ScienceClass 8CONSERVATION OF PLANTS AND ANIMALS

CONSERVATION OF PLANTS AND ANIMALS | Class 8 Science Notes

By ConceptScroll Team · Published on 17 July 2026 · 3 min read

CONSERVATION OF PLANTS AND ANIMALS | Class 8 Science Notes

CONSERVATION OF PLANTS AND ANIMALS – this guide gives you a concise, exam-ready overview of CONSERVATION OF PLANTS AND ANIMALS from Class 8 Science, written by ConceptScroll editors and reviewed against the latest NCERT textbook.

5.2 Consequences of Deforestation

Deforestation has severe consequences on the environment and living organisms. It leads to an increase in Earth's temperature and pollution levels by raising carbon dioxide concentration in the atmosphere. Trees absorb carbon dioxide during photosynthesis; fewer trees mean more CO2 remains in the air, contributing to global warming. This warming disturbs the water cycle, reducing rainfall and causing droughts. Deforestation also lowers groundwater levels and increases soil erosion by removing the protective plant cover. The top fertile soil layer is washed away, exposing hard, rocky layers with less humus, leading to desertification. Reduced infiltration capacity of soil causes floods. The nutrient content and texture of soil are adversely affected. Animal life suffers as their habitats are destroyed, leading to decreased biodiversity. The section includes an activity to discuss how animals are affected by deforestation.

📊 Diagram: How does deforestation reduce rainfall on the one hand and lead to floods on the other?

🧪 Activity: Activity 5.2: Animal life is also affected by deforestation. How? List the points and discuss them in your class.

🔗 Connection: Understanding the consequences of deforestation leads to the next section on conservation of forests and wildlife.

Frequently asked questions

1. Fill in the blanks. (a) A place where animals are protected in their natural habitat is called __________. (b) Species found only in a particular area is known as __________. (c) Migratory birds fly to far away places because of __________ changes.

(a) A place where animals are protected in their natural habitat is called a wildlife sanctuary. (b) Species found only in a particular area is known as endemic species. (c) Migratory birds fly to far away places because of seasonal changes.

2. Differentiate between the following. (a) Wildlife sanctuary and biosphere reserve (b) Zoo and wildlife sanctuary (c) Endangered and extinct species (d) Flora and fauna

(a) Wildlife sanctuary vs Biosphere reserve:

  • Wildlife sanctuary is an area where animals are protected in their natural habitat with some restrictions on human activities.
  • Biosphere reserve is a larger area that includes protected zones and buffer zones aimed at conserving biodiversity and promoting sustainable development.

(b) Zoo vs Wildlife sanctuary:

  • Zoo is a place where animals are kept in captivity for public viewing and education.
  • Wildlife sanctuary is a natural habitat where ani
3. Discuss the effects of deforestation on the following. (a) Wild animals (b) Environment (c) Villages (Rural areas) (d) Cities (Urban areas) (e) Earth (f) The next generation

(a) Wild animals: Loss of habitat leads to decline in animal populations and possible extinction. (b) Environment: Reduction in oxygen production, increase in carbon dioxide, soil erosion, and loss of biodiversity. (c) Villages (Rural areas): Reduced availability of forest resources like fuel, fodder, and medicinal plants; increased vulnerability to natural disasters. (d) Cities (Urban areas): Increased pollution and heat due to loss of green cover; reduced air quality. (e) Earth: Disturbance in

4. 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.

(a) If we go on cutting trees continuously, it will lead to deforestation causing loss of biodiversity, climate change, soil erosion, and disruption of water cycles. (b) If the habitat of an animal is disturbed, the animal may lose shelter and food sources, leading to migration, population decline, or extinction. (c) If the top layer of soil is exposed, it becomes vulnerable to erosion by wind and water, leading to loss of fertile soil and reduced agricultural productivity.

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