Science Class 8 - Conservation Of-Plants-And-Animals Notes

Conservation of Plants and Animals

Welcome to the chapter on Conservation of Plants and Animals for Class 8. In this chapter, you will learn why it is important to protect plants and animals, the threats they face, and how we can help conserve them. By the end of this chapter, you will understand the need for conservation and ways to protect our environment!

Introduction

Plants and animals are important for the balance of nature. Conservation means protecting them from harm and making sure they do not disappear from the earth.

Why Do We Need Conservation?

• Plants give us oxygen, food, and medicines.
• Animals help maintain ecological balance and provide food, clothing, and other resources.
• Many species are in danger due to human activities.

Threats to Plants and Animals

• Deforestation: Cutting down trees for farming, buildings, or wood.
• Poaching: Illegal hunting of animals for their skin, bones, or other parts.
• Pollution: Dirty air, water, and soil harm living things.
• Habitat loss: Destroying forests, wetlands, and grasslands where plants and animals live.

Ways to Conserve Plants and Animals

• Plant more trees and protect forests.
• Do not hunt or harm animals.
• Reduce, reuse, and recycle to prevent pollution.
• Support wildlife sanctuaries and national parks.
• Educate others about conservation.

Protected Areas

Protected areas are places where plants and animals are safe from harm. Examples include:

• Wildlife sanctuaries
• National parks
• Biosphere reserves

Endangered and Extinct Species

• Endangered species: Animals and plants that may soon disappear if not protected.
• Extinct species: Animals and plants that no longer exist.

Examples: The Bengal tiger is endangered. The dodo bird is extinct.

Fun Activity: Conservation Poster

Make a poster showing ways to protect plants and animals. Share it with your class!

Summary

• Conservation protects plants and animals from harm.
• Human activities can threaten living things.
• We can help by planting trees, reducing pollution, and supporting protected areas.

Practice Questions

1. What is conservation?
2. Name two threats to plants and animals.
3. What is a wildlife sanctuary?
4. Give one example of an endangered species.
5. How can you help conserve plants and animals?

Challenge Yourself

• List three things you can do at home to help conservation.
• Find out about a national park in India and write about it.

Did You Know?

• India has many national parks like Jim Corbett and Kaziranga!
• The tiger is our national animal and needs protection.

Glossary

• Conservation: Protecting plants and animals from harm.
• Deforestation: Cutting down trees.
• Poaching: Illegal hunting of animals.
• Endangered: In danger of disappearing.
• Extinct: No longer exists.

Answers to Practice Questions

1. Conservation means protecting plants and animals.
2. Deforestation and poaching.
3. A place where animals are protected and safe.
4. Bengal tiger.
5. Plant trees, do not pollute, support protected areas.

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Help conserve plants and animals to keep our earth green and full of life!