Class 8 Conservation of Plants and Animals Oxford is the protection and preservation of natural resources to maintain the balance of the environment. Due to deforestation, habitat loss, pollution, and human activities, many species are becoming endangered or extinct. Conservation helps protect biodiversity, maintain ecosystems, and ensure that future generations can also benefit from nature. Methods like setting up wildlife sanctuaries, national parks, and biosphere reserves play a key role in protecting plants and animals.

Class 8 Conservation of Plants and Animals Oxford Full Chapter Answers

II. Very short answer type questions

A. Give two examples for the following:

  1. Reasons for deforestation:
    1. Logging for timber
    1. Clearing land for agriculture
  2. Animals poached for fur:
    1. Snow leopard
    1. Tiger
  3. Natural disasters that reduce plant and animal species:
    1. Forest fires
    1. Floods
  4. Extinct species:
    1. Dodo
    1. Tasmanian tiger
  5. Critically endangered animal species of India:
    1. Pygmy hog
    1. Gangetic dolphin
  6. Endangered animal species of India:
    1. Asiatic lion
    1. Indian rhinoceros
  7. Animal species that are vulnerable:
    1. Snow leopard
    1. Asian elephant
  8. Indian conservation programs:
    1. Project Tiger
    1. Project Elephant
  9. Wildlife sanctuaries in India:
    1. Jim Corbett National Park
    1. Gir National Park
  10. Bird sanctuaries in India:
    1. Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
    1. Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary

B. Give one word for the following:

  1. The number and variety of organisms that exist – Biodiversity
  2. The natural environment of a plant or animal species where it lives and thrives – Habitat
  3. The numerous plant species living in its natural environment – Flora
  4. Plant and animal species confined to a specific geographical area – Endemic species
  5. Large scale loss of forest habitat – Deforestation
  6. Illegal hunting of animals – Poaching
  7. Species that no longer exist anywhere on the Earth – Extinct
  8. Species that are at a high risk of extinction in the wild – Endangered
  9. A confined or enclosed area where animals are kept for public exhibition – Zoo
  10. The preservation and careful management of plant and animal species to prevent them from extinction – Conservation

III. Short Answer Type Questions – Class 8 Conservation of Plants and Animals Oxford

  1. What is a species? Give one example.
    A species is a group of organisms that can mate and produce fertile offspring. Example: Tiger.
  2. Why do some places show higher diversity than others?
    Places with favorable climate, abundant water, and varied habitats support more species, leading to higher biodiversity.
  3. Why do some animals show migration?
    Animals migrate to find better food, breeding grounds, or favorable climates during different seasons.
  4. Why are trees felled for wood?
    Trees are cut to use wood for construction, furniture, paper, and fuel.
  5. Define poaching. Name any three animals commonly poached.
    Poaching is the illegal hunting or capturing of wild animals. Commonly poached animals: Tiger, Elephant, Rhinoceros.
  6. With the help of an example, define invasive species.
    Invasive species are non-native plants or animals that harm native ecosystems. Example: Lantana plant invading forests.
  7. What does IUCN stand for? Name the book it comes out with that lists threatened species.
    IUCN stands for International Union for Conservation of Nature. The book is called the Red Data Book.
  8. List the nine categories of species in the IUCN list.
    1. Extinct (EX)
    1. Extinct in the Wild (EW)
    1. Critically Endangered (CR)
    1. Endangered (EN)
    1. Vulnerable (VU)
    1. Near Threatened (NT)
    1. Least Concern (LC)
    1. Data Deficient (DD)
    1. Not Evaluated (NE)

Class 8 Conservation of Plants and Animals Oxford – Long Answer Type Questions

IV. Long Answer Type Questions

  1. Explain biodiversity in detail.
    Biodiversity means the variety of all living things on Earth. It includes different kinds of plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms like bacteria. Biodiversity exists at three main levels:
  2. Genetic Diversity: Differences in genes within a species. For example, different breeds of dogs have different genes.
  3. Species Diversity: The variety of different species in an area. For example, a forest may have many types of trees, birds, insects, and mammals.
  4. Ecosystem Diversity: Different types of habitats like forests, deserts, oceans, and wetlands.

Importance of Biodiversity:

  • It helps maintain the balance of nature and ecosystems.
  • Provides us with food, medicine, and raw materials.
  • Supports important processes like pollination, water purification, and climate regulation.
  • Ensures survival of species by providing diverse environments.

Loss of biodiversity affects humans and nature negatively because it weakens ecosystems and reduces resources we depend on.

Class 8 Conservation of Plants and Animals Oxford biodiversity
  1. Explain the major causes for loss of biodiversity on Earth.
    1. Deforestation: Cutting down forests destroys habitats.
    1. Pollution: Contaminates air, water, and soil, harming species.
    1. Climate change: Alters habitats and affects species survival.
    1. Overexploitation: Excessive hunting, fishing, and use of resources.
    1. Invasive species: Non-native species outcompete native species.
    1. Urbanization: Expanding cities reduce natural habitats.

Define conservation. Explain the role of NGOs in conservation of biodiversity in India.
Conservation is the protection, preservation, and careful management of natural resources like plants, animals, and their habitats to prevent their extinction and maintain ecological balance.

Role of NGOs in Conservation of Biodiversity in India

Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) play an important role in conserving biodiversity in India by:

  1. Creating Awareness: They educate people about the importance of wildlife and forests through campaigns, workshops, and school programs.
  2. Wildlife Protection: NGOs help in rescuing injured or endangered animals and support their rehabilitation and release into the wild.
  3. Running Conservation Projects: Many NGOs work on protecting specific endangered species, such as tigers and elephants, by setting up reserves and monitoring populations.
  4. Community Involvement: NGOs involve local communities in conservation efforts, encouraging sustainable use of natural resources and reducing harmful activities like poaching and deforestation.
  5. Policy Support: They assist the government by conducting research and suggesting laws and policies to protect biodiversity.

Examples of Indian NGOs: WWF India, Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), and Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS)

  • Explain with examples what we mean by extinct, endangered and vulnerable species.

Ans: Extinct, Endangered, and Vulnerable Species

  1. Extinct Species:
    These are species that no longer exist anywhere on Earth. They have completely died out and cannot be found in the wild or in captivity.
    Example: The Dodo bird, which disappeared in the 17th century.
  2. Endangered Species:
    These species are at a very high risk of extinction in the near future if protective measures are not taken. Their population has decreased drastically due to habitat loss, hunting, or other reasons.
    Example: The Bengal tiger is endangered because of poaching and habitat destruction.
  3. Vulnerable Species:
    These species face a high risk of becoming endangered if their situation worsens. They still have a relatively larger population than endangered species but need protection.
    Example: The Asian elephant is vulnerable due to habitat fragmentation and human-animal conflicts.

3. Explain briefly the different kinds of protected areas and how they have helped in conservation of biodiversity.

Ans: Different Kinds of Protected Areas

Protected areas are specific regions set aside to conserve wildlife and their habitats. The main types include:

  1. National Parks:
    Large natural areas where animals and plants are protected, and human activities like hunting and logging are strictly prohibited.
    Example: Jim Corbett National Park.
  2. Wildlife Sanctuaries:
    Places where animals are protected but some human activities like grazing and tourism are allowed with restrictions.
    Example: Keoladeo National Park.
  3. Biosphere Reserves:
    Large areas that include protected zones as well as buffer zones where limited human activity is allowed. They focus on conserving biodiversity and promoting sustainable development.
    Example: Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
  4. Gene Sanctuaries:
    Areas set aside to protect rare and endangered plants. They help in preserving genetic diversity.
    Example: Seshachalam Hills in Andhra Pradesh.

How They Help in Conservation

  • They provide safe habitats for endangered and vulnerable species to live and reproduce.
  • They protect plants and animals from hunting, poaching, and habitat destruction.
  • They help maintain ecological balance and natural processes like pollination and water cycling.
  • Promote research and education about wildlife conservation.
  • Support eco-tourism, which generates awareness and funds for further conservation efforts.
Class-wise Solutions – Class 8 Conservation of Plants and Animals Oxford

Class 12:

Class 12 Physics – NCERT Solutions

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Class 11:

Class 10:

Class 9:

Class 8:

Class 7:

Class 6:

Subject-wise Solutions – Class 8 Conservation of Plants and Animals Oxford

Physics:

Chemistry:

Biology:

Math:

Science:

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