8_Environmental Conservation

A new species of herbaceous plant is discovered in the Western Ghats and is found nowhere else in the world. How would you categorize this plant species?

• Endangered Species

• Extinct Species

• Endemic Species

• Migratory Species

If the top layer of soil is removed due to deforestation, what is the most likely long-term consequence for that land?

• The land will become more suitable for agriculture.

• The water holding capacity of the soil will increase.

• The land will gradually become fertile and then turn into a desert.

• The lower, hard, and rocky layers with less humus will be exposed, leading to desertification.

The Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve contains one national park and two wildlife sanctuaries. What does this indicate about the structure of a biosphere reserve?

• A biosphere reserve is smaller than a national park.

• National parks and wildlife sanctuaries are created to protect biosphere reserves.

• A biosphere reserve can include other protected areas within its boundaries.

• A biosphere reserve is exclusively for plant conservation.

Why are small animals, like frogs and owls, considered to be in much greater danger of extinction than some larger animals like tigers?

• They are not a part of complex food chains.

• Their importance in the ecosystem is often overlooked, leading to them being killed ruthlessly.

• They reproduce at a much slower rate than larger animals.

• Larger animals are better at adapting to changes in their habitat.

What is the primary difference between a wildlife sanctuary and a zoo?

• A wildlife sanctuary has artificial settings, while a zoo has natural habitats.

• Animals are protected in their natural habitats in a sanctuary, whereas in a zoo they are in an artificial setting.

• People are not allowed to visit a wildlife sanctuary, but they can visit a zoo.

• Only endangered species are kept in zoos, while sanctuaries house all types of animals.

"Project Tiger" was launched by the Indian government with a specific objective. What was the main goal of this project?

• To capture tigers and move them to zoos for protection.

• To ensure the survival and maintenance of the tiger population in the country.

• To study the behavior of tigers in captivity.

• To declare the tiger as the national animal of India.

Deforestation can lead to both droughts and floods. Which statement best explains this apparent contradiction?

• Deforestation has no impact on the water cycle.

• Increased carbon dioxide from deforestation disturbs the water cycle, potentially reducing rainfall, while reduced soil water-holding capacity leads to floods.

• The roots of trees release water, causing floods, but the lack of shade causes droughts.

• Deforestation only causes droughts, not floods.

Imagine you are a tribal living within a wildlife sanctuary. According to the text, which of the following activities would you likely be permitted to do?

• Hunting wild animals for food.

• Building a large factory for employment.

• Felling trees to sell the timber.

• Grazing your livestock and collecting medicinal plants.

Why should paper be saved, reused, and recycled?

• It saves money for the individual student.

• It directly reduces the population of endangered species.

• It saves trees, as well as the energy and water needed for paper manufacturing.

• It helps to reduce the number of migratory birds.

What information does the Red Data Book provide?

• A list of all plant and animal species on Earth.

• A record of all extinct species.

• A source book that records all endangered animals and plants.

• A guide to the national parks and sanctuaries in India.