Conservation of Plants and Animals – Very Short Answer Type Questions

CBSE Class 8 Science | Chapter 7: Conservation of Plants and Animals — 50 Very Short Q&A

CBSE Class 8 Science — Chapter 7: Conservation of Plants and Animals

50 Very 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 carefully and note key definitions and examples.
Learn differences: in-situ vs ex-situ conservation and list examples.
Remember names of a few national parks, biosphere reserves and endangered species.
Practice map/diagram labelling and short answers for quick recall.

Q1. What is biodiversity?
The variety of life forms in an area, including genes, species and ecosystems.
Q2. What does 'endemic species' mean?
Species that are native to and found only in a specific geographic area.
Q3. Define 'extinct' in biological terms.
A species is extinct when no living individuals of that species remain anywhere.
Q4. What is an endangered species?
A species at high risk of extinction in the near future.
Q5. What is a habitat?
The natural environment where a species lives and obtains food, shelter and mates.
Q6. Define 'ecosystem'.
A community of organisms interacting with each other and their physical environment.
Q7. What is an invasive (exotic) species?
A non-native species that spreads and outcompetes native species in a new area.
Q8. Why is biodiversity important?
It supports ecosystem services, food, medicine, and ecological stability.

Q9. Name one human activity that causes habitat loss.
Deforestation for agriculture and urbanisation.
Q10. How does poaching threaten wildlife?
Illegal hunting reduces population numbers and can drive species toward extinction.
Q11. Give one effect of pollution on biodiversity.
Pollution can kill organisms, reduce reproduction and degrade habitats.
Q12. How do invasive species harm native species?
By competing for resources, predation or spreading diseases to natives.
Q13. What role does climate change play?
It alters habitats and species distributions, affecting survival and breeding patterns.
Q14. What is habitat fragmentation?
Breaking large habitats into smaller, isolated patches unsuitable for some species.
Q15. How does over-exploitation affect fish populations?
Overfishing depletes stocks and can collapse fisheries.
Q16. What human practice increases extinction risk?
Illegal wildlife trade and unsustainable resource use.

Q17. What is in-situ conservation?
Conserving species in their natural habitats (e.g., national parks).
Q18. Name two types of protected areas used in in-situ conservation.
National parks and wildlife sanctuaries.
Q19. What is a biosphere reserve?
A large area promoting conservation, research and sustainable use with core, buffer and transition zones.
Q20. Give one function of a national park.
Protect wildlife and maintain natural ecosystems without human interference.
Q21. What is the role of a wildlife sanctuary?
To protect specific species while allowing limited human activity.
Q22. How do protected areas help local communities?
By supporting eco-tourism, livelihoods and resource management when managed sustainably.
Q23. Why are corridors important between protected areas?
They allow animals to move, breed and maintain genetic diversity.
Q24. What is a core zone in a biosphere reserve?
A strictly protected area for biodiversity with no human activity allowed.

Q25. What is ex-situ conservation?
Protecting species outside their natural habitats (e.g., zoos, seed banks).
Q26. Give one example of ex-situ conservation for plants.
Botanical gardens and seed banks.
Q27. How do zoos contribute to conservation?
By breeding endangered species, education and research for reintroduction programs.
Q28. What is a seed bank?
A facility that stores seeds to preserve plant genetic diversity for future use.
Q29. What is captive breeding?
Breeding species in controlled conditions to boost populations for release into the wild.
Q30. When is ex-situ method preferred?
When natural habitats are irreversibly damaged or populations are too low for survival in wild.
Q31. Give one limitation of ex-situ conservation.
It may not preserve full behavioural patterns and ecosystem interactions of species.
Q32. What role do botanical gardens play in education?
They raise awareness, provide research opportunities and preserve plant species collections.

Q33. Name one Indian law that protects wildlife.
The Wildlife Protection Act.
Q34. What is CITES?
An international agreement regulating trade in endangered species.
Q35. How can local communities help in conservation?
By participating in forest management, eco-tourism and sustainable practices.
Q36. What is afforestation?
Planting trees on land that was not recently forested to increase tree cover.
Q37. Define 'reforestation'.
Replanting trees on deforested land to restore forest cover.
Q38. What is community-based conservation?
Conservation efforts where local people manage and protect natural resources.]
Q39. How does sustainable use help conservation?
It allows resource use without depleting them, balancing human needs and ecology.
Q40. What is the role of education in conservation?
Education raises awareness and encourages behaviour that supports biodiversity protection.

Q41. Name one famous tiger conservation project in India.
Project Tiger.
Q42. Give one example of a biosphere reserve in India.
Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
Q43. What is an example of an endemic plant in India?
Sandalwood (in some regions) or certain Western Ghats species like the Neelakurinji.
Q44. Why are mangroves important?
They protect coasts, prevent erosion and support rich biodiversity.
Q45. What simple action can students take to help conservation?
Plant native trees and avoid using products from endangered species.
Q46. What is wildlife corridor?
A protected route that connects habitats allowing safe movement of animals.
Q47. Name one ex-situ conservation facility for seeds.
National seed banks or gene banks.
Q48. What does 'ecosystem services' mean?
Benefits humans get from ecosystems like clean water, pollination and soil fertility.
Q49. How does reducing, reusing and recycling help biodiversity?
It lowers resource extraction and pollution, reducing pressure on habitats.
Q50. What is one reason to protect wetlands?
They provide habitat for birds, store water and filter pollutants.

These very short questions and answers follow the NCERT syllabus closely and are ideal for quick revision before tests and CBSE board exams.