Conservation of Plants and Animals

• Understand the importance of biodiversity and why species conservation matters.
• Learn about deforestation and its effects on the environment.
• Understand terms: wildlife sanctuary, national park, biosphere reserve, endangered species, extinct species, Red Data Book, migration.

1. Biodiversity refers to the variety of plant and animal species found in a particular region.
2. Deforestation (large-scale removal of forests) leads to loss of habitat, soil erosion, and disruption of the water cycle.
3. A wildlife sanctuary protects animals from hunting/poaching but allows some human activity; a national park has stricter protection for the whole ecosystem; a biosphere reserve conserves a large area including flora, fauna, and human communities.
4. An endangered species is at risk of extinction; the Red Data Book maintains records of endangered/threatened species.
5. Migration is the periodic movement of animals (e.g., birds) from one habitat to another, often for breeding or climate reasons.

Why does cutting down a forest affect animals that don't even live in that exact area?

Forests are interconnected ecosystems. Removing trees disrupts the local
water cycle, soil stability, and climate, which can affect food chains and
habitats over a wider surrounding region — not just the immediate cleared area.

• Confusing a wildlife sanctuary (some human activity allowed) with a national park (stricter, minimal human interference).
• Assuming deforestation only affects the specific trees cut, ignoring wider ecosystem effects.
• Confusing "endangered" (at risk) with "extinct" (no longer existing anywhere).

• What is the difference between a wildlife sanctuary and a national park?
• What does the Red Data Book record?

Open the Practice tab for graded questions on Conservation of Plants and Animals.