CBSE Important Questions for Class 8 Science Conservation of Plants and Animals - 2025-26
FAQs on CBSE Important Questions for Class 8 Science Conservation of Plants and Animals - 2025-26
1. What are some important 2-mark questions that could be asked from Chapter 5, Conservation of Plants and Animals, in the 2025-26 exams?
For the 2025-26 exams, students should prepare for 2-mark questions on core definitions. Some expected questions include:
Define biodiversity and its importance.
What is the purpose of the Red Data Book?
Differentiate between flora and fauna with examples.
What are migratory birds? Give one example.
2. Which topics from this chapter are most likely to appear as 5-mark long answer questions?
For 5-mark questions, focus on topics that require detailed explanations. Important areas include:
The causes and consequences of deforestation, covering effects like climate change, soil erosion, and desertification.
Explaining the differences and functions of a Wildlife Sanctuary, National Park, and Biosphere Reserve.
The concept of Project Tiger and its role in tiger conservation in India.
3. Why is there a need for different types of protected areas like National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries? Don't they serve the same purpose?
While both aim to conserve wildlife, they operate under different rules and serve distinct purposes. A Wildlife Sanctuary offers protection to animals with some human activities like timber collection allowed. A National Park provides a more stringent, larger area of protection for the entire ecosystem—including flora, fauna, and historical objects—with human activities being highly restricted. Biosphere Reserves are even larger areas that conserve biodiversity and the traditional life of the tribals living there, often containing other protected areas within them.
4. How can deforestation lead to a decrease in the water-holding capacity of the soil, a topic often asked in exams?
This is a crucial concept. Deforestation exposes the topsoil. Tree roots are essential for binding soil particles together and creating a porous structure that allows water to seep in. When trees are removed:
The movement of water from the soil surface into the ground (infiltration) is greatly reduced.
Rainfall strikes the ground directly, washing away the fertile topsoil (soil erosion).
The loss of topsoil and reduced infiltration mean the soil can no longer hold much water, leading to floods during heavy rain and droughts during dry periods.
5. What is the difference between an 'endangered species' and an 'endemic species'? Can an endemic species also be endangered?
Yes, and understanding the distinction is important.
An endemic species is one that is found exclusively in a specific geographical area and nowhere else in the world. For example, the Sal tree and Wild Mango are endemic flora of the Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve.
An endangered species is one whose population is so low that it is facing a high risk of extinction.
An endemic species can easily become endangered if its unique habitat is threatened by activities like deforestation or pollution.
6. As a HOTS question, how does recycling paper contribute to the conservation of plants and animals?
Recycling paper has a direct and significant impact on conservation. It takes approximately 17 full-grown trees to produce one ton of paper. By recycling paper, we:
Reduce Deforestation: Fewer trees need to be cut down, which directly preserves forest habitats.
Protect Wildlife Habitats: Saving forests means protecting the homes of countless animal species that depend on those trees for food, shelter, and survival.
Save Energy and Water: Manufacturing paper from recycled materials uses significantly less energy and water compared to making it from raw wood pulp, thus conserving vital natural resources.
7. Why should a student focus on understanding the concept of 'ecosystem' while preparing for questions on this chapter?
Understanding the 'ecosystem' is critical because it's the foundation of conservation. An ecosystem consists of all the living things (plants, animals, microorganisms) in an area, along with the non-living components (like climate, soil, water), and their interactions. Questions in the exam often test this link. For instance, a question on deforestation is not just about cutting trees; it's about the collapse of the entire ecosystem that depends on those trees, affecting everything from soil quality to animal life.
8. Is 'reforestation' simply about planting new trees, or is there more to it for it to be successful?
For reforestation to be effective, it must be more than just planting saplings. Successful reforestation involves strategic planning. Ideally, one should plant the same species of trees that were originally found in that forest. This helps in restoring the natural biodiversity and ensures that the re-established forest can support the local fauna. Planting trees without considering the native species can fail to restore the original ecosystem.
