of life.
2. The next generation will lose biodiversity we are having today. Many species might go extinct before the next generation has a chance to understand and appreciate them.
3. The next generation will face shortage of essential natural resources like wood, clean water, and medicinal plants.
4. Increased pollution will affect air and water quality, leading to respiratory problems, waterborne diseases, and other health concerns for the next generation.
5. Climatic changes and extinction of animals will lead to food scarcity for the next generation.

Question 4(a)

What will happen if we go on cutting trees.

Answer

If we go on cutting trees, rainfall and the fertility of the soil will decrease. Moreover, there will be increased chances of natural calamities such as floods and droughts. Global warming will increase with increase in carbon dioxide. Deforestation will lead to desertification of the land. Deforestation also leads to a decrease in the water holding capacity of the soil. The movement of water from the soil surface into the ground (infiltration rate) is reduced. The other properties of the soil like nutrient content, texture etc., also change due to cutting of trees.

Question 4(b)

What will happen if the habitat of an animal is disturbed.

Answer

Disturbing the habitat of an animal disrupts its shelter, food sources, and breeding grounds. The animal may migrate to urban areas, increasing conflicts with humans and exposing them to threats. Over time, this disturbance can contribute to a decline in the animal population, potentially leading to extinction.

Question 4(c)

What will happen if the top layer of soil is exposed.

Answer

The top layer of soil if exposed will get eroded. The erosion will expose the lower, hard and rocky layers that have less humus and are less fertile. Gradually the fertile land will get converted into desert resulting in desertification.

Question 5(a)

Why should we conserve biodiversity?

Answer

Biological diversity or biodiversity, refers to the variety of organisms existing on the earth, their interrelationships and their relationship with the environment. If biodiversity is not conserved it may lead to an imbalance in the ecosystem. It may also lead to permanent loss of different species of plants and animals. Therefore, it is important to conserve biodiversity.

Question 5(b)

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

Answer

Protected forests are also not completely safe for wild animals because people living in the neighbourhood use resources from the forest for their own needs. This can lead to wild animals being killed and sold for money, putting them in danger even in areas meant to be safe for them.

Question 5(c)

Some tribals depend on the jungle. How?

Answer

Tribals depend on the jungle for their livelihoods by engaging in activities such as hunting, gathering, and collecting forest resources. They rely on the forest for food, medicine, shelter, and materials for crafting tools and goods. The jungle is integral to their cultural practices and sustains their traditional way of life.

Question 5(d)

What are the causes and consequences of deforestation?

Answer

Causes of deforestation :

1. Procuring land for cultivation.
2. Building houses and factories.
3. Making furniture or using wood as fuel.
4. Forest fires
5. Severe droughts

Consequences of deforestation:

1. Disturbance in biodiversity
2. Global warming
3. Climate change
4. Floods and droughts
5. Desertification of soil
6. Soil erosion

Question 5(e)

What is Red Data Book?

Answer

Red Data Book is the source book which keeps a record of all the endangered animals and plants. Red Data Book is maintained internationally by an organisation. India also maintains Red Data Book for plants and animals found in India.

Question 5(f)

What do you understand by the term migration?

Answer

Migration is the phenomenon of movement of a species from its own habitat to some other habitat for a particular time period every year for a specific purpose like breeding.

Question 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

Below is a brief report on this topic:

The Justifiability of Tree Cutting for Industrial and Development Projects

Introduction

The ever increasing demand for raw materials, fuel, and land for industrial and development projects has led to widespread tree cutting. While economic progress and infrastructure development are crucial for societal growth, the justification of cutting trees for such projects requires careful consideration of environmental, social, and economic factors.

Environmental Impact

1. Biodiversity Loss — Cutting of trees results in habitat destruction, leading to a decline in biodiversity as many species rely on forests for survival.
2. Climate Change — Trees play a vital role in absorbing carbon dioxide. Cutting of trees contributes to increased greenhouse gas levels, leading to climate change.

Social Impact

1. Displacement of Indigenous Communities — Tree cutting often displaces indigenous communities who depend on forests for their homes and livelihoods.
2. Health Concerns — Deforestation can lead to air and water pollution, affecting the health of nearby communities.

Economic Impact

1. Short-term Gains vs. Long-term Losses — While tree cutting may provide short-term economic benefits, the long-term impact on ecosystems, water resources, and climate stability can lead to economic challenges.

Sustainable Alternatives

1. Reforestation — Implementing reforestation projects can help offset the environmental impact and promote sustainable resource management.
2. Green Infrastructure — Incorporating eco-friendly practices and using alternative materials can reduce the need for extensive tree cutting.

Conclusion

While industrial and development projects are essential for progress, a balance must be struck to ensure sustainability. Implementing environmentally conscious practices, prioritizing reforestation efforts, and incorporating green infrastructure can mitigate the adverse effects of tree cutting. It is crucial for decision-makers to consider the long-term consequences and explore sustainable alternatives to achieve a harmonious coexistence between development and environmental conservation.

Question 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

We can contribute to the maintenance of green wealth of our locality by participating in following actions:

1. Planting Trees — Participating in tree planting initiatives in our community in order to make our locality greener.
2. Conserve Water — We can practice water conservation techniques such as fixing leaks, using water-efficient appliances, and collecting rainwater for irrigation to support healthy plant growth.
3. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle — We can minimize waste generation by reducing consumption, reusing materials, and recycling whenever possible to lessen the burden on landfills and reduce environmental impact.
4. Reduce Energy Consumption — Simple habit of switching off lights, fans and other appliances when not in use can help to conserve a lot of energy.
5. Creating awareness — Educating and creating awareness regarding environment will help us to minimize environmental damage.

Question 8

Explain how deforestation leads to reduced rainfall.

Answer

Trees and plants help maintain the water cycle on Earth. Their roots absorb water from the Earth. This absorbed water goes back into the atmosphere through transpiration from leaves. When trees are cut down, the significant reduction in transpiration decreases the amount of water vapour released into the atmosphere leading to reduced rainfall. Deforestation also reduces cloud formation that reduces rainfall.

Question 9

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

Answer

Locations of national parks are marked on the outline map of India below:

Question 10

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

Answer

Production of paper requires cutting of trees. It takes 17 full grown trees to make one tonne of paper. By saving paper we can save trees from being cut. Therefore, we should save paper.

Ways of saving paper are:

1. Using digital technology to reduce the need for printing documents.
2. Print only when necessary, and avoid unnecessary printing of documents.
3. Using both sides of paper.
4. Reuse paper.
5. Recycle paper.

Question 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

The solution of word puzzle is given below:

Down
1. ENDANGERED
2. RED DATA BOOK
5. DESERTS

Across
1. EXTINCT
3. ENDEMIC
4. BIODIVERSITY