Chapter: Conservation of Plants and Animals

Exercise Question and Answers solve

1. Fill in the blanks

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

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

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

2. Di erentiate between the following:

(a) Wildlife Sanctuary and Biosphere Reserve

1. Wildlife Sanctuary:

 Focus and Scope: These are specific protected areas where animals are kept
safe from any disturbance to themselves or their habitat. The primary goal is the
protection of wild animals in their natural environment.

 Human Activity: People living within a wildlife sanctuary are permitted to carry
out certain limited activities. These include grazing livestock, collecting
medicinal plants, and gathering firewood for personal use.

2. Biosphere Reserve:

 Focus and Scope: These are large areas of protected land intended for the
conservation of biodiversity (plants, animals, and microorganisms) and the
maintenance of the local culture. They are unique because a biosphere reserve
can actually contain other protected areas within it, such as national parks or
sanctuaries.

 Human Activity: Unlike sanctuaries, biosphere reserves specifically aim to

protect the traditional life of the tribals living in that area alongside the wildlife.
(b) Zoo and Wildlife Sanctuary

1. Zoo:

 Setting: A zoo is an artificial setting where animals are kept for public view and
protection.

 Living Conditions: Animals in zoos do not live in their natural habitat; they are
provided with man-made conditions which may or may not be as suitable or
comfortable as the wild.

2. Wildlife Sanctuary:

 Setting: In a sanctuary, animals are protected within their natural habitat.

 Living Conditions: These areas provide broad-level landscapes like forests or

bushlands where animals can live freely and naturally without being confined to
artificial enclosures.

(c) Endangered and Extinct Species

1. Endangered Species:

 Definition: These are animals whose numbers are diminishing to a level that
they might face the danger of vanishing from the earth.

 Examples: Examples of endangered animals include the tiger, wild bu alo, and
barasingha. Records of these species are kept in the Red Data Book.

2. Extinct Species:

 Definition: These are species that have already vanished completely from the
earth and no longer exist.

 Examples: The most common example provided is the dinosaurs, which

became extinct a long time ago.
(d) Flora and Fauna

1. Flora:

 Definition: Flora refers specifically to the plants that are naturally found in a
particular area.

 Examples (Pachmarhi): Examples from the Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve

include sal, teak, mango, jamun, silver ferns, and arjun.

2. Fauna:

 Definition: Fauna refers to the animals that typically belong to and live in a
particular area.

 Examples (Pachmarhi): Examples include chinkara, blue-bull, barking deer,

cheetal, leopard, wild dog, and wolf.

3. Discuss the e ects of Deforestation on the following:

(a) Wild Animals

1. Habitat Destruction: Deforestation involves the clearing of forests, which serves as the

natural home for countless species.

2. Survival Threat: When their habitat is destroyed, animals lose their source of food and

protection.

3. Extinction Risk: Disturbance in their natural habitat makes survival di icult, leading

many species to become endangered—meaning their numbers diminish to a level

where they might face extinction.

4. Ecosystem Imbalance: The loss of even small animals like snakes or frogs disrupts

food chains and food webs, harming the entire ecosystem.

(b) Environment

1. Atmospheric Pollution: Deforestation increases the temperature and pollution levels

on the earth.

2. Global Warming: Plants use carbon dioxide for photosynthesis; fewer trees mean more

CO_2 remains in the atmosphere. Since carbon dioxide traps heat rays reflected by the
earth, this leads to global warming.

3. Water Cycle Disruption: Increased temperatures disturb the natural water cycle, which

can lead to a significant reduction in rainfall.

(c) Villages (Rural Areas)

1. Soil Erosion: Forests prevent soil erosion; without trees, the top layer of soil is easily

removed, exposing the hard and rocky lower layers.

2. Reduced Fertility: The exposed soil has less humus and is much less fertile, which

directly impacts the agricultural yield for rural communities.

3. Natural Calamities: Villages face a higher risk of floods because the water-holding

capacity of the soil decreases and the infiltration rate of water into the ground is
reduced.

(d) Cities (Urban Areas)

1. Climate Instability: The global warming caused by $CO_2$ accumulation a ects cities

through increased temperatures and unpredictable weather patterns.

2. Resource Shortage: Cities depend on forests for products like wood, paper, and

medicinal plants; continued cutting will lead to a severe shortage of these essential
goods.

3. Flood Risk: Urban areas are not immune to the increased chances of natural calamities

like floods caused by the disturbed water balance in the surrounding environment.
(e) Earth

1. Desertification: Gradually, fertile land is converted into deserts due to the loss of

topsoil and humus, a process known as desertification.

2. Lowered Water Table: Deforestation causes the groundwater level to get lowered,

depleting the earth's vital water reserves.

3. Loss of Biodiversity: The earth loses its "green wealth" and the vast variety of organisms

(biodiversity) that are essential for the well-being and survival of mankind.

(f) The Next Generation

1. Environmental Degradation: Future generations will inherit a planet with an

imbalanced nature, characterized by frequent floods, droughts, and extreme

temperatures.

2. Resource Depletion: If we do not retain our green wealth through reforestation, the next

generation will lack the forest products and natural beauty we enjoy today.

3. Health Hazards: Increased pollution levels and the loss of medicinal plants will create

a more inhospitable and less healthy world for those who follow us

4. What will happen if...

(a) We go on cutting trees

If the continuous cutting of trees (deforestation) persists, the following consequences will
occur:

1. Atmospheric Imbalance: The level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere will increase

because fewer trees will be available to use it for photosynthesis.

2. Global Warming: Since carbon dioxide traps heat rays reflected by the earth, its

increased concentration will lead to a rise in global temperatures.

3. Water Cycle Disruption: The increase in temperature on earth will disturb the natural

water cycle, which can significantly reduce rainfall.

 4. Natural Calamities: There will be a much higher chance of severe droughts due to

reduced rainfall and frequent floods caused by the soil's inability to absorb water.

5. Loss of Resources: We will face a critical shortage of essential forest products like

wood, paper, and medicinal plants.

6. Soil Degradation: The fertility of the soil will decrease, and its physical properties will

change drastically.

(b) The habitat of an animal is disturbed

When the natural living conditions and environment (habitat) of an animal are interfered with:

1. Threat to Survival: Survival becomes extremely di icult because animals are most

comfortable and happy in their own specific habitat.

2. Population Decline: Animals whose numbers diminish because they can no longer find

food or safety in their disturbed habitat become "endangered".

3. Risk of Extinction: Continuous disturbance may lead to the total disappearance of a

species, making it "extinct," similar to what happened to dinosaurs.

4. Endangerment of Endemic Species: For species found only in specific areas (endemic

species), habitat destruction is a major factor that can vanish them entirely.

5. Ecosystem Disruption: Since all animals play a role in food chains and food webs,

disturbing one habitat a ects the entire ecosystem and ultimately harms humans.

(c) The top layer of soil is exposed

Exposing the top layer of soil through the removal of vegetation leads to:

1. Soil Erosion: Trees prevent soil from being washed or blown away; without them, the

fertile top layer is easily removed.

2. Exposure of Rocky Layers: Removal of the topsoil reveals the lower, hard, and rocky

layers of the earth.

3. Loss of Humus and Fertility: The lower layers contain much less humus and are

significantly less fertile than the topsoil.

 4. Desertification: Over time, fertile land that has lost its nutrients and topsoil gets

converted into barren deserts, a process known as desertification.

5. Reduced Infiltration: The movement of water from the surface into the ground

(infiltration rate) is reduced, leading to water collecting on the surface and causing
floods.

5. Answer in brief

(a) Why should we conserve biodiversity?

1. Essential for Survival: A great variety of plants and animals exist on earth, and they are

essential for the well-being and survival of mankind.

2. Ecological Balance: Biodiversity refers to the variety of organisms and their

interrelationships with each other and the environment. Conserving it ensures that
these natural relationships and the balance in nature are not disturbed.

3. Ecosystem Roles: Every organism, including small ones like snakes, frogs, and insects,

plays a vital role in food chains and food webs.

4. National Heritage: Preserving areas of high biological importance, such as biosphere

reserves, makes them part of our national heritage.

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

1. Neighbourhood Encroachment: It is a pity that even protected forests are not entirely

safe because people living in the neighbourhood often encroach upon these lands.

2. Illegal Activities: Despite being protected, these areas are sometimes destroyed by

individuals for resources or space.

3. Illegal Hunting: Animals in these areas still face threats from poaching (illegal killing) or

capturing, even though such activities are strictly prohibited and punishable by law.

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

1. Traditional Life: Many tribals live within protected areas like biosphere reserves and

continue to practice a traditional way of life.

 2. Basic Needs: They depend on the forest to meet their basic needs.

3. Permitted Resource Collection: In areas like wildlife sanctuaries, people (including

tribals) are allowed to perform certain activities like grazing livestock and collecting
medicinal plants or firewood.

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

Major Causes:

1. Man-made Causes: These include procuring land for cultivation, building houses and

factories, and making furniture or using wood as fuel.

2. Natural Causes: Forest fires and severe droughts are significant natural factors that

lead to the loss of forests.

Major Consequences:

1. Global Warming: Deforestation increases the level of carbon dioxide in the

atmosphere, which traps heat rays reflected by the earth, leading to global warming.

2. Soil Changes: It leads to soil erosion and desertification, where fertile land is gradually

converted into deserts.

3. Water Cycle Disruption: The increase in earth's temperature disturbs the water cycle,

reduces rainfall, and reduces the infiltration rate of water into the ground, leading to
floods and droughts.

4. Groundwater Depletion: Ground water levels get lowered as a result of clearing forest

cover.

(e) What is Red Data Book?

1. Record Source: The Red Data Book is the o icial source book that keeps a record of all

endangered animals and plants.

2. International Maintenance: It is maintained internationally by an organization.

3. National Records: Countries like India also maintain their own Red Data Books

specifically for plants and animals found within their borders.

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

1. Definition: Migration is the phenomenon where a species moves from its own habitat to

another habitat for a specific period every year.

2. Purpose: The primary reason for this movement is often for a specific purpose like

breeding (laying eggs).

3. Environmental Triggers: Species migrate because climatic changes make their natural

habitat very cold and inhospitable during certain times of the year.

4. Long-Distance Travel: Migratory birds are known to cover very long distances to reach

di erent lands.

Here are the expanded, scientifically detailed answers to the exercise questions from the
NCERT textbook, incorporating all the biological and environmental principles discussed in the
chapter.

Question 6: The Justification of Deforestation

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: The continuous cutting of trees for industrial or residential expansion is not
scientifically or ethically justified because it causes an irreversible imbalance in nature. While
humans require shelter and economic development, forests are essential for the well-being and
very survival of mankind.

1. Atmospheric Instability: Trees are the primary consumers of carbon dioxide ($CO_2$)

for photosynthesis. Fewer trees lead to a surplus of $CO_2$, which traps heat and
cause global warming.

2. Disruption of the Water Cycle: Increased global temperatures disturb the natural water

cycle, leading to reduced rainfall and potential droughts.

 3. Loss of Biodiversity: Deforestation destroys the natural habitats of countless species,

pushing many toward being endangered or extinct.

4. Soil Degradation: Without tree roots to bind it, topsoil is easily eroded, leading to a loss

of fertility and eventually desertification.

5. Impact on Human Life: Deforestation lowers groundwater levels and increases the

frequency of natural calamities like floods.

Question 7: Maintenance of "Green Wealth"

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

Answer: "Green wealth" refers to the biodiversity and ecosystem health of a specific area. As a
student, you can contribute through the following scientific and practical measures:

1. Reforestation: Restock destroyed local patches by planting new trees. It is crucial to

plant species that were originally native to that forest or area to maintain the ecological
balance.

2. Natural Regeneration: Identify local areas that are struggling and leave them

undisturbed. This allows the area to re-establish itself through natural reforestation
without human intervention.

3. Resource Conservation (Paper): Since it takes 17 full-grown trees to produce one

tonne of paper, saving even a single sheet a day can save many trees annually.

4. Protecting Local Fauna: Understand that animals are only comfortable and happy in

their own natural habitats. Avoid disturbing local wildlife and discourage activities like
hunting or poaching.

5. Awareness and Advocacy: Inform others about endemic species (those found only in

your specific area) and the importance of preserving their unique habitats.
Question 8: Explain how deforestation leads to reduced rainfall.

Answer: The relationship between forests and rainfall is governed by the chemical balance of
the atmosphere and the physical properties of the water cycle.

1. Reduced Photosynthesis: Plants require carbon dioxide for photosynthesis. Fewer

trees mean less $CO_2$ is used up by the forest.

2. Increased Greenhouse E ect: The resulting increase in atmospheric $CO_2$ leads to

global warming because $CO_2$ traps the heat rays reflected by the Earth.

3. Water Cycle Disruption: The rise in Earth's temperature disrupts the natural water
cycle.

4. Lower Precipitation: This disruption leads to a significant reduction in rainfall, which

can ultimately cause severe droughts.

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

Answer: Saving paper is a direct method of preventing deforestation and reducing industrial
pollution.

Why it must be saved:

1. Tree Preservation: One tonne of paper requires the felling of 17 full-grown trees.

2. Resource E iciency: Producing paper requires vast amounts of energy and water.

3. Chemical Reduction: The paper manufacturing process uses many harmful chemicals;

using less paper reduces this toxic output.

Ways to save paper:

1. Recycling: Paper can be recycled 5 to 7 times for various uses.

2. Reuse: Utilize both sides of every sheet of paper and repurpose old notebooks.

3. Personal Responsibility: Commit to saving at least one sheet of paper every day to

contribute to a cumulative positive impact.

Question 11: Complete the word puzzle.

Down:

1. ENDANGERED: Species whose numbers are diminishing to a level where they might
face extinction.

2. RED DATA BOOK: The source book that keeps a record of all endangered animals and
plants.

3. DROUGHTS: A consequence of deforestation caused by increased temperatures and a

disturbed water cycle.

Across:

1. EXTINCT: Species that have vanished from the Earth completely, like dinosaurs.

2. ENDEMIC: Species of plants and animals found exclusively in a particular area and not
naturally found anywhere else.

3. BIODIVERSITY: The variety of organisms existing on the earth and their relationship with
the environment.