CBSE Class 6 General Knowledge

Unit 5: Environment & Ecology

Lesson: Endangered Species of India

📘 Study Module: Endangered Species of India

1. Introduction

India is home to a wide variety of plants and animals. However, many species are now at risk of disappearing due to human activities. Such species are called endangered species and need protection to survive.

2. Meaning of Endangered Species

Endangered species are plants or animals whose population has reduced greatly and are in danger of becoming extinct. If proper steps are not taken, these species may disappear forever.

3. Causes of Endangerment

The main causes of endangered species are:

• Deforestation
• Hunting and poaching
• Pollution
• Loss of natural habitat
• Climate change

Human activities are the major reason for the decline in wildlife population.

4. Endangered Animals of India

Some endangered animals found in India include:

• Tiger
• Asiatic Lion
• Asian Elephant
• One-horned Rhinoceros
• Snow Leopard

These animals need protected habitats to survive.

5. Endangered Birds of India

Some endangered birds of India are:

• Great Indian Bustard
• Siberian Crane
• Indian Vulture

Their population has decreased due to habitat loss and pollution.

6. Importance of Protecting Endangered Species

Endangered species are important for maintaining ecological balance. Each species plays a role in the food chain. Loss of species disturbs nature and affects the environment.

7. Conservation of Endangered Species

Endangered species can be protected by:

• Creating national parks and sanctuaries
• Enforcing laws against poaching
• Protecting forests
• Spreading awareness

Conservation helps save species from extinction.

8. Role of Government and Citizens

The government creates laws and protected areas. Citizens should not harm wildlife and should spread awareness. Everyone has a role in protecting endangered species.

📝 Questions and Answers

A. Short Answer Questions

(One sentence each)

1. What are endangered species?
   Answer: Endangered species are animals or plants at risk of extinction.
2. Why do species become endangered?
   Answer: Species become endangered due to habitat loss and human activities.
3. Name one endangered animal of India.
   Answer: The tiger is an endangered animal of India.
4. What is poaching?
   Answer: Poaching is the illegal hunting of animals.
5. Why is deforestation harmful to wildlife?
   Answer: Deforestation destroys natural habitats of animals.
6. Name one endangered bird of India.
   Answer: The Great Indian Bustard is an endangered bird.
7. What does extinction mean?
   Answer: Extinction means complete disappearance of a species.
8. How does pollution affect animals?
   Answer: Pollution harms animals and their habitats.
9. Why should endangered species be protected?
   Answer: They should be protected to maintain ecological balance.
10. Who is responsible for protecting endangered species?
    Answer: Both the government and citizens are responsible.

B. Long Answer Questions

(3–5 sentences each)

11. Explain the meaning of endangered species.
    Answer: Endangered species are plants and animals whose population has declined sharply. They face a high risk of extinction. Habitat loss and hunting are major causes. Protection is necessary for their survival.
12. Describe the causes of endangerment of species.
    Answer: Deforestation destroys animal habitats. Poaching reduces animal population. Pollution affects health of wildlife. Climate change also disturbs natural living conditions.
13. Name and describe any two endangered animals of India.
    Answer: The tiger is endangered due to poaching and habitat loss. The one-horned rhinoceros is endangered due to illegal hunting. Both need protected areas. Conservation efforts are helping their survival.
14. Why are endangered birds declining in India?
    Answer: Birds lose nesting areas due to deforestation. Pollution and pesticides affect their health. Climate change affects migration patterns. These factors reduce bird population.
15. Explain the importance of endangered species.
    Answer: Each species has a role in the ecosystem. They help maintain food chains. Loss of species disturbs balance in nature. Biodiversity is important for a healthy environment.
16. What steps can be taken to protect endangered species?
    Answer: Creating sanctuaries protects habitats. Strict laws stop poaching. Planting trees restores forests. Awareness helps conservation.
17. What role do national parks play in conservation?
    Answer: National parks provide safe habitats. Hunting is banned. Animals can live freely. They help protect endangered species.
18. How does human activity affect wildlife?
    Answer: Humans cut forests and pollute land and water. Hunting reduces animal numbers. Development destroys habitats. These activities endanger species.
19. What role can students play in conservation?
    Answer: Students can spread awareness. They should respect wildlife. Avoid products harming animals. Support conservation efforts.
20. Why is conservation of endangered species important for future generations?
    Answer: Conservation preserves biodiversity. Future generations can see wildlife. Ecosystems remain balanced. Nature stays healthy.

🧠 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

(With Answers and Detailed Explanations)

1. Endangered species are those that are ______.
   a) increasing in number
   b) safe from danger
   c) at risk of extinction
   d) found everywhere
   Answer: c) at risk of extinction
   Explanation: Their population is very low.
2. Which of the following is an endangered animal of India?
   a) Cow
   b) Tiger
   c) Dog
   d) Goat
   Answer: b) Tiger
   Explanation: Tiger population is threatened.
3. Illegal hunting of animals is called ______.
   a) grazing
   b) poaching
   c) farming
   d) fishing
   Answer: b) poaching
   Explanation: Poaching kills wildlife illegally.
4. Cutting down trees is known as ______.
   a) afforestation
   b) irrigation
   c) deforestation
   d) conservation
   Answer: c) deforestation
   Explanation: Deforestation destroys forests.
5. Which bird is endangered in India?
   a) Sparrow
   b) Crow
   c) Great Indian Bustard
   d) Pigeon
   Answer: c) Great Indian Bustard
   Explanation: Its population has declined.
6. Endangered species should be protected to maintain ______.
   a) pollution
   b) noise
   c) ecological balance
   d) traffic
   Answer: c) ecological balance
   Explanation: Balance keeps nature stable.
7. Which activity harms wildlife the most?
   a) Tree planting
   b) Conservation
   c) Poaching
   d) Awareness
   Answer: c) Poaching
   Explanation: Poaching kills animals.
8. National parks help protect ______.
   a) cities
   b) wildlife
   c) factories
   d) roads
   Answer: b) wildlife
   Explanation: Parks protect animals.
9. Loss of habitat causes animals to ______.
   a) increase
   b) migrate or die
   c) multiply
   d) grow faster
   Answer: b) migrate or die
   Explanation: Animals lose shelter and food.
10. Which of the following is a cause of endangerment?
    a) Protection
    b) Afforestation
    c) Pollution
    d) Conservation
    Answer: c) Pollution
    Explanation: Pollution harms wildlife.
11. Which animal is protected in India?
    a) Lion
    b) Tiger
    c) Elephant
    d) All of these
    Answer: d) All of these
    Explanation: Many endangered animals are protected.
12. Extinction means ______.
    a) increase of species
    b) migration
    c) complete disappearance
    d) protection
    Answer: c) complete disappearance
    Explanation: Extinct species no longer exist.
13. Wildlife sanctuaries are created to ______.
    a) cut trees
    b) protect animals
    c) build houses
    d) start industries
    Answer: b) protect animals
    Explanation: Sanctuaries conserve wildlife.
14. Which activity helps endangered species?
    a) Hunting
    b) Poaching
    c) Conservation
    d) Pollution
    Answer: c) Conservation
    Explanation: Conservation protects species.
15. Climate change affects endangered species by ______.
    a) improving habitats
    b) changing living conditions
    c) increasing forests
    d) stopping migration
    Answer: b) changing living conditions
    Explanation: Climate affects survival.
16. Who makes laws to protect wildlife?
    a) Students
    b) Teachers
    c) Government
    d) Animals
    Answer: c) Government
    Explanation: Government enforces protection laws.
17. Which is NOT an endangered species?
    a) Tiger
    b) Asiatic Lion
    c) Cow
    d) Snow Leopard
    Answer: c) Cow
    Explanation: Cow is not endangered.
18. Protecting forests helps ______.
    a) destroy habitats
    b) wildlife survival
    c) pollution increase
    d) hunting
    Answer: b) wildlife survival
    Explanation: Forests are animal homes.
19. Endangered species are important because they are part of ______.
    a) pollution
    b) ecosystem
    c) traffic
    d) waste
    Answer: b) ecosystem
    Explanation: All species are interconnected.
20. Saving endangered species helps ______.
    a) increase extinction
    b) maintain biodiversity
    c) destroy forests
    d) increase pollution
    Answer: b) maintain biodiversity
    Explanation: Biodiversity supports life.

✅ End of Lesson

Prepared strictly in accordance with the NCERT syllabus and CBSE Class 6 examination standards.