Conservation of Plants and Animals — Class 8 Science NCERT Solutions (Free)
Free step-by-step NCERT solutions for Class 8 Science chapter "Conservation of Plants and Animals" — 8 important questions with detailed answers for CBSE board exam preparation.
TL;DR: Free step-by-step NCERT solutions for Class 8 Science chapter "Conservation of Plants and Animals" — 8 important questions with detailed answers for C…
Written & reviewed by the Syllab.in Academic Team (CBSE/NCERT subject experts) · Updated
NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Science — Conservation of Plants and Animals. Step-by-step answers to all 8 textbook questions from this chapter, written for CBSE board preparation and free to use.
Conservation of Plants and Animals — All 8 Questions Solved
Q1. What is biodiversity?
Biodiversity is the variety of all living organisms (plants, animals, microorganisms) and their ecosystems on Earth. It includes genetic diversity within species, species diversity, and ecosystem diversity. High biodiversity indicates healthy ecosystems.
Q2. Define endangered species and extinct species with examples.
Endangered species: organisms facing high extinction risk in near future. Example: Indian rhino, Bengal tiger. Extinct species: organisms that no longer exist anywhere. Example: dodo bird, Steller's sea cow. Extinction is irreversible.
Q3. What is habitat destruction? How does it affect biodiversity?
Habitat destruction is the removal/degradation of natural environments through deforestation, urbanization, agriculture, pollution. It directly reduces available space for organisms, fragmenting populations, reducing genetic diversity, leading to species extinction and ecosystem collapse.
Q4. What are conservation strategies? Name three methods of wildlife conservation.
Conservation strategies protect species and ecosystems. Three methods: 1) National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries (protect habitats), 2) Protected habitats through legislation and regulations, 3) Captive breeding of endangered species, 4) Education and awareness programs.
Q5. What is a biosphere reserve?
A biosphere reserve is a region designated by UNESCO to conserve biodiversity and promote sustainable development. It has three zones: core zone (strict protection), buffer zone (limited human activity), transition zone (sustainable use). Example: Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
Q6. What are the causes of animal extinction?
Causes: 1) Habitat loss (deforestation, dam construction), 2) Poaching and overhunting, 3) Pollution (water, air, soil), 4) Climate change, 5) Competition from invasive species, 6) Disease outbreaks, 7) Fragmentation of populations.
Q7. How can we contribute to conservation at individual level?
Individual contributions: 1) Reduce consumption and waste, 2) Support sustainable agriculture and products, 3) Plant trees and maintain gardens with native species, 4) Report poaching/illegal activities, 5) Educate others, 6) Support wildlife organizations, 7) Use eco-friendly products.
Q8. What is the role of forests in conservation?
Forests are crucial for conservation: 1) Provide habitat for 80% of terrestrial animals, 2) Maintain biodiversity and genetic resources, 3) Prevent soil erosion and maintain water cycle, 4) Regulate climate and produce oxygen, 5) Store carbon, reducing greenhouse gases.
Conservation of Plants and Animals — Practice MCQs with Answers
Attempt these 20 multiple-choice questions after working through the solutions above. Each carries the correct option and the reasoning behind it, so a wrong answer tells you which idea to revisit.
MCQ 1. Which of the following is a primary cause of deforestation?
- A. Reforestation
- B. Agricultural expansion
- C. Rainwater harvesting
- D. Wildlife conservation
Answer: B. Agricultural expansion — Agricultural expansion is a major driver of deforestation as forests are cleared to make way for farms and plantations.
MCQ 2. What is one major consequence of deforestation?
- A. Increase in rainfall
- B. Increase in soil fertility
- C. Desertification
- D. Increase in oxygen levels
Answer: C. Desertification — Deforestation leads to soil erosion and loss of topsoil, which can eventually lead to desertification, the process of fertile land becoming desert.
MCQ 3. What is the main purpose of a Biosphere Reserve?
- A. To protect only animals
- B. To allow unrestricted human activities
- C. To conserve biodiversity and cultural heritage
- D. To serve as a hunting ground
Answer: C. To conserve biodiversity and cultural heritage — Biosphere Reserves are large protected areas designed to conserve biodiversity, ecosystems, and the cultural heritage of the communities living within them.
MCQ 4. What distinguishes a National Park from a Wildlife Sanctuary?
- A. National Parks allow hunting
- B. National Parks protect an entire ecosystem (flora, fauna, landscape)
- C. National Parks are privately owned
- D. National Parks are smaller in size
Answer: B. National Parks protect an entire ecosystem (flora, fauna, landscape) — National Parks aim to protect an entire ecosystem, including flora, fauna, landscape, and historic objects of an area, while wildlife sanctuaries primarily focus on animals.
MCQ 5. What is the primary focus of a Wildlife Sanctuary?
- A. Conservation of historical monuments
- B. Protection of specific animal species from hunting and poaching
- C. Promoting industrial development
- D. Cultivation of crops
Answer: B. Protection of specific animal species from hunting and poaching — Wildlife Sanctuaries are areas where animals are protected from any disturbance to them or their habitat, specifically focusing on their conservation.
MCQ 6. What defines an 'endemic species'?
- A. A species found all over the world
- B. A species found only in a particular area
- C. A species that migrates frequently
- D. A species that is extinct
Answer: B. A species found only in a particular area — Endemic species are those plants and animals which are found exclusively in a particular area and are not naturally found anywhere else.
MCQ 7. Which term describes species that are at a high risk of extinction?
- A. Endemic species
- B. Extinct species
- C. Endangered species
- D. Migratory species
Answer: C. Endangered species — Endangered species are those whose numbers are dwindling to a level where they might face extinction if not conserved.
MCQ 8. A species that no longer exists on Earth is known as a/an:
- A. Endangered species
- B. Endemic species
- C. Extinct species
- D. Migratory species
Answer: C. Extinct species — Extinct species are those that have completely disappeared from the Earth and no living members of that species exist anymore.
MCQ 9. What is the primary purpose of the Red Data Book?
- A. To list all plant species in the world
- B. To record endangered species of plants and animals
- C. To provide guidelines for farming
- D. To document new discoveries in space
Answer: B. To record endangered species of plants and animals — The Red Data Book is a sourcebook that keeps a record of all the endangered animals and plants, informing about their status.
MCQ 10. Why do some bird species undertake long journeys to other lands during specific times of the year?
- A. To avoid predators
- B. To find new habitats for breeding or food
- C. To enjoy different climates
- D. To escape from human contact
Answer: B. To find new habitats for breeding or food — Migratory birds fly to far-off areas every year during a particular time due to climatic changes, primarily for breeding and to escape harsh conditions where food might become scarce.
MCQ 11. Which of the following is an example of an endemic species to a specific region like the Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve in India?
- A. Tiger
- B. Blue Whale
- C. Wild Mango
- D. Crow
Answer: C. Wild Mango — Wild Mango (and Sal) are examples of endemic flora found exclusively in the Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve.
MCQ 12. Which of these Indian animals is classified as an endangered species?
- A. Dog
- B. Goat
- C. Tiger
- D. Cow
Answer: C. Tiger — The Tiger is a well-known endangered species in India, which led to the initiation of Project Tiger for its conservation.
MCQ 13. How does deforestation contribute to global warming?
- A. By increasing the absorption of carbon dioxide
- B. By increasing the amount of oxygen in the atmosphere
- C. By reducing the absorption of carbon dioxide, leading to its accumulation
- D. By increasing the amount of water vapour
Answer: C. By reducing the absorption of carbon dioxide, leading to its accumulation — Trees absorb carbon dioxide during photosynthesis. Deforestation reduces the number of trees, leading to less CO2 absorption and its accumulation in the atmosphere, contributing to the greenhouse effect and global warming.
MCQ 14. Why is biodiversity important for our planet?
- A. It provides more options for pet animals
- B. It ensures the stability and health of ecosystems
- C. It only benefits humans
- D. It leads to monoculture
Answer: B. It ensures the stability and health of ecosystems — Biodiversity refers to the variety of life on Earth, and it is crucial for maintaining the balance and health of ecosystems, providing various ecosystem services.
MCQ 15. Which activity is generally NOT permitted in a National Park, but might be allowed with restrictions in some Wildlife Sanctuaries (e.g., collection of minor forest produce by tribals)?
- A. Poaching
- B. Research
- C. Grazing by domestic animals
- D. Photography
Answer: C. Grazing by domestic animals — In National Parks, human activities like grazing, collection of forest produce, and hunting are strictly prohibited. While wildlife sanctuaries also restrict such activities, some traditional rights for local communities may be allowed under strict regulations, which are completely disallowed in National Parks.
MCQ 16. A Biosphere Reserve typically consists of three zones. Which of these zones is usually the legally protected and undisturbed natural area?
- A. Transition zone
- B. Buffer zone
- C. Core zone
- D. Development zone
Answer: C. Core zone — The core zone is the inner, most protected area of a Biosphere Reserve, where human interference is kept to a minimum to conserve natural ecosystems.
MCQ 17. What was the primary objective of Project Tiger, launched in India?
- A. To establish new zoos for tigers
- B. To increase the population of domesticated tigers
- C. To protect and increase the tiger population in India
- D. To capture and relocate tigers to other countries
Answer: C. To protect and increase the tiger population in India — Project Tiger was initiated by the Indian government to protect the dwindling tiger population and ensure its survival in the country.
MCQ 18. What is 'reforestation'?
- A. Cutting down trees for timber
- B. Planting new trees in deforested areas
- C. Clearing land for agriculture
- D. Building dams in forest areas
Answer: B. Planting new trees in deforested areas — Reforestation is the process of replanting forests that have been cut down, which helps in restoring the green cover and ecological balance.
MCQ 19. Recycling paper helps in conservation because it:
- A. Reduces the need for cutting down trees
- B. Increases air pollution
- C. Requires more energy than producing new paper
- D. Promotes deforestation
Answer: A. Reduces the need for cutting down trees — Recycling paper saves trees, as fewer new trees need to be cut to produce fresh paper. It also saves energy and water.
MCQ 20. Which process directly results in the conversion of fertile land into desert?
- A. Reforestation
- B. Afforestation
- C. Desertification
- D. Urbanization
Answer: C. Desertification — Desertification is the process by which fertile land becomes desert, often due to deforestation, soil erosion, and climate change.
How to Use These Solutions
Attempt each question yourself first and only then compare with the worked answer. Marks in the CBSE board exam are awarded for the METHOD as much as the final result, so reproduce the steps rather than memorising the last line. Where a solution states a law, a formula or a definition, learn that wording — examiners look for it.
Related practice for this chapter: chapter MCQs, previous-year questions, revision notes and sample papers.