NCERT Exemplar Solutions Class 8 Science Conservation of Plants and Animals

Multiple Choice Questions..........................

Question 1: 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 

Solution 1:  (a) its population is diminishing

Endangered species are those whose numbers are shrinking rapidly and who could face extinction in the not-too-distant future.

Question 2:  Which one of the following changes may occur due to desertification?

(a) Increased chances of floods.

(b) Conversion of fertile land into a desert.

(c) The decrease in atmospheric temperature.

(d) Increase in water holding capacity of the soil. 

Solution 2: (b) Conversion of fertile land into a desert. 

When there are no plants, the soil is swept away by the wind and there are no roots to keep the soil in place. As a result, topsoil erodes, turning the ground into a desert.

Question 3:  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. 

Solution 3:  (c) It is meant to conserve both, the biodiversity and the culture of that area.

The biosphere reserve is a forest-covered area that has been designated as a protected area. It is intended to protect wildlife, habitats, and tribal’s' traditional way of life.

Question 4:  The place meant for the 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 

Solution 4: (c) iii & iv;

Species are preserved outside of their natural environment and ex-situ restoration in botanical gardens and zoological parks. Wildlife refuges and national parks, on the other hand, are examples of in-situ conservation, in which biodiversity is preserved in its natural environment.

Question 5:  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. 

Solution 5:  (a) They are found exclusively in a specific habitat. 

Endemic species are those that can only be found in one type of habitat. When habitat is damaged by human activity or new species are introduced to the habitat, endemic species become extinct.

Question 6:  Which of the following feature is correct for a wildlife sanctuary?

(a) It is an artificially created protected area for animals.

(b) It is a protected area for threatened and endangered wild animals.

(c) It is meant for the conservation of only plant species.

(d) Capturing and poaching of animals is strictly prohibited here. 

Solution 6:  (a) It is an artificially created protected area for animals. 

The wildlife sanctuary is a man-made wildlife sanctuary; as a result, choice c) is incorrect. Threatened and endangered wild species are not specifically protected in wildlife sanctuaries; as a result, answer b) is incorrect. Option d) is also not acceptable since animal capture and poaching are strictly prohibited everywhere.

Question 7: 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 

Solution 7: (c) They pose a danger to other animals. 

Endangered species are those whose numbers are shrinking rapidly and who could face extinction in the not-too-distant future. Hence, they do not pose any danger on other species infact their own existence would be in danger.

Question 8: What do blackbuck, elephant, python and golden cat together represent in a forest?

(a) fauna

(b) flora

(c) ecosystem

(d) species 

Solution 8: (a) fauna 

Animals in a given region are referred to as fauna. Flora refers to the plant species found in a given location. The physical climate, as well as the plants and animals of a given place, make up the ecosystem. A community is a population of inbreeding individuals.

Question 9: The Red Data Book keeps a record of all the

(i) endemic species.

(ii) extinct species.

(iii) endangered plants

(iv) endangered animals.

(a) i & ii;

(b) ii & iii;

(c) iii & iv;

(d) i & iv 

Solution 9: (c) iii & iv

The Red Data Book is a database of endangered species and plants. Different books are held for various organisms, such as plants, birds, and other creatures.

Question 10: Migratory birds fly to faraway areas during a particular time of a year. Which of the following conditions present in their habitat during that time are responsible for this behaviour?

(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. 

Solution 10:  (b) i & ii;

Bird migration is the process of birds migrating to various environments as a result of changing weather conditions. Birds are unable to collect food and lay their eggs due to harsh weather conditions.

Question 11:  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 

Solution 11:  (a) soil erosion 

Since there are no roots to keep the soil in place as a result of tree cutting, the topsoil erodes due to wind movement.

Very Short Answer Questions....................

Question 12:  Why is it important to conserve forests? 

Solution 12:  Forests should be preserved to maintain natural harmony and the environment. 

Question 13:  Mention any one action that you have undertaken to conserve trees 

Solution 13:   Donating old books and raising consciousness about deforestation are two things I enjoy doing.

Question 14:  State whether the following statements are True or False. Correct the false statements.

1. There can be a wildlife sanctuary within a biosphere reserve.
2. Plants of a particular area are collectively termed as fauna.
3. Deforestation leads to an increase in the water holding capacity of the soil.
4. Bison is an endemic fauna of Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve. 

Solution 14:

1. True
2. False- Flora is the collective word for all of the plants in a given field.
3. False- The water keeping capacity of the soil is reduced as a result of deforestation.
4. True

Question 15:  Can a forest regenerate naturally in a short period of time? 

Solution 15:   The natural regeneration of the forest takes a long time.

Question 16:  Name the first Reserve Forest of India. 

Solution 16:   The first Reserve Forest of India is Satpura National Park.

Short Answer Questions....................

Question 17:  Why are wildlife sanctuaries important for the conservation of plants and animals? 

Solution 17:   Wildlife sanctuaries are important for plant and animal protection because human activity such as hunting, killing, or disturbing animals is prohibited in these areas.

Furthermore, animals may live in their natural habitat in wildlife sanctuaries. This encourages breeding and population growth.

Question 18:  Why are endemic organisms in greater danger of becoming extinct? 

Solution 18:   Endemism refers to species that can only exist in a certain geographic area. Since any disturbance to their natural environment has a negative impact on endemic species, they are in grave danger of extinction.

Question 19:  How are even small animals important in an ecosystem? 

Solution 19:   The food chain and environment are made up of all living things. As a result, each organism is critical to the ecosystem's equilibrium.

Question 20:  A new species X is introduced in a forest. How is it likely to affect the local species of that area? 

Solution 20:  When new species are introduced to a forest, they compete for food and space. As a result, it will have an effect on the forest's native species.

Question 21: Does soil erosion affect the fertility of soil? How? 

Solution 21:  Soil erosion causes the fertile layer of soil to be washed away. Owing to a lack of fertile soil, this results in land desertification.

Question 22:  What is the unique feature of the biodiversity found in Panchmarhi Biosphere Reserve? 

Solution 22:   Panchmarhi Biosphere Reserve's biodiversity is comparable to that of the upper Himalayan peaks and lower Western Ghats.

Question 23:  Mention the aim of Forest (Conservation) Act. 

Solution 23:   The aims of the Forest (Conservation) Act are as follows:

• To protect natural forests and the species that live there.
• To provide for the basic needs of forest dwellers.

Question 24:  What is biodiversity? 

Solution 24:   The number of plants and animals found in a given ecosystem is referred to as biodiversity.

Long Answer Questions....................

Question 25:  Is deforestation associated with global warming? Explain. 

Solution 25:   Carbon dioxide from the atmosphere is absorbed by plants, and then releases oxygen. Cutting down trees causes carbon dioxide to build up in the atmosphere. CO₂ traps solar heat rays that are absorbed by the earth. The earth's temperature rises as a result of this.

Question 26:  How does deforestation lead to frequent floods and droughts? 

Solution 26:   Since there are less plants, deforestation reduces the soil's ability to retain water. This decreases water penetration into the land, increasing the risk of flooding. Cutting down trees causes carbon dioxide to build up in the atmosphere. CO2 traps solar heat rays that are absorbed by the earth.

The earth's temperature rises as a result of this. Increased temperature disrupts the water cycle, resulting in draughts and flooding.

Question 27: Why should we save paper? 

Solution 27:  We should save paper for the following reasons:

• Chemical use can be minimized, resulting in fewer water emissions.
• Paper is made by cutting down trees. The paper should be saved in order to preserve the forest.
• Conserving paper will help to reduce the amount of water used in the manufacturing process.