GLOSSARY
Afforestation
➔ The process of planting new trees in an area where there were no previous forests.
Biodiversity
➔ The variety of different types of plants, animals, and microorganisms living in a particular area or on Earth.
Biodiversity Hotspot
➔ A region with a high number of unique (endemic) species that is under threat from humans.
Biosphere Reserve
➔ A protected area created to promote a balanced relationship between humans and nature; recognised internationally by UNESCO.
Deforestation
➔ The removal or cutting down of trees in forests for different human needs, often leading to environmental problems.
Desertification
➔ The process where fertile land becomes desert, often because of deforestation, drought, or poor farming practices.
Ecosystem
➔ A community of living organisms (plants, animals, microorganisms) and their physical environment interacting together.
Endangered Species
➔ Species that are at a very high risk of becoming extinct in the near future.
Endemic Species
➔ Species that are found only in one particular place and nowhere else in the world.
Extinct Species
➔ Species that no longer exist anywhere on Earth.
Fauna
➔ All the animal life present in a particular region or time.
Flora
➔ All the plant life present in a particular region or time.
Forest Conservation
➔ Protecting and preserving forests to prevent their destruction and ensure they continue to exist.
Global Warming
➔ The rise in the average temperature of Earth’s atmosphere due to increased amounts of greenhouse gases.
Habitat Loss
➔ The destruction or change of the natural home of a plant or animal, making it difficult for them to survive.
Migration
➔ The seasonal movement of animals or birds from one place to another, usually for food or breeding.
National Park
➔ A large area protected by the government where animals and plants are preserved and human activities like hunting are restricted.
Ozone Layer
➔ A layer in the Earth’s stratosphere that absorbs most of the Sun’s harmful ultraviolet radiation.
Pollution
➔ The presence of harmful substances in the environment, which can cause damage to air, water, or land.
Recycling
➔ The process of converting waste materials into new reusable products.
Red Data Book
➔ A record book maintained by IUCN listing species that are endangered, vulnerable, or extinct.
Reforestation
➔ Planting trees again in areas where forests have been cut down.
Sanctuary (Wildlife Sanctuary)
➔ A protected area where wild animals are safe from hunting, capturing, and killing.
Species
➔ A group of living organisms that can breed with one another and produce fertile offspring.
Vulnerable Species
➔ Species that are at high risk of becoming endangered in the medium-term future.
Wildlife Conservation
➔ Efforts made to protect animals and their habitats to prevent them from becoming endangered or extinct.
Something To Know
A. Fill in the blanks.
- International Day for biological diversity is observed on __________ .
Answer – 22nd May
- A group of organisms, capable of interbreeding under natural conditions, is known as a __________.
Answer – species
- __________species are the species that are found only in a particular area.
Answer – Endemic
- __________is an important reserve for Project Tiger.
Answer – Sundarbans
- __________sanctuary in Odisha is the breeding ground for the ‘giant olive ridley turtle’ which migrate here from the Pacific Ocean.
Answer – Gahirmatha
B. Match the following.
- Rhinoceros (a) vulnerable
- Giant Panda (b) Kaziranga national park
- Flamingos (c) extinct
- Cheetah (d) endangered
- Passenger Pigeon (e) migration
Answer –
Column 1 | Column 2 |
1. Rhinoceros | (b) Kaziranga National Park |
2. Giant Panda | (d) Endangered |
3. Flamingos | (e) Migration |
4. Cheetah | (a) Vulnerable |
5. Passenger Pigeon | (c) Extinct |
C. Tick (✓) the correct option.
- Protection, and preservation of wildlife and natural resources, is known as—
afforestation
deforestation
preservation
conservation
Answer – conservation
- The cheetah is a vulnerable species because—
it is found in selected areas.
it will be ‘extinct’ soon.
it will be ‘endangered’ soon.
its hunting is banned.
Answer – it is found in selected areas.
- Plants, found in a particular area, are referred to as—
species
forest
flora
fauna
Answer – flora
- Which one of the following is not an outcome of deforestation in an area?
increased rainfall
increased temperature
decreased rainfall
decreased soil erosion
Answer – increased rainfall
- A region, in which ‘conservation of biodiversity’ in its natural habitat is practised, is known as a—
botanical garden
national park
aquarium
zoo
Answer – national park
D. Answer the following questions in brief:
- How have ‘urbanisation and industrialisation’ led to a large scale deforestation’?
Answer – Urbanisation and industrialisation require land for construction and factories, leading to the cutting down of forests on a large scale.
- A new species X is introduced in a forest. How is it likely to affect the local species of the area?
Answer – Species X may compete with the local species for food and space, disturb the balance, and sometimes even cause the extinction of native species.
- What is a Biosphere Reserve? Name two biosphere reserves in India.
Answer – A Biosphere Reserve is a protected area meant for the conservation of biodiversity and the traditional life of the tribals. Two examples are Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve and Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
- How does the ‘Red data book’ help in protecting biodiversity?
Answer – The Red Data Book provides a list of endangered and threatened species, helping scientists and conservationists monitor and protect them.
- Why do some birds and animals migrate?
Answer – Birds and animals migrate to find favorable weather, better food supply, and suitable breeding grounds.
- How do birds ‘get helped’ in navigation while undertaking long distance flights?
Answer – Birds use the position of the sun, stars, and Earth’s magnetic field to navigate during long-distance migrations.
- Distinguish between a National Park and a Wildlife Sanctuary.
Answer – National Park: A protected area where no human activity like grazing, hunting, or forestry is allowed.
Wildlife Sanctuary: A protected area where limited human activities like grazing may be allowed under strict regulations.
E. Answer the following questions.
- Explain how deforestation can result in droughts and floods.
Answer – Deforestation reduces the number of trees, which in turn decreases the amount of water vapor released into the atmosphere through transpiration. This leads to reduced rainfall, causing droughts.
Additionally, without trees to hold the soil together and absorb rainwater, the soil becomes loose and water flows rapidly over the land, causing floods.
- ‘Extinction of tiger can destabilise the entire forest ecosystem and result in a large scale loss of biodiversity.’ Justify this statement.
Answer – Tigers are top predators in the food chain and help maintain the balance by controlling the population of herbivores. Without tigers, herbivore populations may increase uncontrollably, leading to overgrazing, destruction of vegetation, and collapse of the forest ecosystem. This chain reaction can cause the loss of many other plant and animal species, reducing biodiversity.
- Why are endemic species at a greater risk of becoming extinct? List the ‘human action related causes’ that are responsible for their extinction.
Answer – Endemic species are found only in a particular region and nowhere else. Because their range is so limited, any disturbance like habitat destruction, pollution, deforestation, or climate change can easily wipe them out.
Human action-related causes include:
Deforestation
Urbanization and industrialization
Pollution
Introduction of exotic species
Illegal hunting and poaching
- ‘The growing human population poses a grave threat to biodiversity.’ Justify this statement.
Answer – As the human population increases, more land is needed for housing, agriculture, and industries. This leads to deforestation, habitat destruction, and pollution, which in turn threaten the survival of many plant and animal species. Overexploitation of natural resources also disturbs the ecological balance and reduces biodiversity.
- Explain the difference between extinct, endangered and vulnerable species.
Answer – Extinct species: These are species that no longer exist anywhere on Earth (e.g., Passenger pigeon).
Endangered species: These are species that are at a very high risk of extinction in the near future (e.g., Bengal tiger).
Vulnerable species: These species are at risk of becoming endangered if the threats to their survival are not addressed (e.g., Cheetah).
- List five ways in which you, as an individual, can contribute to conserving forests and wildlife.
Answer – Plant more trees and protect green spaces.
Avoid using products made from endangered plants and animals.
Participate in awareness programs and conservation drives.
Reduce, reuse, and recycle resources to minimize waste.
Support and visit national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and eco-friendly initiatives.
Value Based Questions
Anil went to the house of his friend Rohan. They decided to draw a picture of their choice on a sheet of white paper. Not happy with their efforts, they crossed many sheets and threw them around. When Rohan’s elder sister saw them wasting paper, she, in a sweet voice, told them that they should not waste paper, just like that. She not only helped them to draw good pictures but also guided them to make interesting toys from the sheets they had thrown around. She explained to them how, by recycling and reusing paper, they can help in conserving/improving our ecosystem.
- State the values displayed by Rohan’s elder sister.
Answer – Rohan’s elder sister displayed the values of responsibility, environmental awareness, creativity, kindness, and guidance. She also showed respect for resources and a positive attitude towards problem-solving.
- Why do we say that wasting paper can damage our ecosystem?
Answer – Paper is made from trees, and wasting paper means more trees need to be cut down. Cutting trees leads to deforestation, which causes loss of biodiversity, soil erosion, global warming, and disturbance of the water cycle, ultimately harming our ecosystem.
- Have a group discussion in which each student gives her/his suggestions on recycling/ reusing waste paper.
Answer – Here’s a possible set of suggestions students can give during the discussion:
Make craft items like greeting cards, paper bags, and decorations.
Use old sheets for rough work before recycling.
Donate old notebooks with unused pages to needy students.
Create handmade paper using waste paper.
Use waste paper for packaging instead of plastic.
Organize a recycling drive in school or community.
Make notepads from unused pages of old notebooks.
Something To Do
- Find out about the different zones of a Biosphere Reserve and their significance. Also, prepare a list of all the Biosphere Reserves in India.
Answer – Zones of a Biosphere Reserve:
Core Zone: Highly protected area where no human activity is allowed. It preserves biodiversity in its natural form.
Buffer Zone: Surrounds the core area; limited human activities like research, education, and eco-tourism are permitted.
Transition Zone: Outermost zone where sustainable activities like farming, settlements, and other activities happen.
List of Biosphere Reserves in India:
Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve
Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve
Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve
Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve
Nokrek Biosphere Reserve
Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve
Similipal Biosphere Reserve
Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve
Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve
Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve
Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve
Dibru-Saikhowa Biosphere Reserve
Panna Biosphere Reserve
Seshachalam Hills Biosphere Reserve
Manas Biosphere Reserve
Dihang-Dibang Biosphere Reserve
Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve (Himachal Pradesh)
- Collect information about ‘Hotspots of Biodiversity’. Find out about the flora and fauna of the ones present in India and locate them on the map.
Answer – Hotspots of Biodiversity in India:
Himalayas: Home to snow leopards, Himalayan monals, and rare medicinal plants.
Indo-Burma Region: Rich in orchids, bamboos, and species like the Indian python and gharial.
Western Ghats and Sri Lanka: Contains species like lion-tailed macaque, Nilgiri tahr, and diverse plant species.
Sundaland (Nicobar Islands): Unique animals like the Nicobar pigeon and various endemic plant species.
Location on Map:
(Locate these regions covering the northeastern states, Western Ghats of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, and Nicobar Islands.)
- Prepare, and present, a photo essay on any one of the following topics:
(a) Medicinal plants; Preserving traditional Indian wisdom.
(b) No good air to inhale; Deteriorating air quality of my city.
(c) Living in harmony; Reducing carbon footprints.
Answer – Here’s a short sample description for each choice—students can expand with pictures.
(a) Medicinal plants; Preserving traditional Indian wisdom:
Show pictures of Tulsi, Neem, Amla, Aloe vera.
Explain their traditional uses in Ayurveda.
Emphasize the importance of conserving these plants for health and heritage.
(b) No good air to inhale; Deteriorating air quality of my city:
Show images of heavy traffic, factories, and smog.
Use graphs showing rising pollution levels.
Suggest measures like planting trees, using bicycles, etc.
(c) Living in harmony; Reducing carbon footprints:
Show images of solar panels, cycling, recycling bins.
Encourage using public transport, renewable energy, and minimal wastage.
- Project Tiger has been taken up on a massive scale by the Indian Government. Visit the website http://www.projecttiger.nic.in to find out what you can do to protect the tiger.
Answer – Ways to protect the tiger:
Spread awareness about the importance of tigers in maintaining the forest ecosystem.
Avoid purchasing products made from tiger parts.
Support wildlife conservation projects.
Volunteer for wildlife protection programmes.
Encourage forest-friendly tourism and respect natural habitats.
- Visit the website http://www.wwfindia.org/help/greenliving_tips/ to gather more information about conservation of plants and animals.
Answer – Tips for conservation:
Save electricity and water at home and school.
Plant native trees in your neighborhood.
Say no to plastic and use eco-friendly products.
Support organic farming and eco-friendly brands.
Educate others about the need to conserve nature.
Additional Questions and Answers – 01
Short Questions and Answers
- What is deforestation?
Answer: Deforestation refers to the indiscriminate cutting down of trees in forests, leading to the loss of forest cover.
- Name any two domestic consequences of deforestation.
Answer: Increased flooding due to soil erosion.
Droughts caused by disrupted water cycles.
- How does deforestation lead to wildlife extinction?
Answer: Forests provide habitat to many plants and animals. Deforestation destroys their homes, leading to the extinction of rare species.
- What is desertification?
Answer: Desertification is the process where fertile land turns into desert due to deforestation, soil erosion, and loss of vegetation.
- What is the role of forests in maintaining climate?
Answer: Forests act as carbon sinks, produce oxygen, and regulate rainfall, helping maintain global climate balance.
- Name two biosphere reserves in India.
Answer: Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve
Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve
- What is the purpose of a national park?
Answer: National parks protect endangered species and their habitats from human interference and pollution.
- What is the difference between flora and fauna?
Answer: Flora refers to all plant life in a region.
Fauna refers to all animal life in a region.
- What is the Red Data Book?
Answer: The Red Data Book is a record of endangered and threatened species maintained by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature).
- What are endemic species?
Answer: Endemic species are those found only in a specific geographic location and nowhere else (e.g., lion-tailed macaque in Western Ghats).
- What is migration in animals?
Answer: Migration is the periodic movement of animals or birds from one region to another for food, breeding, or favorable climate.
- How does recycling paper help forests?
Answer: Recycling paper reduces the need for cutting trees, thus conserving forests and reducing deforestation.
Long Questions and Answers
- Explain the domestic and global consequences of deforestation.
Answer: Domestic Consequences:
Disrupted river flow: Deforestation increases soil erosion and reduces rainfall, altering river paths.
Flooding: Without trees, soil erosion increases, leading to silt deposition in rivers, reducing their depth and causing floods.
Drought: Fewer trees mean more CO₂, leading to global warming and disrupted water cycles, resulting in droughts.
Wildlife extinction: Loss of habitat threatens rare plants and animals.
Displacement of forest dwellers: Indigenous communities lose their homes.
Scarcity of forest products: Reduced availability of wood, medicines, and other forest resources.
Global Consequences:
Climate change: Forests regulate CO₂ levels; their loss accelerates global warming.
Desertification: Soil becomes infertile, leading to desert formation.
Ozone depletion: Increased greenhouse gases damage the ozone layer.
- What steps has the Indian government taken to conserve forests and wildlife?
Answer: Biosphere Reserves: Established 18 reserves (e.g., Nilgiri, Sundarbans) to protect biodiversity.
National Parks: Created protected areas like Kaziranga and Jim Corbett to conserve endangered species.
Wildlife Sanctuaries: Over 543 sanctuaries (e.g., Jayakwadi Bird Sanctuary) protect habitats.
Project Tiger: Launched to save tigers and their ecosystems.
Forest Conservation Act (1980): Regulates forest land use to prevent deforestation.
Afforestation Programs: Encourages tree plantation to restore forests.
- What are the major causes of species extinction? How can we protect endemic species?
Answer: Causes of Extinction:
Habitat loss: Due to deforestation, urbanization, and pollution.
Overexploitation: Excessive hunting or harvesting (e.g., passenger pigeon).
Introduced species: Invasive species compete with or prey on native species.
Ecosystem disruption: Food chain imbalances due to human activities.
Protection Measures:
Protected Areas: Establish national parks and sanctuaries.
Legal Protection: Enforce laws against hunting and habitat destruction.
Awareness Programs: Educate people on conservation.
Reforestation: Restore natural habitats for endemic species.
- How does deforestation affect the water cycle and climate?
Answer: Reduced Rainfall: Trees release moisture into the atmosphere; fewer trees mean less rain.
Global Warming: Trees absorb CO₂; deforestation increases greenhouse gases, raising temperatures.
Soil Erosion: Without tree roots, soil washes away, reducing groundwater recharge.
Droughts & Floods: Disrupted water cycles lead to extreme weather conditions.
- Why is biodiversity important? How can we conserve it?
Answer: Importance of Biodiversity:
Maintains ecological balance in food chains.
Supports ecosystem services like pollination, soil fertility, and clean air.
Provides medicinal plants, food, and raw materials.
Conservation Methods:
Protected Areas: Biosphere reserves, national parks.
Anti-Poaching Laws: Strict penalties for illegal hunting.
Sustainable Practices: Eco-friendly agriculture and logging.
Public Awareness: Campaigns on wildlife protection.
Additional Questions and Answers – 02
Short Questions and Answers
- What is biodiversity?
Answer: Biodiversity refers to the variety of living organisms like plants, animals, and microorganisms found in a particular region. - What are endangered species?
Answer: Endangered species are those which are at a very high risk of becoming extinct in the near future. - Name two major causes of loss of biodiversity.
Answer: Deforestation and pollution are two major causes of biodiversity loss. - What is reforestation?
Answer: Reforestation is the process of planting trees in an area where the forest has been destroyed. - Give two examples of migratory animals.
Answer: Examples: Siberian crane and Olive ridley turtle. - What is the importance of conservation of biodiversity?
Answer: Conservation maintains ecological balance and ensures the survival of future generations. - Name two activities that lead to deforestation.
Answer: Urbanisation and agriculture expansion. - What is meant by flora and fauna?
Answer: Flora refers to plants of a region and fauna refers to animals of a region. - What is an extinct species?
Answer: A species that no longer exists anywhere on Earth is called an extinct species. - Mention one role of forest in maintaining the water cycle.
Answer: Forests help in absorbing and releasing water, thus maintaining rainfall and the water cycle.
Long Questions and Answers
- Explain how forests prevent soil erosion.
Answer: Forests prevent soil erosion by:
- Holding the soil together with the roots of trees and plants.
- Reducing the impact of rainfall on the soil.
- Slowing down the flow of water, thus preventing the washing away of topsoil.
Without forests, heavy rains wash away the nutrient-rich topsoil, leading to barren lands and decreased agricultural productivity.
- How do human activities threaten wildlife and forests? List any four human activities.
Answer: Human activities that threaten wildlife and forests are: - Deforestation for agriculture and construction.
- Poaching and illegal hunting of animals.
- Industrialization causing pollution of air, water, and land.
- Mining activities that destroy natural habitats.
These activities reduce biodiversity and lead to extinction of species.
- Write a short note on migratory birds and the threats they face.
Answer: Migratory birds travel long distances to find favorable conditions for breeding and feeding.
Threats they face include:
- Loss of wetlands and habitats.
- Pollution of water bodies.
- Climate change affecting migration patterns.
- Hunting and poaching during migration routes.
Protecting migratory birds requires international cooperation.
- What steps can be taken to conserve biodiversity?
Answer:
Steps to conserve biodiversity:
- Setting up national parks, sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves.
- Creating awareness among people about the importance of biodiversity.
- Strict laws against hunting and illegal trade of wildlife.
- Promoting sustainable use of natural resources.
- Encouraging community participation in conservation activities.
- How do forests act as a carbon sink? Why is this important?
Answer:
Forests absorb carbon dioxide (CO₂) during photosynthesis and store it in their biomass (trees, plants).
This is important because:
- It helps in reducing the amount of CO₂, a major greenhouse gas.
- It combats global warming and climate change.
- It helps in maintaining a balance in atmospheric gases.
Hence, conserving forests is critical for controlling climate change.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- What does the term “biodiversity” refer to?
a) The variety of plant species in a forest
b) The variety of animal species in an ecosystem
c) The variety of living organisms in a given habitat or ecosystem
d) The amount of oxygen present in the atmosphere
Answer: c) The variety of living organisms in a given habitat or ecosystem - Which of the following is an endangered species?
a) Tiger
b) House cat
c) Crow
d) Butterfly
Answer: a) Tiger - Deforestation primarily leads to which of the following?
a) An increase in biodiversity
b) A decrease in the carbon footprint
c) Soil erosion and loss of habitat
d) Increase in forest cover
Answer: c) Soil erosion and loss of habitat - What is the main reason for the extinction of species?
a) Overpopulation
b) Climate change
c) Habitat destruction and pollution
d) Conservation efforts
Answer: c) Habitat destruction and pollution - Which of the following is a biosphere reserve in India?
a) Kanha National Park
b) Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve
c) Red Fort
d) Yellowstone National Park
Answer: b) Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve - Which one of the following is NOT an effect of overfishing?
a) Depletion of fish stocks
b) Destruction of marine ecosystems
c) Growth of marine biodiversity
d) Imbalance in aquatic food chains
Answer: c) Growth of marine biodiversity - Which animal is known for migrating long distances across the globe?
a) Elephant
b) Whale
c) Lion
d) Cheetah
Answer: b) Whale - What is the main objective of Project Tiger?
a) To increase forest cover
b) To conserve tigers and their habitats
c) To improve tourism in national parks
d) To grow more trees
Answer: b) To conserve tigers and their habitats - The main reason behind the loss of biodiversity is: a) Pollution
b) Natural disasters
c) Forest fires
d) Planting more trees
Answer: a) Pollution - Endemic species are those which: a) Live only in one specific geographical area
b) Can survive in any environment
c) Are found in every part of the world
d) Are resistant to diseases
Answer: a) Live only in one specific geographical area
True/False Statements
- Deforestation contributes to an increase in oxygen levels in the atmosphere.
Answer: False
(Deforestation decreases oxygen levels as trees play a crucial role in absorbing CO₂ and releasing oxygen.) - Migratory species travel long distances to find better breeding and feeding grounds.
Answer: True
(Migratory species like birds and turtles travel long distances as part of their life cycle.) - National parks are areas set aside for the conservation of wildlife, where human activity is strictly prohibited.
Answer: True
(National parks are protected areas where human interference is minimized to preserve wildlife.) - Recycling paper does not help in conserving trees.
Answer: False
(Recycling paper helps in conserving trees, as it reduces the need to cut down more trees for paper production.) - All species of tigers are endangered.
Answer: True
(All tiger species, including the Bengal tiger, Siberian tiger, and others, are considered endangered due to habitat loss and poaching.) - Only the government is responsible for conserving forests and wildlife.
Answer: False
(Conservation is a collective responsibility, and individuals, communities, and organizations also play a key role.) - A biosphere reserve has three zones: core zone, buffer zone, and transition zone.
Answer: True
(Biosphere reserves have these three zones with varying levels of human activity to ensure conservation of biodiversity.) - The extinction of one species does not affect other species in the ecosystem.
Answer: False
(The extinction of one species can have a ripple effect on other species due to interconnected food webs and ecosystems.) - Protecting endangered species like tigers and elephants helps in preserving the entire ecosystem.
Answer: True
(Protecting key species helps in maintaining ecological balance, as these species often play vital roles in ecosystems.) - Climate change has no impact on biodiversity.
Answer: False
(Climate change can alter ecosystems, leading to habitat loss, and directly impact biodiversity.)