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Chapter 07
CONSERVATION OF PLANTS AND ANIMALS
Introduction
 Biodiversity: Variety of organisms that exist on the Earth, their
interrelationships, and their relationship with their environment is called the
Biological Diversity and the Biodiversity.
 Biosphere: Part of the Earth that supports life
Is called the biosphere. It is here that all living
Organisms exist.
 Wildlife Sanctuary: This is a protected area
Where animals can live in their natural habitat
Without any disturbance.
 National Park: This area is reserved for wildlife
Allowing them to freely use the available habitats
And natural resources.
 Biosphere Reserve: Biosphere reserves are larger areas of land which aim to
conserve the wildlife as well as the traditional life of the tribal living in the
area (allowing them to use the plant and animal resources to some extent).
 A large variety of plants and animals found on our planet. They both depend on each
other for survival. So, we need to conserve biodiversity as it helps in balancing the
ecosystem.
 Biodiversity is important for the overall health of an ecosystem as it provides for all
the basic needs of living things. In case of humans, basic necessities such as food,
clothing, shelter, and other important necessities such as medicines are provided by
the biodiversity. Today, a major threat to survival of mankind is deforestation.

7.1. Deforestation and Its Causes

Deforestation means clearing of forests for
Different purposes, such as timber and other
Uses of land.

7.2.Consequences of deforestation
Deforestation causes severe impact on the
environment such as
1. Loss of habitat: This leads to the extinction
Of many of species. Due to deforestation forests
Are vanishing due to animals are losing their
Habitat.
2. Rise in temperature: The increase in temperature on the earth disturbs the water
cycle and may reduce rainfall which cause drought.
3. Depletion of ground table.
4. Global warming: Plants absorb carbon dioxide from the environment for the
purpose of photosynthesis but due to deforestation the amount of carbon dioxide has
increased in environment due to which global warming has increased. Increased
global warming has disturbed rainfall patterns.
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5. Less exchange of gases between green plants and the environment.

6. Desertification: Deforestation increases the soil erosion which leads to deterioration
of fertile land. Soil erosion is the removal of top layer of the soil and exposes the
lower, hard and rocky layers which contain less humus and is less fertile. Gradually,
the fertile land gets converted into infertile (barren) land or wasteland. So,
desertification can be defined as a gradual conversion of fertile land into wasteland.

7.3.Conservation of biodiversity:The conservation of biodiversity is important as

it maintains the ecological balance on the earth. It also maintains the soil fertility or
prevents soil erosion. What is meant by biodiversity conservation?
The protection, restoration, and management of ecosystems and natural environments,
as well as ensuring that they are safe and functional, are all part of biodiversity
conservation.
How can we conserve biodiversity
Biodiversity can be conserved by
 Not cutting trees.  Not hunting animals.
 Utilizing natural resources in a cost-effective manner.
 Creating protected areas for animals like wild life centuries, where no human
activities are permitted.

7.4.Biosphere Reserve
A Biosphere Reserve is an area which aims to conserve the biodiversity of
the area as well as its culture. It may contain other protected areas within it. For
Example, Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve has a national park called the Satpura
National Park and two wildlife sanctuaries called the Bori Wildlife
Sanctuary and the Pachmarhi Wildlife Sanctuary.
Biosphere Reserves in India
No. Name State
10 Achanakmar- Madhya Pradesh,
Amarkantak Biosphere Chhattisgarh
Reserve
14 Agasthyamalai Kerala, Tamil Nadu
Biosphere Reserve
12 Cold Desert Himachal Pradesh
16 Dibru-Saikhowa Assam
8 Dihang-Dibang Arunachal Pradesh
15 Great Nicobar Andaman and Nicobar
Islands
11 Great Rann of Kutch Gujarat
3 Gulf of Mannar Tamil Nadu
13 Khangchendzonga Sikkim
6 Manas Assam
2 Nanda Devi Biosphere Uttarakhand
Reserve
1 Nilgiri Biosphere Tamil Nadu, Kerala
Reserve and Karnataka
4 Nokrek Meghalaya
9 Pachmarhi Biosphere Madhya Pradesh
Reserve
18 Panna Madhya Pradesh
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Seshachalam Hills B SALI Pradesh
Andhra
7 Simlipal Odisha
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7.5.Flora and Fauna

1. Some plants and animals are found in particular areas.
2. They may not exist naturally in other locations.
3. The 'plants' that grow naturally in a specific area are referred to as the 'flora' of
that area. Teak, Jamun, Fern, (Sal) Mango and Arjun are the flora of Pachmarhi
Biosphere Reserve
4. And the 'animals' that live naturally in a specific area are referred to as the 'fauna'
of that area.
5. Thus, flora and fauna refer to plants and animals that grow naturally in that
region. Cheetal, Wolf, Leopard, Chinkara, Blue bull, Barking deer, and Wild dog
are the examples of fauna of the Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve
Difference between flora and fauna
Flora-
1. The plants found in a particular area are
called flora.
2. Example-Peepal, sal, banyan.
3. Flora is non-motile (not capable of motion)
and synthesize its own food.
Fauna
1. The animals found in a particular area are
called fauna.
2. Example-Deer, Panda
3. Fauna is motile (capable of motion) and can
move from one place to another for food.

7.6.Species:Organisms that resemble one another having common characteristics and

are able to breed among themselves are called a species. Species is a group of
population which are capable of interbreeding. Members of species have common
characteristics.
Wildlife species on the basis of being threatened or extinct are being classified into
different categories such as
 Endemic species
 Extinct species
 Endangered species
 Threatened species
1. Endemic Species:- Those species which are
Restricted to a particular region or area are called
Endemic species. For example-Tree like sal and
Animals like gibbon.
2. Extinct species:- Those species which no longer
Exists anywhere on the earth are called extinct
Species.
3. Endangered species:- Those species which are
On the urge of extinction are called endangered
Species. For example-Leopard, Giant panda.
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Habitat Destruction is the main reason that many

species are becoming endangered.

4. Threatened species:- Those species which are in danger of extinction are called
threatened species. For example- Black buck, elephant.

7.7.Wildlife Sanctuary
Wildlife Sanctuaries are reserved forests where wild animals are
protected and provided with suitable living conditions. Unlike a zoo, animals in
wildlife sanctuaries live in their natural habitat and are free to roam anywhere as
they like.
People living in Wildlife Sanctuaries can:
 Graze livestock, and Collect firewood or medicinal plants.
Activities prohibited in wildlife sanctuaries include:
 Killing (poaching) animals & Capturing animals
These activities in wildlife sanctuaries are punishable by law.
 Wildlife Sanctuaries in India
Indian wildlife sanctuaries have unique landscapes which include
broad-level forests, mountain forests, and bushlands in deltas of big rivers. They
protect several threatened wildlife species such as golden cat, pink-headed duck,
black buck, white-eyed buck, gharial, marsh crocodile, elephant, rhinoceros,
python etc.
 Unfortunately, people encroach upon the land of these protected forest areas
and destroy them.
 There are 543 wildlife sanctuaries in India, which include as many as 50
tiger reserves which focus on the conservation of the tiger. The tiger reserves
work under Project Tiger. Jim Corbett was the first tiger reserve of India. It
is situated in Uttarakhand and is also the oldest national park in India.
 Project Tiger is a government initiative to protect tigers. Its objective was to
ensure the survival and maintenance of the population of tigers in India.
 Similarly, some of these wildlife sanctuaries are called bird sanctuaries as they
focus on protecting birds. Keoladeo National Park, for example, was a bird
sanctuary before it attained the National Park status.
 Some national parks focus on conserving a particular species, For
Example, Jawai leopard sanctuary which is in Rajasthan.

7.8.National Park

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 National Parks are large forest reserves that attempt to preserve the entire
ecosystems within the area including the landscape, flora, fauna, and historic
objects of the area.
 Satpura National Park is the first Reserve Forest of India.
 Within this forest, you can find the finest
Indian teak as well as rock shelters which are
Evidence of the prehistoric human life in the area.
 There are a total of 55 rock shelters in
Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve which also feature
Rock paintings depicting figures of men fighting
With animals, hunting scenes, dancing, and playing
Musical instruments. Many tribal are still living in
The area.
 National Parks in India
There are 104 national parks in India. Top 10 of these national parks include:
1. Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand 2.Kaziranga National Park, Assam
3. Gir Forest National Park, Gujarat 4.Sundarban National Park, West
Bengal
5.Satpura National Park, Madhya Pradesh 6. Eravikulam National Park, Kerala
7.Pench National Park, Madhya Pradesh 8.Sariska National Park, Rajasthan
9.Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh 10.Ranthambore National Park,
Rajasthan
Why do animals become extinct: Disturbances in the natural habitat of animals
make it difficult for them to survive and hence, become extinct. For Example,
dinosaurs became extinct thousands of years ago.
Why do we need to conserve animals: Animals, such as lizards, snakes, owls,
and bats, play a particular role in an ecosystem and help in maintaining its
balance. They form part of food chains and food webs. We need to conserve
different life forms to make sure that the natural balance does not get disturbed.
What do we mean by an ecosystem:An ecosystem refers to the living organisms
and non-living components of a place, including plants, animals, microorganisms,
climate, soil, river deltas etc.

7.9.Red Data Book:

 International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
 Maintains a record of all the endangered animals
And plants in the world and calls it Red Data Book. India also maintains its own
Red Data Book which keeps a record of endangered plants & animals found in
India.
 The Golden Toad now makes the Extinct as well as the Extinct in the Wild
lists of the IUCN Red List.
 There is a Red Data List too, which is also known as IUCN Red List of
Threatened Species or IUCN Red List which classified all known plant and
animal species into nine groups:

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7.10.Migration:It can be defined as a movement of a species from its own habitat

to another habitat.
 Several species of birds, fish, deer, monarch butterflies, green turtles move from
one region to another
 With weather changes (especially cold) for food, breeding and to avoid
unfavourable conditions. In India, migratory birds from the Arctic and northern
regions are found.They have a natural habitat in Siberia which is a very cold
place.
 When the winter ends, the Siberian cranes fly back to their homeland.
7.11.Recycling of Paper: Why should we recycle paper?
We need to cut 17 full-grown trees to make one tonne of paper. We can easily
reuse and recycle paper for five to seven trees. Reducing our consumption of
paper can save trees and also save water and energy used to manufacture paper.
Besides, it can also help in reducing the use of harmful chemicals that are used to
make paper.

7.12.Reforestation
 Reforestation is the opposite of deforestation. Here, we plant new trees to
restock forests that have been destroyed.
In India, we have the Forest (Conservation) Act which aims to preserve and
conserve natural forests and meet the basic needs of the people living in or near
them.
 Reforestation can happen naturally or can be done artificially. If a deforested
area is left undisturbed for some time, the forests grow again. However, we cut
more trees than the ones that grow on their own and hence, we should plant
trees to promote reforestation.
 Ideally, we should plant as many trees as had been cut down and the new trees
should be of the same species as the earlier ones.
 Padma Shri Jadav 'Molai' Payeng, the Forest Man of India is an environmental
activist and forestry worker.
 He is from Jorhat, India and single-handedly planted and nurtured a forest
encompassing an area of 1,360 hectares across several decades along the
sandbar of the River Brahmaputra.
 He was awarded Padma Shri - the fourth highest civilian award in India - in
2015 for the feat. The forest he planted is called 'Molai forest' after him.

Exercise Questions
Q1. Fill in the blanks.
(a) A place where animals are protected in their natural habitat is called Sanctuary.
(b) Species found only in a particular area is known as endemic.
(c) Migratory birds fly to faraway places because of climatic changes.

Q2. Differentiate between the following.

(a) Wildlife sanctuary and biosphere reserve (b) Zoo and wildlife sanctuary
(c) Endangered and extinct species (d) Flora and fauna
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Soln:(a)
Wildlife sanctuary Biosphere Reserve
An area within which wild animals are An area constructed for the conservation of
protected from external dangers like biodiversity
hunting
Adequate habitat and protection are Several life forms like plants, animals, and micro-
provided for the wild animals living in organisms conservation are possible in a reserve
a sanctuary
Eg: Corbett national park Eg: Nilgiri Biosphere reserve
(b) Zoo Wildlife Sanctuary
Animals are kept in artificially An area within which wild animals are protected
constructed facilities for public from external dangers like hunting.
exhibition.
It is an artificial habitat and the The animals are conserved within their natural
animals may or may not adapt to the habitat itself. So, they won’t have a problem with
new conditions. their surroundings.
(c)
Endangered Species Extinct Species
The species which are on the verge of The species of animals or plants that no
extinction are called as Endangered species. longer exist are called Extinct species.
Eg: Bengal Tiger, Blue Whale, etc. Eg: Caribbean monk seal, Great Auk,
Passenger pigeon.
(d)
Flora Fauna
It is the collective name for the plant life It is the collective name for the animal life
from a particular area. from a particular area
Eg: Spurge and Hogweed from the Nilgiris Eg: Langur, Tiger, Tahr from the Nilgiris
region region.

Q3. Discuss the effects of deforestation on the following.

(a) Wild animals (b) Environment (c) Villages (Rural areas)
(d) Cities (Urban areas) (e) Earth (f) The next generation
Soln:(a) Effects of deforestation on wild animals:
Removal of trees and plant life from a particular area for the construction of industries,
agriculture or for other such purposes is termed as Deforestation. Plantlife forms an
integral part of the ecosystem and these plants form the natural habitat of various
animals of that ecosystem. Destroying the plant life will ultimately threaten the
existence of animals in that particular ecosystem and may lead to their extinction.
(b) Effects of deforestation on the environment:
In plants, Photosynthesis takes place by the absorption of CO2 from the earth’s
atmosphere. The percentage of CO2 in the atmosphere increases rapidly if the plant life
of an area is destroyed. Increased concentrations of CO2 result in the trapping of
excessive heat radiations within the Earth’s atmosphere contributing to global warming.
This results in the rise of the temperature of the Earth and disturbs the water cycle
which occurs in nature. Hence, rainfall pattern changes leading to droughts and floods.
(c) Effects of deforestation on villages:

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The soil particles are held together in a place by the roots of the plants, trees and other
vegetation. In the event of water flow or a high-speed wind over the top layer of the
soil, the soil particles get removed easily as there are no plants to hold it in place. Thus,
soil erosion is increased by deforestation activities. Soil loses fertility and loses humus.
Hence, a fertile land, fit for agriculture turns into a desert.
(d)Effects of deforestation on cities:
The risk of natural calamities like floods and drought in urban areas is increased by
deforestation. It will also lead to global warming because of increased CO2 levels in the
atmosphere. This is a result of continuous pollution from automobiles and industries.
The water cycle in the vicinity is also affected.
(e) Effects of deforestation on Earth:
Deforestation leads to increased chances and occurrences of desertification, droughts
and floods. Carbon Dioxide level in the earth’s atmosphere also increases which leads
to global warming. The water cycle is disrupted and there is also an increased risk of
natural calamities.
(f) Effects of deforestation on the next generation:
Our Environment is slowly changed by the activities of deforestation, both directly and
indirectly. Soil erosion, global warming, desertification, drought, greenhouse effect,
floods and many other problems are caused only because of deforestation. Ultimately,
the next generation will be facing the consequences of deforestation.
Q4. 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
Soln: (a) If we go on cutting the trees
If we go on cutting the trees, the animals will lose their natural habitat as an essential
part of their ecosystem are destroyed. This reduces the biodiversity of the affected areas.
The temperature of the Earth also increases and gives way to global warming. Global
warming, in turn, affects the water cycle. Hence, rainfall pattern changes leading to
droughts and floods. Risks of soil erosion, global warming, desertification, greenhouse
effect increases.
(b) If the habitat of an animal is disturbed
All the basic necessities for an animal, like food, water, shelter and protection is
provided by the habitat in which the animal lives-in disturbing the habitat of the animal
forces it to move to another place in search of food, water, shelter and protection. The
animal, in due course, may get killed by other animals.
(C) If the top layer of the soil is removed
Removing the top layer of the soil gradually exposes the lower layers of the soil. The
lower layers of the soil are hard and rocky in nature and are less fertile. This is because
of the reduced quantity of humus. Soil erosion on a continued basis will turn it barren
and infertile.
Q 5. 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?

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Soln:(a) The number and variety of various life forms such as plants, animals and
micro-organisms in the area are called Biodiversity. Both plants and animals have a
mutual dependence on each other for their survival. As they are related to one another,
destruction of one will automatically destroy the other. Hence, biodiversity has to be
conserved in order to maintain nature’s balance.
(b) People who live near the forests depend on the resources of the forests in order to
fulfil their day-to-day needs. Therefore, it is not safe for animals living in protected
forests. The animals would be threatened by the presence of the human population. This
results in the killing of wild animals and selling their products for huge sums of money.
(c) The forests provide food, fodder and other resources to the tribal people. It is
inevitable for them to depend on forests and their resources for everyday needs.
(d) Causes of deforestation:
There are a lot of causes for deforestation. A few of them are listed below.
I. In order to accommodate the ever-expanding urban population, forest areas are often
cleared and converted into lands for various uses.
II. For agricultural activities like crop cultivation and cattle grazing, forest lands are
cleared.
III. Firewood is a major product from the forests and it is one of the main reasons for
cutting the trees on a large scale.
Consequences of deforestation:
There are a lot of fatal consequences caused by deforestation. A few of them are listed
below. 1. Soil erosion 2. Loss of Biodiversity 3. Floods
4. Global warming as a result of climate change 5. Disruption of the water cycle
(e) Red data book is basically a sourcebook which has an international list of all plant
and animal species which are endangered, that is, on the verge of extinction. The
International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural resources (IUCN) maintains
the books and adds/ removes the names of the species by conducting a comprehensive
survey.
(f) The movement of an organism or a group of organisms from its natural habitat to
another place on a standard basis at a particular time of each and every year is known as
migration. The organisms do so in order to avoid uninhabitable conditions of climate or
for the process of breeding.
Q 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? Discuss and prepare a
brief report.
Soln:No. Cutting trees in order to meet the ever-growing demands of the human
population is not at all justified. There are a vast number of organisms like wild
animals, insects, and birds living in the forests. The forests provide good quality air for
both animals and humans. This is because of the process of plants respiration by which,
they consume the harmful carbon dioxide and give out good quality Oxygen. Thus,
keeping greenhouse gases and global warming under check. The roots of the flora of the
forests help in preventing soil erosion. Natural Calamities such as floods and droughts
could also be prevented by their presence. They help in increasing the soil’s fertility and
conserving the biodiversity of the ecosystem.

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Overutilization of forests and its resources by cutting a large number of trees in order to
satisfy the demands of the ever-increasing human population, leading to many long-
term problems like
 Soil erosion Greenhouse effect  Global warming  Floods Droughts
Besides the above-listed problems, the effects of large-scale deforestation will be
leaving an everlasting mark on the face of human civilization. The balance of nature is
disturbed by the destruction of trees. Hence, it is of utmost priority and importance to
conserve forests.
Q 7. How can you contribute to the maintenance of green wealth of your locality? Make
a list of actions to be taken by you.
Soln: I can take care of the green cover of my locality by growing plants in my locality.
I shall motivate the people of my neighbourhood to plant more trees and take care of the
existing trees by creating awareness about the importance of plant life in an ecosystem.
In order to make this possible, I would initiate the proceedings and organize weekly
events on the same. Creating awareness among the children and youth would be of top
priority as they will easily understand the issues that we are facing. Planting new trees is
as important as looking after the existing ones. So, my volunteers and I would water the
plants and trees on a regular basis.
Q 8. Explain how deforestation leads to reduced rainfall.
Soln: Removal of trees and plant life from a particular area for the construction of
industries, agriculture and other purposes is termed as Deforestation. Photosynthesis in
plant life, takes place by the absorption of CO2 from the earth’s atmosphere. When the
plant life is destroyed, the Carbon Dioxide levels in the atmosphere will increase
drastically leading trap of heat radiation which causes global warming. This rise in
temperature will affect the water cycle. Disturbance in the water cycle will lead to a
chain of events and in the end, the rainfall pattern changes and results in droughts.
Q9. Find out about national parks in your state.
Identify and show their location on the outline
Map of India.
Soln: Periyar National park located in the state
Of Kerala.

Q10. Why should paper be saved? Prepare a list of

ways by which you can save paper.
Soln: If one ton of clean white paper is to be produced, seventeen full-grown trees are
cut down. Trees play a major role in maintaining a balance in nature. So, it is essential
to save paper in order to protect the trees and avoid the impact of the loss of trees on the
living organisms that depend on these trees.
Ways to save paper:
 Collection and recycling of used paper.
 Using both sides of a paper for writing.
 Spreading awareness about the importance of paper among school children and
youth.
 Intelligent and proper use of paper.

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Q 11. Complete the word puzzle.

Down Across
1. Species on the verge of extinction. 1. Species which have vanished.
2. A book carrying information about 3. Species found only in a particular habitat.
Endangered species. 4. Variety of plants, animals
&microorganisms
5. Consequences of deforestation. Found in an area
soln: Down
1. Endangered
2. Red Data Book
3. Deserts
Across
1. Extinct
2. Endemic
3. Biodiversity

Multiple Choice Questions

Q12. 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
Q13 . 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.
Q14. 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.
Q15. 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
Q16. 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.
Q17. 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.
Q18. Which statement is incorrect about endangered species?
(a) Their number has decreased drastically.
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(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
Q19. What do blackbuck, elephant, python and golden cat together represent in a forest?
(a) fauna (b) flora (c) ecosystem (d) species
Q20. 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
Q21. 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.
Q22. 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
Q23.State whether the following statements are True or False. Correct the false statements.
1. There can be a wildlife sanctuary within a biosphere reserve.(TRUE)
2. Plants of a particular area are collectively termed as fauna.(FALSE)
3. Deforestation leads to an increase in the water holding capacity of the soil.(FALSE)
4. Bison is an endemic fauna of Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve.(TRUE)

Q24. Name the first Reserve Forest of India……….( Satpura National Park)
Q25. Why are wildlife sanctuaries important for the conservation of plants and animals?
Soln:Wildlife sanctuaries important for the conservation of plants and animals because in
these areas poaching or killing animals, and disturbing animals by any means of human
activity are prohibited. Moreover, in wildlife sanctuaries animals can live in their natural
environment. This promotes their breeding and population increase.

Q26. Why are endemic organisms in greater danger of becoming extinct?

Soln: Endemic organisms are those which can live in a particular geographical location.
Any disturbance to their natural habitat will affect the endemic animals adversely hence
they are in great danger of becoming extinct.

Q27. How are even small animals important in an ecosystem?

Soln: Every organism forms a part of the food chain and ecosystem. Hence every organism
is important to balance the ecosystem.
Q28. A new species X is introduced in a forest. How is it likely to affect the local species of
that area?
Soln:Introduction of new species in a forest leads to competition for food and place. Hence it
will affect the native species present in the forest.

Q29. Does soil erosion affect the fertility of soil? How?

Soln:Soil erosion leads to washing out of soil fertile layer of soil. This leads to desertification
of land due to lack of fertile soil.

Q30. What is the unique feature of the biodiversity found in Panchmarhi Biosphere Reserve?
PREPARED BY: RAGHAVENDRA B SALI
13 SHUBADA EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION

Soln:The biodiversity found in Panchmarhi Biosphere Reserve is similar to that found in upper
Himalayan peaks and lower Western Ghats.

Q31. Mention the aim of Forest (Conservation) Act.

Soln:Aim of the Forest (Conservation) Act are as follows
 To conserve natural forests and the animals present in the forest.
 To meet the basic needs of the people living in the forest.

Q32. Is deforestation associated with global warming? Explain.

Soln:Plants absorb CO2from the atmosphere and release oxygen. Cutting of trees leads to the
accumulation of CO2in the atmosphere. CO2 traps heat rays from the sun which are reflected by
the earth. This results in an increase in temperature on earth.

Q33. How does deforestation lead to frequent floods and droughts?

Soln:Deforestation will reduce the water holding capacity of the soil due to the lack of trees.
This reduces infiltration of water into the ground which increases the chances of flood. Cutting
of trees leads to the accumulation of CO2 in the atmosphere. CO2 traps heat rays from the sun
which are reflected by the earth. This results in an increase in temperature on earth. Increase in
temperature disturbs water cycle which causes draughts and floods.

PREPARED BY: RAGHAVENDRA B SALI