Charan Biology Project

Introduction to Species for
Class 8th
A species is a group of organisms capable of interbreeding and
producing fertile offspring.
Examples of Species
For example, all dogs belong to the same species, Canis

lupus familiaris.
They can all interbreed and have puppies that can also
reproduce.
JS
by Charan
How Do We Classify Species?
Taxonomy: Science of classifying organisms based on shared characteristics (developed

by Carl Linnaeus).
- Classification Hierarchy: Domain, Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus,
Species.
- Example: Humans - Domain: Eukarya, Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class:
Mammalia, Order: Primates, Family: Hominidae, Genus: Homo, Species: Homo
sapiens.
Characteristics of Plants and
Animals
1 Plant Characteristics
Plants are typically autotrophic, meaning they can produce their
own food through photosynthesis. They have a wide range of
adaptations, such as roots, stems, and leaves.
2 Animal Characteristics
Animals are heterotrophic, relying on other organisms for their
food. They exhibit diverse behaviors, including locomotion,
reproduction, and communication.
3 Similarities and Differences

While plants and animals have distinct characteristics, they also
share some similarities, such as the need for energy, growth, and
response to stimuli.
Types of Species
1)Endemic species:Endemic species 2)Threatened Species:Threatened
are plants or animals that are found in a species are animals, plants, or other
specific geographic location and nowhere organisms that are at risk of becoming
else in the world. These species are unique endangered in the near future.They are
to a particular area, such as an island, categorized based on their population
region, country, or ecosystem, and have decline, habitat destruction, or other
often evolved to adapt to their specific environmental or human factors that
environment. threaten their survival.Ex:Asian Elephant
Ex:Kangaroo (Macropodidae): Native to (Elephas maximus)
Australia, kangaroos are marsupials found Found in South and Southeast Asia, these
only on this continent and in some nearby elephants are threatened due to habitat
islands. loss, poaching for ivory, and human-wildlife
conflict.
Endangered Species:Endangered species Vulnerable Species: A vulnerable species
are organisms that are facing a very high is a species of animal or plant which are
risk of extinction in the wild.The likely to become endangered unless
International Union for Conservation of something changes.
Nature (IUCN) classifies endangered Ex:African Elephant (Loxodonta africana)
species under its Red List, specifically as Habitat: Savannas, forests, and grasslands
"Endangered" when they meet certain in Africa.
criteria indicating a high probability of Threats:
extinction. Poaching for ivory and bushmeat.
ex:Sumatran Orangutan (Pongo abelii) Habitat loss due to agricultural expansion
Status: Critically Endangered and human settlements.
Habitat: Rainforests of Sumatra, Indonesia Human-wildlife conflict.
Endangered and Extinct Species
1 Habitat Loss 2 Overexploitation
Deforestation, urbanization, and other human activities The illegal wildlife trade, poaching, and unsustainable
have led to the destruction and fragmentation of natural fishing or hunting practices have caused the decline of
habitats, putting many species at risk. numerous species.
3 Climate Change 4 Conservation Efforts

Global warming and other environmental changes are Governments, organizations, and individuals are working
making it increasingly difficult for some species to adapt to protect endangered species and their habitats
and survive in their native habitats. through various conservation initiatives.
Conservation Efforts
Habitat Preservation
Establishing protected areas, such as national parks and wildlife
refuges, to conserve the natural habitats of endangered species.
Anti-Poaching Measures
Implementing stricter laws and enforcement to combat illegal
wildlife trade and poaching activities.
Captive Breeding
Breeding endangered species in controlled environments to help
replenish wild populations and prevent extinction.
Public Awareness
Educating the public about the importance of biodiversity and the
need for conservation to foster a sense of environmental
stewardship.
Every species, from plants to microorganisms, plays a crucial role in the web of
life.
Protecting species and understanding their importance ensures the survival of
ecosystems and biodiversity for future generations.
Call to Action: Encourage students to explore, learn more, and contribute to
protecting Earth’s species.

Charan Biology Project

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Charan Biology Project

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Charan Biology Project

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Introduction to Species for

For example, all dogs belong to the same species, Canis

Taxonomy: Science of classifying organisms based on shared characteristics (developed

3 Similarities and Differences

3 Climate Change 4 Conservation Efforts

You might also like