Wildlife: NBSE class 9 social science chapter 9 notes

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Here are the solutions, questions, answers, and notes of chapter 9: WILDLIFE which is a part of social science class 9 syllabus of students studying under the Nagaland Board of School Education. However, these notes should be used only for references and additions/modifications should be made as per the requirements.

Introduction

Wildlife refers to animals, birds and other organisms, like insects which live in a natural habitat. India has a rich stock of flora and fauna. In India, there are more than 89,000 animal species, 1200 species of birds, making up 13% of the world total, 2500 species of fish making up 12% of the world’s stock. Amphibians, reptiles and mammals of India comprise between 5% and 8% of the world’s counts. India is the only country in the world that has both tigers and lions. The natural habitat of the Indian lion is the Gir forest in Gujarat. Tigers are found in the forests of Madhya Pradesh, the Sundarbans of West Bengal and the Himalayan region. Leopards too are members of the cat family. They are important among animals of prey.

Textual questions and answers

Choose the correct answer

1. Which is our national bird?

A. Great Indian Bustard
B. Peacock
C. Pheasant
D. Duck

Answer: B. Peacock

2. Where is the Corbett National Park situated?

A. Bihar
B. U.P.
C. Uttarakhand
D. Odisha

Answer: C. Uttarakhand

3. The Kaziranga National Park is famous for which wild animal?

A. Lion
B. Tiger
C. Rhinoceros (one-horned)
D. Nilgai

Answer: C. Rhinoceros (one-horned)

4. Which animal is depicted above?

A. Tibetan antelope
B. Yak
C. Kiang
D. Bharal

Answer: C. Kiang

5. Identify the correct option that describes the birds as given below.

I. These are popular migratory birds
II. They come from Siberia during winter
III. These birds visit large wetlands.

A. Flamingo
B. Cranes
C. Peacock
D. Duck

Answer: B. Cranes

6. Which of the following measures can be taken to conserve wildlife?

I. Prevention of coaching
II. Making and implementing laws for protection of threatened and endangered species
III. Preservation of their natural habitat.
IV. Steps to make deforestation legal and necessary

A. I and II are correct
B. II, II and III are correct
C. Only II is correct
D. I, II, III and IV are correct

Answer: B. II, II and III are correct

Very short answer type questions

1. How many species of birds and animals are found in India?

Answer: India has more than 89,000 animal species and 1200 species of birds.

2. What are endangered species?

Answer: Such plants and animals which are on the line of extinction are termed as endangered species.

3. Which is the natural habitat of the Indian lion?

Answer: Gir forest in Gujarat.

4. Which animals are found in rivers, lakes, and coastal areas of India?

Answer: ln the rivers, lakes and coastal areas, turtles, crocodiles and gharials are found.

Short answer type questions

1. Give an estimate of the abundant wildlife in India.

Answer: The abundance of wildlife can be estimated by the following:

(i) There are more than 89,000 animal species
(ii) India has 1200 species of birds that make up 13% of the world’s total.
(iii) The country has 2500 species of fish that make up 12% of the world’s stock.
(iv) The amphibians, reptiles and mammals of India comprise between 5% and 8% of the world’s counts.

4. What is a biosphere reserve?

Answer: Biosphere reserves are multipurpose protected areas created to deal with the issue of conservation of biodiversity and its sustainable use.

Long answer type questions

1. Discuss the methods which can be used to conserve wildlife.

Answer: Wildlife can be conserved by:

i. Prevention of poaching.
ii. Making and imposing laws for the protection of threatened and endangered species.
iii. Creating awareness among the people.
iv. Prevention and preservation of their natural habitat.
v. Demarcating national parks, sanctuaries and reserves and protecting them.

2. Why has India a rich heritage of flora and fauna? Explain.

Answer: India has a rich heritage of flora and fauna because of the following reasons:

i. India is a diverse country with different relief features from snowy mountains to deserts. Different types of vegetation are found in these regions and the vegetations support different types of animals.
ii. Availability of different types of soil providing the base for different types of vegetations.
iii. The climate of India differs from north to south and east to west. Thus supporting a large variety of flora and fauna.
iv. India has a monsoon type of climate where rainfall varies from 20 cms to 300 cms, distributed throughout the year.
v. India does not experience extreme climatic conditions as a large part of the land experience moderate influence of the sea.

3. Explain the government measures to protect wildlife in India.

Answer: The various government measures taken to protect wildlife in India are:

i. Various national parks, sanctuaries and biosphere reserves have been set up – in various parts of India whose wild animals and birds are kept in their natural habitat, e.g. Nilgiri and Nanda Devi biosphere reserves.
ii. A periodic census is being taken to find out the latest position of some rare species so that they can be preserved for our future generations.
iii. The killing of wildlife has been banned by the government. Special forest officers have been appointed to catch the law-breaking animal hunters

4. How can people’s participation be effective in conserving forests and wildlife? [HOTS]

Answer: It is also our duty to preserve wildlife. We should avoid reckless hunting of wild animals, indiscriminate felling of trees and clearing of forests to protect our national wealth, i.e. wildlife. Common people have a large role to play in the conservation of forests and wildlife. We can participate in environmental movements and pressurize the government, both at the state and Central level to bring stricter laws to conserve our forests and minimise the industrial impacts on the environment. We can also refuse to use products that intensively harm the forest and wildlife during their production and when they are disposed of. Afforestation should become people’s movement and more trees should be planted.

Extra MCQs

1: What percentage of the world’s total bird species are found in India?

A. 5%
B. 8%
C. 13%
D. 12%

Answer: C. 13%

2: The natural habitat of the one-horned rhinoceros in India is primarily found in the swamps and marshlands of which states?

A. Kerala and Karnataka
B. Assam and West Bengal
C. Gujarat and Rajasthan
D. Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh

Answer: B. Assam and West Bengal

3: Which of the following is the only country in the world that is a natural habitat for both tigers and lions?

A. South Africa
B. Brazil
C. Australia
D. India

Answer: D. India

4: The Gir forest in Gujarat is the natural habitat for which animal?

A. The Majestic Tiger
B. The Indian Elephant
C. The Indian Lion
D. The One-horned Rhinoceros

Answer: C. The Indian Lion

5: Which of these animals is typically found in the freezing high altitudes of Ladakh?

A. Chousingha
B. Nilgai
C. Yak
D. Indian bison

Answer: C. Yak

6: The river dolphin species known as Platanista gangetica is found in which river system?

A. Godavari and Krishna
B. Narmada and Tapti
C. Ganga and Brahmaputra
D. Kaveri and Mahanadi

Answer: C. Ganga and Brahmaputra

7: Which migratory bird comes in thousands to the Rann of Kachchh to build nests and raise their young?

A. Siberian Crane
B. Peacock
C. Flamingo
D. Great Indian Bustard

Answer: C. Flamingo

8: According to recent data, approximately how many national parks are there in India?

A. 563
B. 90
C. 103
D. 2546

Answer: C. 103

9: What is the term for species of plants and animals that are on the line of extinction?

A. Migratory species
B. Alien species
C. Endangered species
D. Biodiverse species

Answer: C. Endangered species

10: In which state is the Kanha National Park, known for the Barasingha, located?

A. Rajasthan
B. Madhya Pradesh
C. Gujarat
D. Assam

Answer: B. Madhya Pradesh

11: The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is located in which state?

A. West Bengal
B. Odisha
C. Kerala
D. Maharashtra

Answer: C. Kerala

12: Which of the following is defined as a large area where several ecosystems exist freely and are not disturbed by human exploitation?

A. A wildlife sanctuary
B. A biosphere reserve
C. A national park
D. A wetland

Answer: C. A national park

13: The kiang, a type of Tibetan wild ass, is found in which region?

A. The Thar Desert
B. The Himalayas
C. The Sundarbans
D. The Rann of Kachchh

Answer: B. The Himalayas

14: Which of the following is NOT listed as a primary cause for the threat to nature?

A. Hunting for commercial purposes
B. Pollution from industrial waste
C. Natural climate change cycles
D. Reckless cutting of forests

Answer: C. Natural climate change cycles

15: The Environmental Protection Act, which lays down rules for the overall protection of the environment, was enacted in which year?

A. 1986
B. 1992
C. 1973
D. 2001

Answer: A. 1986

16: (I) Due to excessive exploitation of plant and animal resources by humans, the ecosystem has been disturbed.
(II) About 1,300 plant species are endangered and 20 species are extinct.

A. I is a contradiction of II.
B. II is an example of the consequences described in I.
C. I and II are independent statements.
D. I is a result of II.

Answer: B. II is an example of the consequences described in I.

17: (I) A wildlife sanctuary may allow certain activities like livestock grazing and collection of forest produce.
(II) A national park is a highly protected area where such human exploitation and occupation are not permitted.

A. I is the cause for II.
B. II is an example of I.
C. I and II present a contrast between two types of protected areas.
D. I is a contradiction of II.

Answer: C. I and II present a contrast between two types of protected areas.

18: (I) Many insects help in the pollination of crops and fruit trees.
(II) Every species has a role to play in the ecosystem, making conservation essential.

A. I is an example that supports the general statement in II.
B. II is the cause for I.
C. I and II are unrelated.
D. I contradicts II.

Answer: A. I is an example that supports the general statement in II.

19: (I) The main causes for the threat to nature include hunting by greedy hunters for commercial purposes.
(II) Indiscriminate hunting of wildlife disturbs the ecological balance.

A. I is a result of II.
B. I and II are contradictory statements.
C. I provides a specific reason for the general problem mentioned in II.
D. I and II are independent of each other.

Answer: C. I provides a specific reason for the general problem mentioned in II.

20: Statement 1: India has a rich stock of flora and fauna.
Statement 2: The country has more than 90,000 animal species and 2000 species of birds.

A. Statement 1 is true, but Statement 2 is false.
B. Statement 2 provides specific data to support the claim in Statement 1.
C. Both statements are false.
D. Statement 1 is a conclusion drawn from Statement 2.

Answer: B. Statement 2 provides specific data to support the claim in Statement 1.

21: (I) India has the unique pride of being the only country where both lions and tigers are found.
(II) The natural habitat of the Indian lion is the Gir forest in Gujarat.

A. I is the cause for II.
B. I is a contradiction of II.
C. II provides a specific detail related to the general fact in I.
D. I is an example of II.

Answer: C. II provides a specific detail related to the general fact in I.

22: Arrange the following conservation steps in a logical order of implementation, from policy to action:

(i) Demarcating national parks and sanctuaries.
(ii) Making and implementing laws for protection.
(iii) Creating awareness among the people.
(iv) Preventing poaching on the ground.

A. (iii) → (ii) → (i) → (iv)
B. (ii) → (i) → (iv) → (iii)
C. (i) → (iv) → (ii) → (iii)
D. (iv) → (iii) → (i) → (ii)

Answer: B. (ii) → (i) → (iv) → (iii)

23: Select the option that shows the logical progression from a problem to a specific solution for wildlife conservation.

(i) The tiger population in India becomes endangered.
(ii) The government launches specific conservation programs.
(iii) Wildlife faces major threats from hunting and habitat loss.
(iv) Project Tiger is initiated in several reserves.

A. (iii) → (i) → (ii) → (iv)
B. (i) → (ii) → (iv) → (iii)
C. (iv) → (ii) → (i) → (iii)
D. (ii) → (iv) → (iii) → (i)

Answer: A. (iii) → (i) → (ii) → (iv)

Extra questions and answers

1. What percentage of the world’s total bird species is found in India?

Answer: 13% of the world’s total bird species is found in India.

2. How many species of fish does India have?

Answer: The country has 2546 species of fish.

3. What percentage of the world’s fish stock is found in India?

Answer: 12% of the world’s fish stock is found in India.

4. What percentage of the world’s amphibians and reptiles does India have?

Answer: The amphibians, reptiles and mammals of India comprise between 5% and 8% of the world’s counts.

5. Where do the majestic elephants of India live?

Answer: These mammals live in the hot wet forests of Kerala, Karnataka and Assam.

6. How do Indian elephants differ in height from African elephants?

Answer: The elephants of India are lower in height than the African elephants.

7. How do the ears and tusks of Indian elephants compare to African ones?

Answer: Indian elephants possess smaller ears and tusks.

8. Which states provide homes for the one-horned rhinos?

Answer: Assam and West Bengal have swamps and marshlands that provide homes for the one-horned rhinos.

9. Where do camels and wild ass live in India respectively?

Answer: Many parts of the Thar Desert and the Rann of Kachchh are where the camels and wild ass live respectively.

10. What is unique about India regarding its population of lions and tigers?

Answer: India is the only country in the world that has both tigers and lions.

11. In which state are tigers found in the Sundarbans?

Answer: Tigers are found in the Sundarbans of West Bengal.

12. What is the approximate weight of a yak?

Answer: A yak is a shaggy horned wild ox weighing around one tonne.

13. What is a bharal?

Answer: A bharal is a blue sheep.

14. What is a kiang?

Answer: A kiang is a Tibetan wild ass.

15. Name some rare animals found in certain pockets of the Himalayas.

Answer: The ibex, bear, snow-leopard and very rare red panda are found in certain pockets of the Himalayas.

16. Name some birds that inhabit the forests and wetlands of India.

Answer: Peacocks, pheasants, ducks, parakeets, cranes and pigeons are some of the birds inhabiting the forests and wetlands of the country.

17. How do insects help in pollination?

Answer: Many insects help in pollination of crops and fruit trees.

18. How many plant species in India are endangered?

Answer: About 1,300 plant species in India are endangered.

19. Which variety of crocodile is found only in India today?

Answer: The gharials, the only one of a certain variety of crocodiles in the world today, are found only in India.

20. What is the name of the river dolphin species found in India?

Answer: The species of river dolphins found in India is known as Platanista gangetica.

21. In which river system are Platanista gangetica found?

Answer: Platanista gangetica is found in the Ganga and Brahmaputra river system.

22. Name a bird that comes to India in large numbers during winter.

Answer: During winter, birds such as Siberian cranes come in large numbers.

23. Which place is popular with migratory birds like the Siberian cranes?

Answer: One such place of migratory birds is the Rann of Kachchh at a place where the desert merges with the sea.

24. Why do flamingos come in thousands to the Rann of Kachchh?

Answer: Flamingos come in thousands to build nests and raise their young ones.

25. What is the effect of the indiscriminate hunting of wildlife?

Answer: Indiscriminate hunting of wildlife disturbs the ecological balance and leads to the extinction of some species altogether.

26. Name some species that are in danger of total extinction.

Answer: Some beautiful species like cheetah, rhinoceros, musk-deer, and Indian bustard are in danger of total extinction.

27. What does the Environmental Protection Act (1986) do?

Answer: The Environmental Protection Act (1986) lays rules for overall protection of the environment.

28. Name two concrete projects started for wildlife conservation in India.

Answer: Project Tiger and Project Rhino were concrete steps started for wildlife conservation in India.

29. How many tiger reserves are working in India today?

Answer: Today, 16 tiger reserves in India are working to keep the success of the Project Tiger intact.

30. Which famous bird from Rajasthan is on the endangered species list?

Answer: India’s most famous bird, the Great Indian Bustard of Rajasthan, has entered the endangered species list.

31. How many wildlife sanctuaries does India currently have?

Answer: At present, India has 563 wildlife sanctuaries.

32. How many national parks does India currently have?

Answer: At present, India has 103 national parks.

33. What is a national park?

Answer: A national park is a large area where several ecosystems exist freely and are not disturbed by human exploitation and occupation and where plant and animal species, aesthetic sites and habitats are of special scientific, educational and recreational interest. These areas are highly protected.

34. What are swamps?

Answer: Swamps are spongy ground covered with water.

35. What is a refuge?

Answer: A refuge is a shelter or protection.

36. What are marshes?

Answer: Marshes are a tract of low-lying land, usually wet.

37. What is biodiversity?

Answer: Biodiversity is the number and variety of living organisms.

38. What does it mean to regenerate?

Answer: To regenerate means to bring to life again.

39. What is exploitation?

Answer: Exploitation is to derive unjust profit from a person or situation.

40. Name two biosphere reserves.

Answer: Two biosphere reserves are the Nilgiri and Nanda Devi biosphere reserves.

41. Why is a periodic census of wildlife conducted?

Answer: A periodic census is taken to find out the latest position of some rare species so that they can be preserved for our future generations.

42. What measure has the government taken against animal hunters?

Answer: The killing of wildlife has been banned by the government. Special forest officers have been appointed to catch the law-breaking animal hunters.

43. Describe the abundance of wildlife in India with reference to its animal and bird species.

Answer: India has a rich stock of flora and fauna. The abundance of wildlife can be estimated by the following:

• There are more than 90,000 animal species.
• India has 2000 species of birds that make up 13% of the world’s total.
• The country has 2546 species of fish that make up 12% of the world’s stock.
• The amphibians, reptiles and mammals of India comprise between 5% and 8% of the world’s counts.

44. What are the key characteristics of the elephants found in India? Where are they found?

Answer: The elephants of India are huge, yet majestic land creatures. They are lower in height than the African elephants and also possess smaller ears and tusks. These mammals live in the hot wet forests of Kerala, Karnataka and Assam.

45. Where are lions and tigers found in India? What makes India unique in this regard?

Answer: The natural habitat of the Indian lion is the Gir forest in Gujarat. Tigers are found in the forests of Madhya Pradesh, the Sundarbans of West Bengal, the Himalayan region, and the forests of Gujarat.

India has the unique pride of being the only country in the world where both lions and tigers are found.

46. Describe the hardy range of animals that the Himalayas harbour.

Answer: The Himalayas harbour a hardy range of animals, which survive in extreme cold. Ladakh’s freezing high altitudes are a home to yak, the shaggy horned wild ox weighing around one tonne, the Tibetan antelope, the bharal (blue sheep), wild sheep, and the kiang (Tibetan wild ass). Furthermore, the ibex, bear, snow-leopard and very rare red panda are found in certain pockets.

47. Why is every species considered to have a role to play in the ecosystem?

Answer: Every species has a role to play in the ecosystem. The animals provide us draught power, transportation, meat, and eggs. Fish provide nutritive food. Many insects help in pollination of crops and fruit trees and exert biological control on such insects, which are harmful. Hence, conservation is essential.

48. What are the main causes responsible for the imbalance in nature?

Answer: The main causes for the major threat to nature are hunting by greedy hunters for commercial purposes. Pollution due to chemical and industrial waste, acid deposits, introduction of alien species and reckless cutting of the forests to bring land under cultivation and inhabitation, are also responsible for the imbalance.

49. Describe the aquatic life found in the watery havens of India.

Answer: In the rivers, lakes and coastal areas, turtles, crocodiles and gharials are found. The gharials, the only one of a certain variety of crocodiles in the world today, are found only in India. The species of river dolphins known as Platantisa gangetica is found in the Ganga and Brahmaputra river system.

50. How have the animals in Ladakh’s freezing environs adapted? Name some of these animals.

Answer: The animals in Ladakh’s freezing environs have adapted themselves to the harsh and extremely cold conditions at the high altitudes. These environs are where the kiang (Tibetan wild ass), wild sheep, bharal (blue sheep), the Tibetan antelope, the yak and the one tonne heavy shaggy horned ox thrive.

51. Describe the phenomenon of migratory birds in India with examples.

Answer: Some wetlands in India are popular with migratory birds. During winter, birds such as Siberian cranes come in large numbers. One such place of migratory birds is the Rann of Kachchh at a place where the desert merges with the sea. Flamingo come in thousands to build nests and raise their young ones.

52. Why do we need to conserve our rich and varied fauna?

Answer: The need to conserve our rich and varied fauna arises because of the following serious considerations:

(i) They provide us milk, meat, wool, silk and hides etc. Insects like bees provide us honey.
(ii) Wild animals and birds add to the beauty of nature and help in maintaining ecological balance.
(iii) Indiscriminate hunting of wildlife disturbs the ecological balance and leads to the extinction of some species altogether. Thus, we need to protect these rare animals and birds for the future generations.
(iv) Some beautiful species like cheetah, rhinoceros, musk-deer, Indian bustard are in the danger of total extinction. Besides this many birds and animals have already become extinct due to reckless destruction of forest. Thus, we need to protect animals and wildlife.

53. What is meant by ‘conserving biodiversity’? Why has it become necessary in India?

Answer: Conserving biodiversity means dealing with the issue of conservation of the number and variety of living organisms and its sustainable use.

It has become necessary in India due to uncurtailed, continuous and abundant abuse of plant and animal resources, which has caused the country’s ecosystem to receive a rude shock. As a result, many of the plants and animal species have become extinct and others are on the line of extinction, termed as endangered species.

54. How is a wildlife sanctuary different from a national park?

Answer: A national park is a large area where several ecosystems exist freely and are not disturbed by human exploitation and occupation and where plant and animal species, aesthetic sites and habitats are of special scientific, educational and recreational interest. These areas are highly protected. A wildlife sanctuary is almost like a national park but in a sanctuary certain activities such as livestock grazing and collection of forest produce may be allowed.

55. What are the main objectives of biosphere reserves?

Answer: Biosphere reserves are multipurpose protected areas created to deal with the issue of conservation of bio-diversity and its sustainable use. The need to involve humans in the conservation activity of the area is emphasised, and humans are considered to be an integral part of the ecosystem.

56. What are the chief measures taken by the government to protect wildlife?

Answer: The chief measures taken by the government to protect wildlife are as follow:

(i) Various national parks, sanctuaries and biosphere reserves have been set up in various parts of India whose wild animals and birds are kept in their, natural habitat, e.g. Nilgiri and Nanda Devi biosphere reserves.
(ii) Periodic census is being taken to find out the latest position of some rare species so that they can be preserved for our future generations. Tigers and rhinoceroses are some endangered species of wildlife in India. So for them special projects have been prepared.
(iii) The killing of wildlife has been banned by the government. Special forest officers have been appointed to catch the law-breaking animal hunters.

57. What are the main methods that can be used for the conservation of wildlife?

Answer: If we conserve their habitats, wildlife can be conserved. Wildlife can be conserved by:

• prevention of poaching.
• making and implementing laws for the protection of threatened and endangered species.
• creating awareness among the people.
• preservation of their natural habitat.
• demarcating national parks, sanctuaries and reserves and protecting them.

58. What has caused a rude shock to India’s ecosystem? What are its consequences?

Answer: Due to uncurtailed, continuous and abundant abuse of plant and animal resources in India, the country’s ecosystem has received a rude shock.

The consequences are that many of the plants and animal species have become extinct and others are on the line of extinction. Such plants and animals are termed as endangered species.

59. “The Himalayas harbour a hardy range of animals, which survive in extreme cold.” Elaborate on this statement.

Answer: The Himalayas harbour a hardy range of animals that have adapted themselves to survive in the harsh and extremely cold conditions at high altitudes. Ladakh’s freezing high altitudes are a home to a variety of these animals.

These animals include the yak, which is a shaggy-horned wild ox weighing around one tonne; the Tibetan antelope; the bharal, also known as blue sheep; wild sheep; and the kiang, or Tibetan wild ass. Furthermore, certain pockets of the Himalayas are habitats for the ibex, bear, snow-leopard, and the very rare red panda. These animals thrive in the cold, freezing environs of the region.

60. Explain the main causes that pose a major threat to nature and wildlife in India.

Answer: Due to excessive exploitation of plant and animal resources by human beings, the ecosystem has been disturbed. The main causes for this major threat to nature and wildlife are:

• Hunting by greedy hunters for commercial purposes.
• Pollution due to chemical and industrial waste, and acid deposits.
• The introduction of alien species.
• Reckless cutting of the forests to bring land under cultivation and inhabitation.
• Indiscriminate hunting of wildlife, which disturbs the ecological balance and leads to the extinction of some species altogether.

These factors are responsible for the imbalance in nature and have caused many plant and animal species to become endangered or extinct.

61. Explain the concepts of a National Park and a Wildlife Sanctuary. How do they differ?

Answer: A national park is a large area where several ecosystems exist freely and are not disturbed by human exploitation and occupation. In a national park, plant and animal species, aesthetic sites, and habitats of special scientific, educational, and recreational interest are highly protected.

A wildlife sanctuary is almost like a national park. The main difference is that in a sanctuary, certain activities such as livestock grazing and the collection of forest produce may be allowed, whereas a national park is highly protected and such activities are generally not permitted.

62. What steps have been taken in India to preserve and regenerate its flora and fauna?

Answer: Many plans and programmes have been announced and implemented to both preserve and regenerate the flora and fauna of India. The chief steps taken are as follows:

• Steps have been taken to plant more trees, preserve and regenerate forests, and develop the natural habitats of wildlife.
• The Indian Government has set up a number of wildlife sanctuaries, bird sanctuaries, and national parks all over the country. Various biosphere reserves, such as Nilgiri and Nanda Devi, have also been set up. At present, India has 563 wildlife sanctuaries and 103 national parks.
• Periodic surveys and censuses are conducted to find out the latest position of rare species so they can be preserved.
• Special projects have been prepared for endangered species. Project Tiger and Project Rhino were concrete steps in this direction.
• The killing of wildlife has been banned by the government. Special forest officers have been appointed to catch law-breaking animal hunters.
• The Environmental Protection Act (1986) lays down rules for the overall protection of the environment.

63. Describe the colourful bird life of India. Mention some migratory birds and their destinations.

Answer: Bird life in India is colourful and pleases every Indian’s heart. Peacocks, our national bird, pheasants, ducks, parakeets, cranes, and pigeons are some of the birds that inhabit the forests and wetlands of the country. The cooing of pigeons on rooftops and road crossings is a major part of Indian life.

Some wetlands in India are popular with migratory birds. During winter, birds such as Siberian cranes come in large numbers. One such place for migratory birds is the Rann of Kachchh, at a place where the desert merges with the sea. Here, Flamingoes also come in thousands to build nests and raise their young ones.

64. “Due to excessive exploitation… the ecosystem has been disturbed.” Elaborate on this statement with examples.

Answer: Due to excessive exploitation of the plant and animal resources by human beings, the ecosystem has been disturbed. Due to uncurtailed, continuous and abundant abuse of plant and animal resources in India, the country’s ecosystem has received a rude shock. About 1,300 plant species are endangered and 20 species are extinct. Quite a few animal species are also endangered and some have become extinct.

The main causes for this major threat to nature are hunting by greedy hunters for commercial purposes. Pollution due to chemical and industrial waste, acid deposits, introduction of alien species and reckless cutting of the forests to bring land under cultivation and inhabitation, are also responsible for the imbalance.

Indiscriminate hunting of wildlife disturbs the ecological balance and leads to the extinction of some species altogether. Some beautiful species like cheetah, rhinoceros, musk-deer, and the Indian bustard are in danger of total extinction. Many birds and animals have already become extinct due to the reckless destruction of forests. India’s most famous bird, the Great Indian Bustard of Rajasthan, has sadly entered the endangered species list.

65. Explain the different types of protected areas in India. How do they contribute to conservation?

Answer: The Indian Government has set up a number of wildlife sanctuaries, bird sanctuaries and national parks all over the country to preserve the flora and fauna. These protected areas contribute to conservation by preserving natural habitats and protecting plant and animal species. At present, India has 563 wildlife sanctuaries and 103 national parks. The different types of protected areas are:

• A national park is a large area where several ecosystems exist freely and are not disturbed by human exploitation and occupation. In these parks, plant and animal species, aesthetic sites and habitats are of special scientific, educational and recreational interest. These areas are highly protected.
• A wildlife sanctuary is almost like a national park, but in a sanctuary, certain activities such as livestock grazing and collection of forest produce may be allowed.
• Biosphere reserves are multipurpose protected areas created to deal with the issue of conservation of bio-diversity and its sustainable use. The need to involve humans in the conservation activity of the area is emphasised, as humans are considered an integral part of the ecosystem. Sometimes agricultural activities are also allowed which provide employment to the local inhabitant, and tourism is also encouraged to boost revenue.