Ch 7 addresses the need to conserve plant and animal species. Students learn about deforestation, biodiversity, protected areas, endangered species, and what can be done to preserve our natural heritage.
Deforestation: clearing forests for agriculture, urbanisation, industry. Effects: soil erosion, floods, droughts, loss of biodiversity, increase in CO₂ (global warming), disruption of water cycle. Desertification: fertile land becomes desert.
Wildlife sanctuaries: protect specific animal species. National parks: protect the complete ecosystem (flora + fauna). Biosphere reserves: large areas for conservation including human communities (e.g., Pachmarhi). Red Data Book: international record of endangered species. Afforestation and reforestation are essential.
Download: https://ncert.nic.in/textbook/pdf/hesc107.pdf | Complete book: https://ncert.nic.in/textbook/pdf/hesc1ps.zip
Endemic species are plants and animals found exclusively in a particular geographical area and nowhere else. For example, sal and wild mango are endemic to Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve. If their habitat is destroyed, they face extinction since they have no other home.
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