conservation of plants and animals class 8 notes pdf

CONSERVATION OF
PLANTS AND ANIMALS
5.1
5.2
5.3
5.4
5.5
5.6
5.7
Biodiversity
Deforestation
Forest conservation
and management
Hunting of animals
Migration
Wildlife
Legal provisions for
biodiversity
conservation
5.1 BIODIVERSITY
All the plants of an area together constitute flora of that area while
animals and microorganisms together are referred as fauna. The flora
and fauna together constitutes the biodiversity of that area.
The biodiversity of an area is affected by increased human activities
which in turn influence climatic conditions and rainfall patterns. Such
changes affect adversely the biodiversity in return.
The term ‘biodiversity’ was coined by Edward Wilson in 1992 which is
defined as “the variety of life forms found on our planet in a particular
area”. Biodiversity is used to describe the number, variety and
variability of living organisms of a particular region on earth.
Nearly 1.75 million species of organisms are estimated to inhabit earth
that represents global biodiversity. The variation in species is primarily
due to different climatic patterns which cannot be replicated artificially.
Biodiversity in India
India has a rich and varied biodiversity because of a variety of habitat
such as desert, grassland, tropical and temperate forests, coastal wetlands
and alpine vegetation. It constitutes more than 50% of total plant and
animal species found on earth. Hence, India comes amongst the twelve
megabiodiversity nations. It has 2.4% of world’s land area but
contributes 8% of the total global biodiversity.
Megabiodiversity nations are very rich in plant and animal species. Some
examples of megadiversity nations include India, Brazil, Columbia,
Mexico, Indonesia, Philippines, China and Australia. Hotspots are those
specific regions of megabiodiversity nations which have large number of
endemic species. Western Ghats and Eastern Himalayas have been
designated as two of the world’s top 25 hotspots of the global
biodiversity.
Significance of biodiversity conservation
 Maintains balance among ecosystems
 Wild animals and plants provide a variety of commodities. Wildlife is
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required for breeding programmes in agriculture, horticulture, sericulture, apiculture etc.
 Humans being a part of nature and all the components are interdependent, any damage to biodiversity
will threaten the whole support system and is a threat to human existence.
Threats to biodiversity
 Loss of habitat due to enhanced human population – increasing population uses more and more land to
satisfy agriculture, housing, road building, constructing dam, bridges, powerhouses and industries.
 Deforestation and overgrazing – irresponsible cutting of trees and increased population of cattle cause
reduction in grasslands and loss of habitat of wild animals.
 Pollution – enhanced use of insecticides in agriculture, toxic elements released from industries and
petroleum products, etc. affect air and water adversely.
 Introduction of exotic species – species introduced in a new locality (exotic species) compete with the
existing species by using their habitat and this affect the native species to extinction.
 Climatic changes – human activities causes change in temperature and rainfall pattern which ultimately
affect the biodiversity.
 Human greed – international trade in wildlife and wildlife products threaten the existence of wild
animals like cheetah, bears, elephants, tiger, etc.
5.2 DEFORESTATION
Deforestation is the conversion of forest to an alternative permanent non-forested land use such as
agriculture, grazing or urban development. Deforestation is primarily a concern for the developing
countries of the tropics.
Throughout the world the forest has been reduced from 7000 million hectares in 1900 to 2370 million
hectares by the end of 20th century. Four fifths of the earth’s forest have already been cleared or
fragmented. The average rate of clearance of forest is 16 million hectares per year. The first recorded
instances of deforestation occurred more than two thousand years ago in the areas surrounding the
Mediterranean sea, as wood was increasingly in demand for fuel, building material and ship buildings.
Tropical deforestation is serious problem as forests in the regions do not regenerate easily and the rich
biodiversity, created over eons, can be permanently lost in a matter of years.
5.2.1 Causes of deforestation
A. Expansion of farming lands - agricultural land expansion is generally viewed as the main source of
deforestation contributing around 60 per cent of total tropical deforestation. Shifting agriculture also
called slash and burn agriculture is the clearing of forested land for raising or growing the crops until the
soil is exhausted of nutrients and or the site is overtaken by weeds and then moving on to clear more
forest. It is been often reported as the main agent of deforestation.
B. Logging and fuelwood - Logging does not necessarily cause deforestation. However, logging can
seriously degrade forests. Logging in Southeast Asia is more intensive and can be quite destructive.
However, logging provides access roads to follow-on settlers and log scales can help finance the cost of
clearing remaining trees and preparing land for planting of crops or pasture. Logging thus catalyzes
deforestation. Fuelwood gathering is often concentrated in tropical dry forests and degraded forest areas.
Fuelwood is not usually the major cause of deforestation in the humid tropics although it can be in some
populated regions whereas in the drier areas of the tropics, fuelwood gathering constitutes a major cause
of deforestation and forest degradation.

C. Mining - It is a lucrative activity promoting development booms which may attract population growth
with consequent deforestation.
D. Urbanization/Industrialization and Infra-structure - Expanding cities and towns require land to
establish the infrastructures necessary to support growing population which is done by clearing the
forests. Tropical forests are a major target of infra-structure developments for oil exploitation, logging
concessions or hydropower dam construction which inevitably conveys the expansion of the road network
and the construction of roads in pristine areas. The construction of roads, railways, bridges, and airports
opens up the land to development and brings increasing numbers of people to the forest frontier.
E. Forest fire - The most hazard is forest fire which poses a threat not only to forest wealth but also to the
entire region of flora and fauna and seriously disturbs the biodiversity and ecosystem. In India, the
Himalayan forests, particularly Garhwal Himalayas have been affected mostly during summer with heavy
loss of vegetation in that region.
F. Volcanoes - Volcanic eruptions and subsequent larva flows sometimes burn large tracts of forest while
the released gases (mainly CO2 at high concentrations) kill the wildlife and animals.
G. Drought - It affects the forest by weakening the ecosystem and promoting other events like fire and
diseases because of lack of rain and spread of infections.
H. Earthquake and landslides - The moving and shaking of the ground due to earthquakes cause
massive destruction of forest. Additionally, they can trigger tsunamis and landslides which further
accelerate the deforestation.
I. Pests, viral and fungal disease of plants - Massive outbreak of diseases in forest have resulted in
substantial economic losses and environmental damage assisted by other processes.
J. Flood – Prolonged rainfall or rapid melting of large amount of snow cause flood. Deforestation due to
flood is because of standing water collection affecting gaseous exchange of roots and thereby, causing
death.
5.2.2 Consequences of deforestation
A. Climate change - Deforestation affects wind flows, water vapour flows and absorption of solar energy
thus clearly influencing local and global climate. Deforestation on lowland plains moves cloud formation
and rainfall to higher elevations. Deforestation disrupts normal weather patterns creating hotter and drier
weather thus increasing drought and desertification, crop failures, melting of the polar ice caps, coastal
flooding and displacement of major vegetation regimes.
B. Soil erosion - Deforestation accelerates washing away of upper layer of soil by wind and water and
thereby, causes soil erosion leaving behind a barren land. This process is called desertification.
C. Flash flood - A shrinking forest cover coupled with over exploitation of groundwater has accelerated
erosion along the slopes of the lower Himalayas and Aravali hills, making them prone to landslides.
D. Reduced rainfall - With reduction in plant life, the water cycle gets disrupted and thereby, cause
lesser rainfall that upset the natural balance of environment.

E. Imbalance of atmospheric gases – Deforestation causes greenhouse effect and global warming
thereby, increasing the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere. This causes imbalance among other gases.
F. Economic losses - By destroying the forests, all potential future revenues and future employment that
could be derived from their sustainable management for timber and non-timber products disappear.
G. Habitat degradation - Forest provides a habitat for large number of organisms, birds and animals and
thus, deforestation directly affect the flora and fauna of that area which are interdependent.
H. Social consequences - Forests afford humans valuable services such as erosion prevention, flood
control, water treatment, fisheries protection and pollination functions that are particularly important to
the world’s poorest people who rely on natural resources for their everyday survival. By destroying the
forests we risk our own quality of life, gamble with the stability of climate and local weather, threaten the
existence of other species and undermine the valuable services provided by biological diversity.
At the beginning of 20th
century, about 30% of land in India was covered with forests and by the end of
the century, it was reduced to around 20%. This implies considerable forest land has been lost. National
forest policy in 1988 recommends the optimum cover for plains should be 33% and 67% for hills. There
are reports that of the existing forests, only 1/3rd
is dense forest and rest is open and degraded forest areas.
In China, where large scale destruction of forests has occurred, the government has made a rule that every
abled citizen between the ages 11 to 60 must plant 3 to 5 trees per years or do the equal amount of work
in forest services. The government claims that at least 1 billion trees have been planted in China every
year since 1982. 12th March is observed as “Planting Holiday” in China every year.
5.3 FOREST CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT
 Forest resources should be used economically and rationally.
 Alternative sources of fuelwood like biogas should be encouraged.
 Cattle grazing should be regulated.
 Forest fires should be protected by putting restrictions on smokers and camphors for burning debris.
 Forest should be protected from pests and diseases by spraying pesticides and fungicides.
 Complete restriction on tree cutting should be implemented by the Government.
 Large scale tree planting to restore the forest cover (afforestation) should be encouraged.
 Save Silent Valley society in Kerela saved lot of rare species of plants and animals found there.
 Paper industry is a main cause of deforestation. Thus, the following steps should be taken to reduce
paper usage and thereby deforestation –
- careful use of paper sheets – saving at least 1 sheet of paper daily
- recycle and reuse of paper
 General awareness in public for forest conservation through different media and mass movement is a
necessity.
Chipko movement in Garhwal region of Uttarakhand started by Sunder Lal Bahuguna, helped in saving
the trees in those areas. The women of village Reni embraced the trees and prevented the contractors from
cutting them.
5.4 HUNTING OF ANIMALS
All animals big or small are part of our food chain. They are also important sources of food, clothes, fuel

and medicine, and are hunted by men not only for requirement but also for pleasure or sports. Animal
hunting in uncontrolled way leads to extinction of some species. The high rate of extinction in last 150
years is a major cause of concern. Though the evolution of species and their extinction occur on a regular
basis for the last several hundred million years, the recent rate of extinction are many times higher than
the typical. Animal population is not only affected due to illegal hunting or poaching but also due to loss
of habitat, changing weather patterns and natural calamities, etc.
5.5 MIGRATION
Birds especially, travel from their homes or habitats to a different geographical area, often following a
seasonal pattern. Such movement is termed as migration.
Migration takes place to
 escape the inhospitable winter condition
 find plenty of food
 lay eggs in a warm place where they can incubate easily.
The Arctic tern is called the champion of migration as it migration is the longest by any living creature.
The seabird breeds in the northern hemisphere, as far north as the arctic, and spends winter in the southern
hemisphere, as far south as the Antarctic. This means a round trip of upto 35,000 km each year. By
moving continually between the Arctic summer and the Antarctic summer, it sees more day light than any
other animal on earth.
5.6 WILDLIFE
The organisms living in their natural habitats like tigers, elephants, in dense forests; crocodiles and
alligators in natural water bodies; and trees and shrubs in jungles constitute the wildlife. Recently, there
was drastic decrease in their population because of the change in environment caused by human activities
like deforestation, conversion of grasslands into farm lands, construction of dams, and pollution of air and
water.
5.6.1 Threatened species
Threatened species refers to those species of plants and animals whose members are greatly reduced in
number and are near extinction. The International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural
Resources (IUCN) has been changed to WCU (World Conservation Union) and it has classified
threatened species into the following categories –
 Least concern: The species which has been evaluated but not qualified for any other categories such as
threatened and near threatened species are known as least concern. Examples - Painted turtle, spotted
hyena, house sparrow.
 Near threatened: The species or lower taxa that may be threatened with extinction in the near future,
although it does not qualify currently for the threatened status are known as near threatened species.
Examples - Spotted eagle ray, Indian mottled eel and black buck.
 Vulnerable species: These are species likely to move to the endangered categories in near future, if
causative factors continue to operate. Examples - Chinkara deer, black buck and golden langur.
 Endangered species: The species that are not likely to survive and will soon become extinct if the same
causative factors continue are called endangered species. Examples - Indian rhinoceros, Asiatic lions,
lion tailed macaque, crocodile, wild buffalo and blue whale.

 Critically endangered: The species which faces an extremely high risk of extinction in the immediate
future are known as critically endangered species. Examples - Ivory billed woodpecker, Arakan forest
turtle.
 Extinct in wild: The species of which captive individuals survive, but there is no free living natural
population comes under this category. Examples - Alagoas, curassow.
 Extinct species: The species of which last remaining member has died are known as extinct species.
Examples - Dodo, passenger pigeon.
 Rare species: One more categories called rare species exist in small numbers and are localized only in
certain geographical areas and may enter in to vulnerable category. Examples - Golden cat, elephant,
Asiatic wild ass.
5.6.2 Endemic species
Some species of plants and animals are found exclusively in a particular area and don’t occur naturally
anywhere else. Such species are called endemic species to that state, country or geographical area.
Examples include –
 Asiatic lion (babbar sher) - endemic to Gir forests in Gujarat
 Himalayan weasel - endemic to Himalayan region
 Snow leopard - endemic to Himalayan region found from Kashmir to Sikkim
 Wild mango and sal trees - form endemic flora of Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve
 Bison, Indian giant squirrel and flying squirrel - endemic fauna of Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve
The existence of endemic species is often threatened due to introduction of exotic species from some
other geographical region.
Red Data Book contains a record of all those species of plants and animals which are under the threat of
extinction. It is being maintained by IUCN, now known as World Conservation Union. This book
provides information about the distribution and status of threatened species and guides their conservation
programmes.
The red data book is revised periodically. As per 2004 IUCN, records of threatened species, a total of
15,589 species face extinction. One in four mammal, one in eight birds, one in three amphibians and
almost half of all fresh water turtles are threatened.
5.6.3 Strategies for wildlife conservation
A. Creation of protected areas
Protected areas refer to the undisturbed habitats for wildlife. These include national parks, sanctuaries and
biosphere reserves.
National park is a protected land area preserved in natural condition for providing natural habitat to
wildlife. Forestry, grazing, cultivation and free entry of people are not allowed in national parks. As of
2005, there are 91 national parks in India. Example - Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand, the 1st
national park established in India in 1936.
Wildlife sanctuary is a protected land area reserved for the conservation of wild animals and birds.
Hunting is strictly prohibited here. However, private ownership rights for collecting minor forest

products, harvesting of timber and cultivation are granted so long as they don’t interfere with the life of
wild animals. India has 500 wildlife sanctuaries. Some of the threatened wild animals like black buck,
white eyed buck, elephant, golden cat, pink headed duck, gharial, marsh crocodile, python, rhinoceros,
etc. are protected and preserved here.
Biosphere reserves are specified land areas in which multiple use of land is permitted for preserving the
biodiversity. It is divided into three zones for different activities.
 Core zone - where no human activity is permitted. It is also known as natural zone.
 Buffer zone - where limited human activities are permitted.
 Manipulation zone - where several human activities are permitted.
Till May 2002, 408 biosphere reserves have been established in 94 countries. In India 15 biosphere
reserves have been set up by now which helped in maintaining the biodiversity as well as the culture of
those areas.
A biosphere reserve may also contain other protected areas like national parks, wildlife sanctuaries for
example, Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve includes Satpura National Park and two wildlife sanctuaries -
Bori and Pachmarhi.
Satpura National Park is the first reserve forest of India. The finest Indian teak is found in this forest.
Nilgiri Biosphere reserve is the first biosphere reserve of India that spreads over Kerala, Tamil Nadu and
Karnataka. Sundarbans, Kaziranga, Nanda Devi, Gulf of Mannar and Similipal are some other biosphere
reserves of India.
B. Regulation of hunting
 Forming and implementing strict laws for regulating hunting or poaching of animals.
 Banning the hunting of endangered species.
 Preventing destruction of natural habitats of wild animals.
 Creating awareness among people about the importance of wildlife, consequences generated after the
destruction of wildlife and environment and punishment given to the people convicted under this law.
C. Captive breeding programmes
Breeding wild animals in captivity has saved some endangered species from extinction such as musk deer
in Garhwal hills, tiger in Gir forest and gharial in Nandankanan Zoological Park in Odisha.
5.6.4 Wildlife projects in India
A. Gir Lion Project was started by Government of Gujarat in 1972 to protect Asiatic lions.
B. Project Tiger was launched by Government of India in 1973. It is one of the most successful
conservation ventures in the recent times. Under this project, 23 tiger reserves have been established in
India to conserve tiger in their natural environment. An estimated tiger population in India at the turn of
the century placed figure 40,000. Subsequently, the 1st
ever all India tiger census was conducted in 1972
which revealed the existence of only 1872 tigers. In 1970, a national ban on tiger hunting was imposed
and in 1972 the Wildlife Protection Act came into force. A ‘task force’ was then set up to formulate a
project for tiger conservation with an ecological approach.
Tiger being at the index of an ecosystem may be considered as the indicator of the stability of the

ecosystem. For a viable tiger population, a habitat should possess a good prey base, which in turn will
depend on undisturbed forest vegetation. Thus project tiger is basically conservation of an entire
ecosystem. Apart from tigers, all other wild animals have also increased in number in the projected areas.
C. Crocodile Project, basically known as Project Crocodile Breeding and Management, was commenced
initially in Tikarpada of Odisha in 1975. Later it was managed and monitored by creating a network of
sanctuaries in different states (Bustard, 1982). It aims at conservation of gharials (alligators) and muggers
(crocodiles).
D. Himalayan Musk Deer Project was formerly widespread throughout the Himalayan ranges, within
montane and sub-alpine forests and alpine scrubs. A unique feature of this deer is the presence of musk
gland in the male, which is used in perfumery. It is chiefly responsible for its rapid decline. In addition,
habitat destruction and deforestation are the other chief reasons for the disappearance of the species. After
recognizing the threatening status of the musk deer, it was listed as vulnerable in the Red Data Book
(Holloway, 1973) of the IUCN, 1974.
As a part of the threatened deer programme of the IUCN, the World Wildlife Fund Project on the ecology
and conservation of the Himalayan musk deer was launched in collaboration with the Government of
India. This project is based in Kedarnath Sanctuary of Uttar Pradesh.
E. Rhino Conservation Project was centrally sponsored scheme introduced for conservation of rhino in
Assam in 1987 and then continued for effective and intensive management of rhino habitat. Now the
rhino population has been increased and become saturated so that demand for a new home is sought
somewhere in such swampy areas. A five year project for rehabilitation of rhinoceros in Katernighat was
selected in 1995-1996.
F. Project Elephant was launched by Government of India on the recommendation of the Indian Board
of Wildlife in 1993 to protect elephants and their extensive habitation in the country. Two types of
protected areas were chosen for implementation of the project – (a) where elephant population was high
and (b) where elephant population had reduced considerably in recent years.
5.7 LEGAL PROVISIONS FOR BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION
Several legal provisions or acts related to the conservation of biodiversity have been enacted by the
government.
Forest Conservation Act (1980) - The act empowers government and forest department to –
 create and manage reserved forests, protected forests and village forests
 conserve forest as a natural heritage
 control movement of forest products
 control and regulate cattle grazing in forests
Wildlife Protection Act (1972) - aims at –
 prohibition of hunting for the listed threatened species
 setting up and management of national parks, sanctuaries and biosphere reserves
 control and management of captive breeding
 protection of specific plants and natural habitats of animals

Solved Examples
Example 1
Why earth possesses rich biodiversity?
Solution
There are several varieties of climatic zones prevailing on earth. The different climatic zones are the
cause of different types of plants and animals which can prevail, survive and flourish only in that
particular region. We can’t see thick tall trees in desert and desert animals like camel can’t survive in
tropical forests. Hence, earth possesses rich biodiversity.
Example 2
Can biodiversity artificially replicated?
Solution
Biodiversity can’t be replicated artificially because when humans try and recreate an ecosystem by
including various plants and animals in the required setting, the results are not so encouraging and
efficient or as diverse as natural biodiversity. Hence biodiversity is regarded as a very valuable resource,
which needs to be maintained and conserved. Exploitation of any biological system beyond the degree of
its renewability results in degradation and extinction of the resources. Hence, efforts are required to be in
place to ensure the conservation of biodiversity for sustainability of human race.
Example 3
What will happen if we keep on cutting trees?
Solution
If we keep on cutting tress then –
 ecological balance will be disturbed
 many animals will lose their shelters
 scarcity of products like fruits, paper, wood will occur
 earth will lose top fertile layer and will be converted into desert
 global warming will start prevailing
Example 4
What will be the consequences if the top layer of the soil is exposed?
Solution
Exposure of the top layer of the soil will lead to soil erosion. It exposes the lower, hard rocky layers. The
soil has less humus and is less fertile. Gradually it will undergo desertification.
Example 5
What happens when the habitat of an animal is disturbed?
Solution
If the habitat of an animal is disturbed, it will ultimately become extinct.
Example 6
What are the natural causes of deforestation?
Solution
Natural causes of deforestation include those causes which are beyond the control of human and not
done by human activities. These causes are forest fires, volcanic eruptions, draught, earthquakes,
landslides, pests, viral and fungal diseases of plants.

Example 7
What is a national park?
Solution
A national park is a protected land area preserved in natural conditions to provide natural habitat to wild
life. Forestry, grazing, cultivation, and free entry of people are not allowed in national parks. India has
many such national parks such as Satpura National Park, Kaziranga National Park etc.
Example 8
In what way deforestation leads to reduced rainfall?
Solution
Plants maintain the water cycle. If they won’t absorb water from soil, they won’t evaporate it into the
atmosphere. Consequently, no clouds will be formed and no rainfall will take place.
Example 9
Explain wildlife sanctuaries.
Solution
A sanctuary is a protected land area reserved for the conservation of wild animals, birds, and plants.
Hunting is strictly prohibited there. On the other hand, private ownership rights for collecting minor
forest products, harvesting of timber and cultivation are granted so long as they do not interfere with life
of wild animals.
Example 10
What is ‘Project Tiger’?
Solution
‘Project Tiger’ was launched by Government of India on 1st
April 1973 to ensure maintenance of viable
population of tigers in our country. Since, tiger is one of the most endangered species, to preserve it,
‘Project Tiger’ was launched.
******

EXERCISE
 Multiple choice questions with one correct answer
1. Growing of plants in an area where forest existed earlier but has been removed is known as
(A) deforestation (B) reforestation (C) afforestation (D) both (A) and (B)
2. The factors that pose a great threat to biodiversity are
(A) habitat destruction (B) introduction to alien
species
(C) pollution (D) all of these
3. What do black buck, elephant, python and golden cat together represent in a forest?
(A) fauna (B) flora (C) ecosystem (D) species
4. Which of the following animal has become almost extinct?
(A) wolf (B) rhinoceros (C) hippopotamus (D) cheetah
5. The introduction of exotic species into an area
(A) helps to conserve wildlife
(B) helps to conserve biodiversity
(C) affect native species adversely
(D) helps native species to survive
6. How many megabiodiversity nations are present in the world?
(A) 10 (B) 12 (C) 14 (D) 16
7. Which is the example of human interference with nature that has upset the biological equilibrium?
(A) poaching
endangered animals
(B) recycling of paper (C) afforestation (D) rain harvesting
8. What is a core zone in a biosphere region?
(A) a zone where human activity is permitted
(B) a zone where human activity is not permitted
(C) a zone where controlled hunting is permitted
(D) a zone where burn cultivation is not permitted
9. Which statement is incorrect about endangered species?
(A) Their number has decreased drastically.
(B) They might become extinct in the near future.
(C) They pose a danger to other animals.
(D) Their natural habitat needs to be protected.
10. Special projects launched to protect endangered species are
(A) Project Tiger (B) Project Elephant (C) Project Crocodile (D) All of these
11. Wild buffalo is an endangered species because

(A) its population is diminishing
(B) it has become extinct
(C) it is found exclusively in a particular area
(D) its poaching is strictly prohibited
12. Which one of the following statements is true about a Biosphere Reserve?
(A) It is a protected area where only endemic species live.
(B) It is meant only for the conservation of plants and animals.
(C) It is meant to conserve both, the biodiversity and the culture of that area.
(D) There are no other protected areas within its limits.
13. The slogan of Chipko Movement is associated with five Fs which are –
(A) food, fodder, fuel, fibre, fertilizer
(B) food, fodder, fuel, fibre, fertility
(C) food, fodder, fibre, fire-wood, furniture
(D) food, fire-wood, fibre, fertility, furniture
14. Which of the following are the uses of IUCN Red Data Book?
(A) developing awareness about the importance of threatened biodiversity
(B) identification and documentation of endangered species
(C) providing a global index of the decline of biodiversity
(D) all of these
15. Which one of the following changes may occur due to desertification?
(A) Decrease in atmospheric temperature.
(B) Increase in water holding capacity of soil.
(C) Increased chances of floods.
(D) Conversion of fertile land into a desert.
16. The first National Park of India is
(A) Gir (B) Kaziranga (C) Jim Corbett (D) Kanha
17. An example of people’s participation in conservation of forest and wildlife is
(A) Silent Valley,
Kashmir
(B) Silent Valley,
Kerala
(C) Flower Valley,
Himachal Pradesh
(D) Flower Valley,
Uttaranchal
18. The place meant for conservation of biodiversity in their natural habitat are
(i) Zoological garden
(ii) Botanical garden
(iii) Wildlife sanctuary
(iv) National park
(A) i & ii (B) ii & iii (C) iii & iv (D) i & iv
19. Which one of the following statements is true about endemic species?

(A) They are found exclusively in a specific habitat.
(B) Endemic species can never become endangered.
(C) They are found only in zoos and botanical gardens.
(D) They are not affected by the destruction of their habitat.
20. Migratory birds fly to far away areas during a particular time of a year. Which of the following
conditions present in their habitat during that time are responsible for this behavior?
(i) Unavailability of food
(ii) Extreme weather conditions
(iii) Overcrowding
(iv) Lack of nesting areas
(A) ii & iii (B) i & ii (C) i & iv (D) ii & iv
21. In our country, large patches of forests are being cleared for cultivation of crops. The environmental
impact of such a practice will lead to
(A) soil erosion (B) soil conservation (C) soil pollution (D) soil fertility
 Fill in the blanks
22. A species found in a particular area is known as __________.
23. The conversion of fertile land into desert is called __________.
24. ________ is one of the examples of biosphere region in India.
25. Animals and plants which don’t exist anymore are called ___________.
26. Birds fly from their ________ habitat when it becomes very cold.
 True or False
27. Bison is an endemic fauna of Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve.
28. In National Parks, village people are permitted to carry out their activities.
29. Habitat destruction causes depletion of wildlife.
30. Deforestation leads to an increase in the water holding capacity of the soil.
31. The animals found in particular area are called flora.
32. Rajasthan was once a fertile land.
33. There can be a wildlife sanctuary within a biosphere reserve.
 Solve the following
34. Write down the measures taken to conserve wildlife.
35. Can a forest regenerate naturally in a short period of time?
36. What is the term given to species found in restricted areas only?

37. A new species X is introduced in a forest. How is it likely to affect the local species of that area?
38. What are the main consequences of deforestation?
39. How are even small animals important in an ecosystem?
40. What are the different zones of a biosphere reserve? Explain them.
41. How are recycling and saving of papers related to reduction is deforestation?
42. Why is it important to conserve forests?
43. What is Red Data Book?
44. What do you mean by endemic species?
45. What is sanctuary?
46. Differentiate between the following.
(a) Wildlife sanctuary and biosphere reserve
(b) Zoo and wildlife sanctuary
(c) Endangered and extinct species
(d) Flora and fauna
47. What is the unique feature of the biodiversity found in Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve?
48. When was Project Tiger launched? Discuss about its success.
49. Does soil erosion affect the fertility of soil? How?
50. Differentiate between endangered and extinct animals.
51. Mention the aim of Forest (Conservation) Act.
52. What do you mean by megabiodiversity nations? How many are present and who are included?
53. Why are wildlife sanctuaries important for conservation of plants and animals?
54. Name the zone of biosphere region where no human activity is permitted?
55. Write about any three species endemic to India.
56. Is deforestation associated with global warming? Explain.
57. Match the following.
Column 1
(a) Asiatic lion
(b) Crocodile
(c) Bison
(d) Royal Bengal tiger
Column 2
(p) Bhitarakanika
(q) Sundarban
(r) Pachmarhi
(s) Gir forest
58. Define migration. Write the causes of migration of birds.
59. Why should we save paper?
60. Which is the first reserve forest of India?
61. Mention any one action that you have undertaken to conserve trees.
62. How does deforestation lead to frequent floods and droughts?
63. How can we save our green wealth?

64. Some tribals depend on the jungle. How?
65. Name two wildlife sanctuaries hosted by Pachmarhi biosphere region.
66. Why are endemic organisms in greater danger of becoming extinct?
67. Write short notes on –
(a) Global warming
(b) Chipko movement
(c) Reforestation
68. Into what categories IUCN has classified the threatened species? Explain them.
******

Answers
1. (B) 2. (D) 3. (A) 4. (D) 5. (C) 6. (B)
7. (A) 8. (B) 9. (C) 10. (D) 11. (A) 12. (C)
13. (A) 14. (D) 15. (D) 16. (C) 17. (B) 18. (C)
19. (A) 20. (B) 21. (A)
22. endemic 23. desertification 24. Pachmarhi biosphere region
25. extinct 26. natural
27. True 28. False 29. True 30. False 31. False
32. True 33. True
35. No 36. Endemic species
48. 1st
April, 1973 54. Core zone
57. (a)-(s), (b)-(p), (c)-(r), (d)-(q) 60. Satpura National Park
65. Bori, Pachmarhi
******

Additional Notes for Competitive Exams
CHIPKO MOVEMENT
The Chipko Movement or ‘Chipko Andolan’ was primarily a forest conservation movement in India that began
in 1973 and went on to become a rallying point for many future environmental movements all over the world it
created a precedent for starting of nonviolent protest in India, and its success meant that the world immediately
took notice of this non-violent movement, which was to inspire in time many such eco-groups by helping to
slow down the rapid deforestation, expose vested interests, increase ecological awareness, and demonstrate the
viability of people power. Above all, it stirred up the existing civil society in India, which began to address the
issues of tribal and marginalized people.
Today, beyond the eco-socialism hue, it is being seen increasingly as an ecofeminism movement. Although
many of its leaders were men, women were not only its backbone, but also its mainstay, because they were the
ones most affected by the rampant deforestation, which led to a lack of firewood and fodder as well as water for
drinking and irrigation. Over the years they also became primary stakeholders in a majority of the afforestation
work that happened under the Chipko movement. In 1987, the Chipko movement was awarded the Right
Livelihood Award. The chipko aandolan is a movement that practised the Gandhian methods of Satyagraha
where both male and female activists played vital roles, including Gaura Devi, Sudesha Devi, Bachni Devi and
Chandi Prasad Bhatt.
Likewise, in 1983 ‘Appiko Movement’ was started by the tribals in Karnataka under the leadership of
Pandurang Hedge. The word ‘Appiko’ means the same as ‘Chipko’ i.e. hug.
IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER
World Forest Day – 21st
March
World Environment Day – 5th
June
Wildlife Week – First week of October
World Conservation Day – 3rd
December
Biological Diversity Day – 29th
December
******

Worksheet 1
1. Why does the passion for biodiversity compel someone to grow a flower or a vegetable garden?
2. Is it necessary to have a large area to have a garden? How will you use small areas for making a green
belt in your city?
3. Considering the present scenario, if you had some space in and around your house, what would be the first
thing that would occur in your mind?
4. Why is green belt important in a metropolitan city?
5. How does biodegradation of garden waste help the soil? What kind of organisms are involved in this
process and how?

Worksheet 2
1. What does IUCN stand for?
2. Write the nine categories of threatened species given by the IUCN Red List.
3. When do we celebrate Wild life Conservation week?
4. What is the need for conservation of plants and animals?
5. Define reforestation.
6. Give difference between extinct species, endangered species and threatened species.

Answers
Worksheet 1
1. Having a garden or a vegetable garden around the house cools the surroundings. It also gives an
aesthetic appeal. Having greening around purifies the air. Most of all this conserves biodiversity.
2. It is not necessary to have a large area to have a garden. A large number of potted plants can be kept in
the small area. Or the small area can be used to develop a kitchen garden. Or it can be just used to grow
a patch of green grass.
3. I would use the space in and around my house to grow a garden and a kitchen garden. This will ensure
that I have enough greenery around me.
4. A metropolitan city is a concrete jungle with fewer green belts. There are buildings all around with less
of free space. So here is a need to develop green belt in some areas because of the advantages that
plants usually have, including purifying air and keeping the surroundings cool.
5. Biodegradation of garden waste produces manure which is a natural fertilizer and important for plants.
Manure comprises nutrients necessary for the growth of plants. It does not have the harmful effects that
fertilizers have.
Earthworms usually are involved in this process as they convert the biodegradable waste into organic
manure.
Worksheet 2
1. International Union of Conservation and Natural Resources
2. Extinct, near threatened, extinct in wild, least concern, critically endangered, data deficient,
endangered, not evaluated, vulnerable
3. 1 – 7 October
4. To maintain the balance in nature.
5. Reforestation is the restoration of the destroyed forest by planting new trees.
6. Extinct Species: The species that no longer exist anywhere on the earth are called extinct species. Dodo
bird and dinosaurs have become extinct long time ago.
Endangered Species: Those species whose number has reduced to a critical level are called endangered
species. Bison, beaver, antelope, tiger, Asiatic lion and leopard are some of the endangered species.
Threatened Species: Species of plants and animals which are under the threat of becoming vulnerable
or endangered are called threatened species. Great Indian Bustard, pygmy sloth and Sumatran
rhinoceros are threatened species.
******

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