CBSE Class 8 Science Chapter 5 Conservation Of Plants Short Answer Questions
Question 1. We have often read in the newspaper about the careful use of natural resources. What is the term used for it? Mention some of the Earth’s natural resources that need to be used carefully.
Answer: ‘Conservation’ is a term used to describe the prudent (careful and sensible) use of natural resources. The Earth’s natural resources that need to be conserved are air, water, soil, minerals, fuels, plants, and animals.
Question 2. Soil erosion and desertification are the consequences of deforestation. Justify.
Answer: Deforestation causes soil erosion, i.e., removal of the top layer ofsoil. It also changes the physical properties of soil. Thus, exposing the lower, hard, and rocky layers of soil that have less humus and are less fertile. Gradually, the fertile land gets converted into deserts. This is called desertification.
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Question 3. A new species X is introduced into a forest. How is it likely to affect the local species of that area?
Answer: The new species is likely to affect the local species as it poses threats in the following manner
- Preying on native species.
- Out-competing for food or other resources.
- Causing or carrying a disease.
- Preventing native species from reproducing.
- Changing food webs.
Question 4. Sometimes, animals enter human habitation, killing people and causing damage to materials. Why do the animals behave like this?
Answer: Animal behaviour can be understood from the explanation given below
As human populations expand into wild animal habitats, their territory is displaced. Reduction in the availability of food sources forces the animal to seek alternate sources. Thus, drawing them towards human habitation.
Question 5. Roshni attended a seminar on forest and Wildlife conservation. She, on returning home, discussed it with her brother. If she had given some measures, she would have mentioned conserving forests and wildlife.
Answer: Forests and wildlife can be conserved by following
Protection by law. It is very necessary to have strict laws and their enforcement for the protection and preservation of wildlife, for Example, hunting regulations.
Reforestation is the act of planting more trees to replace the ones that are cut.
Habitat preservation. In this method, protected areas such as Wildlife sanctuaries, National parks, Biosphere reserves, etc., are established. These areas are large enough to protect the diverse and whole set of ecosystems
Question 6. Why are endemic organisms in greater danger of becoming extinct?
Answer: Endemic organisms are confined to a limited geographical area. They cannot adapt to or live outside their natural habitat; any disturbance to their habitat will adversely affect them. Thus, they are in greater danger of becoming extinct.
Question 7. Why are wildlife sanctuaries important for the conservation of plants and animals?
Answer: In a wildlife sanctuary, killing and capturing wild animals are strictly prohibited. It does not allow any human activity that disturbs the wild animals or their habitat. So, in these areas, animals live in a natural environment, protected from people. This is why sanctuaries are important.
Question 8. Recycling and the saving of paper are related to deforestation. Justify.
Answer: Trees are used in making paper. About 17 fully grown trees are used to make one tonne of paper. So, the wastage of paper is also a cause of deforestation. Therefore, we should recycle and save paper. If we save paper, we can save many trees in a year. In this way, recycling and the saving of paper are directly related to deforestation.
Question 9. Boojho wonders if there is a record of the endangered species.
Answer: The Red Data Book is the source book that keeps a record of all endangered animals and plants.
Question 10. Paheli is curious to know what would happen if we had no wood? Is there any alternative available for wood? Boojho says that paper is one of the important products we get from forests. Boojho asks whether there are any alternatives available for paper
Answer: Without wood, we would not have access to fuel and many other household necessities like paper, matchsticks, furniture, etc. The use of digital technology could replace paper.