NCERT Class 8 Science Science: Chapter 5 — Conservation of Plants and Animals
This chapter, "Conservation of Plants and Animals," from NCERT Class 8 Science, delves into the critical issue of deforestation and its far-reaching consequences. It explains that deforestation, the clearing of forests for other purposes, leads to increased temperature, pollution, and atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, contributing to global warming. The chapter highlights how deforestation disturbs the water cycle, reduces rainfall, and lowers groundwater levels, potentially causing droughts. It also details the impact on soil fertility, leading to erosion and desertification. Furthermore, the text discusses the disruption of the balance in nature and the effects on animal life. The chapter introduces the concepts of national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves as vital measures for conserving biodiversity and protecting flora and fauna. It emphasizes the importance of these protected areas as part of our national heritage and encourages efforts to save forests and wildlife.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 8 |
| Subject | Science |
| Book | Science |
| Chapter | Chapter 5 — Conservation of Plants and Animals |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 382 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the causes and consequences of deforestation.
- Explain the impact of deforestation on climate, soil, and water resources.
- Define global warming, desertification, and biodiversity.
- Identify and describe the purpose of national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves.
- Recognize the importance of conserving forests and wildlife.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Deforestation | Clearing of forests and using that land for other purposes. |
| Global warming | The increase in temperature on the earth due to increased carbon dioxide trapping heat rays. |
| Desertification | The process where fertile land gets converted into deserts. |
| Biodiversity | The variety of organisms existing on the earth, their interrelationships and their relationship with the environment. |
| Biosphere Reserve | Large areas of protected land for conservation of wild life, plant and animal resources and traditional life of the tribals. |
| Wildlife Sanctuary | Areas where animals are protected from any disturbance to them and their habitat. |
| National Park | Areas reserved for wild life where they can freely use the habitats and natural resources. |
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Practice questions
- What are the main causes of deforestation? Answer: Man-made causes include procuring land for cultivation, building houses and factories, making furniture, and using wood as fuel. Natural causes include forest fires and severe droughts.
- How does deforestation lead to global warming? Answer: Fewer trees mean less carbon dioxide is used up, increasing its amount in the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide traps heat rays, leading to an increase in Earth's temperature, which is global warming.
- What is desertification? Answer: Desertification is the process where fertile land gradually gets converted into deserts due to deforestation, soil erosion, and loss of humus.
- What is the purpose of wildlife sanctuaries and national parks? Answer: They are protected areas established to conserve wildlife, plant and animal resources, and their habitats, protecting them from disturbances.
Frequently asked questions
What is deforestation?
Deforestation is the clearing of forests and using the land for other purposes, such as cultivation, construction, or fuel.
What are the consequences of deforestation?
Consequences include increased temperature and pollution, higher carbon dioxide levels, global warming, reduced rainfall, lowered groundwater levels, soil erosion, desertification, and disturbance of the balance in nature.
How does deforestation affect rainfall?
Deforestation can reduce rainfall by disturbing the water cycle and decreasing the Earth's ability to retain moisture, potentially leading to droughts.
What is the relationship between deforestation and global warming?
Fewer trees mean less absorption of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas. The excess carbon dioxide traps heat, leading to an increase in global temperature.
What is desertification?
Desertification is the process where fertile land becomes desert, often a result of deforestation, soil erosion, and loss of vegetation.
What is the purpose of biosphere reserves?
Biosphere reserves are large protected areas for conserving wildlife, plant and animal resources, and the traditional life of indigenous people.
What is the difference between a wildlife sanctuary and a national park?
Wildlife sanctuaries protect animals from any disturbance to them and their habitat, while national parks are reserved for wildlife where they can freely use habitats and natural resources.
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NCERT Class 8 Science — Science — Chapter 5 — Conservation of Plants and Animals. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.