Conservation of Plants and Animals – Short Answer Type Questions
CBSE Class 8 Science — Chapter 7: Conservation of Plants and Animals
50 Short Answer Questions — Topic-wise • NCERT-aligned • Board-exam standard
Class: 8
Subject: Science
Chapter: Conservation of Plants & Animals
CBSE Board Examinations (Study order):
- Read NCERT text thoroughly and note definitions, examples and diagrams.
- Understand differences between in-situ and ex-situ conservation and memorise examples.
- Learn basic laws, projects (e.g., Project Tiger) and roles of protected areas.
- Practice short answers, diagrams and case-based questions for exams.
Topic 1 — Basics & Definitions (Q1–Q8)
- Q1. What is biodiversity?The variety of life at genetic, species and ecosystem levels in a given area.
- Q2. Define 'endemic species'.A species that occurs naturally only in a specific geographic region and nowhere else.
- Q3. What does 'extinct' mean?A species is extinct when there are no living individuals left anywhere on Earth.
- Q4. What is a habitat?The natural environment where an organism lives and obtains food, shelter and mates.
- Q5. Define 'ecosystem'.A community of organisms interacting with each other and their physical surroundings.
- Q6. What is an invasive species?A non-native species that spreads rapidly and harms native species or ecosystems.
- Q7. What is meant by 'conservation'?Protection and management of biodiversity to prevent loss and ensure sustainable use.
- Q8. Why is biodiversity important?It supports ecosystem services, food security, medicine and ecological balance.
Topic 2 — Threats to Biodiversity (Q9–Q16)
- Q9. Name a major cause of habitat loss.Deforestation for agriculture, urban expansion and infrastructure development.
- Q10. How does pollution affect wildlife?Pollution contaminates air, water and soil, harming health, reproduction and food sources of organisms.
- Q11. What is over-exploitation?Excessive harvesting or hunting of species beyond sustainable limits, reducing populations.
- Q12. How do invasive species threaten natives?By competing for resources, preying on natives or introducing diseases.
- Q13. Define habitat fragmentation.Breaking continuous habitats into small, isolated patches that impair animal movement and breeding.
- Q14. What role does climate change play in biodiversity loss?Alters habitats and phenology, forcing species to migrate or face extinction if unable to adapt.
- Q15. Give one effect of poaching.Reduction of population numbers and potential local extinction of targeted species.
- Q16. How does agricultural expansion impact biodiversity?It converts natural habitats into farmland, reducing species-rich areas and fragmenting ecosystems.
Topic 3 — In-situ Conservation (Q17–Q26)
- Q17. What is in-situ conservation?Conserving species in their natural habitats, such as national parks and sanctuaries.
- Q18. Name two types of protected areas used for in-situ conservation.National parks and wildlife sanctuaries.
- Q19. What is a biosphere reserve?A large protected area combining conservation, research and sustainable use with core, buffer and transition zones.
- Q20. Give one example of a national park in India.Jim Corbett National Park (one example).
- Q21. What is the core zone of a biosphere reserve?A strictly protected area where human activity is minimal to conserve biodiversity.
- Q22. Why are wildlife corridors important?They connect habitats allowing safe movement, gene flow and seasonal migration of animals.
- Q23. How do protected areas benefit ecosystems?By safeguarding habitats, protecting species and maintaining ecological processes like water regulation.
- Q24. What is community reserve?A protected area where local communities play a direct role in conservation and sustainable use.
- Q25. What is the difference between a national park and wildlife sanctuary?National parks enforce stricter protection with limited human activity; sanctuaries may permit some regulated human use.
- Q26. How does eco-tourism help conservation?It generates income for local communities and funds for protection while promoting awareness when managed sustainably.
Topic 4 — Ex-situ Conservation (Q27–Q34)
- Q27. What is ex-situ conservation?Protection of species outside natural habitats, such as in zoos and seed banks.
- Q28. Name two ex-situ conservation methods.Zoos (captive breeding) and botanical gardens/seed banks.
- Q29. What is captive breeding?Breeding endangered animals under human care to increase numbers for reintroduction.
- Q30. How do seed banks help plants?They store seeds long-term to preserve genetic diversity and support restoration efforts.
- Q31. Give one limitation of ex-situ conservation.It may not preserve full ecological interactions or natural behaviours of species.
- Q32. When is ex-situ conservation necessary?When habitats are irreversibly damaged or when populations are too small to survive in the wild.
- Q33. How do botanical gardens contribute to conservation?By cultivating, researching and educating about plant diversity and maintaining living collections.
- Q34. What is reintroduction?Releasing captive-bred individuals back into suitable wild habitats to restore populations.
Topic 5 — Laws, Policies & Community Actions (Q35–Q42)
- Q35. Name one Indian law for wildlife protection.The Wildlife Protection Act.
- Q36. What is CITES?An international agreement controlling trade in endangered plant and animal species.
- Q37. How can local communities aid conservation?By participating in resource management, patrolling protected areas and sustainable livelihood projects.
- Q38. What is afforestation?Planting trees on non-forested land to increase tree cover and restore habitats.
- Q39. Define reforestation.Replanting trees on land that was recently deforested to restore forest cover.
- Q40. What role does education play in conservation?It raises awareness, builds stewardship and encourages sustainable behaviours among people.
Topic 6 — Examples, Projects & Practical Steps (Q43–Q50)
- Q43. Name a famous conservation project for tigers in India.Project Tiger.
- Q44. Give an example of a biosphere reserve in India.Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (one example).
- Q45. Why are mangroves ecologically important?They protect coastlines, reduce erosion, act as nurseries for fish and support biodiversity.
- Q46. What is a wildlife corridor?A protected route that connects fragmented habitats allowing safe animal movement and gene flow.
- Q47. Suggest one simple action students can take for conservation.Plant native trees, participate in clean-ups and avoid products from endangered species.
- Q48. How does reducing, reusing and recycling help biodiversity?It lowers resource extraction and pollution, reducing pressure on natural habitats.
- Q49. Why protect wetlands?They provide habitat for birds, store water, filter pollutants and support fisheries.
- Q50. What is one quick way to identify a threatened species?Check national or IUCN Red List categories like endangered, vulnerable or critically endangered.
These short answer questions and answers follow NCERT syllabus closely and are ideal for CBSE Class 8 board-exam standard revision and classroom practice.