Page 178 - Innovator's Science-8

Science
Bytes

Testimony
India has a rich tradition of environmental knowledge, passed down through ancient texts and practices. One such remarkable work
is the Vrikshayurveda, an ancient Indian treatise on plant life and agriculture.
This text highlights the importance of maintaining healthy soil and using natural methods to nourish the earth. It stresses that soil
must be cared for just like any living being, as it supports all forms of life.
One special method mentioned in Vrikshayurveda is the use of Kunapa Jala-a natural liquid fertiliser. This fertiliser is made by
fermenting plant and animal waste, which breaks down complex substances into simpler forms that are easily absorbed by plants.
Along with this, the use of organic compost was also encouraged.
This ancient knowledge aligns with modern sustainable farming techniques, reminding us that our ancestors understood the value
of eco-friendly practices and respecting nature.

Know Your Scientist
Asir Jawahar Thomas Johnsingh was a renowned Indian wildlife biologist who made important contributions
to our understanding of forest ecosystems by observing them from the perspective of animals.
He was one of the first scientists in India to use modern tracking techniques to study wildlife. While working in
Bandipur National Park in Karnataka, he closely studied predators like tigers and leopards and their
dependence on prey animals such as deer and wild boar. His research clearly showed that predators can
survive only if prey populations are healthy. This insight helped in developing better conservation strategies.
Dr Johnsingh's work inspired many young people to take an interest in wildlife conservation and to work
towards protecting India's forests and biodiversity.

Grasp-Up

Habitat: The natural environment where a living organism lives.
Bio c components: The living parts of a habitat (e.g., plants, animals, fungi, microorganisms).
Abio c components: The non-living parts of a habitat (e.g., air, water, soil, sunlight).
Ecosystem: A system made up of bio c and abio c components interac ng together.
Fond chain: A linear sequence showing how energy passes from one organism to another.
Food web: A network of interconnected food chains within an ecosystem.
Decomposers: Organisms like fungi and bacteria that break down dead ma er.
Mutualism: A type of interac on where both organisms benefit.
Commensalism: One organism benefits, the other is neither harmed nor helped.
Parasi sm: One organism benefits while the other is harmed.
Producer: An organism (like a plant) that makes its own food via photosynthesis.
Consumer: Organisms that eat other organisms (herbivores, carnivores, omnivores).

Points to Reflect

• A habitat is a natural place where an organism finds everything it needs to survive-like food, water, shelter,
and the right climate.

• Habitats are made up of: Biotic components- living things like plants, animals, and microbes and Abiotic
components - non-living things like air, water, sunlight, soil, and temperature.
• An ecosystem is formed by the interaction between the biotic and abiotic components in a particular area.

178
Science-8