Question 1

Q1: (i) Conservation of biodiversity is important for : (a) Animals (b) Animals and plants (c) Plants (d) All organisms

Accepted Answer

Answer: (d) All organisms Explanation: According to the text, all forms of life are closely interlinked, and a disturbance in one can cause an imbalance in others. The loss of species can degrade the environment and threaten the existence of all life forms, including humans. Therefore, conservation...

Question 2

Q2: (ii) Threatened species are those which : (a) threaten others (b) Lion and tiger (c) are abundant in number (d) are suffering from the danger of extin...

Accepted Answer

Answer: (d) are suffering from the danger of extinction Explanation: The text explains that The International Union of Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) classifies threatened species into categories. This includes 'Endangered Species', which are in danger of extinction, and 'Vulner...

Question 3

Q3: (iii) National parks and sanctuaries are established for the purpose of : (a) Recreation (b) Hunting (c) Pets (d) Conservation

Accepted Answer

Answer: (d) Conservation Explanation: The chapter states that the Government of India passed the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, under which national parks and sanctuaries were established. The specific purpose mentioned is to "protect, preserve and propagate the variety of species within natural...

Question 4

Q4: (iv) Biodiversity is richer in : (a) Tropical Regions (b) Polar Regions (c) Temperate Regions (d) Oceans

Accepted Answer

Answer: (a) Tropical Regions Explanation: The text explicitly states, "Biodiversity is not found evenly on the earth. It is consistently richer in the tropics." This richness is attributed to greater inputs of solar energy and water. It also mentions that tropical rainforests contain 50 percent of t...

Question 5

Q5: (v) In which one of the following countries, the 'Earth Summit' was held? (a) the UK (b) Mexico (c) Brazil (d) China

Accepted Answer

Answer: (c) Brazil Explanation: The text mentions that 156 nations, including India, signed the Convention of Biodiversity at the Earth Summit. It specifies that this summit was "held at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in June 1992."

Question 6

Q1: (i) What is biodiversity?

Accepted Answer

Biodiversity, short for biological diversity, is the number and variety of organisms found within a specific geographic region. It encompasses the variety of plants, animals, and micro-organisms, the genes they contain, and the different ecosystems they form on Earth.

Question 7

Q2: (ii) What are the different levels of biodiversity?

Accepted Answer

Biodiversity can be discussed at three distinct levels: 1.  Genetic Diversity: The variation of genes within a species. 2.  Species Diversity: The variety and number of different species in a defined area. 3.  Ecosystem Diversity: The variety of habitats and ecological processes within different eco...

Question 8

Q3: (iii) What do you understand by 'hotspots'?

Accepted Answer

Hotspots are areas on Earth that are exceptionally rich in species diversity. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) identifies these regions to concentrate conservation efforts on areas that are most vulnerable and hold a high number of unique species.

Question 9

Q4: (iv) Discuss briefly the importance of animals to human kind.

Accepted Answer

Animals are a crucial part of biodiversity and provide significant economic benefits to humankind. They are a source of food through livestock and fish, and also provide medicinal resources. Ecologically, they are vital for maintaining the balance of ecosystems, which in turn supports human survival...

Question 10

Q5: (v) What do you understand by 'exotic species'?

Accepted Answer

Exotic species are plants or animals that are not natural inhabitants of a local habitat but are introduced into the system from another region. Their introduction can be harmful, as they can cause extensive damage to the native biotic community and disrupt the local ecosystem.

Question 11

Q1: (i) What are the roles played by biodiversity in the shaping of nature?

Accepted Answer

Biodiversity plays several fundamental roles in shaping nature, which can be categorized as ecological, economic, and scientific.    Ecological Role: Every organism in an ecosystem has a function. Species capture and store energy, decompose organic material, cycle water and nutrients, fix atmospheri...

Question 12

Q2: (ii) What are the major factors that are responsible for the loss of biodiversity? What steps are needed to prevent them?

Accepted Answer

The loss of biodiversity is driven by several major factors, predominantly related to human activities, alongside natural causes. Major Factors Responsible for Loss of Biodiversity: 1.  Habitat Destruction: The growth in human population has led to over-exploitation of resources and large-scale defo...

Question 13

Q1: Collect the names of national parks, sanctuaries and biosphere reserves of the state where your school is located and show their location on the map o...

Accepted Answer

This is a project-based activity that requires research specific to your location. To complete this task, follow these steps: 1.  Identify Your State: Determine the state in which your school is located. 2.  Research: Use reliable sources such as official government websites (Ministry of Environment...

NCERT Solutions