Exercise
Q 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 faraway places because of ________ changes.
Answers: (a) wild life sanctuary (b) endemic species (c) Climatic Changes
Q2. Differentiate between the following.
(a) Wildlife sanctuary and biosphere reserve
(b) Zoo and wildlife sanctuary
(c) Endangered and Extinct species
(d) Flora and Fauna
Answers
(a) Wildlife sanctuary and biosphere reserve
A wildlife sanctuary is a protected area where animals are free to roam and live in their natural habitat. The main focus of a wildlife sanctuary is the protection and preservation of the animals that live there.
A biosphere reserve is a protected area that is dedicated to the conservation of biodiversity, as well as the promotion of sustainable development. Biosphere reserves are often larger than wildlife sanctuaries and may include a variety of ecosystems, including forests, grasslands, and coastal areas.
(b) Zoo and wildlife sanctuary
A zoo is a place where animals are kept and displayed to the public, often for entertainment. Zoos often have a variety of animals, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians, and may also have educational exhibits and programming.
A wildlife sanctuary is a protected area where wildlife is allowed to roam freely and is protected from hunting and human development. Wildlife sanctuaries are often focused on the conservation and protection of a specific species or ecosystem, rather than on public display.
(c) Endangered and Extinct species
Endangered species are those that are at risk of becoming extinct in the near future, while extinct species are those that are no longer in existence. Extinct species have no living members, while endangered species have a small number of individuals remaining. The main difference between the two is that endangered species have a chance to recover, while extinct species do not.
(d) Flora and Fauna
Flora refers to the plant life in a particular region, while fauna refers to the animal life. In other words, flora consists of all the plants in a particular area, while fauna consists of all the animals.
Q 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
Answer
(a) Wild Animals
When forests are destroyed, animals lose their habitat and are often unable to find a new place to live. This can lead to a decline in the population of certain species, and in some cases, it can even cause extinction. Deforestation can also disrupt the balance of ecosystems, causing a ripple effect that affects other species. In addition, the removal of trees can lead to soil erosion and changes in the local climate, which can have further consequences for wildlife.
(b) Environment
Deforestation has a number of bad impacts on the environment. It can lead to soil erosion and landslides, as well as reduced soil fertility. It also disrupts the water cycle, leading to changes in the local climate. Deforestation also has a number of negative impacts on wildlife, as it destroys their habitats and disrupts the balance of ecosystems. Finally, deforestation is a major contributor to climate change, as the trees that are removed are no longer able to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
(c) Villages (Rural Areas)
Deforestation can have a number of negative impacts on rural areas. One of the most significant impacts is the loss of land and resources that local communities rely on for their livelihoods. This can lead to poverty, food insecurity, and a lack of economic opportunities. Deforestation can also disrupt traditional ways of life and cultural practices, as well as contribute to conflict over resources. In addition, the loss of trees can have negative impacts on the local environment, including soil erosion, changes in the water cycle, and reduced soil fertility, which can further impact the ability of rural communities to grow crops and raise livestock.
(d) Cities (Urban Areas)
Deforestation can have a number of negative impacts on rural areas. One of the most significant impacts is the loss of land and resources that local communities rely on for their livelihoods. This can lead to poverty, food insecurity, and a lack of economic opportunities.
Deforestation can also disrupt traditional ways of life and cultural practices, as well as contribute to conflict over resources. In addition, the loss of trees can have negative impacts on the local environment, including soil erosion, changes in the water cycle, and reduced soil fertility, which can further impact the ability of rural communities to grow crops and raise livestock.
(e) Earth
Deforestation has a number of negative impacts on the environment and the Earth as a whole. One of the most significant impacts is the loss of carbon sinks, which are forests that absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. When forests are removed, this carbon is released back into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change. Deforestation can also lead to soil erosion and landslides, as well as changes in the local climate and the water cycle. It also disrupts the balance of ecosystems and destroys the habitats of many species, leading to biodiversity loss. Finally, deforestation can have negative impacts on the livelihoods and traditional ways of life of local communities, as well as contribute to conflict over resources.
(f) The Next Generation
The loss of forests can contribute to climate change, which is expected to have a number of negative impacts on the Earth, including more frequent and severe natural disasters, sea level rise, and changes in temperature and rainfall patterns. Deforestation can also lead to biodiversity loss, which is the extinction of plant and animal species. This can have a number of negative consequences, including the loss of important ecosystem services that are provided by these species. In addition, the loss of forests can have negative impacts on the livelihoods and traditional ways of life of local communities, which can be passed down to future generations. Finally, deforestation can have negative impacts on the environment that may not be fully understood or appreciated until future generations experience them.
Q4. What will happen if
(a) we go on cutting trees.
(b) the habitat iof an animal is disrupted.
(c) the top layer of soil is exposed.
Answer
(a) We go on cutting trees
If we continue to cut down trees at the current rate, it is likely that we will see a number of negative impacts on the environment and on human society. Deforestation can contribute to climate change, soil erosion, landslides, changes in the water cycle, and the loss of biodiversity. It can also have negative impacts on the livelihoods and traditional ways of life of local communities, as well as contribute to conflict over resources. In the long term, these negative impacts could have serious consequences for the Earth and its inhabitants.
(b) the habitat of an animal is disrupted
If the habitat of an animal is disturbed, it can have a number of negative impacts on the animal. It can cause the animal to lose its home and the resources it needs to survive, such as food, water, and shelter. This can lead to the animal becoming vulnerable to predators, as well as to illness and injury.
Disturbance of an animal’s habitat can also cause the animal to become stressed and anxious, which can impact its behavior and reproductive success. In some cases, habitat disturbance can cause an animal to become endangered or even extinct. Finally, disturbance of an animal’s habitat can disrupt the balance of the ecosystem and the relationships between different species, which can have cascading effects on the entire ecosystem.
(c) the top layer of soil is exposed.
Exposed soil is more vulnerable to erosion by wind and water, which can lead to the loss of valuable nutrients and the degradation of the soil. This can make it more difficult for plants to grow and thrive, which can have impacts on the local ecosystem. Exposed soil is also more vulnerable to compaction and other forms of damage, which can further reduce its ability to support plant growth. In addition, exposed soil can contribute to air pollution, as it is more prone to dust erosion. This can have negative impacts on human health, as well as on the health of other animals.
Q 5. 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?
Answers
(a)
Biodiversity is important for the survival and well-being of all species, including humans. It also provides important ecosystem services that support human life, such as purifying the air and regulating the climate. Conserving biodiversity is necessary to maintain the balance of nature and the ecological processes that are essential for the survival of all species.
(b)
There are a few reasons why protected forests may not be completely safe for wild animals. First, protected forests may still be at risk of illegal logging, poaching, and other forms of human interference. Second, even if these activities are minimized, natural disasters such as fires and storms can still pose a threat to the wildlife in protected forests. Finally, in some cases, the wildlife in protected forests may still be at risk from other predatory animals or diseases, which can cause population declines.
(c)
There are many ways in which tribals may depend on the jungle. One way is by using the resources that the jungle provides, such as food, shelter, and medicine. Another way is by using the jungle as a source of livelihood, such as through hunting, gathering, or farming. Finally, many tribals also have a spiritual or cultural connection to the jungle, and may use it for spiritual practices or ceremonies.
(d)
Deforestation is the permanent removal of forests and it can be caused by a variety of factors, including agriculture, logging, infrastructure development, mining, and climate change. The consequences of deforestation can be significant and far-reaching, including the loss of biodiversity, climate change, soil erosion, water cycle disruption, and the displacement of indigenous communities. Deforestation can also have economic consequences, as it can reduce the productivity of the land and disrupt the livelihoods of those who depend on the forest for their income. Finally, deforestation can have social and cultural consequences, as it can lead to the loss of traditional ways of life for indigenous communities and the loss of important cultural practices and resources.
(e)
The Red Data Book is a comprehensive, internationally recognized listing of threatened plant and animal species that is compiled by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
(f)
Migration, here, refers to the movement of animals from one location to another, often over long distances and on a regular basis. This can be triggered by a variety of factors, including changes in the availability of food, water, and other resources, as well as changes in temperature and other environmental conditions.
Q6. In order to meet the ever-increasing demand in factories and for shelter, trees are being continually cut. Is it justified to cut trees for such projects? Discuss and prepare a brief report.
Answer:
It is not considered to be justified to cut trees solely for the purpose of meeting the demand for products or shelter. This is because forests play a vital role in supporting the health and stability of the planet, and the permanent removal of forests can have significant and far-reaching consequences.
Forests are home to a wide variety of plant and animal species, and deforestation can lead to the loss of these species as their habitats are destroyed. Forests also play a vital role in regulating the Earth’s climate, and deforestation can contribute to climate change by releasing carbon that was previously stored in trees. In addition, forests help to protect the soil from erosion, and deforestation can lead to soil erosion and degradation, which can reduce the productivity of the land.
Furthermore, many indigenous communities around the world depend on forests for their livelihoods and cultural practices, and deforestation can lead to their displacement. Deforestation can also have economic consequences, as it can reduce the productivity of the land and disrupt the livelihoods of those who depend on the forest for their income. Finally, deforestation can have social and cultural consequences, as it can lead to the loss of traditional ways of life for indigenous communities and the loss of important cultural practices and resources.
Therefore, it is generally considered more sustainable and responsible to find alternative sources of materials and shelter, or to use existing resources more efficiently, rather than relying on the permanent removal of forests.
Q7. How can you contribute to the maintenance of green wealth of your locality? Make a list of actions to be taken by you.
Answer
There are many ways that an individual can contribute to the maintenance of the green wealth of their local area:
- Plant and maintain trees and other plants in your yard and neighborhood.
- Support local organizations that work to conserve natural areas and protect the environment.
- Use environmentally-friendly products and practices in your home and garden.
- Reduce your use of single-use plastics and dispose of waste properly.
- Participate in local beach cleanups and other environmental volunteer events.
- Educate others about the importance of preserving the natural environment and encourage them to take action.
Q8. Explain how deforestation leads to reduced rainfall.
Answer
Deforestation can lead to reduced rainfall in several ways. Trees help to regulate the water cycle by releasing water vapor into the atmosphere through a process called transpiration. When forests are cut down, there are fewer trees to release water vapor, leading to reduced humidity and less rainfall. Additionally, trees intercept and evaporate a significant amount of the water that falls onto their canopy, helping to increase the amount of water available for precipitation. Without this interception and evaporation, there is less water available for rainfall.
