CONSERVATION OF PLANTS AND ANIMALS

Q1) Define biosphere.

Ans: The biosphere is the region of the Earth where living organisms, including plants, animals, and microorganisms, exist. It encompasses the Earth's land surface, the atmosphere, and various bodies of water, such as oceans, lakes, and rivers. The biosphere is the interconnected web of life on our planet.

Q2) What do you understand by the term wildlife?

Ans: Wildlife refers to all the native and naturally occurring plants, animals, and microorganisms that inhabit various natural environments, such as forests, grasslands, wetlands, and marine ecosystems. These organisms exist in their natural habitats without direct human intervention.

Q3) What is biodiversity?

Ans: Biodiversity, short for biological diversity, refers to the variety of life forms present in a particular ecosystem, region, or on the entire planet. It encompasses diversity at all levels, including genetic diversity within species, the variety of species in an ecosystem, and the diversity of ecosystems on Earth.

Q4) What is an ecosystem?

Ans: An ecosystem is a complex, interconnected system that includes all living organisms (plants, animals, and microorganisms) in a specific area and their physical environment, which consists of elements like soil, air, and water. Ecosystems are characterized by the flow of energy and cycling of nutrients among the different components.

Q5) What is deforestation?

Ans: Deforestation refers to the large-scale removal or clearing of forests and trees, often for human activities such as logging, agriculture, urban development, and infrastructure projects. It leads to the permanent loss of forest cover in an area.

Q6) What are the various causes of deforestation?

Ans: Several factors contribute to deforestation, including:

1. Logging: Trees are cut down for timber and wood products.
2. Agriculture: Forests are cleared to make way for farming and livestock grazing.
3. Mining: Forests may be removed to access mineral resources.
4. Infrastructure Development: Roads, highways, and dams require land cleared of trees.
5. Urban Expansion: Growing cities and towns encroach upon forested areas.
6. Fuelwood Collection: Trees are harvested for firewood and charcoal.
7. Paper and Pulp Industry: Trees are used to make paper products.

Q7) What are the consequences of deforestation?

Ans: Deforestation has several adverse consequences, including:

1. Loss of Biodiversity: Many plant and animal species lose their natural habitat and become endangered or extinct.
2. Climate Change: Deforestation contributes to global warming by releasing stored carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
3. Soil Erosion: Tree roots help bind soil, and their removal can lead to erosion and reduced soil fertility.
4. Flooding: Deforestation can increase the risk of floods by altering natural water regulation.
5. Droughts: Reduced tree cover can disrupt local water cycles, leading to droughts.
6. Loss of Indigenous Knowledge: Indigenous communities reliant on forests lose their way of life.
7. Disruption of Ecosystem Services: Forests provide essential services like air and water purification.

Q12) Name some biosphere reserves of India.

Ans: India has several biosphere reserves, including:

1. Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve
2. Kaziranga Biosphere Reserve
3. Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve
4. Kanha Biosphere Reserve
5. Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve

Q13) What are the roles of biosphere reserves?

Ans: Biosphere reserves serve various roles:

1. Wildlife Conservation: Protect and conserve the wildlife of the area.
2. Biodiversity Preservation: Safeguard the diversity of plants, animals, and ecosystems.
3. Ecological Preservation: Maintain the natural ecological conditions in the area.
4. Economic Development: Promote sustainable economic development for local communities.
5. Cultural Preservation: Preserve the traditional lifestyles of indigenous and tribal people.
6. Prevent Commercial Exploitation: Regulate and prevent commercial exploitation of the area.
7. Research and Education: Provide opportunities for scientific research, environmental education, and tourism.

Q14) What do you understand by flora and fauna?

Ans: Flora refers to the plant life or vegetation found in a specific region or ecosystem, while fauna refers to the animal life, including both vertebrates and invertebrates, in the same region. These terms collectively describe the biological diversity of an area.

Q15) What are endemic species of a particular area?

Ans: Endemic species are those plants or animals that are exclusively found in a particular geographical area and are not naturally found anywhere else in the world. They have adapted to specific local conditions and are often of great ecological and conservation significance.

Q16) Explain a biosphere reserve.

Ans: A biosphere reserve is a designated area aimed at conserving the biodiversity of a region while promoting sustainable development. It typically consists of three zones:

1. Core Zone: The innermost area where strict protection of wildlife is enforced, and no human activity is allowed.
2. Buffer Zone: Surrounding the core zone, this area permits limited human activities that do not harm the environment.
3. Transition Zone: The outermost zone where various activities, including settlements and agriculture, are allowed with the aim of integrating conservation with local livelihoods and development.

Q17) What are the different types of protected areas for forest and wildlife conservation established by the government?

Ans: The government establishes three main types of protected areas for forest and wildlife conservation:

1. Biosphere Reserves: Large areas focused on conserving biodiversity, sustainable development, and research.
2. Wildlife Sanctuaries: Protected areas primarily for the conservation of wild animals in their natural habitat.
3. National Parks: Areas that conserve not only wildlife but also the landscape, historical objects, and provide opportunities for public recreation.

Q19) Why do we need protected areas for forest and wildlife conservation?

Ans: Protected areas are crucial for various reasons:

1. Biodiversity Conservation: They help preserve a wide variety of plant and animal species.
2. Habitat Protection: Protecting natural habitats is vital for the survival of many species.
3. Ecosystem Services: They maintain ecological balance and provide vital services like clean air and water.
4. Scientific Research: These areas offer opportunities for scientific study and research.
5. Recreation and Education: They allow the public to connect with nature and learn about wildlife.
6. Preventing Extinction: Protected areas help prevent the extinction of endangered species.

Q21) Write the names of some wildlife sanctuaries in India.

Ans: Some wildlife sanctuaries in India include:

1. Sanjay Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary (Maharashtra)
2. Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu)
3. Nagarjunasagar Wildlife Sanctuary (Andhra Pradesh)
4. Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary (Rajasthan)
5. Sultanpur Lake Bird Sanctuary (Haryana)
6. Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary (Karnataka)
7. Thattekad Bird Sanctuary (Kerala)
8. Satkosia Basipalli Wildlife Sanctuary (Odisha)
9. Lokchao Wildlife Sanctuary (Manipur)
10. Bori Wildlife Sanctuary (Madhya Pradesh)

Q23) What is a national park?

Ans: A national park is a protected area that aims to conserve the natural environment, including flora, fauna, landscapes, and cultural heritage. National parks are also established to provide opportunities for public recreation, education, and enjoyment.

Q24) Write the names of some prominent national parks in India.

Ans: Some prominent national parks in India include:

1. Corbett National Park (Uttarakhand)
2. Kanha National Park (Madhya Pradesh)
3. Ranthambore National Park (Rajasthan)
4. Gir National Park (Gujarat)
5. Kaziranga National Park (Assam)

Q25) What is Project Tiger?

Ans: Project Tiger is a wildlife conservation project launched by the government of India in 1972 with the primary objective of protecting and conserving the tiger population in the country. It established designated tiger reserves and implemented measures to curb poaching and habitat destruction.

Q26) What are the main differences between a wildlife sanctuary and a national park?

Ans: The main differences between a wildlife sanctuary and a national park are:

1. Purpose: Wildlife sanctuaries primarily focus on the protection of wild animals in their natural habitat, while national parks have a broader conservation goal, including the preservation of landscapes and cultural heritage.
2. Human Activities: Wildlife sanctuaries may allow some human activities, such as limited grazing or controlled tourism, whereas national parks often restrict human activities to a greater extent.
3. Scenic Beauty: National parks are typically known for their scenic beauty and are open for recreational purposes, while wildlife sanctuaries may not emphasize aesthetics to the same extent.
4. Regulations: National parks generally have stricter regulations regarding visitor behavior and access compared to wildlife sanctuaries.

Q27) What is an extinct species?

Ans: An extinct species is a species of plants or animals that no longer exists anywhere on Earth. These species have completely died out and have no living members.

Q28) What is an endangered species?

Ans: An endangered species is a species of plants or animals that is at significant risk of becoming extinct in the near future. The population of these species has declined to a dangerously low level, often due to habitat destruction, poaching, or other human activities.

Q30) What is migration?

Ans: Migration is the seasonal movement of animals, typically birds, fish, or mammals, from one region to another in response to environmental changes, such as changes in temperature or food availability. Migration allows animals to find more suitable habitats or breeding grounds.

Q32) What is recycling of paper?

Ans: Recycling of paper is the process of collecting, processing, and reusing used paper products to create new paper. It involves breaking down the old paper into pulp and then reforming it into new paper products. Recycling paper helps reduce the demand for fresh wood pulp and conserves natural resources.

Q33) What are the advantages of recycled paper?

Ans: The advantages of recycled paper include:

1. Conservation of Trees: Recycling paper reduces the need for cutting down trees for paper production.
2. Energy Savings: It requires less energy to recycle paper compared to making paper from raw materials.
3. Water Conservation: Recycling paper consumes less water compared to the traditional papermaking process.
4. Reduction in Pollution: Recycling paper reduces the release of pollutants associated with paper production.

Q34) How many full-grown trees are needed to make 1 tonne of paper?

Ans: It is estimated that approximately 17 full-grown trees are required to produce 1 tonne (1,000 kilograms) of paper.

Q35) What is reforestation?

Ans: Reforestation is the process of planting trees and restoring forests in areas where they have been previously cut down or depleted. It aims to rebuild natural forest ecosystems and combat deforestation.

Q36) What are the advantages of reforestation?

Ans: The advantages of reforestation include:

1. Habitat Restoration: It restores natural habitats for wildlife and plants.
2. Carbon Sequestration: Trees absorb carbon dioxide, helping combat climate change.
3. Soil Protection: Tree roots prevent soil erosion and improve soil quality.
4. Water Regulation: Forests help regulate local water cycles and prevent flooding.
5. Sustainable Resource: Provides a sustainable source of wood and non-wood forest products.
6. Biodiversity Conservation: Supports diverse plant and animal species.
7. Improved Air Quality: Trees release oxygen and filter pollutants from the air.