Conservation Of Plants And Animals - Class 8 Biology - Extra Questions

What is migration? What are its causes? 

When a large number of organisms belonging to same species move from one environment to a different environment is termed as migration. The causes of migration of species include food availability, safety from predation, mating opportunity, or other environmental factors (Hurricane, flooding, volcano eruption, drought etc).


Mention the aim of Forest (Conservation) Act.

Forest conservation act was made to raise the standard of living the people living near the forest and to conserve natural resources of the forest. 


What is conservation?

Conservation refers to wise use of natural resources with an aim to preserve or protect living and non-living resources.


What is recycling? Give one example.


Recycling is simply the process of creating utility products from waste materials. It is important to recycle waste so that we can at least conserve some of our natural resources for our generations to come. Many products such as paper and cardboard are obtained from trees. In fact, trees are our natural assets; we can conserve trees by recycling paper products and minimize the cutting of trees. This is one form of waste recycling.


How deforestation can lead to desertification?

Deforestation causes soil erosion or removal of fertile top layer of the soil. 
As the upper fertile layer of soil is removed by erosion, the soil quality decreases day by day. And eventually converts it to a desert as the soil is no more suitable for plants. 


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.

(a) Wildlife sanctuaries
These are the natural habitats of animals where poaching or capturing of animals is strictly prohibited and animals are conserved in their natural environment.
(b) Endemic species
Species of plants and animals, which are restricted to a particular area and are not found anywhere else, are known as endemic species. 
(c) Climatic 
Birds that move from one part of the country/world to that of another are known as migratory birds. They do so for food, shelter for reproduction and to escape the changed climatic conditions at their native place. 


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.

(a) Trees provide shelter to animals and birds. If trees are cut, animals and birds will lose their habitat. Trees are sources of fruits, sheds, wood. There will be a scarcity of such resources if trees are cut. Global warming will occur. Groundwater reserves also will be reduced. 
(b) If the habitat of an animal is disturbed, the survival of animals is endangered. It will ultimately lead to its extinction.
(c) Removal of the top layer of the soil exposes the lower, hard, and rocky layers. The top layer is more fertile and contains humus. If the top layers are affected by any means, the fertility of the soil is lost and this will eventually lead to desertification.


Define species.

Species is defined as a group of living organisms that have similar characteristics genetically and are capable of interbreeding among themselves.


Explain one way of recycling of waste paper.

One way of recycle the waste paper is given below:
1) Collect old used notebooks, newspapers, magazines, envelopes and other waste papers.
2) Tear these items into small pieces of identical sizes and put them in a bucket containing water.
3) Keep the pieces submerged in water for one or two days.
4) Make thick paste of wet paper by pounding it. Spread the waste paste on the wire mesh fixed to the frame. 
5) Pat the layer of paste gently to make the layer of the paste as uniform as possible. 
6) Spread an old cloth or a sheet of newspaper on the paste to soak up the excess water.
7) Remove the paste layer from the frame and spread it on a sheet of newspaper in the sun and add some weight on the corners to avoid curl up.
8) Decorate the paper by adding food colours, dried leaves, flower petals or pieces of coloured paper in the paste, if required.


How does deforestation reduce rainfall on the one hand and lead to floods on the other?

Deforestation means cutting down of trees or forests. We know that trees transpire and play an important role in the water cycle as it adds moisture to the air which brings rainfall. So if the number of trees decreases the process of transpiration and water cycle will be disturbed hence the rainfall will be reduced. Reduced rainfall will reduce the amount of water absorption in the soil. This soil will be dry and leads to lower water intake in the trees. This will cause soil erosion and will lead to floods.


The Red Data Book provides information on the _______ of species in the Red List.

The Red data book provides information on the endangered of species in the Red List.  


How many tigers are left in India as of 2018?

There are 50 tiger reserves in India which are governed by Project Tiger which is administrated by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA). India is home to 70 per cent of tigers in the world. In 2006, there were 1,411 tigers which increased to 1,706 in 2010 and 2,226 in 2014. Tiger census is done by government in four years. 


'Save the Tigers' campaign is from being overemphasized these days by our government. What may be the possible reason?

'Save the Tigers' campaign was launched to conserve and increase the number of tigers that once became as low as 1411 in 2010. 
The increased burden of poaching of tigers for their skin, bones and other body parts, tigers failed to reproduce and their number hit an all-time low. 
The campaign focussed on maintaining conditions to allow tigers to breed and to also conserve its prey. 
The campaign became a success in launching awareness and the number increased to 2226 in 2014.


Define Red Data Book.

The Red Data Book is a document created for documenting and recording rare and endangered species of plants, animals, fungi, and also some local species of a particular state or country. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), established in the year 1964, maintains the Red Data Book. 


How is recycling of paper linked to conservation? 

Paper is made from tress, which are cutting day by days as demand of paper keep on increasing. Paper generally used in making currency, books, notebooks and in textile industry. Deforestation is major issues of today scenario, its our duty to conserve forest for future generation by doing recycling of paper.   


What are the consequences of deforestation?

Deforestation refers to the removal of trees resulting in cleared land.
There are several consequences of deforestation:
1. Changes in Soil:
  • Loss of nutrients in the soil that are derived from breakdown of tree leaves.
  • Increased soil erosion by wind and rain.
  • Increased flooding due to a lack of water absorption by trees.
  • Decreased ability to support other plants due to nutrient loss.

2. Loss of biodiversity:
  • Animals and plants that are unable to grow outside of a forest environment face extinction.

3. Climate change:
  • Increased greenhouse gases (such as carbon dioxide) present in the air
when trees are not available to absorb them.
  • Increased carbon in the air from the burning of trees.
  • Decreased cooling of land from water evaporation in forests.

4. Impacts on humans:
  • Decreased availability of wood for cooking and heating.


Do you think that projects such as 'Project Tiger ' prove effective for conservation of endangered species?

Yes. Projects like "Project tiger" , "Project elephants" are important and proven effective because they creatye awareness among people. These wildlife conservation projects help in maitaining biodiversity. These projects also helps us to systematically maintain and monitor the progress of wild life conservation. 


The two wildlife sanctuaries present in the Pachmarhi biosphere reserve are ________ and _________.

The Pachmarhi biosphere reserve is a non-use conservation area and biosphere reserve in the Satpura Range of Madhya Pradesh state in central India. It consists of three Sanctuaries. Out of them, two are Bori Sanctuary and the Pachmarhi sanctuary.


In a particular season, some birds in our surrounding migrate from long distances. How do they know their way?

  • Migratory birds depend on their sense of smell while they migrate long distances.
  • They also use the orientation based on the sun and the earth's magnetic field.
  • Few birds have a small region in their brains that is  made of magnetite or magnetic minerals which act as a small compass that helps in migartion.


What was the aim of 'Project Tiger'?

'Project Tiger' is a tiger conservation programme launched on 1 April 1973 by the Government of India. The project aims at ensuring a viable population of Bengal tigers in their natural habitats, protecting them from extinction, and preserving areas of biological importance as a natural heritage. 


What information is given in the Red data book?

The Red data book is the document which is there for documenting rare and endangered species of animals, plants and fungi. It also have records of species that exist within the territory of the state or country. 


$$(a)$$ What are the adverse effects of destruction of forests?

$$(b)$$ Describe with examples how wildlife sanctuaries and national park species.

(a)Adverse effects of deforestation
-Reduces the water bodies on that landscape
-Endangering the biodiversity 
-Pond or any aquatic structure is destroyed
(b) In Kaziranga national park, the single horn rhino increases it's population otherwise this rhino is endanger


How does deforestation leads to global warming?

Plants use carbon dioxide in the process of photosynthesis. If deforestation occurs, the trees that balance the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere will be disturbed. As a result, the level of carbon dioxide will increase in the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide traps the heat of the sunlight. So, more the level of carbon dioxide, more heat will be trapped which will result in global warming.


When we take steps towards conserving the tiger, what are the other things that have to be conserved?

To conserve tiger the ecosystem i.e the forests in which the tigers live and on which they depend for their survival will also need to be conserved. The survival of the tiger will depend on the maintenance of the food chains that they are a part of. So, the other fauna of the region will also need to be preserved. In short, the conservation of the tiger species will also depend on the conservation of the biodiversity of the region.


Name some National Parks In India?

There are many National Parks in India. Some of these are: 
1. Kanha National Park (Madhya Pradesh) 
2. Kaziranga National Park (Assam) 
3. Gir National Park (Gujarat) 
4. Ranthambhore National Path (Rajasthan) 
5. Nagarhole National Park (Mysore) 
6. Palamau National Park (Jharkhand) 


Provide a suitable term that expresses the meaning of the following statement. 
Greeting cards made from newspaper. 

Greeting cards made from newspaper is known as recycling.


Beautiful hand crafted articles like boxes and toys are made of paper pulp in our country. Can you explain how paper pulp which is made from paper can be used to make hard boxes and other articles?

Hard boxes and other articles can be made by using paper pulp by followings ways-
a. First we can make a stencil by unfolding small cardboards box and tracing them on another piece of cardboard, which is same size as of mould. Now, cut the shape. 
b. Place the stencil between mould and deckle. 
c. Raise the mould, stencil and deckle in one continuous motion to remove the pulp.
d. Remove the box from the stencil and leave it to dry.
e. Now, fold the box and tape it to assemble it. 
f. The box is ready.


Why should we save paper? 

Answer:
Recycling causes 35 per cent less water pollution and 74 per cent less air pollution than making new paper. Recycling a tonne of newspaper also eliminates 3m³ of landfill. As paper decomposes in the ground it produces methane, which is a powerful greenhouse gas.
 Recycling paper saves landfill space and reduces the amount of pollution in the air from incineration.
Recycling of paper directly contributes to the conservation of forest. If we recycle paper, the need for paper will reduce; therefore less number of trees will be cut. 
Moreover, recycling paper needs 70% less energy than it takes to make new paper.
Therefore, we should save paper.


The tiger is one of the most alert animals. And yet, today Tigers are in danger. What do you think are some of the dangers to tigers in the jungle?

The biggest threat to tigers is from hunters and poachers who kill them for their skins. Dangers are also from the destruction of forests, forest fires and the growing imbalance in nature.


To what use can you put - old newspapers, and how?

Old newspapers can be used for making paper bags. covering books, converted into pulp for use in handicrafts and also for making recycled paper. 


Why are the small numbers of surviving tigers a cause of worry from the point of view of genetics?

  • when in a sanctuary or national park the number of tiger starts to decrease that means only a small number of tigers are left in that area.
  • They won't have many choices but to choose partners from the individuals present or left over of the ancestral population.
  • With this, the tigers that will be born after the first mating will also remain in the same forest and when they also mate at their mating age they will also mate with the tigers that are present in the jungle which can be related to them either from their parental side or their maternal side. 
  • As one male tiger can mate with many females so the children that are produced are related to each other at least from the father's side. This leads to inbreeding where the harmful gene mutation has a chance of showing up and this will lead to inbreeding depression.
  • Also, the future generation will have no chances for variant characters to develop.
  • Therefore the small population of tigers can cause inbreeding depression and lead to a decline in the health and may also lead to the extinction of the population.


Write the objectives of a biosphere reserve.

Biosphere Reserve is a protected area developed to conserve biodiversity. Following are the objectives of biosphere reserve: 
(a) To conserve biodiversity and integrity of plants, animals and microorganisms. 
(b) To educate, train and create awareness about environment aspects and ecofriendly living.


Differentiate between the following
Wildlife sanctuary and biosphere reserve.

 Sr.no Wildlife sanctuary Biosphere reserve
 i Wildlife sanctuary is a place where wild animals are preserved and protected from poaching and hunting Biosphere reserves are meant for only conservation of biodiversity, that is , animals, plants and microorganisms
 iiWildlife sanctuary can be  a part of biosphere reserve  It also helps to maintain the culture of that area



If we cut down the trees, then what will happen?

If we cut down the trees, then that region will have less rainfall, more floods and humidity would reduce. This would also reduce the ground water level of that region. 


Differentiate between the following
Zoo and wildlife sanctuary.

 Sr.no Zoo Wildlife sanctuary
 1 A zoo is a smaller place to display the animals for public view Wildlife sanctuaries are areas in the forests that are reserved for the protection and preservation of wild animals
 2 The animals are kept in a cage Animals live freely in their habitat.


Differentiate between:
(i)   Flora and Fauna
(ii)  Endangered and threatened species
(iii) Endemic and extinct species
(iv) Wildlife sanctuary and zoological park


(i)

Flora

Fauna

1

It is defined as plant life found at a particular region or time and helps to discuss the biodiversity of that region

It is defined as animal life found at a particular region or time and helps to discuss the biodiversity of that region

2

Floras are indigenous plants grouped based on region, climate, and special environment.

They are categorized based on the region they are found in.

3

They can derive their own food

They cannot derive their own food

4

They can’t move from one place to other

They have the ability to move from one place to other

5

Weed flora are undesirable and are studied to eliminate them

   Avifauna refers to birds
(ii)

Endangered

Threatened

1

Endangered species are the ones that are in danger of extinction throughout the world or a significant portion of its range.

Threatened species are the ones that are likely to become endangered in near future throughout the world or the significant portion of its range.

2

For example, Mountain gorilla and northern white whale are listed amongst the endangered species list.

For example, White Rhino and yellowfin tuna are some examples of nearly threatened species.

 


(iii)

Endemic

Extinct

1

Endemic species are the one which is restricted to the particular geographic area. Usually endemic are less likely to spread to other regions due to unusual climate and unique adaptation to a particular region

Extinct species are the ones that have died out the last individual of that species. The species that have not existed in wildlife for last 50 yrs are called extinct species.

2

They can be endemic to the particular continent or to a single island.

It is the end of organism or group of the organism from the world.

3

For example, the endemic region is the Hawaii island of Australia.

For example, Asiatic cheetah and Javan tiger are some of the examples of extinct animals 


(iv)

Zoological park

Wildlife sanctuary

1

Zoologicals parks are manmade which buy, sell, breed and trade animals.

Wildlife sanctuaries, on the other hand, are the natural habitats of birds and animals where they can live and breed on their own.

2

Animas might have acquired from the wild with the aim of providing education and various information about wildlife to people.

The aim of this is conservation of wildlife from human disturbances and activities where animals are free to roam anywhere.

3

They are meant for touristic and entertainment purpose.

Sanctuaries have very restricted access to humans were killing and harming animals is strictly prohibited.

4

In zoos, animals are kept in the cage.

Animals here are free to roam anywhere



What is the unique feature of the biodiversity found in Panchmarhi Biosphere Reserve?

Biosphere reserves can be defined as the areas which are meant for protection of biodiversity. It also focuses on their sustainable use. The Indian government has set up 18 biosphere reserve for the conservation of biodiversity. Pachmarhi reserve is distributed in three districts which include Hoshangabad, Betul, and Chindwara. It mainly consists of three wildlife conservation units, i.e., Bori sanctuary, Pachmarhi sanctuary and Satpura national park. This reserve has 510 villages. The scientific management and conservation of forests in India started in 1862 by demarcating Bori Reserve Forest, which lies in the Bori Sanctuary of this reserve. This also resulted in the establishment of the Forest Department in India. It consists of a diverse range of flora and fauna.

Flora:Some of the important timber species of the Biosphere Reserve are teak and sal. About 30 species of Thallophytes, 83 species of Bryophyte, 56 genera, 71 species of pteridophytes, 7 species of Gymnosperms belongs to 633 genera are reported. Pachmarhi plateau is a botanist’s paradise. There are rare and endemic species, which are observed and considered to be a ‘gene bank’ of rare species of this locality. Several rare angiosperm plants are also observed in this reserve. Species such as Whisk Fern, Sandbar willow, stalked adder’s tongue fern and Tree fern are found here. A few clumps of rare and endemic species like bamboo occur in the moist teak forest of Bori Reserve.

Fauna:
About 50 species of mammals, 254 species of birds and 30 species of reptiles are reported. The steep vertical scarps are home to numerous raptors like a honey buzzard, serpent eagle, and black eagle. Common birds found in the reserve are red jungle fowl, Malabar pied hornbill, Malabar whistling thrush, and paradise flycatcher. The reptilian population includes geckos, skinks, etc. Several species as rhesus monkey, Indian giant squirrel, and flying squirrels are endemic to the area.


Define
(1) Threatened species (2) Extinct species (3) Endemic species (4) Endangered species

1. Threatened species are any species (including animals, plants, fungi, etc.) which can be endangered in the near future. Species that are threatened are characterised by the population of that species.
2. Extinct species is a particular animal or plant species that can no longer be available as a wild, the species has died out. 
3. Endemic species are those species of plants and animals which are found exclusively in a particular area.
4. An Endangered (EN) species are those species which are less in number and can be extinct in near future.


Why are wildlife sanctuaries important for conservation of plants and animals?

Wildlife sanctuaries are important because: 

  • A sanctuary is an area reserved for wildlife where they can freely use habitats and natural resources.
  • Sanctuaries play an important part in preserving endangered species.
  • In wildlife sanctuaries, hunting and poaching are strictly prohibited.
  • The endangered species are specially monitored in the wildlife sanctuaries. Their number is allowed to increase. 



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

Answer-
a. Paper should be saved because it takes around seventeen full grown trees to prepare  one tonne of paper.
b. Trees are important to maintain a balance of nature.
c.  By saving paper, we can save the forest.

Ways to save paper:
  • Use old newspapers and notebooks for making rough work while doing your homework. 
  • Old envelopes can also be used for doing the rough work. 
  • Paper should be recycled to minimize the need for cutting trees. 
  • Schools should encourage online submission of reports and assignments so that paper can be saved. 
  • Don’t take a printout unless it is absolutely necessary.


Differentiate between the following.
(a) Wildlife sanctuary and biosphere reserve
(b) Zoo and wildlife sanctuary
(c) Endangered and extinct species
(d) Flora and fauna

a) Wildlife sanctuaries are the natural habitats of animals where poaching or capturing of animals is strictly prohibited. Harvesting and other man activities are allowed as long as they don’t interfere with well being of animals. Biosphere reserve serves to conserve the biodiversity i.e., plants, animals, microbes as well as culture of that place. A biosphere reserve consists of many protected areas such as national parks, sanctuaries and lakes etc. 
b) Wildlife sanctuaries are the natural habitats of animals where poaching or capturing of animals is strictly prohibited. Harvesting and other man activities are allowed as long as they don’t interfere with well being of animals. Zoos are the artificial habitats of animals wherein animals are conserved for public view. Wildlife sanctuaries cover a large geographical area as compared to that of zoo. 
c) Species with number diminished to the level that put them at the verge of extinctions are categorized as endangered species. Protection and conservation of these species are required to ensure their survival. Examples: tiger, wild buffaloes. Extinct species are the one which are no longer present on the earth e.g., Dodo
d) All plant species of an area constitutes its flora while its entire animal species makes its fauna. 


Answer in brief.

(a) Why should we conserve biodiversity?
(b) Protected forests are also not completely safe for wild animals. Why?
(c) Some tribals depend on the 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?

(a) Biodiversity is the variety of all life forms on Earth and it includes  different plants, animals and micro-organisms and the ecosystems of which they are a part. We should conserve the biodiversity because it is very important for all living organisms and also for environment. We should conserve it from being extinct.
(b) Protected forests are not completely safe for animals as poachers have the access in these areas who kills animals. There is a need to make strict rules against poaching and trespassing.
(c) Some tribals are still depends on jungle for their food, fuel, wood, shelter etc. They live in forests. Forests are the source of livelihood for them.
(d) The main cause of deforestation is urbanization and industrialization. The consequences will results in soil erosion, global warming and depletion of ground water which cause ultimate danger to human being.
(e) Red book data is the source book which keeps a record of all endangered species.
(f) Migration is movement of species from their own habitat to other habitats for a particular time period for a specific purpose like breeding.


A construction company used to cut 10 trees every month and planted 10 new saplings every month as replacement. Do you think they are successful in maintaining the number of trees in a forest. Justify.

There is no doubt that afforestation is a positive step towards restoration of forests and wildlife. But it is a slow process as new plant would take several years to grow big.


In order to meet the ever-increasing demand in factories and for shelter, trees are being continuously cut. Is it justified to cut trees for such projects?
Discuss and prepare a brief report.

It is not justified to cut the trees at the present rate for such projects. Trees are one of the most important parts of the ecosystem. We must reduce our dependency on forest resources. It is our responsibility to protect the Earth. This can be done by proper planning for afforestation so that new trees can be planted in deforested areas. 


List few consequences of deforestation.

Deforestation is the depletion/destruction of forest resources. Its main cause is the explosion of human and livestock population with the increased demand for basic needs. 
The major effect of deforestation is the loss of wildlife. Animals dwelling in forests lose their habitat. 
There is a decrease in the number of trees that can consume CO$$_2$$2 and give out oxygen through photosynthesis due to deforestation. Thus, there is an increase in atmospheric CO$$_2$$2 levels.  
The roots of the trees hold soil particles together. Without the trees, the fertile topsoil can be washed by water and wind, leaving the infertile/barren land behind. Vegetation is not possible on barren land.
The water cycle gets hampered as trees are the significant source of water vapour (through transpiration), to form clouds.


Mention any two activities of animals which get cues from diurnal and seasonal variations in light intensity.

  • Animals use the diurnal and seasonal variations in light intensity and duration (photoperiod) as cues for activitities like-
1) Foraging:- Searching for wild food resources is called foraging.
2) Migration:- It is a seasonal response to predictable changes in the environment. 


Class 8 Biology Extra Questions