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Plants and animals play a very important role in our ecosystem. Thus, it is very important to conserve them and maintain a balance in our planet’s biodiversity. In recent times, many threats have surfaced in the way of the conservation of plants and animals. Some of the major threats include deforestation, pollution, habitat destruction, and climate change. The idea of conservation aims to protect resources for the future and save plants and animals from extinction. The conservation of plants and animals class 8 syllabus includes deforestation, its causes, effects and ways to conserve plants and animals.
Importance of Plants and Animals
Plants and animals are crucial components of the earth. Due to the major roles they play in the ecosystem, their conservation becomes extremely important. Here are some roles that the flora and fauna play-
- One of the most useful roles of plants is the production of life-saving oxygen gas. Plants release oxygen through photosynthesis, which is used by all living organisms.
- Plants and animals both play a role in regulating climate patterns. Forests play an important role in absorbing carbon dioxide and controlling climate change.
- Plants are the backbone of agriculture, providing crops that meet the demand for food supplies.
- Many medicines are also generated from plants and animals.
Biodiversity
Biodiversity refers to the wide range and variety of life on Earth. It is our planet’s most complicated and vital feature. Life could not exist without biodiversity. The number of various organisms and their relative populations in an ecosystem are all part of biodiversity. It also reflects the hierarchical structure of organisms at various levels. Biodiversity is important for both ecological and economic reasons.
Threats to Biodiversity
Habitat Destruction
Habitat destruction, also known as loss of habitat, is a process in which a natural habitat becomes incapable of supporting its native species. This can occur due to various natural reasons, like earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or forest fires. Moreover, human activities have also played a major role in habitat destruction.
Deforestation
The increasing demand for forest products among humans has resulted in the cutting down of forests, called deforestation. Urbanization has been one of the major causes of forest depletion. It has adversely affected the environment and resulted in global warming, desertification, soil erosion, etc.
Pollution
Pollution is a major danger to biodiversity, affecting a variety of ecosystems and their people. Water pollution from chemicals, fertilizers, plastics, and other contaminants has an impact on aquatic ecosystems. Pesticides, heavy metals, and hazardous chemicals can all have an impact on soil fertility and change the natural balance of soil-dwelling species.
Climate change
Temperature shifts can alter the distribution and behavior of species, causing changes in migration patterns, reproductive seasons, and the availability of resources. Increased sea levels also harm coastal habitats and the organisms that rely on them.
Why conservation of plants and animals is important?
In class 8 science conservation of plants and animals chapter explains the importance of conserving the flora and fauna of the ecosystem. Here are some points about the same-
- Conservation of plants and animals ensures a perfect ecological balance in the ecosystem.
- It plays an important role in protecting endangered species in their natural environment. ‘
- Biodiversity gives new scopes for scientific research and education.
- Biodiverse ecosystems, such as forests and wetlands, play an important role in climate regulation.
- Plants and animals provide many beneficial chemicals. Biodiversity contributes to advancements in medicine and the treatment of many diseases.
- Biodiversity has a substantial impact on several economic areas. Agriculture, forestry, and fisheries all rely on different ecosystems for supplies and services.
Possible ways for the conservation of plants and animals
The Conservation of Plants and Animals class 8 chapter covers some ways implemented to protect endangered species. Biospere Reserves, Wildlife Sanctuaries, and National parks are some very effective ways to achieve the goal. class 8 notes,
Biosphere Reserve
Biosphere reserves are areas that are protected for not only the conservation of plants and animals but also for the indigenous people of the area. These areas are divided into three zones, i.e., the core zone, buffer zone, and manipulation zone. The core zone is a strictly protected area with no human interference. The buffer zone allows intervention for some research, educational, and tourism activities.
The manipulation zone is the area where cropping, forestry, and settlements are allowed with the permission of reserve management and local people. Some important biosphere reserves in India include the Pachmarhi, Nanda Devi, and Manas Biosphere Reserves.
National parks
National parks are restricted areas designed to protect wildlife in their natural habitat. It protects animals in their natural state and also allows enjoyable activities for visitors. These areas mostly aim in protecting endangered species. These species are carefully observed and allowed to thrive. Researchers and biologists are allowed in the sanctuaries to learn more about the species. India houses about 100 national parks. Some of the major national parks in the country include Gir National Park, Kanha National Park, Kaziranga National Park, and Corbett National Park.
Wildlife sanctuaries
The Conservation of plants and animals class 8 notes explains the role of wildlife sanctuaries in protecting endangered species. Wildlife sanctuaries protect animals in their natural environment and allow very limited human activity in the region. Activities like hunting, killing, and poaching are prohibited in these areas. Some major wildlife sanctuaries are Chilika Lake Bird Sanctuary, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, and Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary.
FAQs on Conservation of Plants and Animals
What are the two steps to conserve plants and animals?
National Wildlife Sanctuaries and Biosphere Reserves are two important steps taken by the government to conserve plants and animals.
What is the main aim of plant conservation?
The main aim of plant conservation is to protect and preserve the diversity of plant species and their ecosystems
What is conservation of an animal?
Conservation of an animal refers to the planned and sustainable management of a particular species to ensure its survival and well-being in its natural habitat.
Why do we need to conserve plants and animals?
We understand how animals and plants are valuable to us, so it's crucial to protect them. Animals and plants play a big role in our environment, and if we don't take care of them, it can disrupt the balance, which can harm people. People rely on animals and plants, so we must make sure they are safe. Additionally, some animals like tigers and pandas are disappearing, so we really need to save them.
What are the different types of Species?
Various kinds of animals can be categorized based on how likely they are to disappear forever. These categories include species that are at risk, species that are in danger, species that are in extreme danger, and species that have already disappeared.
