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amount in the atmosphere. This will lead Biosphere is that part of the earth in to global warming as carbon dioxide which living organisms exist or which traps the heat rays reflected by the earth. supports life. Biological diversity or The increase in temperature on the earth biodiversity, refers to the variety of disturbs the water cycle and may reduce organisms existing on the earth, their rainfall. This could cause droughts. interrelationships and their Deforestation is a major cause which relationship with the environment. leads to the change in soil properties. Physical properties of the soil get affected Professor Ahmad organis es a visit to by plantation and vegetation. Fewer abiospherereserveforPaheli,Boojhoand trees result in more soil erosion. their classmates. He selects a place namedPachmarhiBiosphereReserve.He Removal of the top layer of the soil exposes the lower, hard and rocky knowsthatthe plantsandanimalsfound layers. This soil has less humus and is here are similar to those of the upper less fertile. Gradually the fertile land Himalayan peaks and to those belonging to the lower western ghats. Professor gets converted into deserts. It is called Ahmad believes that the biodiversity desertification. Deforestation also leads to a decrease found here is unique. He requests in the water holding capacity of the soil. Madhavji, a forest employee, to guide the The movement of water from the soil children inside the biosphere reserve. He explains that preserving areas of such surface into the ground (infiltration rate) biological importance make them a part is reduced. So, there are floods. The other properties of the soil like nutrient of our national heritage. content, texture etc., also change Madhavji explains to the children that apart from our personal efforts and because of deforestation. efforts of the society, government We have studied in Class VII that we getmanyproductsfromforests.Listthese To protect our flora and fauna and their products. Will we face shortage of these habitats, protected areas called products if we continue cutting trees? wildlife sanctuaries, national parks and biosphere reserves have been Activity 5.2 earmarked. Plantation, cultivation, grazing, felling trees, hunting and Animal life is also affected by poaching are prohibited there. deforestation. How? List the points Wildlife Sanctuary : Areas where and discuss them in your class. animals are protected from any disturbance to them and their habitat. National Park : Areas reserved for 5.3 Conservation of Forest wild life where they can freely use the and Wildlife habitats and natural resources. Having become aware of the effects of Biosphere Reserve : Large areas of deforestation, Paheli and Boojho are protected land for conservation of wild worried. They go to Professor Ahmad life, plant and animal resources and and ask him how forests and wildlife traditional life of the tribals living in the area. can be saved. 54 SCIENCE 2024-25