NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Science Chapter 5 – Conservation of Plants and Animals

Class 8 Science Chapter 5, Conservation of Plants and Animals, explains how human activities—such as hunting/poaching, deforestation, overgrazing, and pollution—lead to habitat loss, declining biodiversity, and even species extinction. The chapter also covers protected areas (wildlife sanctuaries, national parks, biosphere reserves), endangered vs. extinct vs. endemic species, the Red Data Book, and afforestation/reforestation with simple, exam-focused examples.

NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Science are prepared by experienced subject experts to help you remember key points quickly and sharpen your understanding. The materials include textbook answers, short/long answer questions, MCQs, assertion–reason and case-based questions, workbook-style practice, and additional questions aligned with previous exam patterns.

By using these solutions, Class 8 students can grasp each concept clearly and improve problem-solving skills. This page explains the importance of NCERT Solutions for this chapter, the topics covered, and provides practice question sets with answer keys for stronger preparation.

NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Science Chapter 5 PDF (Conservation of Plants and Animals)

Get free, printable NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Science Chapter 5 – Conservation of Plants and Animals (2025–26) in one place. This student-friendly PDF gives clear, step-by-step answers to in-text and back-exercise questions, so you can revise faster, clear doubts instantly, and write to the point in exams. Use it for daily homework, quick revision, and last-minute prep—all answers are aligned with the latest CBSE Class 8 syllabus and marking scheme.

About NCERT Solutions Class 8 Science Chapter 5

Chapter 5 builds core understanding of biodiversity and environmental conservation—how plants and animals maintain ecological balance, and how deforestation, poaching, and pollution threaten habitats and push species towards endangerment or extinction. These NCERT solutions are written by subject experts to simplify tough ideas and make them easy to remember with crisp definitions, examples, and where helpful, tables/diagrams.

What you get inside the PDF

• Textbook Solutions: Complete answers to all NCERT in-text and back-exercise questions
• Exam Practice: MCQs, Very Short/Short/Long answers, and previous-pattern style questions
• Competency Support: Assertion–Reason and case-based items (CBSE trend)
• Quick Revision: Key points on protected areas (wildlife sanctuaries, national parks, biosphere reserves), Red Data Book, endangered vs. extinct vs. endemic species, and afforestation/reforestation

Chapter 5 Key Concepts & Definitions (with Examples)

Use these Class 8 notes to revise conservation of plants and animals with clear definitions, differences, and examples. Each sub-topic is written in simple language and aligned to exam needs.

Biodiversity & Its Importance

Definition: Biodiversity is the variety of living organisms (plants, animals, microorganisms) in a region.
Why it matters:

• Maintains ecological balance (food chains, pollination, seed dispersal).
• Provides resources (food, medicines, fibre, fuel).
• Increases ecosystem resilience to climate change and diseases.
  Example: Tropical forests show high biodiversity—numerous trees, insects, birds, and mammals living together.

Deforestation: Causes, Effects, Prevention

Causes: Expansion of agriculture, urbanisation, logging/timber, mining, overgrazing, forest fires.
Effects:Soil erosion, floods, climate change/global warming, loss of biodiversity, reduced rainfall, habitat loss.
Prevention: Controlled felling, community/social forestry, reforestation & afforestation, protected areas, recycling paper, strong law enforcement and awareness.

Reforestation vs Afforestation (definitions + differences)

• Reforestation: Planting trees again where forests were cut earlier.
• Afforestation: Planting trees on non-forest land to create a new forest.
• Key difference: Reforestation restores a lost forest; afforestation creates a forest where there was none.

Endangered vs Extinct Species 

• Endangered: Species that may become extinct in the near future if not protected.
  • Example: Several big cats and ground birds in India face habitat loss and poaching.
• Extinct: Species with no living individuals left anywhere.
  • Example: Dodo (global); many prehistoric animals are extinct.
    Exam tip: Write a cause + one conservation step with your example for full marks.

Red Data Book (purpose, how listed, India focus)

Definition: The Red Data Book is a record of threatened species (plants/animals) compiled to guide conservation.
Purpose: Identify endangered, vulnerable, rare species; set priorities for protection and research.
How listed: Scientists evaluate population trends, habitat status, and threats before assigning a category.
India focus: National lists highlight species at risk within India and support laws, recovery plans, and protected-area planning.

Protected Areas: Wildlife Sanctuary vs National Park vs Biosphere Reserve

Definitions:

• Wildlife Sanctuary: Protects animals and their habitats; some regulated human activities may be allowed.
• National Park:Stricter protection of entire ecosystems; generally no human activity allowed.
• Biosphere Reserve:Large landscape managed for conservation, research, and sustainable use with core, buffer, transition zones.

Examples: Bori Wildlife Sanctuary; Satpura National Park; Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve.

Comparison Table (learn the differences)

Endemic Species 

Definition: Species native and restricted to a particular area; not naturally found elsewhere.
Examples: Many plants and animals of the Satpura–Pachmarhi region are endemic to those forests.
Why vulnerable: Small range + habitat loss = higher risk of becoming endangered.

Migration in Birds (why birds migrate; examples)

Definition:Seasonal movement of birds from one region to another.
Why: Search for favourable climate, food, and breeding sites.
Example: Winter visitors arrive at Indian wetlands; numbers rise during migratory months.

Poaching (impact + laws in brief)

Meaning:Illegal hunting/capturing of wild animals.
Impact: Rapid decline of wildlife populations; disrupts food webs; pushes species towards endangerment/extinction.
Laws (brief): Wildlife protection acts, anti-poaching patrols, penalties, and community reporting help curb poaching.

Recycling Paper & Sustainable Practices

• Recycle/reuse paper to reduce demand for fresh timber.
• Use two-sided printing, go digital when possible, and support certified paper products.
• School/community plantation drives and waste segregation promote sustainable living.

Project Tiger (aim, successes, protected zones)

Aim: Conserve tigers and their habitats through a network of tiger reserves.
Approach: Strict protection in core areas, habitat improvement, monitoring, and community participation in buffer zones.
Outcome: Many reserves show population recovery when protection and habitat management are maintained.

Use these Class 8 notes on conservation of plants and animals to revise fast: remember definitions, learn differences, and quote examples (Red Data Book, protected areas, reforestation/afforestation, biodiversity) to secure full marks.

NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Science Conservation of Plants And Animals Question Answer

Fill in the blanks 

1. a) A place where animals are protected in their natural habitat is called
2. b) Species found only in a particular area are known as _________ species.
3. c) Migratory birds fly to faraway places because of _________ changes.

Ans. a) wildlife sanctuary

b) Endemic

c) climatic

Differentiate between the following:

1. a) Wildlife sanctuary and biosphere reserve
2. b) Zoo and wildlife sanctuary
3. c) Endangered and extinct species
4. d) Flora and fauna

Ans. a) Wildlife sanctuary and biosphere reserve

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b) Zoo and wildlife sanctuary

c) Endangered and extinct species

d) Flora and fauna

NCERT Solutions for Class 8 PDF

Discuss the effects of deforestation on the following.

1. a) Wild animals
2. b) Environment
3. c) Villages (Rural areas)
4. d) Cities (Urban areas)
5. e) Earth
6. f) The next generation

Ans.a) Effects of deforestation on Wild animals :

Forests are the habitats of many wild animals.

As a result of deforestation wild animals lose their habitat and may migrate to other places or may become extinct.

b) Effects of deforestation on the Environment :

The level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere will be increased and this causes global warming.

Disturbs the water cycle.

Thus, deforestation disturbs the ecological balance in nature.

c) Effects of deforestation on Villages (Rural areas) :

Rainfall will be reduced. This leads to scarcity of water for drinking and

So that agricultural productivity will be decreased.

Effects of deforestation on Cities (Urban areas) :

Pollution and temperature in the cities will be increased due to deforestation.

e) Effects of deforestation on Earth :

The temperature on the surface of the earth increases and leads to global

It decreases the water holding capacity and infiltration rate of the soil.

The properties of the soil like nutrient content, texture, etc. are also changed.

Promotes soil erosion.

Deforestation leads to desertification.

f) Effects of deforestation on the next generation :

Deforestation causes global warming, soil erosion, greenhouse effect, drought, floods, and many other global problems.

The next generation may not get a cleaner and safer environment to live in.

What will happen if 

a) we go on cutting trees.

b) the habitat of an animal is disturbed.

c) the top layer of soil is exposed.

Ans. a) If we go on cutting trees :

1. we will not get fresh air.
2. results in natural calamities like floods, droughts, etc.
3. global temperature will be increased.

4. the water cycle will be disturbed.

b) If the habitat of an animal is disturbed :

the animal will lose its natural habitat and finally, it may be endangered or __extinct.

c) If the top layer of soil is exposed :

1.  it decreases the fertility and water holding capacity of the soil.
2. this results in a decrease in agriculture productivity.

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Answer in brief 

a) Why should we conserve biodiversity?

b) Protected forests are also not completely safe for wild animals. Why?

c) Some tribals depend on the jungle. How?

d) What are the causes and consequences of deforestation?

e) What is Red Data Book?

f) What do you understand by the term migration?

Ans.

We should conserve biodiversity to maintain balance in nature.

 Even protected forests are not safe for wild animals because people living in the neighborhood encroach upon them and destroy them.

c) Tribals depend on the jungle for :

1. food items like seed grains, fruits, vegetables, and other products like honey, meat, etc.
2. fodder for their animals.
3. firewood and for clothing (animal skins, leaves, etc.).

d) Causes of Deforestation :

1. Procuring land for cultivation.
2. Building houses and factories.
3. Making furniture or using wood as fuel.
4. Forest fires and severe droughts.

Consequences of Deforestation :

• Upsets the natural balance between animals and plants.
• Decreases the rainfall.
• Decreases the amount of underground water.
• Increases soil erosion.
• Increases the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere.
• Causes floods, droughts, global warming, etc.

What is red data book?

The book which contains a record of endangered species is called Red Data

What do you understand by the term migration?

1. The phenomenon of movement of a species from its own habitat to some other habitat in a particular time period every year for a specific purpose like breeding is called migration.

How can you contribute to the maintenance of the green wealth of your locality? Make a list of actions to be taken by you.

i) We can grow more and more plants in our locality.

ii) We can protect them and provide water to them.

iii) All the residents should be educated about the benefits of growing trees and the harmful effects of cutting the trees.

Explain how deforestation leads to reduced rainfall.

Ans.

• Due to deforestation, the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere will be increased.
• Carbon dioxide traps the heat rays reflected by the earth, the amount of heat (temperature) will be increased on the earth’s surface.
• This causes global warming and disturbs the water cycle.
• As a result the amount of rainfall is reduced.

Why should the paper be saved? Prepare a list of ways by which you can save paper.

Ans. We should save paper to reduce deforestation and to conserve the trees on the earth (as the paper is made from trees).

Ways to save paper :

• By creating awareness about the importance of paper.
• Reuse and recycle.
• Reduce the usage of paper.

Access NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Science Chapter 5 – Conservation of Plants and Animals

Ace your exams with NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Science Chapter 5: Conservation of Plants and Animals. Below you’ll find clear, step-by-step answers to the most asked questions, plus MCQs, fill-ups, match-the-column, and short/long answers—all aligned with the latest CBSE syllabus. Use this page as quick Class 8 Science Ch 7 notes with crisp definitions, differences, and examples on biodiversity, deforestation, Red Data Book, protected areas, reforestation/afforestation, endemic/endangered species, migration, poaching, and Project Tiger.

1) What is biodiversity? Why is it important?

Ans:
Biodiversity is the variety of living organisms—plants, animals, and microorganisms—in a given area. It is important because it maintains ecological balance (food chains, pollination, seed dispersal), provides resources (food, medicine, fibre), and increases ecosystem resilience to climate change and diseases.

2) Define deforestation and list any four of its effects.

Ans:
Deforestation is large-scale removal of forest cover for agriculture, urbanization, timber, or mining.
Effects:

1. Soil erosion and loss of soil fertility
2. Floods and irregular rainfall
3. Climate change/global warming due to higher CO₂
4. Loss of biodiversity and wildlife habitats

3) How can deforestation be prevented? Explain reforestation and afforestation.

Ans:

• Prevention: controlled felling, community/social forestry, sustainable use, protected areas, recycling paper, strong laws and awareness.
• Reforestation: planting trees again where a forest was cut (restores lost forests).
• Afforestation: planting trees on non-forest land (creates new forests).
  Difference: Reforestation restores, afforestation creates.

4) What is the Red Data Book? What is its purpose?

Ans:
The Red Data Book is a record of threatened species (plants and animals). It helps identify endangered, vulnerable, and rare species so that conservation actions, research, and legal protection can be prioritized.

5) Who are endangered, extinct, and endemic species? Give one example each.

Ans:

• Endangered: Species at high risk of extinction in the near future (e.g., several big cats and ground birds in India).
• Extinct: Species with no living individuals left (e.g., dodo—global example).
• Endemic: Species native and restricted to a particular region (e.g., plant/animal species limited to Satpura–Pachmarhi region).

6) What is a biosphere reserve? Name its zones with one example from India.

Ans:
A biosphere reserve is a large protected area that conserves biodiversity alongside sustainable human use and research.
Zones:Core (strictly protected), Buffer (limited research/management), Transition (sustainable use).
Example:Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve (core includes Satpura National Park; buffer includes Bori Sanctuary).

7) Differentiate: Wildlife Sanctuary, National Park, Biosphere Reserve (with examples).

Ans (comparison table):

8) What is migration in birds? Why do birds migrate?

Ans:
Migration is the seasonal movement of birds from one region to another. Birds migrate to find favourable climate, food, and safe breeding sites. Indian wetlands see large numbers of winter visitors during migratory months.

9) What is poaching? State its impact and one legal measure to control it.

Ans:
Poaching is illegal hunting/capturing of wild animals. It causes rapid decline of wildlife, disrupts food webs, and pushes species towards endangerment or extinction. Legal measures include wildlife protection laws, anti-poaching patrols, penalties, and community reporting.

10) How does recycling paper support conservation of forests?

Ans:
Recycling paper reduces demand for fresh timber, saves water and energy, and lowers waste, directly decreasing pressure on forests. Schools and homes should promote two-sided printing, digital notes, and paper segregation.

11) Write a short note on Project Tiger—aim and approach.

Ans:
Aim: Conserve tigers and their habitats through scientifically managed tiger reserves.
Approach: Strict protection in core zones, habitat improvement, monitoring, and community participation in buffer/transition zones. Many reserves show recovery when protection is enforced.

12) Give two actions students can take to help conserve plants and animals.

Ans:

1. Join/organise plantation drives and practise recycling.
2. Avoid products from illegal wildlife trade; spread awareness about protected areas and biodiversity.

NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Chapter 5: Questions

A) MCQs – Choose the correct option

1. Large-scale clearing of forests is called:
   (a) Afforestation (b) Deforestation (c) Reforestation (d) Social forestry
2. The zone of a biosphere reserve that allows sustainable use is:
   (a) Core (b) Buffer (c) Transition (d) None
3. The Red Data Book mainly lists:
   (a) Soil types (b) Threatened species (c) Minerals (d) Forest laws
4. Seasonal movement of birds is called:
   (a) Hibernation (b) Migration (c) Poaching (d) Camouflage
5. Planting trees on non-forest land is known as:
   (a) Reforestation (b) Afforestation (c) Regeneration (d) Silviculture

Answer Key: 1-b, 2-c, 3-b, 4-b, 5-b.

B) True/False

1. Reforestation increases atmospheric CO₂. False
2. Endemic species are restricted to specific regions. True
3. The core zone of a biosphere reserve allows industries. False
4. Recycling paper reduces pressure on forests. True
5. Poaching means scientific tagging of animals. False

C) Fill in the Blanks

1. A large protected area managed for conservation and research is a __________ reserve.
2. The strictly protected zone of a biosphere reserve is the __________ zone.
3. The record of threatened species is the ____________________.
4. Species native and restricted to a region are called __________ species.
5. Planting trees again where forests were cut is __________.

Answers: 1. biosphere, 2. core, 3. Red Data, 4. endemic, 5. reforestation.

D) Match the Column

Answers: 1-c, 2-a, 3-b, 4-d, 5-e.