Exercises
A. Choose the correct option.
1. Which of these is an endemic species of India?
a. Giant Panda
b. Dodo
c. African elephant
d. Asiatic Lion
Answer: d. Asiatic Lion
2. Which of these best describes a botanical garden?
a. National park
b. Wildlife sanctuary
c. Zoo of plants
d. Forest reserve
Answer: c. Zoo of plants
3. Which of these has contributed towards the loss of biodiversity?
a. Deforestation
b. Destruction of habitat
c. Pollution
d. All of these
Answer: d. All of these
4. Which of these wildlife sanctuaries/national parks protects the Tiger?
a. Bandhavgarh
b. Kanha
c. Corbett
d. All of these
Answer: d. All of these
5. Which of these is an endangered species?
a. Dodo
b. Dinosaur
c. Asiatic Lion
d. All of these
Answer: c. Asiatic Lion
B. Fill in the blanks with the correct words.
1. A ……………….. (species/habitat) is a group of organisms having common, permanent characteristics and features.
Answer: Species
2. A natural area where an organism thrives and multiplies naturally is termed its ……………….. (habitat/biodiversity).
Answer: Habitat
3. ……………….. (Roots/Stems) of plants help to bind the soil particles together.
Answer: Roots
4. ……………….. (Overgrazing/Overplanting) on forest land is also causing deforestation.
Answer: Overgrazing
5. Poaching refers to ……………….. (legal/illegal) hunting of animals.
Answer: Illegal
6. ……………….. (ICUN/IUCN) takes out a list of threatened species in its Red Data Book.
Answer: IUCN
7. Hunting of animals is illegal in ……………….. (all forests/national parks).
Answer: National parks
8. ……………….. (Van Mahotsava/IUCN) is a conservation programme being organized by the Government of India.
Answer: Van Mahotsava
C. Answer the following questions.
1. What do we mean by biodiversity?
Answer. Biodiversity means the variety of living organisms found on Earth. It includes different plants, animals, microorganisms, and their habitats. Biodiversity also includes variations within species and ecosystems. It maintains ecological balance, supports food chains, provides natural resources, and helps the environment remain healthy and sustainable for future generations.
2. Differentiate between habitat and species with the help of examples.
Answer. A habitat is the natural place where an organism lives, grows, and reproduces. For example, a pond is the habitat of fish. A species is a group of similar organisms that share common characteristics and can reproduce. For example, all tigers belong to the same species.
3. What is deforestation? List any two major reasons why forests are being cleared.
Answer. Deforestation is the large-scale cutting and removal of trees from forests. Forests are cleared mainly for agriculture and the construction of houses, roads, and industries. Other causes include mining, urbanisation, and the excessive demand for timber. Deforestation destroys habitats, reduces biodiversity, and disturbs the ecological balance.
4. Discuss any five major effects of deforestation on the environment.
Answer. Five major effects of deforestation are:
- Loss of wildlife habitats and biodiversity.
- Soil erosion due to the removal of tree roots.
- Increased carbon dioxide, contributing to global warming.
- Disturbance of the water cycle and reduced rainfall.
- Increased chances of floods, droughts, and desertification in affected regions.
5. What do we mean by endemic species? Give two examples of animal species endemic to India.
Answer. Endemic species are plants or animals naturally found only in a particular geographical region and nowhere else in the world. They have a restricted distribution and require special protection. Two examples of animal species endemic to India are the Nilgiri tahr, found in the Western Ghats, and the lion-tailed macaque, also found there.
6. Differentiate between endangered and extinct species, with two examples for each.
Answer. Endangered species are animals or plants whose populations have declined greatly and face a high risk of extinction. Examples include the Asiatic lion and tiger. Extinct species are those that have completely disappeared from Earth. Examples include the dodo and the woolly mammoth. Conservation efforts help protect endangered species from extinction.
7. What are forest reserves? How do they help to save biodiversity?
Answer. Forest reserves are protected forest areas managed to conserve trees, wildlife, and natural resources. They help save biodiversity by protecting habitats, preventing illegal hunting and tree cutting, and conserving endangered species. Forest reserves also maintain ecological balance, protect soil and water resources, and provide safe breeding grounds for wildlife and native plants.
8. What is poaching? Give any two reasons for poaching of tigers.
Answer. Poaching is the illegal hunting, capturing, or killing of wild animals. Tigers are poached mainly for their valuable skins, which are used in the illegal wildlife trade. Poachers also sell their bones and other body parts for traditional medicine and other commercial purposes. Poaching reduces tiger populations and threatens their survival.
9. What are wildlife sanctuaries/national parks? Name any five that are found in India and the animals they protect.
Answer. Wildlife sanctuaries and national parks are protected areas established to conserve wild animals, plants, and their habitats. Five examples in India are:
- Gir National Park: Asiatic lion.
- Kaziranga National Park: One-horned rhinoceros.
- Jim Corbett National Park: Tiger.
- Kanha National Park: Barasingha.
- Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary: Elephant.
10. Write a short note on each of the following.
i. IUCN and its role
Answer. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is an organisation that works for nature conservation and sustainable use of natural resources. It maintains the IUCN Red List, which assesses species’ conservation status. Its work supports biodiversity protection, scientific research, environmental policies, and conservation planning worldwide.
ii. Role of NGOs in conserving biodiversity
Answer. Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) play an important role in conserving biodiversity. They organise awareness programmes, protect wildlife habitats, support tree plantation, and conduct environmental education. NGOs also help prevent poaching, rescue endangered animals, and encourage communities to use natural resources responsibly. Their efforts strengthen government conservation programmes and public participation.
iii. Role of zoological parks
Answer. Zoological parks, commonly called zoos, are places where wild animals are kept and cared for under human supervision. They provide education and awareness about wildlife conservation. Zoos also support breeding programmes for endangered species, scientific research, and veterinary care. Some animals may be reintroduced into suitable natural habitats when conditions permit.
iv. Botanical gardens
Answer. Botanical gardens are specially maintained places where different types of plants are grown, studied, and conserved. They protect rare and endangered plant species and provide opportunities for scientific research and environmental education. Botanical gardens also help preserve plant diversity, support seed conservation, and increase public awareness about the importance of plants.