CBSE Class 8 Science Exemplar NCERT Solutions Chapter 7: Conservation of Plants and Animals

Reviewed by NCERT Help Editorial Team · Updated on 29 Jul 2026

NCERT Solutions PDF Class 8 PDF

This resource provides comprehensive NCERT Solutions for CBSE Class 8 Science Exemplar, Chapter 7: Conservation of Plants and Animals. It covers essential topics such as understanding endangered and extinct species, the causes and consequences of desertification, the significance of Biosphere Reserves, National Parks, and Wildlife Sanctuaries for biodiversity conservation. The solutions also clarify the concept of endemic species and the differences between in-situ and ex-situ conservation methods. These detailed explanations and step-by-step answers are designed to help students grasp the core concepts, prepare effectively for their exams, and build a strong foundation in environmental science.

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Quick info

Board	CBSE
Class	Class 8
Subject	Science Exemplar
Session	2026
Language	English
Type	NCERT Solutions
Chapter	Chapter 7

Chapter summary

Chapter 7 of the CBSE Class 8 Science Exemplar focuses on the critical topic of Conservation of Plants and Animals. The NCERT Solutions provided here explain key concepts like endangered and extinct species, desertification, and the importance of protected areas such as Biosphere Reserves, National Parks, and Wildlife Sanctuaries. It also differentiates between endemic species and discusses in-situ versus ex-situ conservation strategies, offering clear explanations for multiple-choice questions.

Learning outcomes

Understand the definitions and examples of endangered and extinct species.
Explain the causes and consequences of desertification.
Differentiate between Biosphere Reserves, National Parks, and Wildlife Sanctuaries.
Define endemic species and their vulnerability.
Distinguish between in-situ and ex-situ conservation methods.

Topics covered

Paper topics

Endangered Species
Extinct Species
Desertification
Biosphere Reserves
Wildlife Sanctuaries
National Parks
Endemic Species
In-situ Conservation
Ex-situ Conservation
Biodiversity Conservation

Important topics

Endangered and Extinct Species
Biosphere Reserves, National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries
In-situ vs. Ex-situ Conservation
Endemic Species
Desertification

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Questions and Solutions

Multiple Choice Questions - 1

1. Wild buffalo is an endangered species because

(a) its population is diminishing

(b) it has become extinct

(d) its poaching is strictly prohibited

Solution: The correct option is (a). An endangered species is defined as a species whose population is decreasing at a rapid pace, putting it at a high risk of extinction in the near future. While wild buffaloes might be found in particular areas (c) and their poaching is prohibited (d), the primary reason for being classified as endangered is the diminishing size of their population. Option (b) is incorrect as extinct species no longer exist.

Multiple Choice Questions - 2

2. Which one of the following changes may occur due to desertification?

(a) Decrease in atmospheric temperature.

(b) Increase in water holding capacity of soil.

(d) Conversion of fertile land into a desert.

Solution: The correct option is (d). Desertification is the process where fertile land degrades and turns into desert. This often happens when vegetation cover is lost, leading to soil erosion by wind and water. Without roots to hold the soil, the topsoil is stripped away, reducing fertility and transforming the land. This process can also lead to changes in local climate patterns, but the direct conversion of fertile land is the defining characteristic. Options (a), (b), and (c) are generally not direct consequences of desertification; in fact, loss of vegetation can sometimes lead to increased runoff and flooding, not decreased temperature or increased water holding capacity.

Multiple Choice Questions - 3

3. Which one of the following statements is true about a Biosphere Reserve?

(a) It is a protected area where only endemic species live.

(b) It is meant only for the conservation of plants and animals.

(d) There are no other protected areas within its limits.

Solution: The correct option is (c). A Biosphere Reserve is a protected area designated for the conservation of biodiversity, including plants and animals, as well as the traditional lifestyle and culture of the indigenous people living within its boundaries. It aims for a holistic approach to conservation. Option (a) is incorrect because while endemic species may be present, they are not the sole inhabitants. Option (b) is incomplete as it also conserves culture. Option (d) is incorrect as other protected areas like national parks or sanctuaries can exist within a biosphere reserve.

Multiple Choice Questions - 4

4. The place meant for conservation of biodiversity in their natural habitat are

(i) Zoological garden

(ii) Botanical garden

(iii) Wildlife sanctuary

(iv) National park

(a) i & ii;

(b) ii & iii;

(d) i & iv

Solution: The correct option is (c) iii & iv. Conservation of biodiversity in its natural habitat is known as in-situ conservation. Wildlife sanctuaries and National Parks are established to protect plants and animals within their natural ecosystems. Zoological gardens and Botanical gardens, on the other hand, are places where species are protected outside their natural habitats, which is known as ex-situ conservation. Therefore, only (iii) and (iv) represent places for in-situ conservation.

Multiple Choice Questions - 5

5. Which one of the following statements is true about endemic species?

(a) They are found exclusively in a specific habitat.

(b) Endemic species can never become endangered.

(d) They are not affected by the destruction of their habitat.

Solution: The correct option is (a). Endemic species are those species of plants and animals that are found only in a particular geographical region or habitat and nowhere else in the world. This makes them particularly vulnerable. Option (b) is incorrect because endemic species can indeed become endangered if their specific habitat is threatened or destroyed. Option (c) is incorrect as they naturally occur in their specific habitat, not exclusively in zoos or botanical gardens. Option (d) is false; habitat destruction poses a significant threat to endemic species.

Multiple Choice Questions - 6

6. Which of the following feature is correct for a wildlife sanctuary?

(a) It is an artificially created protected area for animals.

(b) It is a protected area for threatened and endangered wild animals.

(d) Capturing and poaching of animals is strictly prohibited here.

Solution: The most accurate description among the choices for a wildlife sanctuary is (b) It is a protected area for threatened and endangered wild animals. While capturing and poaching are strictly prohibited in wildlife sanctuaries (d), this is a rule within the sanctuary, not its defining feature. Wildlife sanctuaries are primarily established to protect wild animals, especially those that are threatened or endangered, within their natural or semi-natural habitats. Option (a) is incorrect as sanctuaries are typically natural or semi-natural areas, not purely artificial creations. Option (c) is incorrect as sanctuaries protect animals, not just plants.

Common mistakes

Confusing endangered species with extinct species.
Misunderstanding the primary purpose of Biosphere Reserves.
Incorrectly classifying conservation methods (in-situ vs. ex-situ).
Not recognizing that endemic species are particularly vulnerable to habitat loss.

Revision tips

Focus on understanding the definitions of key terms like 'endangered', 'extinct', and 'endemic'.
Pay close attention to the differences between various protected areas (Biosphere Reserve, National Park, Wildlife Sanctuary).
Review the explanations for each MCQ to reinforce concepts.
Create flashcards for important definitions and conservation types.

Practice MCQs

Q1. What defines an endangered species?

Q2. What is a primary consequence of desertification?

Q3. What is the main purpose of a Biosphere Reserve?

Q4. Which of the following are examples of in-situ conservation?

Q5. What characteristic best describes endemic species?

Q6. Which statement accurately describes a wildlife sanctuary?

Frequently asked questions

What is the main focus of Chapter 7, Conservation of Plants and Animals?

Chapter 7 focuses on the importance of conserving plants and animals, explaining concepts like endangered species, desertification, and the roles of protected areas like Biosphere Reserves, National Parks, and Wildlife Sanctuaries.

What is the difference between an endangered and an extinct species?

An endangered species is one whose population is rapidly declining and faces a high risk of extinction, while an extinct species is one that no longer exists on Earth.

What are the key differences between Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks?

Both are protected areas for wildlife. National Parks are primarily for conserving the biodiversity of a specific area, while Wildlife Sanctuaries focus on protecting specific animal species and their habitats, often allowing some human activities that do not harm wildlife.

What does 'in-situ conservation' mean?

In-situ conservation means protecting species within their natural habitats, such as in National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries.

How do these NCERT Solutions help with exam preparation?

These solutions provide clear, rewritten explanations for each question, helping students understand the concepts thoroughly and reinforcing their knowledge for exams.

What is desertification?

Desertification is the process by which fertile land becomes desert, typically as a result of drought, deforestation, or inappropriate agriculture, leading to soil erosion.

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