Table of Contents

A. Fill in the blanks

International Day for Biological Diversity is observed on 22nd May.
A group of organisms, capable of interbreeding under natural conditions, is known as a species.
Endemic species are the species that are found only in a particular area.
Corbett National Park is an important reserve for Project Tiger.
Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary in Odisha is the breeding ground for the giant olive ridley turtle.

B. Match the following

Column A	Column B
1. Rhinoceros	(b) Kaziranga National Park
2. Giant Panda	(a) Vulnerable
3. Flamingos	(e) Migration
4. Cheetah	(d) Endangered
5. Passenger Pigeon	(c) Extinct

C. Tick (✓) the correct option

1. Protection and preservation of wildlife and natural resources is known as—

✅ Conservation

2. The cheetah is a vulnerable species because—

✅ It will be ‘endangered’ soon.

3. Plants found in a particular area are referred to as—

✅ Flora

4. Which one of the following is not an outcome of deforestation in an area?

✅ Increased rainfall

5. A region in which conservation of biodiversity in its natural habitat is practised is known as a—

✅ National Park

D. Answer the Following Questions in Brief

1. How have ‘urbanisation and industrialisation’ led to a large-scale deforestation?

Urbanisation and industrialisation require large areas of land for building houses, roads, factories, railways, dams and other infrastructure. To create this space, forests are cleared on a large scale. This destruction of forests leads to the loss of wildlife habitats, reduction in biodiversity and disturbance of the ecological balance.

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

A newly introduced species may compete with the native species for food, water and shelter. It may also spread diseases or prey upon local organisms. As a result, the population of native species may decline, disturbing the balance of the ecosystem and reducing biodiversity.

3. What is a Biosphere Reserve? Name two biosphere reserves in India.

A Biosphere Reserve is a large protected area established to conserve plants, animals and microorganisms in their natural habitats while promoting sustainable use of natural resources and scientific research.

Two biosphere reserves in India are:

Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve
Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve

4. How does the ‘Red Data Book’ help in protecting biodiversity?

The Red Data Book is a record of rare, vulnerable, endangered and extinct species of plants and animals. It helps scientists and governments identify species that need immediate protection and supports planning for conservation programmes to prevent their extinction.

5. Why do some birds and animals migrate?

Many birds and animals migrate to escape harsh climatic conditions, search for food and water, breed in favourable environments, and ensure the survival of their young. They usually return when conditions become suitable again.

6. How do birds get helped in navigation while undertaking long-distance flights?

Birds navigate during long-distance flights by using natural cues such as the position of the Sun during the day, the stars at night, landmarks like rivers and mountains, and the Earth’s magnetic field. These help them reach their destinations accurately.

7. Distinguish between a National Park and a Wildlife Sanctuary.

National Park	Wildlife Sanctuary
It is a protected area where the entire ecosystem, including plants, animals and their habitats, is strictly conserved.	It is a protected area mainly meant for the protection of wild animals and birds.
Human activities such as grazing, hunting and exploitation of forest resources are strictly prohibited.	Some regulated human activities, such as grazing or collection of forest produce, may be permitted with permission.
The rules are more stringent to ensure complete protection of biodiversity.	The rules are comparatively less strict than those of a National Park.

E. Answer the Following Questions

1. Explain how deforestation can result in droughts and floods.

Deforestation disturbs the natural water cycle. Trees release water vapour into the atmosphere through transpiration, which helps in the formation of clouds and rainfall. When forests are cut down, the amount of rainfall decreases, increasing the chances of drought.

At the same time, tree roots hold the soil firmly and allow rainwater to seep into the ground. In the absence of trees, rainwater flows rapidly over the surface, causing soil erosion and floods. Thus, deforestation can lead to both droughts and floods in different regions.

2. ‘Extinction of tiger can destabilise the entire forest ecosystem and result in a large-scale loss of biodiversity.’ Justify this statement.

The tiger is the top predator in the forest ecosystem. It controls the population of herbivorous animals such as deer and wild boar. If tigers become extinct, the number of herbivores will increase rapidly, leading to excessive grazing and destruction of vegetation.

This will reduce food and shelter for many other animals, disturb the food chain and upset the ecological balance. As a result, many plant and animal species may decline, causing a large-scale loss of biodiversity.

3. Why are endemic species at a greater risk of becoming extinct? List the ‘human action related causes’ that are responsible for their extinction.

Endemic species are found naturally only in a particular geographical area. Since their distribution is limited, they cannot easily survive if their habitat is damaged or destroyed. Therefore, they are at a greater risk of extinction.

Human actions responsible for their extinction are:

Large-scale deforestation.
Urbanisation and industrialisation.
Expansion of agriculture and human settlements.
Mining and construction of roads and dams.
Hunting and poaching of wildlife.
Pollution of air, water and soil.
Introduction of alien (non-native) species into their habitat.
Forest fires caused by human negligence.

4. ‘The growing human population poses a grave threat to biodiversity.’ Justify this statement.

The rapid growth of the human population has greatly increased the demand for land, food, water and natural resources. To meet these needs, forests are cleared for agriculture, industries, roads, buildings and urban development. This destroys the natural habitats of many plants and animals.

In addition, excessive use of natural resources, pollution, hunting, poaching and climate change caused by human activities further threaten wildlife. Many species become endangered or extinct due to these pressures. Therefore, the growing human population is one of the major threats to biodiversity.

5. Explain the difference between extinct, endangered and vulnerable species.

Extinct Species	Endangered Species	Vulnerable Species
These are species that no longer exist anywhere on Earth.	These are species whose population has declined so much that they are at a very high risk of extinction.	These are species that are likely to become endangered if conservation measures are not taken.
There are no living individuals left.	They need immediate protection and conservation.	Their population is decreasing, but they are not yet critically endangered.
Example: Passenger Pigeon, Dodo.	Example: Tiger, Asiatic Lion.	Example: Giant Panda, Cheetah (as per textbook context).

6. List five ways in which you, as an individual, can contribute to conserving forests and wildlife.

As responsible citizens, we can help conserve forests and wildlife in the following ways:

Plant more trees and participate in afforestation programmes.
Use paper wisely by reducing, reusing and recycling paper products to save trees.
Do not hunt or buy products made from animal skin, fur, ivory or horns.
Protect forests by preventing forest fires and avoiding littering in forest areas.
Spread awareness about the importance of biodiversity and encourage others to protect nature.

These simple actions, when followed by many people, can make a significant contribution towards conserving forests, wildlife and biodiversity.

Also read : Class 8 sst solutionHome: Tata Dav S.St solutions

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Class 6thclass 6 science

Tata DAV Class 8 Science Chapter 8 – Conservation of Plants and Animals (Brief Notes)

1. Forests and Biodiversity

India has a rich variety of forest ecosystems.
Forests are home to numerous plants, animals and microorganisms.
The variety of living organisms in an area is called biodiversity.

2. Causes of Deforestation

Deforestation is mainly caused by:

Need for fuelwood and timber.
Demand for fodder and paper.
Expansion of agriculture.
Urbanisation and industrialisation.
Construction of roads, dams and other developmental projects.

3. Effects of Deforestation

Local Effects

Disturbs the flow of rivers.
Causes droughts and floods.
Leads to soil erosion.
Destroys wildlife habitats.
Displaces forest dwellers.

Global Effects

Contributes to climate change.
Increases global warming.
Causes desertification (formation of deserts).

4. Importance of Conserving Biodiversity

Every living organism plays an important role in maintaining ecological balance.
Conserving biodiversity helps maintain healthy ecosystems.
It protects endangered species from extinction.

5. Protected Areas

The Government has established protected areas to conserve plants and animals.

Biosphere Reserve

Large protected area for conserving biodiversity and promoting sustainable development.

National Park

Protected area where wildlife and natural habitats receive strict protection.

Wildlife Sanctuary

Area mainly meant for protecting wild animals in their natural habitat.

6. Red Data Book

Published by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Contains information about threatened plant and animal species.
Species are classified as:
- Extinct
- Endangered
- Vulnerable

7. Endemic Species

Species found only in a particular geographical area.
They are more likely to become extinct because they have a limited habitat.

Causes of Extinction of Endemic Species

Habitat destruction.
Overexploitation.
Introduction of new (alien) species.
Disturbance of ecosystems.

8. Migration

Migration is the seasonal movement of birds and animals.
It is done to:
- Search for food.
- Escape harsh weather.
- Breed and raise young ones.
Most migratory animals return to their original habitats after the season.

9. Methods of Forest Conservation

Afforestation: Planting trees in areas where forests did not previously exist.
Reforestation: Replanting trees in deforested areas.
Recycling Paper: Reduces the need to cut down trees and helps conserve forests.

📌 Key Terms

Term	Meaning
Biodiversity	Variety of living organisms in an area.
Deforestation	Cutting down forests on a large scale.
Afforestation	Planting trees on barren land.
Reforestation	Replanting trees in deforested areas.
Endemic Species	Species found only in a particular region.
Migration	Seasonal movement of animals and birds.
Red Data Book	Record of threatened plant and animal species.
Biosphere Reserve	Large protected area for conserving biodiversity.

✨ Exam Points to Remember

India has rich biodiversity due to its diverse forest ecosystems.
Deforestation leads to floods, droughts, climate change and desertification.
Biosphere Reserves, National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries protect biodiversity.
The IUCN publishes the Red Data Book.
Endemic species are highly vulnerable to extinction.
Migration is a seasonal movement for food, breeding and favourable climate.
Afforestation, reforestation and paper recycling are effective ways to conserve forests.

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These notes are concise, exam-oriented, and suitable for DAV Class 8 Living Science Chapter 8 – Conservation of Plants and Animals revision as well as blog publication.