📖 Chapter Overview
The conservation of plants and animals is essential to maintain biodiversity and ecological balance. Over-exploitation, deforestation, and poaching have caused severe threats to wildlife and forests. Governments and organizations work to protect species and habitats through national parks, sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves.
🔑 Key Points
- Biodiversity refers to the variety of plants, animals, and microorganisms.
- Deforestation leads to loss of habitat, climate change, and soil erosion.
- Protected areas include National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, and Biosphere Reserves.
- Endangered species need urgent protection to avoid extinction.
- Reforestation and afforestation are essential for ecosystem balance.
📊 Table: Protected Areas in India
| Type | Example | Special Feature |
|---|---|---|
| National Park | Kaziranga | Home to one-horned rhinoceros |
| Wildlife Sanctuary | Gir Sanctuary | Habitat of Asiatic lions |
| Biosphere Reserve | Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve | Contains rich biodiversity |
📚 30 Important Questions & Answers
Q1. What is biodiversity?
The variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat or on Earth.
Q2. Define deforestation.
The clearing of forests for human activities such as agriculture and urbanization.
Q3. Name three protected areas in India.
Jim Corbett National Park, Gir Sanctuary, Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
Q4. What are endangered species?
Species that are at risk of extinction.
Q5. Give one cause of deforestation.
Expansion of agricultural land.
Q6. What is a national park?
A protected area for wildlife where activities like hunting and grazing are prohibited.
Q7. Give an example of an extinct species.
Dodo bird.
Q8. What is reforestation?
Planting trees to replace lost forest cover.
Q9. Which law protects wildlife in India?
Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
Q10. What is poaching?
Illegal hunting or capturing of wild animals.
Q11. Name an endangered animal found in India.
Snow leopard.
Q12. What is a wildlife sanctuary?
A protected area where animals are sheltered and protected in their natural habitat.
Q13. What is afforestation?
Planting trees in an area where there was no previous tree cover.
Q14. Name a biosphere reserve in India.
Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve.
Q15. What is desertification?
The process of fertile land becoming desert due to deforestation or overgrazing.
Q16. Give an example of an endemic species.
Lion-tailed macaque.
Q17. What is soil erosion?
Removal of the top layer of soil by wind or water.
Q18. Name a migratory bird.
Siberian crane.
Q19. What is an ecosystem?
A community of living and non-living things interacting together.
Q20. Why is biodiversity important?
It maintains balance in nature and provides resources for survival.
Q21. What is the Red Data Book?
A record of endangered and rare species.
Q22. Give an example of a protected plant species.
Nepenthes khasiana (Pitcher plant).
Q23. How do forests prevent floods?
Tree roots hold the soil and absorb water, reducing runoff.
Q24. Name a national park famous for tigers.
Ranthambore National Park.
Q25. What is habitat loss?
Destruction of the natural environment of species.
Q26. Give one example of overexploitation.
Excessive hunting of whales for oil.
Q27. What is the role of NGOs in conservation?
They create awareness and participate in wildlife protection programs.
Q28. Name a tree found in Sundarbans.
Mangroves.
Q29. What is global warming?
The gradual increase in Earth's temperature due to greenhouse gases.
Q30. Why are biosphere reserves important?
They protect biodiversity and maintain ecological balance.