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 – 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.
5.3 Conservation of Forest and Wildlife
This section introduces the concept of conservation as a response to the harmful effects of deforestation. Conservation means protecting forests and wildlife to maintain biodiversity and ecological balance. The chapter explains that the biosphere is the part of Earth that supports life, and biodiversity refers to the variety of living organisms and their interactions within this sphere. Professor Ahmad organizes a visit to Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve to illustrate conservation in action. Such protected areas are part of national heritage and are preserved by government policies and laws. Activities like plantation, cultivation, grazing, tree felling, hunting, and poaching are prohibited in these areas to protect flora and fauna. The section defines wildlife sanctuaries, national parks, and biosphere reserves, highlighting their roles in conservation. It emphasizes that conservation requires efforts from individuals, communities, and government agencies.
🧪 Activity: Activity 5.3: Find out the number of national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and biosphere reserves in your district, state and country. Record in Table 5.1. Show these areas in an outline map of your state and India.
🔗 Connection: This section leads into a detailed explanation of biosphere reserves in the next section.
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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