An Introduction

Plants and animals are the backbone of life on the Earth; it is important
to conserve them and save them from getting extinct, maintaining
their right population that help in enriching the biodiversity or the
richness of flora and fauna worldwide. Deforestation or cutting down
trees is considered as one of the major problems associated with the
conservation of plants and animals. NCERT Class 8 Science chapter
conservation of plants and animals will cover deforestation,
biodiversity, species and different types of species and importance of
conservation of plants and animals. In this article, we have discussed
all of these topics in an easiest manner for better understanding. Let’s
get started!

Human conservation efforts primarily concentrate on two strategies:

preserving the conditions in which plants and animals thrive, and
avoiding the death of the animals and plants themselves. The goal of
conservation is to protect future resources. However, economic
opportunity frequently pushes humans to modify habitats and exploit
plant and animal species, often to the brink of extinction. At times, the
nature of economics clashes with conservation. Because scarcity
makes a resource more desirable to anyone who can still obtain it,
incentives grow as supplies decline.

Possible Ways of Conservation

Here are some possible ways to conserve plants and animals:
1. Plant and Animal Habitats Should be Protected.
While people use animals and plants as resources, their habitat may
also be valuable. Africa is full of examples of forest areas converted to
agriculture, culminating in biodiversity loss. Agriculture and
aquaculture are displacing coastal mangroves all across the world, and
urbanization is also destroying many species' natural habitats. So,
these habitats should be protected.
2. The Amount of Time that Humans Spend on Animals and
Plants Should be Reduced.
As people's living conditions improve in emerging nations, there is a
greater demand for meat production since more customers can buy
meat for eating. This increases the demand for natural resources that
are used to manufacture meat. For example, the grains used to feed
animals in the United States could support 800 million people. As a
result, humans are destroying more natural habitats to meet the need
for meat. Choosing to consume less meat in one's meals would lower
the demands on most of the resources necessary to produce it, from
food to water to space.
3. Market Forces the Animal and Plant Resources to Become
Scarce.
African elephants and rhinos ivories are examples of decreasing animal
resources. When these species become prey to cartel gunmen, their
tusks and horns become increasingly scarce and precious. Buyers
stockpile ivory in the hope of increasing its future value. Rates for
Asian wood products such as rosewood have surged by up to 90% in
the last year. In each case, safeguarding animals and plants resources
necessitates a struggle against market pressures, such as a prohibition
on the sale of ivory and curbs on logging exports.
4. Consider How Solutions Might have Unintended
Consequences.
In the complexities of Earth's natural ecology, a good concept might
have unforeseen repercussions. Hydroelectric dams create power from
the energy of the stream, which sounds good in and of itself because it
decreases the usage of fossil fuels. Dams, on the other hand, obstruct
fish migratory paths. Wind turbines produce power without polluting
the environment, but there is great disagreement regarding how
several birds they kill.

Deforestation
It is the cutting of trees for human benefits. With forest wood, humans
are hugely benefited in various ways including firewood, paper
production, house building, furniture manufacturing, and other
artworks. Here, we will start with the causes and effects of
deforestation (one of the most important factors that make it
necessary to conserve plants and animals).

Causes of Deforestation
Man-made Causes
  Urbanization- Constructing more buildings and houses.
 Mining- Mining activities also lead to deforestation.
 Timber- For obtaining wood, people cut many trees.
 Paper Industry- Paper is obtained from wood and it requires
cutting down a large amount of trees.
 Logging- It is the process of cutting trees, processing them and
loading them into trucks or cars.

Natural Causes

 Forest fires
 Barren Lands
 Hurricanes
 Pests
 Droughts

Effects of Deforestation
1. Decrease in temperature leading to global warming
2. Desertification where lands turn into dry lands or deserts, without
trees and receiving no rainfall.
3. Change in rainfall patterns as trees are useful to maintain the
climatic conditions.
4. Soil erosion leading to washing away of soil layers useful for
plantation.
5. Floods which are natural disasters that may take up many lives.

Biodiversity (Flora and Fauna of an Area)

Conservation of plants and animals topic also covers biodiversity and
the different terms associated with the biodiversity are as follows:

 Species: A group of interbreeding individuals are called species.

 Food Chain: It is a linear sequence of organisms dependent on
each other, starting from producers to consumers to
decomposers.
 Endemic Species: Those species which are found only in a
particular area and cannot be found anywhere else are called
endemic species.
 Ecosystem: All plants, animals, microorganisms, soil, water and
air together constitute an ecosystem that helps the survival of
living organisms. Ecosystem consists of biotic (with life) and
abiotic (without life) factors as mentioned here.
Biodiversity Conservation
It is the flora and fauna of an area and maintaining rich diversity will
help in conservation of plants and animals. Biodiversity is managed or
protected from destruction with the help of the following
establishments:
1. Biosphere Reserve
It allows research and education to zoologists and botanists who are
studying plants and animals. It helps them gain knowledge about
different flora and fauna. An example of biosphere reserve is
Pachmarhi biosphere reserve where Sal trees and Wild Mango are
found as flora and flying squirrel and Cheetal are among fauna found
there.
2. National Park
It is a highly restricted area where no human activity is allowed. It
protects the historic and cultural heritage of the area. For example,
rock shelters and caves were discovered in Satpura National Park
where no human activity is allowed.
3. Wildlife Sanctuaries
It conserves wild animals in their natural habitat and limited human
activity is only allowed here. No one is allowed to perform hunting,
poaching and deforestation.
4. Tiger Reserves
It was launched in 1973 and is especially meant for conserving tigers.
Tiger being a National animal of India is highly taken care of.

Species and Different Kinds of Species

A group of interbreeding individuals are called species.

 Vulnerable Species

Those species that are about to become endangered. Examples:

Giant Panda and Polar Bear.

 Endangered Species

Species that are at a high risk of extinction. Examples: Bonobo

and Blue Whale

 Critically Endangered Species

 Species that are at the highest risk of extinction are critically
endangered species.
Examples: Hawksbill and Orangutan

 Extinct Species

Species which no longer exist are called extinct species.

Examples: Dinosaurs and Dodo.

Importance of Conservation of Plants and Animals

 Conservation of plants and animals is important to protect the
endangered plants and animals along with their habitat.
 A balanced ecosystem can be maintained by conserving living
resources.
 Having conservation methods applied, we can feel glad about the
multitudinous varieties of species present on the Earth.
 It helps in maintaining a healthy and functional environment for
the survival of all organisms.
 It also helps in repairing the damage which is already done to the
environment.

FAQs on Conservation of Plants and Animals

1. What are the different types of Species?

There are different types of species according to their risk of extinction.

These are vulnerable species, endangered species, critically endangered
species and extinct species.

2. How does conservation of plants and animals help in a Healthy

Environment?

3. Why do we need to conserve plants and animals?

4. What are the different ways of the conservation of plants and animals?
5. Where can I learn about the conservation of plants and animals?

1. CHAPTER - 7CONSERVATION OF PLANTS AND ANIMALS

2. 1) Deforestation :- The clearing of forests and using the land for other
purposes is called deforestation. The causes for deforestation are :- i)
Procuring land for cultivation. ii) Building houses and factories. iii) Using
wood as fuel or making furniture etc. The natural causes of deforestation
are forest fires and draught.
3. 2) Consequences of deforestation :- The consequences of deforestation
are :- i) Increase in the temperature and pollution level on the earth. ii)
Increase in the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere leading to global
warming. iii) Lowering of ground water level. iv) Disturbs the balance in
nature. v) Decrease in rainfall leading to draught. vi) Soil erosion and
decrease in soil fertility leading to desertification. vii) Decrease in the water
holding capacity of soil leading to floods.
4. 3) Conservation of forest and wildlife :- Forest and wildlife can be
conserved by setting up areas like Biosphere reserves Wildlife sanctuaries,
National parks, etc. i) Biosphere reserves :-are large areas of protected land
for conservation of biodiversity and the traditional life of the tribals living
there. ii) National parks :- are areas reserved for wildlife where they can
freely use the habitats and natural resources. iii) Wildlife sanctuaries :- are
areas where animals are protected from any disturbance to them or their
habitat.
5. 4) Biosphere Reserve :- i) Biosphere reserves :- are large areas of
protected land for conservation of biodiversity and the traditional life of the
tribals living there. ii) Biodiversity :- is the variety of plants, animals and
microorganisms found in the area. The Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve
consists of a National park called Satpura and two wildlife sanctuaries
called Bori and Pachmarhi.

6. 5) Flora and fauna :- i) Flora :-are the plants found in a particular area. ii)
Fauna :-are the animals found in a particular area. Eg:- The flora of
Pachmarhi consists of sal, teak, wild mango, jamun, silver ferns etc. The
fauna of Pachmarhi consists of wild dog, cheetal, wolf, leopard, blue bull,
barking deer etc.
7. 6) Endemic Species :- Endemic species :-are those species of plants and
animals found only in a particular area and not found anywhere else. Eg:-
sal and wild mango are the endemic flora of Pachmarhi. Bison, Indian giant
squirrel and flying squirrel are the endemic fauna of this area.
8. 7) Wildlife Sanctuary :- Wildlife sanctuaries :-are areas where animals
are protected from any disturbance to them or their habitat. The killing or
capturing of animals in wildlife sanctuary is strictly prohibited.
9. 8) National Park :- National parks :- are areas reserved for wildlife where
they can freely use the habitats and natural resources. Eg:- Satpura
National Park is the first Reserve Forest in India.
 10. 9) Endangered Animals :- Endangered animals:- are those animals
whose numbers are diminishing and might face extinction. Eg:- Tiger is one
of the many animals which are slowly diminishing. To protect the tigers in
our country the government launched the Project Tiger to ensure the
survival of tiger population. Dinosaurs have already become extinct. Red
Data Books are books which keeps a record of all endangered plants and
animals.
11. 10) Ecosystem :- An ecosystem:- consisits of all the plants, animals and
microorganisms living in an area along with the non living components like
climate, water, soil etc.
12. 11) Migration :- Migration :- is the movement of animals from its own
habitat to some other habitat for a particular time period every year due to
climatic changes or for breeding. Birds which fly very long distances to
reach another land are called migratory birds.
13. 12) Recycling of paper :- About seventeen full grown trees are required
to produce one tonne of paper. Paper can be recycled about five to seven
times for use. We should save, reuse and recycle paper to save not only
trees but also to save the energy, water and chemicals used to make
paper.
14. 13) Reforestation :- Reforestation:- is the restocking of destroyed forests
by planting new trees. We should plant at least as many trees as we cut.
We have already caused a lot of damage to our forests. If we have to regain
our green wealth, reforestation is the only option.

h-7 Conservation of plants and animals

1. Fill in the blanks.
(a) A place where animals are protected in their natural habitats is
called_____________.
(b) Species found only in a particular area is known as ____________.
(c) Migratory birds fly to faraway places because of ____________
changes.
Ans. Fill in the blanks.
(a) A place where animals are protected in their natural habitats is
called wildlife sanctuary.
(b) Species found only in a particular area is known as biodiversity.
(c) Migratory birds fly to faraway places because of climate 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
Ans. (a)

(b)

(c)

(d)
3. Discuss the effects of deforestation on the following.
(a) Wild animals
(b) Environment
(c) Villages (rural areas)
(d) Cities
(e) Earth
(f) The next generation
Ans. (a) Wild animals- They won’t get their natural habitat and
surroundings as well as food. They will migrate to another forest.
(b) Environment- Climate changes disturb the environment. Global warming
is caused due to accumulation of carbon dioxide.
(c) Villages- Villagers cannot grow food because of no rain. So, drought
situations will prevails. Villager will move to towns and cities.
(d) Cities- Cities flooded with drought-affected villagers, will affect the
environment. Food-grains will either not available of if available, they will
costlier.
(e) Deforestation leads to change in soil properties. Physical properties of
the soil will get affected badly. The lands will be gradually converted into
desert.

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
Ans. (a) If we go on cutting trees, then following situation will arrive:
(i) The climate change will affect the environment due to global warming
and there will be no rain.
(ii) The soil will become unfertile due to regular flooding of top soil.
(b) If the habitat of an animal is disturbed, the animal may not be in
position of getting its natural habitat as well as food.
(c) Removal of top layer of soil by floods and heavy winds will expose the
lower hard and rocky layers. This soil has less humus and less fertility.
5. Answer in brief.
(a) Why should we conserve biodiversity?
(b) Protected forests are also not completely safe for wild animals.
Why?
(c) Some tribal depends on 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?
Ans. (a) If the biodiversity is not conserved, the life existing on earth, their
interrelationships and their relationship with environment will be disturbed.
(b) It is because despite all these the poachers keep killing or capturing the
animals in these forests. That is why protected forests are also not
completely safe for animals.
(c) Some tribal live in the jungle. Jungle provides them food and protection.
That is why; they are fully dependent upon the forests.
(d) Causes of deforestation-
(i) Procuring land for cultivation.
(ii) Building houses and factories.
(iii) Natural Calamities like flood, drought and forest fire.
Consequence of deforestation-

(i) Global warming.

(ii) Soil erosion
(iii) Melting of ice on poles.
(e) Red Data Book a book which keeps record of all endangered animals
and plants.
(f) Migration is the phenomenon of movements of species from its own
habitat to some other habitat for particular time period every year for
change of climate and for the purpose of breeding.

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?
Ans. Of course, to meet the ever-increasing demand in factories and for
shelter, trees are being continually cut, which not justified at all. If one tree is
cut, a least five trees should be grown so that reforestation process will
remain continuous. But, if trees are cut blindly and no trees are planted then
the earth will face global warming, no rainfall, climate change, soil erosion
and deforestation. So, cutting trees for any reason at all is not justified.

7. How can you contribute to the maintenance of green wealth of your

locality? Make a list of actions to be taken by you.
Ans. For the maintenance of the green wealth of my locality. I will prefer
reforestation in the locality.
I shall start a campaign, along with my friends, to make the people of locality
aware of the importance of trees. Once the people become conscious of the
importance of plants they will be requested to do the following-

(a) Each family should plant at least one tree in the monsoon month.
(b) During summer, they should assure watering of the plants everyday.
(c) On the occasion of birthday, marriage ceremony and other happy
occasions, they should gift their friends and relatives.

8. Explain how deforestation leads to reduced rainfall.

Ans. Deforestation leads to accumulation of in the atmosphere which
results in global warming as traps the heat of the sun rays. The increase
in temperature of earth will disturb the water cycle and reduce rainfall
causing drought in the region.

9. Find out about national parks in your state. Identify and show their
location on the outline map of India.
Ans. There is not any national park in my native state but near about
national park around my locality are
Ranthambore, Bharatpur and Sarika of nearby state of Rajasthan.
10. Why should paper be saved? Prepare a list of ways by which you can
save paper.
Ans. Manufacturing of paper needs trees. By cutting trees, deforestation is
caused. If paper is saved or recycled, so many trees can be saved. To make
one tone of paper 17 full grown trees are to be cut. Therefore, to stop
deforestation, we should save paper. It can be saved by recycling. Paper can
be recycled for 5-7 times and can be used. If everyone who use paper, could
save at least one sheet of paper in a day, we can save many trees in a year.

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 particular habitat.
4. Variety of plants, animals and microorganisms found in an area.
Ans.