BSE Odisha Class 8 Science Chapter 5: Conservation of Plants and Animals (ଉଦ୍ଭିଦ ଓ ପ୍ରାଣୀମାନଙ୍କ ସଂରକ୍ଷଣ)

Mastering the concepts of Conservation of Plants and Animals is vital for understanding our responsibility toward the environment. At Odisha Board Solutions, we provide simplified, stepwise answers for Class 8 Science Chapter 5, updated for the 2026-27 session. Our notes focus on Odisha’s unique biodiversity, from the Similipal Biosphere Reserve to the Bhitarkanika mangroves.

1. Understanding Biodiversity (ଜୈବ ବିବିଧତା)

Biodiversity refers to the variety of organisms (plants, animals, and microorganisms) existing on Earth. Their interrelationships and their relationship with the environment are crucial for ecosystem stability.

Flora (ଉଦ୍ଭିଦ କୁଳ): The plants found in a particular area.
Fauna (ପ୍ରାଣୀ କୁଳ): The animals found in a particular area.
Endemic Species: Species found exclusively in a particular area (e.g., the Giant Squirrel in Odisha).

2. Deforestation and Its Consequences (ଜଙ୍ଗଲ କ୍ଷୟ ଓ ଏହାର ପ୍ରଭାବ)

Deforestation is the clearing of forests for industrial or agricultural use. This leads to:

Global Warming: Increased levels of CO2 in the atmosphere.
Soil Erosion: Loss of fertile topsoil.
Desertification: Turning fertile land into deserts.
Disruption of Water Cycle: Leading to droughts and floods.

3. Protected Areas in Odisha (ସୁରକ୍ଷିତ ଅଞ୍ଚଳ)

To protect our flora and fauna, the government has established specialized zones. These are high-priority topics for the BSE Odisha exams:

Type	Definition	Example in Odisha
Wildlife Sanctuary	Areas where animals are protected from any disturbance.	Nandankanan
National Park	Areas reserved for wildlife where they can freely use habitats.	Similipal
Biosphere Reserve	Large areas of protected land for conservation of biodiversity and culture.	Similipal Biosphere Reserve

4. Red Data Book and Migration (ରେଡ୍ ଡାଟା ବୁକ୍ ଓ ପକ୍ଷୀଙ୍କ ପ୍ରଭ୍ରଜନ)

Red Data Book: A sourcebook that keeps a record of all endangered plants and animals.
Migration: The phenomenon of organisms moving from their own habitat to some other habitat for a particular time period (e.g., migratory birds at Chilika Lake).

5. Download Class 8 Science Chapter 5 PDF (Odia Medium)

We offer a FREE PDF Download of the Class 8 Science Chapter 5 Questions and Answers. These notes are provided as a PDF..

Revision Tip: Understand the difference between Reforestation (replanting) and Afforestation (planting on new land), as this is frequently asked in SA1 assessments