Conservation of Plants and Animals Class 8 Notes: CBSE Science Chapter 5

Deforestation, on the other hand, can be explained as the destruction of forests that is done by cutting down trees. It leads to the loss of habitat for many animals all across the globe. There are many other causes of deforestation. Students can learn about these causes explained in these Class 8 Science Ch 5 Notes. The other causes of deforestation are mentioned below.

• Building factories and houses

• Getting land for cultivation

• Natural causes like a forest fire or severe drought

• Using wood as fuel or making furniture

But what are the consequences of deforestation? We have listed some of those consequences in the list that is mentioned below.

• It leads to the reduction of the level of groundwater

• It leads to an increase in temperature and the level of pollution all across the globe

• Deforestation causes an increase in the level of carbon dioxide that is present in the atmosphere

Drought, Desertification, and Global Warming

Drought: Another environmental problem that people have suffered from is drought. You might also be aware of the fact that droughts can be defined as the lack of water in any area. It can happen due to a lack of rainfall in that particular area.

Desertification: Students while going through Class 8 Chapter 5 Science Notes will also learn about desertification. As the name indicates, desertification is the formation of a desert. It happens because of the erosion of vegetation. This can further be caused due to harsh weather conditions. It is also important to note here that many human activities like improper irrigation and deforestation also cause desertification of terrains. 

Global Warming: Similarly, another major problem that our planet is suffering from today is global warming. The Class 8 Science Notes Chapter 5 states that global warming is the change of climate that occurs at a global level. In most cases, it refers to the increase in the average temperature of the planet. This increase in temperature is minuscule, but it has had many negative effects on the planet. For example, the ice caps in the poles have melted because of the increased temperature. Also, there are many causes of global warming, including deforestation and excessive pollution.

What are Species and How Can We Save the Environment?

While learning about our environment, we cannot complete the notes of Chapter Conservation Of Plants And Animals Class 8 without talking about species. In the simplest terms, a species can be defined as a group of individuals. This group of individuals should be able to breed and produce offspring that are fertile.

Now that we have all the basic information, the next step is to look at various measures that we can employ to protect the environment. Let’s discuss all of these measures below.

• Recycle Paper

The first and the easiest that everybody can do is recycle paper. According to various statistics, the paper industry is the leading cause of deforestation. This is because that industry required a lot of wood pulp. This is why if one chooses to recycle paper, then that will result in the reduction of consumption of new wood pulp. This would be good for both parties as you would be able to save money while protecting the environment.

• Reforestation

Another important measure that can be taken to protect the environment is reforestation. This is an important topic in notes of Ch 5 Science Class 8. For readers who are not aware, reforestation is the process of restocking the destroyed forests. This can be done by simply planting new trees.

• Wildlife Conservation

Conservation of wildlife is an important measure that is stressed in Ch 5 Science Class 8 Notes. There are many experts who believe that this conservation is vital because of the threat that is possessed by the excessive indulgence of mankind. Many techniques can be followed for conserving wildlife. It is vital to follow all of these techniques because wildlife helps in maintaining the balance that exists between nature.

• Wildlife Sanctuary

A wildlife sanctuary is a sanctuary that occurs naturally, like an island. This place provides vital protection to various species from threats that are posed by competition, predation, poaching, and hunting.

• National Park

Before we talk about national parks, it is important to understand what flora and fauna mean. Simply put, the plants and animals that are found in any particular area are known as flora and fauna, respectively. Now, moving back to the topic, a national park is a park that serves the purpose of biodiversity conservation. These parks are mainly developed and maintained by union governments present all across the globe.

• Ecosystem

An ecosystem is simply the total of all the animals, plants, and microorganisms that live in an area along with non-living components of that area like a river, soil, deltas, and climate.

• Biosphere Reserves

The biosphere is the part of our planet in which all living organisms live or the place where life is supported. Biodiversity or biological diversity refers to the number of organisms that are living on the earth. It also refers to the relationships between those creatures and the relationship between the living creatures and the environment. A biosphere reverse is simply an area of land that is protected from all human interventions. The purpose of these areas is to protect and conserve the lives of endangered species.

• Endangered Animals

Endangered animals are those animals whose numbers are reducing to a level where it is possible that they might face extinction in the near future.

• Endemic Species

Endemic species are those species of animals and plants that are found in a particular area exclusively.

• Red Data Book

The red data book is a sourcebook that is known for keeping a record of all the endangered species of plants and animals in the world.

• Project Tiger

Project tiger was a project that was launched by the Indian government. This project aimed to protect and conserve the reducing population of tigers in India. There are many natural parks that have been allocated to the project tiger initiative. Similar projects have also been launched by governments of other countries.

• Migration

You might already be familiar with the fact that migration is defined as the periodic movement that many animals engage in from one place to another. Migration is commonly done for the purpose of breeding or to escape harsh climate conditions. Many birds and fishes engage in migration.

Key Points to Remember:

• On the planet, there are many different kinds of plants and animals. They are necessary for humanity's well-being and survival.

• A severe threat to the survival of these species exists today. Deforestation is a threat to organisms. We are aware that deforestation entails the removal of trees, forests and repurposing the land. Forest trees are felled for a variety of reasons.

• Listed Below are a Few of the Goals:

1. Acquiring land for farming.

2. Building houses and factories.

3. Making furniture or using wood as fuel.

• The water cycle is disrupted by rising temperatures on the planet, and rainfall may be reduced as a result. Droughts may result as a result of this.

• The lower, hard, and rocky layers of the soil are exposed when the top layer of soil is removed. This soil is less productive and has less humus. The rich terrain gradually degrades into deserts. It's known as desertification.

• Biodiversity is defined as the presence of a large number of different types of organisms, as well as the full spectrum of their variants (biotypes), all of which are adapted to diverse temperatures, habitats, and geographic areas.

• The terms "wildlife sanctuary," "national park," and "biosphere reserve" are used to describe places dedicated to forest and wild animal conservation and preservation.

• Wildlife sanctuaries are areas where animals and their habitats are safeguarded from harm.

• National Parks have protected areas where wild animals can freely utilise the ecosystems and natural resources.

• Large expanses of protected territory for the conservation of natural life, plant and animal resources, and the traditional way of life of the tribals who live in the area are known as Biosphere Reserves.

• Endangered species are those that can only be found in a specific area, they are in danger of becoming extinct. The Red Data Book is a database of endangered species.

• Plant and animal species that are only found in a specific place are known as endemic species. They aren't found anywhere else in nature. A zone, a state, or a country may be home to an endemic species of animal or plant.

• Migration is the phenomenon of a species moving from its own habitat to another area for a specific purpose such as breeding for a set length of time each year.

• To save forests, electricity, and water, we should save, reuse, and recycle paper. Reforestation is the process of replanting new trees in depleted forests. 

• Flora: The various sorts of plants that make up an area's flora. Silver ferns, sal, teak, mango, and other plants are examples.

• Fauna: Animals found in a given area are referred to as fauna. For instance, a dog, a frog, insects, a bull, a jackal, and so forth.

• Extinct Species: Plant and animal species that have already died out. Dodo, Indian cheetah, Pink-headed duck, and so on.

• Threatened Species: Species that are on the verge of extinction unless they are given the opportunity to reach their maximum biotic potential by removing the threat.

• Threatened Species Type:

1. Endangered Species: An animal or plant species that is critically endangered. Indian rhinoceros, Asiatic lion, Asiatic wild ass, and so forth.

2. Vulnerable Species: A vulnerable species is an animal or plant that is on the verge of becoming extinct unless something changes. Chinkara deer and black buck, golden langur, and others are examples.

3. Rare Species: Species whose population was once limited and dispersed over the globe.

• National Parks are protected regions set aside only for the benefit of wildlife. These are founded after the legislature has given its permission.

• Hazaribagh National Park in Jharkhand, Desert National Park in Rajasthan, and others are examples.

• Sanctuaries are government-designated locations where hunting is prohibited. These are simply in place to safeguard wild animals. Jaldapara in Madarihat (West Bengal), and Keoladeo Ghana in Bharatpur are two examples (Rajasthan).

• The Red Data Book is a reference book that has a list of all endangered animals and plants. An organisation maintains the Red Data Book on a global scale. India likewise keeps a Red Data Book for flora and animals that can be found there.

• Reforestation is the process of replanting new trees in depleted forests.

The trees that are planted should be of the same species as those existing in the forest. At the very least, we should plant as many trees as we tear down. Natural reforestation is also possible.

• Migration: Bird and animal migration is described as the regular, periodic, two-way movement of birds and animals from one location to another following well-known paths. Seasonal variables, breeding, food scarcity, and other factors all play a role. The migratory birds of Bharatpur bird sanctuary are well-known.

Conservation of Plants and Animals Class 8 CBSE Science Chapter 5 - Extra Questions to Practise (Solved)

1. Name the gas that is primarily responsible for global warming.

Ans. CO2  (Carbon Dioxide) is responsible for global warming.

2. What are extinct species?

Ans. Extinct species are those which are no longer present on the earth. 

3. Which gas is used for photosynthesis?

Ans. Carbon dioxide gas is used for the process of photosynthesis. 

5 Important Topics of Science Class 8 Chapter 5 Conservation of Plants and Animals

Importance of Class 8 Science Chapter 5 Conservation of Plants and Animals Class 8 Notes

• Revision notes help us quickly understand and remember key concepts before exams.

• They save time by focusing on essential information and skipping unnecessary details.

• These notes simplify complex topics, making them easier to understand and use.

• They provide practical examples that show how theoretical knowledge is used in real-life situations.

• Revision notes ensure thorough preparation by covering all important topics in a structured manner.

• They increase confidence by clearly understanding what to expect in exams.

• Accessible formats like PDFs allow for easy studying anytime and anywhere.

Tips for Learning the Science Chapter 5 Conservation of Plants and Animals Class 8 Notes

• Familiarise yourself with important terms like biodiversity, endangered species, and conservation methods.

• Learn about different threats to biodiversity such as habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change.

• Understand about various conservation methods like reforestation, wildlife protection laws, and conservation programs

• Know about different types of protected areas such as national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves.

• Explore how human activities impact plant and animal life and the measures needed to reduce these effects.

• Connect real-world examples of endangered species and conservation efforts to connect theoretical knowledge with practical situations.

Conclusion

In Vedantu’s Class 8 Science Chapter 5 Notes on Conservation of Plants and Animals, we've explored why conserving plants and animals is crucial for maintaining ecological balance. Understanding the threats to biodiversity and the various conservation methods helps us appreciate the importance of protecting our environment. By studying protected areas, endangered species, and human impacts, you can see how individual and collective actions contribute to conservation efforts. Vedantu's revision notes simplify these concepts, making it easier to grasp the essentials and apply them in your studies. Regular review and practice will strengthen your knowledge, ensuring you're well-prepared for exams and can contribute to conservation efforts in real life.

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