Conservation of Plants and Animals
Overview
Forests and animals — the oldest inhabitants of Earth. But due to human activities, forests are being cut down and animals are disappearing. This chapter covers the damage caused by deforestation and the methods of conservation.
Typed Notes
Deforestation — Why It Happens and What Harm It Causes
Causes: (1) land for farming (growing population), (2) land for housing, roads, and industries, (3) timber and wood (for furniture), (4) mining. Harmful effects: (1) roots are gone — soil erosion → desertification (land becomes desert); (2) floods and droughts increase (fewer trees to hold water); (3) fewer trees to absorb CO2 — temperatures rise; (4) animals and plants lose their homes — species disappear. Every year, thousands of square kilometres of forests are lost worldwide — this directly affects our lives.
Biodiversity, Endemic and Endangered Species
Biodiversity = the total variety of all life in a place (plants + animals + insects + microbes). Forests are the home of the world's richest biodiversity. Endemic species — found only in one specific region: the sal forests of Pachmarhi (MP), wild mango, giant squirrel — they are not found anywhere else. Endangered — at risk (decreasing in number): tiger, lion-tailed macaque, elephant — these are listed in the Red Data Book (IUCN). Those that have completely disappeared (like the dodo, dinosaurs) are called extinct. Migration — birds and animals travelling from one place to another according to the season (Siberian crane — Bharatpur).
Methods of Conservation
(1) National Park — an entire area kept protected (Jim Corbett — the oldest); (2) Wildlife Sanctuary — protection for specific animals (Kaziranga — rhinoceros); (3) Biosphere Reserve — large areas where research, local people, plants, and animals all coexist (Pachmarhi — MP — Satpura; India has 18). (4) Project Tiger (1973) — protection of tigers; (5) Reforestation — plant trees where they have been cut; (6) Paper recycling — 1 tonne of recycled paper saves 17 trees; (7) Laws — ban on hunting; (8) Awareness — plant trees, do not feed wild animals (even with good intentions).
Save Forests = Save Ourselves
Forests provide us with: oxygen-CO2 balance, soil binding, water cycle, medicines, fruits, fodder, and a home for millions of species. When one forest is cut, every living being in it is also lost. Every student can: (1) plant trees (even on birthdays); (2) use both sides of paper; (3) reduce plastic use; (4) do not buy animals or plants from shops (it encourages poaching); (5) follow rules inside national parks. If forests are saved, then water, air, and food are all saved.
Key Concepts
Revision ke liye ek nazar — exam se pehle yahi padhna hai.
- 01Deforestation: the cutting down of forests — reasons: land for farming, housing, and roads; timber (furniture); factories and mines; without replanting.
- 02Consequences: soil erosion → desertification (land turning into desert), floods and droughts, rising temperatures (CO2), animals losing their homes — species becoming extinct.
- 03Biodiversity: the variety of plants, animals, and insects found in a place — forests are their home. When species disappear, biodiversity decreases.
- 04Types of species: Endemic — found only in one specific region (sal trees of Pachmarhi, wild mango, giant squirrel); Endangered — decreasing and at risk (tiger, bison) — listed in the Red Data Book.
- 05Conservation: National parks (Jim Corbett), sanctuaries, biosphere reserves (Pachmarhi — MP); Project Tiger; reforestation; paper recycling (17 trees per tonne).
Questions & Solutions
Pehle khud try karo — phir solution kholo. Yahi tariqa topper banata hai.
Write 3 causes and 3 harmful effects of deforestation.
What is the difference between endemic and endangered species? Give examples.
What is a biosphere reserve? Write about the example of Pachmarhi.
What is the Red Data Book?
How does paper recycling save trees?
What is migration? Give one example.
Deforestation (for farming, housing, and timber) leads to: erosion and desertification, floods, rising temperatures, and disappearing species. Biodiversity — forests are its home. Endemic (sal of Pachmarhi), endangered (tiger — Red Data Book). Conservation: national parks, sanctuaries, biosphere reserves (Pachmarhi), Project Tiger, reforestation, paper recycling (17 trees per tonne).
Chapter-end quiz
4 MCQsOption tap karo — turant pata chalega sahi ya galat, explanation ke saath.
Q1.What is the record book of endangered species called?
Q2.What is Jim Corbett?
Q3.How many trees are saved by recycling 1 tonne of paper?
Q4.In which state is the Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve located?
Mark karo — dashboard par progress dikhega.