Chapter 2 Forest and Wildlife Resources NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Geography

 

NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Geography Chapter 2 Forest and Wildlife Resources – Important Questions

Given in this post is NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Geography Chapter 2 Forest and Wildlife Resources. The important questions we have compiled will help the students to brush up on their knowledge about the subject. Students can practice Class 10 Geography important questions to understand the subject better and improve their performance in the board exam. The NCERT solutions provided here will also give students an idea about how to write the answers.

 

• Forest and Wildlife Resources Multiple Choice Questions
• Forest and Wildlife Resources 1 Mark Questions
• Forest and Wildlife Resources Assertion-reason based questions
• Forest and Wildlife Resources Fill in the blanks
• Forest and Wildlife Resources 2 Mark Questions
• Forest and Wildlife Resources 3 Mark Questions
• Forest and Wildlife Resources 4 Mark Questions
• Forest and Wildlife Resources 5 Mark Questions
• Forest and Wildlife Resources Map Based Questions

 
 

MCQ Based Questions

 

Q1 Hubbardia Heptaneuron is a species of ___________. 

A Tree 

B Plant 

C Grass 

D Flower 

 

Ans C Grass 

 

Q2 Madhuca Insignis (a wild variety of Mahua) is a ___________. 

A Plant 

B Tree 

C Insect 

D Birds 

 

Ans A Plant 

 

Q3 The forest and tree cover in India is estimated to be ____________of its total geographical area. 

A Around 30%

B Around 24%

C Around 35%

D Around 40%

 

Ans B Around 24%

 

Q4 The open forests in India are ___________ of its total geographical area. 

A Around 9%

B Around 20%

C Around 15% 

D Around 1% 

 

Ans A Around 9%

 

Q5 Blue sheep, Asiatic elephant, Gangetic dolphin are examples of ___________.

A Vulnerable species

B Rare species

C Endemic Species

D Extinct species

 

Ans A Vulnerable species

 

Q6 Asiatic cheetah and pink head duck are examples of __________.

A Endemic Species

B Extinct species

C Rare species

D Vulnerable species

 

Ans B Extinct species

 

Q7 ___________ is an example of Endemic Species. 

A Pink head duck

B Asiatic cheetah

C Asiatic buffalo

D Nicobar pigeon

 

Ans D Nicobar pigeon

 

Q8 __________ was declared extinct in India long back in 1952. 

A Andaman wild pig

B Andaman teal

C Asiatic Cheetah

D Desert fox

 

Ans C Asiatic Cheetah

 

Q9 __________ are the species which are in danger of extinction. 

A Endangered Species

B Rare Species

C Extinct Species

D Endemic Species

 

Ans A Endangered Species

 

Q10 Blackbuck, crocodile, Indian wild donkey and Indian rhino are examples of ____________. 

A Normal Species

B Endangered Species

C Endemic Species

D Rare Species

 

Ans B Endangered Species

 

Q11 Substantial parts of the tribal belts, especially in the Northeastern and _________, have been deforested or degraded by shifting cultivation (jhum), a type of ‘slash and burn’ agriculture. 

A Central India

B Western India

C South India

D Northwest India

 

Ans A Central India

 

Q12 The Buxa Tiger Reserve in West Bengal is seriously threatened by the ongoing __________. 

A Coal mining

B Iron ore mining

C Copper mining

D Dolomite mining 

 

Ans D Dolomite mining 

 

Q13 Teak monoculture has damaged the natural forest in ________. 

A North India

B South India

C Central India

D Northeastern India

 

Ans B South India

 

Q14 The Himalayan yew (Taxus wallichiana) is a medicinal plant found in various parts of __________ and __________.

A Himachal Pradesh and Arunachal Pradesh

B Uttarakhand and Assam

C Uttarakhand and Ladakh

D Jammu & Kashmir and Sikkim

 

Ans A Himachal Pradesh and Arunachal Pradesh

 

Q15 A chemical compound called ‘taxol’, which is extracted from the bark, needles, twigs and roots of Himalayan yew, is used to treat _________, and it is the biggest selling drug in the world for the treatment of this disease. 

A Tuberculosis 

B Malaria 

C Diabetes 

D Cancer 

 

Ans D Cancer 

 

Q16 The Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act was implemented in _________, with various provisions for protecting habitats. 

A 1972 

B 1975 

C 1971 

D 1974 

 

Ans A 1972 

 

Q17 Which of the following animals were gravely threatened, and the Central Government announced several projects for protecting them? 

A Kashmir stag

B The Asiatic lion

C One-horned rhinoceros

D All of the above

 

Ans D All of the above

 

Q18  Manas Tiger Reserve is located in __________. 

A Tamil Nadu

B Kerala 

C Assam 

D Orissa 

 

Ans C Assam 

 

Q19 Which of the following is located in the state of Rajasthan? 

A Corbett National Park

B Bandhavgarh National Park 

C Periyar Tiger Reserve

D Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary 

 

Ans D Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary 

 

Q20 ___________ has the largest area under permanent forests, constituting 75 per cent of its total forest area. 

A Orissa 

B Madhya Pradesh

C Chhattisgarh

D Assam

 

Ans Madhya Pradesh

 

Q21 Which of these statements is not a valid reason for the depletion of flora and fauna? (NCERT QUESTION)

A Agricultural expansion

B Large scale developmental projects

C Grazing and fuelwood collection

D Rapid industrialisation and urbanisation

 

Ans C Grazing and fuelwood collection

 

Q22 Which of the following conservation strategies do not directly involve community participation? (NCERT QUESTION)

A Joint forest management

B Beej Bachao Andolan

C Chipko Movement

D Demarcation of Wildlife sanctuaries

 

Ans D Demarcation of Wildlife sanctuaries

 

Q23 Fauna is a plant life present in a particular region or time. 

A True

B False

 

Ans B False

 

Q24 Thousands of yew trees have dried up in various parts in Himachal and Arunachal Pradesh.

A True

B False

 

Ans A True

 

Q25 India is very poor as far as flora and fauna are concerned.

A True

B False

 

Ans B False
 
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1 Mark Questions

 

Q1 What is biodiversity?

 

Ans It is the sum total of all the varieties of species of plants, animals and microorganisms living on the earth.

 

Q2 What is flora?

 

Ans Plants of particular region or period are referred to as flora.

 

Q3 What is fauna?

 

Ans Species of animals of a particular region or period are referred as fauna.

 

Q4 “India is one of the world’s richest countries in terms of its vast array of biological diversity”. Justify.

 

Ans India has nearly 8% of the total number of species in the world.

 

Q5 What is IUCN?

 

Ans International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources.

 

Q6 What are normal species?

 

Ans Species whose population levels are considered to be normal for their survival are classified as normal species.

 

Q7 What are endemic species?

 

Ans Species which are found in some particular areas usually isolated by natural or geographical barriers.

 

Q8 What are endangered species?

 

Ans The species, which are in danger of extinction are called endangered species.

 

Q9 What are vulnerable species?

 

Ans The species whose population has declined to levels from where it is likely to move into the endangered category in the near future if the negative factors continue to operate.

 

Q10 What are extinct species?

 

Ans The species which are not found after searches of known or likely areas where they may occur.

 

Q11 Give two examples of rare species?

 

Ans 1. Wild Asiatic buffalo 

2. Hombill

 

Q12 Categorise the following as endangered or vulnerable species- Asiatic elephant, Indian Rhino.

 

Ans 1. Asiatic elephant – Vulnerable species

2. Indian Rhino – Endangered species

 

Q13 Categorise the following as extinct or normal species- Pine, Asiatic Cheetah.

 

Ans 1. Pine – Normal species 

2. Asiatic Cheetah – Extinct species

 

Q14 Categorise the following as endemic and endangered species- Lion tailed macaque, Nicobar Pigeon.

 

Ans 1. Lion tailed macaque – Endangered

2. Nicobar pigeon – Endemic

 

Q15 Mention any two factors responsible for depleting our forests and wildlife.

 

Ans 1. Expansion of agriculture 

2. Mining

 

Q16 Name the Tiger Reserve which is seriously threatened by dolomite mining activity.

 

Ans The Bauxa Tiger Reserve in West Bengal.

 

Q17 Mention a social impact of deforestation.

 

Ans In many societies, women bear the major responsibility of collection of fuel, fodder, water and other basic subsistence needs. As these resources are depleted, the drudgery of women increases and sometimes they have to walk for more than 10 km to collect these resources.

 

Q18 Mention any wildlife protection programme?

 

Ans The Indian Wildlife Act 1972.

 

Q19 Mention any one step which was undertaken under Indian Wildlife Act to protect the wildlife.

 

Ans Trade in wildlife was declared illegal.

 

Q20 What are permanent forests?

 

Ans Reserved and protected forests are known as permanent forests.

 

Q21 Which state has the largest area under permanent forests?

 

Ans Madhya Pradesh

 

Q22 Name any two states which have a large percentage of reserved forests of its forest area.

 

Ans Jammu and Kashmir and Andhra Pradesh.

 

Q23 Name any two states which have the bulk of its forests area under protected forests.

 

Ans Punjab and Haryana.

 

Q24 Name any two states which have the bulk of its forests area under unclassed forests.

 

Ans Assam and Tripura

 

Q25 Name the place of state where people have fought against mining by citing the Wildlife Protection Act.

 

Ans Sariska Tiger Reserve – Rajasthan.

 

Q26 What is the Chipko Movement?

 

Ans It was a movement launched by the people of the Himalayas against deforestation.

 

Q27 Name any two farmers/citizens groups which have shown that adequate levels of diversified crop production without use of synthetic chemicals are possible and economically viable.

 

Ans Beej Bachao Andolan and Navdanya

 

Q28 What is JFM?

 

Ans JFM (Joint Forest Management) was a movement launched to manage and restore degraded forests by involving the local communities.

 

Q29 Name the state which was first to pass the JFM resolution.

 

Ans Odisha

 

Q30 Name any four movements which were launched by local communities for the protection of forests or wildlife.

 

Ans 1. Chipko Movement 

2. Beej Bachao Andolan
3. Narmada Bachao Andolan
4. Bhairodev Dakav Sonchuri

 
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Assertion-reason based questions

 

Q1 Assertion (A): Forests play a key role in the ecological system. 

Reason (R): Forests are the primary producers on which all other living beings depend.

Options:

1. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. 
2. Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A. 
3. A is true but R is false. 
4. Both assertion and reason are false.

 

Ans a. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.

The plants, animals and micro-organisms re-create the quality of the air we breathe, the water we drink and the soil that produces our food without which we cannot survive. Thus, we are very much dependent on this system for our own existence.

 

Q2 Assertion (A): Neglect of our environment has led to the destruction and extinction of many species of animals and plant life. 

Reason (R): Decreasing Forest cover area is a major reason for the destruction of species.

Options:

1. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. 
2. Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A. 
3. A is true but R is false. 
4. Both assertion and reason are false.

 

Ans a. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.

Vanishing forests are the major reason for the extinction of species of animals and plant life. Thus, neglecting our environment has led to dire consequences.

 

Q3 Assertion (A): Depletion of forests causes a lot of danger. 

Reason (R): Forests are vital for the quality of life and environment.

Options:

1. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. 
2. Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A. 
3. A is true but R is false. 
4. Both assertion and reason are false.

 

Ans a. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. 

Depletion of forests causes a lot of danger. Water scarcity, drought and deforestation induced floods are some of the dangers. Thus, forests are vital for the quality of life and environment.

 

Q4 Assertion (A): Large-scale development projects have also contributed significantly to the loss of forests. 

Reason (R): Reason : Large scale development projects doesn’t inundate hectares of forest.

Options:

1. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. 
2. Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A. 
3. A is true but R is false. 
4. Both assertion and reason are false.

 

Ans c. A is true but R is false.

Clearing of forests is still continuing with projects like the Narmada Sagar Project in Madhya Pradesh which would inundate large areas of forests. Thus, contributing significantly to the loss of forests.

 

Q5 Assertion (A): Himalayan Yew is a medicinal plant. 

Reason (R): It has healing qualities.

Options:

1. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. 
2. Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A. 
3. A is true but R is false. 
4. Both assertion and reason are false.

 

Ans a. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.

A chemical compound called ‘taxol’ is extracted from the bark, needles, twigs and roots of this tree, and it has been successfully used to treat some cancers.

 

Q6 Assertion (A): We need to conserve our forests and wildlife. 

Reason (R): Rapid decline in wildlife population and forestry has been observed.

Options:

1. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. 
2. Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A. 
3. A is true but R is false. 
4. Both assertion and reason are false.

 

Ans a. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.

Conservation preserves ecological diversity and our life support systems and also preserves the genetic diversity of plants and animals for better growth of species and breeding. Thus, there is a dire need for conservation of our forests and wildlife.

 

Q7 Assertion (A): Tiger population is not on the verge of extinction. 

Reason (R): Tiger population in forests is increasing rapidly day by day.

Options:

1. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. 
2. Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A. 
3. A is true but R is false. 
4. Both assertion and reason are false.

 

Ans d. Both assertion and reason are false.

Tiger population is on the verge of extinction and the major threats to tiger population are numerous, such as poaching for trade, shrinking habitat, depletion of prey base species, growing human population.

 

Q8 Assertion (A): Destruction of forests and wildlife resulted into the loss of cultural diversity.

Reason (R): The conservation of forests and wildlife is essential to provide a better quality of life.

Options:

1. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. 
2. Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A. 
3. A is true but R is false. 
4. Both assertion and reason are false.

 

Ans b. Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.

The destruction of forests and wildlife has affected the livelihood of many communities who are dependent on forests. Thus, resulting in loss of cultural diversity and severe droughts and floods. However the Season does not explain the assertion.

 
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Fill in the blanks in the following:

 

Q1 Simlipal is located in the state of ____________. 

 

Ans Orissa

 

Q2 The percentage of forest cover in India is ________________.(19.67% or 19.39%) 

 

Ans 19.39%

 

Q3 Jhumming is a type of _______________. (agriculture/plan) 

 

Ans Agriculture 

 

Q4 Narmada Sagar Project is in the state of _____________. 

 

Ans Madhya Pradesh 

 

Q5 Himalaya Yew is found in ___________. 

 

Ans Himachal Pradesh and Arunachal Pradesh 

 

Q6 ‘Project Tiger’ was started in ______________.

 

Ans 1973

 

Q7 Nearly 1,500 ____________ are considered endangered.

 

Ans Plant species

 

Q8 ____________ is a plant life occuring in a particular region or time. 

 

Ans Flora

 

Q9 Desert fox is a __________ species. 

 

Ans Rare

 

Q10 ________ was the first state to pass the JFM resolution.

 

Ans Odisha

 
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2 MARK QUESTIONS

 

Q1 What is biodiversity?

 

Ans 1. Biodiversity is the sum total of all the varieties of species of plants, animals and micro-organisms living on the earth. It also includes the habitat in which they live. 

2. Some scientists estimate that more than 10 million species live on our earth and some believe that this number can be more than 100 million.

 

Q2 What are Normal species? How are these different from endangered species. Give four examples.

 

Ans 1. Normal species are the species whose population levels are considered to be normal for their survival, such as cattle, sal, pine, rodents, etc. 

2. Whereas the endangered species are the species which are in danger of extinction. The survival of such species is difficult if the negative factors that have led to a decline in their population continue to operate. Black buck, crocodile, Indian wild ass, Indian rhino, lion tailed macaque, etc., are examples of endangered species.

 

Q3 What are Vulnerable species? Give four examples. 

 

Ans 1. These are the species whose population has declined to levels from where it is likely to move into the endangered category in the near future if the negative factors continue to operate such species. 

2. The examples of such species are Blue sheep, Asiatic elephant, Gangetic dolphin, etc.

 

Q4 What are Rare species? Give four examples. 

 

Ans 1. Species with small populations may move into the endangered or vulnerable category if the negative factors affecting them continue to operate. 

2. The examples of such species are the Himalayan brown bear, Wild Asiatic buffalo, Desert fox and hornbill, etc.

 

Q5 What are Endemic species? Give four examples. 

 

Ans 1. The species which are only found in some particular region usually isolated by natural or geographical barriers. 

2. The examples of such species are the Andaman teal, Nicobar pigeon, Andaman wild pig, etc.

 

Q6 What are Extinct species? Give four examples. 

 

Ans 1. These species are not found after searches of known or likely areas where they may occur. These species may be extinct from a local area, region, country, continent or the whole earth.

2. The examples of such species are the Asiatic cheetah, pink headed duck, etc.

 

Q7 Large scale development projects have also contributed significantly to the loss of forests. Explain. 

 

Ans 1. Since 1951, over 5,000 square kilometres of forests have been cleared for river valley projects.

2. Clearing of forests is still continuing because of new projects like the Sardar Sarovar Project, the Ranjit Sagar Dam Project, etc. Many wildlife sanctuaries are seriously threatened due to large scale mining activities.

 

Q8 “The conservation projects are now focusing on biodiversity rather than on a few of its components.” Explain.

 

Ans 1.  Inclusion of small insects and other animals in planning : Under the new plans, even insects and other smaller species of animals are beginning to find a place in conservation planning. 

2. New notifications : In the notification under the Wildlife Act of 1980 and 1986, several hundred butterflies, moths, beetles, and one dragonfly have been added to the list of protected species. In 1991, for the first time, plants were also added to the list, starting with six species.

 

Q9 With reference to the type and distribution of forests, answer the following questions:  

A How are they classified? 

B Which type of forests are regarded most valuable as far as the conservation of forest and wildlife resources are concerned?

 

Ans A Classification of forests

1. Reserved forests 
2. Protected forests 
3. Unclassed forests

B Reserved forests

 

Q10 ‘India has rich flora and fauna.’ Explain. 

 

Ans 1. India is one of the world’s richest countries in terms of its vast array of biological diversity.

2. It has nearly 8% of the total number of species in the world. (1.6 million approximately). Of the estimated 47,000 plant species, about 15,000 flowering species are indigenous to India.

 

Q11 How has the IUCN classified the existing animals? 

 

Ans 1. Normal Species 2. Endangered Species 3. Vulnerable Species 4. Rare Species 5. Endemic Species 6. Extinct Species

 

Q12 Classify the following animals according to the IUCN- Asiatic Cheetah, Nicobar Pigeon, Asiatic Elephant, Blue Sheep, Indian Rhino. 

 

Ans 1. Endangered – Indian Rhino 

2. Vulnerable – Asiatic Elephant, Blue Sheep 
3. Endemic – Nicobar Pigeon 
4. Extinct – Asiatic Cheetah

 

Q13 What is ‘Project Tiger’? When was it launched? Mention any four tiger reserves of India.

OR

Write a brief note on ‘Project Tiger’.

 

Ans 1. Project Tiger was a wildlife conservation project initiated in India in 1973 to protect the Bengal Tiger. There are more than 42 tiger reserves in India covering an area of about 37,761 km. 

2. Four Tiger Reserves in India are : (i) The Corbett National Park – Uttarakhand (ii) The Sunderban National Fbrk – West Bengal (iii) The Manas Tiger Reserve – Assam (iu) The Periyar Tiger Reserve – Kerala

 
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3 mark questions

 

Q1 Match the following. (NCERT QUESTION)

 

Reserved Forests	Other forests and wastelands belonging to both government and private individuals and communities
Protected Forests	Forests are regarded as most valuable as far as the conservation of forest and wildlife resources
Unclassed Forests	Forest lands are protected from any further depletion

 

Ans 

Reserved Forests	Forests are regarded as most valuable as far as the conservation of forest and wildlife resources
Protected Forests	Forest lands are protected from any further depletion
Unclassed Forests	Other forests and wastelands belonging to both government and private individuals and communities

 

Q2 What is biodiversity? Why is biodiversity important for human lives? (NCERT QUESTION)

 

Ans Biodiversity is made up of various types of life forms found on earth. It is a measure of variation at the ecosystem, species and genetic level. Biodiversity is abundant in Tropical areas. Tropical areas cover 10 percent of the earth surface, but they host 90% of the world’s species. 

Contribution of biodiversity in human lives:

1. Agriculture – Variety of Plant species meet our needs for food. 
2. Their contribution to business and industry 
3. Leisurely activities 
4. Ecological services

 

Q3 How have human activities affected the depletion of flora and fauna? Explain. (NCERT QUESTION)

 

Ans 1. Various river valley projects have affected the flora and fauna.

2. Many illegal Mining projects have depleted the flora and fauna.
3. Too many development projects for leisure activities in the forests have negatively affected. 
4. Too many human activities in the forest area due to rising population and lack of space has created human-animal conflict.

 

Q4 What is the importance of forests? 

OR

“Forests play a key role in the ecological system.” Highlight the value of forests in our life. 

OR

Why is it necessary to increase the area of forest in India?

 

Ans Importance of forests:

1. Forests play a key role in the ecological system as these are the primary producers on which all other living beings depend. 
2. Many forest dependent communities directly depend on them for food, drink, medicine, culture, spirituality etc. 
3. Forest provide us timber and forests also provide bamboo, wood for fuel, grass, charcoal, fruits, flowers, etc

 

Q5 “The diverse flora and fauna of India is under threat”. Justify by giving reasons. 

 

Ans “The diverse flora and fauna of India is under threat”:

1. At least 10% of India’s recorded wild flora and 20% of its mammals are on the threatened list.
2. The cheetah, pink-headed duck, mountain quail, forest spotted owlet, and plants like madhuca insignis (a wild variety of mahua) and hubbardia heptaneuron (a species of grass) have already been categorised as critical, i.e. they are on the verge of extinction.
3. Many smaller animals like insects and plants have become extinct.

 

Q6 A Which factor is often cited as the cause of environmental degradation in third world countries? 

B Mention factors which have led to the decline of India’s biodiversity.

 

Ans A Overpopulation

B Factors which have led to the decline of India’s biodiversity

1. Habitat destruction
2. Hunting 
3. Poaching 
4. Overexploitation
5. Environmental pollution 
6. Forest fires

 

Q7 “Developed countries and rich people are considered the major factors for environmental degradation.” Explain. 

 

Ans 1. Developed countries consume more resources than underdeveloped or developing countries. For example an average American consumes 40 times more resources than an average Somalian. 

2. The rich class probably causes more ecological damage than the poor class because the energy consumption level of the rich is high as compared to the poor. 
3. Rich people use non-renewable resources on a large scale.

 

Q8 “Grazing and fuel-wood collection are not responsible for deforestation in India.” Support the statement with suitable reasons.

 

Ans 1. Overgrazing destroys the saplings and plants are torn out by the roots by animals. 

2. Overgrazing also leads to soil erosion. Soil erosion is one of the important factors for deforestation. 
3. While collecting fuel wood the locals also destroy the trees, which leads to deforestation.

 

Q9 Define the following: (i) Reserved forests (ii) Protected forests (iii) Unclassed forests 

OR

How many types of forests are classified in India? Explain. 

 

Ans (i) Reserved forests : These are forests which are permanently earmarked either to the production of timber or other forest produce and in which the right of grazing and cultivation is seldom allowed. 

(ii) Protected forests : These are forests in which the right of grazing and cultivation are allowed subject to a few minor restrictions. 

(iii) Unclassed forests : These consist largely of inaccessible forests or unoccupied wastes.

 

Q10 (a) What was the Chipko Movement? 

(b) What is JFM? What is its objective? 

(c) Name the state which took initiative for the Joint Forest Management.

 

Ans Chipko Movement

1. The movement was launched in the Himalayas against deforestation.
2.  The movement has also shown that community afforestation with indigenous species can be enormously successful. 
3. The movement has highlighted the role of local communities in forest conservation. 

(b) It is Joint Forest Management. It is a programme which involves local communities in the management and restoration of degraded forests. 

(c) Odisha.

 

Q11 (i) Name any two states which have the largest area under permanent forests 

(ii) Name any four states which have a large area under reserved forests. 

(iii) Name any four states which have a large area under unclassed forests. 

 

Ans (i) Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand 

(ii) Jammu and Kashmir, Andhra Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Kerala 

(iii) Gujarat, Manipur, Assam and Sikkim

 

Q12 Mining is one of the major important factors responsible for deforestation. Explain. 

 

Ans 1. Mining operations need big machines, labour, roads, railways, etc. All these lead to deforestation.

2. The Buxar Tiger Reserve in West Bengal is seriously threatened due to mining operations. The mining operations have caused severe ecological damage to the Reserve and region around.
3. The mining activities have blocked the migration route of several species, including the great Indian elephants, thus disturbing their natural habitat.

 

Q13 What are the main objectives of JFM? 

 

Ans 1. Under the Joint Forest Management programme, local communities are involved in the management and restoration of degraded forests.

2. The major purpose of the JFM is to protect the forests from encroachments, grazing, theft and fire and also to improve the forests in accordance with an approved Joint Forest Management plan.
3. In return, the members of these communities are entitled to intermediary benefits like non-timber forest produces.

 

Q14 Highlight any three differences between endangered species and extinct species. 

 

Ans Differences between endangered species and extinct species:

 

Endangered species	Extinct species
1. These are species which are in danger of extinction.	1. These are species which are not found after searches of known or likely areas where they may occur.
2. The survival of such species is difficult if the negative factors that have led to decline in their population continue to operate.	2. A species may be extinct from a local area, region, country, continent or the entire earth.
3. Black buck, crocodile, Indian wild ass, lion tailed macaque etc., are examples of endangered species.	3. Asiatic cheetah, pink head duck are examples of extinct species.

 

Q15 What has been the contribution of the Indian Wildlife Protection Act in protecting habitats in India? Explain. 

 

Ans 1. An all-India list of protected species was published. The thrust of the programme was towards protecting the remaining population of certain endangered species by banning hunting, giving legal protection to their habitats, and restricting trade in wildlife.

2. The central government also announced several projects for protecting specific animals, which were greatly threatened, including the tiger, the one-horned rhinoceros, the Kashmir stag or hangul, three types of crocodiles—freshwater crocodile, saltwater crocodile and the Gharial, the Asiatic lion, and others.
3. Many national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and bioreserves were established to protect and conserve the wildlife.

 

Q16 How does biological loss of forest and wildlife correlate with loss of cultural diversity? 

 

Ans 1. Biological loss of forest and wildlife has increasingly marginalized and impoverished many indigenous and other forest dependent communities, who directly depend on various components of the forest and wildlife for food, drink, medicine, culture, spirituality, etc.

2. The indirect impact of degradation such as severe drought or deforestation-induced floods, etc., also hits the poor the hardest. Poverty in these cases is a direct outcome of environmental destruction.
3. Due to biological loss of forest and wildlife many tribal communities have disappeared.

 

Q17 What is Himalayan Yew? Why is it under great threat at present? 

 

Ans 1. The Himalayan Yew is a medicinal plant which is found in various parts of Himachal Pradesh and Arunachal Pradesh. 

2. It is under great threat due to over-exploitation.
3. A chemical compound called ‘taxol’ is extracted from the bark, needles, twigs and roots of this tree, so it is now the biggest selling anti-cancer drug in the world.

 

Q18 The greatest damage inflicted on Indian forests was due to the extension of agriculture. Explain. Suggest any two ways to increase area under forests. 

 

Ans 1. The expansion of agriculture started during the colonial period. Between 1951 and 1980, according to the Forest Survey of India, over 26,200 km of forest areas were converted into agricultural lands all over India. 

2. Substantial parts of the tribal belts, especially in the north-eastern and central India, have been deforested or degraded by Shifting Cultivation (jhum), a type of ‘slash and burn’ agricultural method. 
3. Suggestions: 

1. Planting more trees 
2. Celebrating Van Mahotsav at community and school level.

 

Q19 Which values do the wildlife sanctuaries of any country promote? 

 

Ans Values that wildlife sanctuaries of any country promote:

1. Wildlife sanctuaries have been formed to conserve and maintain the diversity and integrity of natural heritage.
2. They help to preserve the natural ecosystem. 
3. They teach us the value of sharing because we humans along with all living organisms form a complex web of ecological systems in which we are only a part and very much dependent on this system for our own existence.

 

Q20 List any three examples of environmental degradation that you may have observed around you. 

 

Ans 1. Polluted air and water : Industries and vehicles release harmful gases and chemicals which are responsible for degradation of water and air. 

2. Land degradation : Overuse of fertilisers and chemicals have resulted in land degradation. 
3. Loss of biodiversity: Habitat destruction, hunting, poaching has led to the decline in biodiversity.

 
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4 Mark Questions

 

Q1 Read the extract and answer the questions that follows:

 

Normal Species: Species whose population levels are considered to be normal for their survival, such as cattle, sal, pine. rodents, etc.

Endangered Species: These are species which are in danger of extinction. The survival of such species is difficult if the negative factors that have led to a decline in their population continue to operate. The examples of such species are black buck, crocodile, Indian wild ass, Indian rhino, lion tailed macaque, sangai (brow anter deer in Manipur), etc..

Vulnerable Species: These are species whose population has declined to levels from where it is likely to move into the endangered category in the near future if the negative factors continue to operate. The examples of such species are blue sheep, Asiatic elephant, Gangetic dolphin, etc.

Rare Species: Species with small population may move into the endangered or vulnerable category if the negative factors affecting them continue to operate. The examples of such species are the Himalayan brown bear, wild Asiatic buffalo, desert fox and hornbill, etc.

 

1. Himalayan brown bear and wild Asiatic buffalo are examples of __________.

A Endemic Species

B Extinct species

C Rare species

D Vulnerable species

 

Ans C Rare species

 

2. ___________ is an example of Endangered Species. 

A Pink head duck

B Indian rhino

C Asiatic buffalo

D Nicobar pigeon

 

Ans B Indian rhino

 

3. What are normal species?

 

Ans Species whose population levels are considered to be normal for their survival are classified as normal species.

 

4. What are vulnerable species?

 

Ans The species whose population has declined to levels from where it is likely to move into the endangered category in the near future if the negative factors continue to operate.

 

Q2 Read the extract and answer the questions that follows:

 

In the 1960s and 1970s, conservationists demanded a national wildlife protection programme. The Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act was implemented in 1972, with various provisions for protecting habitats. An all-India list of protected species was also published. The thrust of the programme was towards protecting the remaining population of certain endangered species by banning hunting, giving legal protection to their habitats, and restricting trade in wildlife. Subsequently, central and many state governments established national parks and wildlife sanctuaries about which you have already studied. The central government also announced several projects for protecting specific animals, which were gravely threatened, including the tiger, the one-horned rhinoceros, the Kashmir stag or hangul, three types of crocodiles – fresh water crocodile, saltwater crocodile and the Gharial, the Asiatic lion, and others. Most recently, the Indian elephant, black buck (chinkara), the great Indian bustard (godawan) and the snow leopard, etc. have been given full or partial legal protection against hunting and trade throughout India.

 

1. Mention any wildlife protection programme?

 

Ans The Indian Wildlife Act 1972.

 

2. The Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act was implemented in _________, with various provisions for protecting habitats. 

A 1972 

B 1975 

C 1971 

D 1974 

 

Ans A 1972

 

3. Assertion (A): We need to conserve our forests and wildlife. 

Reason (R): Rapid decline in wildlife population and forestry has been observed.

Options:

1. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. 
2. Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A. 
3. A is true but R is false. 
4. Both assertion and reason are false.

 

Ans a. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.

Conservation preserves ecological diversity and our life support systems and also preserves the genetic diversity of plants and animals for better growth of species and breeding. Thus, there is a dire need for conservation of our forests and wildlife.

 

4. Name the species that have been given full or partial legal protection against hunting and trade throughout India

 

Ans The Indian elephant, black buck (chinkara), the great Indian bustard (godawan) and the snow leopard, etc. have been given full or partial legal protection against hunting and trade throughout India.

 

Q3 Read the extract and answer the questions that follows:

 

The famous Chipko movement in the Himalayas has not only successfully resisted deforestation in several areas but has also shown that community afforestation with indigenous species can be enormously successful. Attempts to revive the traditional conservation methods or developing new methods of ecological farming are now widespread. Farmers and citizen’s groups like the Beej Bachao Andolan in Tehri and Navdanya have shown that adequate levels of diversified crop production without the use of synthetic chemicals are possible and economically viable. In India joint forest management (JFM) programme furnishes a good example for involving local communities in the management and restoration of degraded forests. The programme has been in formal existence since 1988 when the state of Odisha passed the first resolution for joint forest management. JFM depends on the formation of local (village) institutions that undertake protection activities mostly on degraded forest land managed by the forest department. In return, the members of these communities are entitled to intermediary benefits like non-timber forest produce and share in the timber harvested by ‘successful protection’. The clear lesson from the dynamics of both environmental destruction and reconstruction in India is that local communities everywhere have to be involved in some kind of natural resource management. But there is still a long way to go before local communities are at the centre-stage in decision-making. Accept only those economic or developmental activities, that are people centric, environment-friendly and economically rewarding.

 

1. Which of the following conservation strategies do not directly involve community participation?

A Joint forest management

B Beej Bachao Andolan

C Chipko Movement

D Demarcation of Wildlife sanctuaries

 

Ans D Demarcation of Wildlife sanctuaries

 

2. Mention any wildlife protection programme?

 

Ans The Indian Wildlife Act 1972.

 

3. What is the Chipko Movement?

 

Ans It was a movement launched by the people of the Himalayas against deforestation.

 

4. Name any two farmers/citizens groups which have shown that adequate levels of diversified crop production without use of synthetic chemicals are possible and economically viable.

 

Ans Beej Bachao Andolan and Navdanya

 
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5 Mark Questions

 

Q1 Match the following animals with their category of existence. (NCERT QUESTION)

Animal/Plants	Category of existence
Black buck	Extinct
Asiatic Elephant	Rare
Andaman wild pig	Endangered
Himalayan Brown Bear	Vulnerable
Pink Head Duck	Endemic

 

Ans 

Animal/Plants	Category of existence
Black buck	Endangered
Asiatic Elephant	Vulnerable
Andaman wild pig	Endemic
Himalayan Brown Bear	Rare
Pink Head Duck	Extinct

 

Q2 Describe how communities have conserved and protected forests and wildlife in India. (NCERT QUESTION)

 

Ans 1. Chipko Movement: The famous Chipko movement in the Himalayas has not only successfully resisted deforestation in several areas but has also shown that community afforestation with indigenous species can be enormously successful. 

2. Certain societies revere a particular tree which they have preserved from time immemorial. The Mundas and the Santhal of Chota Nagpur region worship mahua (Bassia latifolia) and kadamba (Anthocaphalus cadamba) trees. 
3. The tribals of Odisha and Bihar worship the tamarind (Tamarindus indica) and mango (Mangifera indica) trees during weddings. To many of us, peepal and banyan trees are considered sacred. 
4. In Sariska Tiger Reserve, Rajasthan, villagers have fought against mining by citing the Wildlife Protection Act. In many areas, villagers themselves are protecting habitats and are explicitly rejecting government involvement. 
5. The inhabitants of five villages in the Alwar district of Rajasthan have declared 1,200 hectares of forest as the Bhairodev Dakav ‘Sonchuri’, declaring their own set of rules and regulations which do not allow hunting and are protecting the wildlife against any outside encroachments.

 

Q3 Write a note on good practices towards conserving forest and wildlife. (NCERT QUESTION)

 

Ans 1. In India, joint forest management (JFM) programme furnishes a good example of involving local communities in the management and restoration of degraded forests. The programme has been in formal existence since 1988 when the state of Odisha passed the first resolution for joint forest management. 

2. JFM depends on the formation of local (village) institutions that undertake protection activities mostly on degraded forest land managed by the forest department.
3. In return, the members of these communities are entitled to intermediary benefits like non-timber forest produce and share in the timber harvested by ‘successful protection’. 
4. The clear lesson from the dynamics of both environmental destruction and reconstruction in India is that local communities everywhere have to be involved in some kind of natural resource management. 
5. But there is still a long way to go before local communities are at the centre stage in decision-making. Accept only those economic or developmental activities that are people-centric, environment-friendly and economically rewarding.

 

Q4 “Nature-worship is an old age belief”. Explain how it has helped in the conservation of forests and wildlife. 

 

Ans 1. Nature-worship is an age-old tribal belief based on the premise that all creations of nature have to be protected. Such beliefs have preserved several virgin forests in pristine form called Sacred Groves (the forests of God and Goddesses). These patches of forest or parts of large forests have been left untouched by the local people and any interference with them is banned.

2. The Mundas and the Santhal of Chota Nagpur region worship mahua (Bassia latifolia) and kadamba (Anthocaphalus cadamba) trees, and the tribals of Odisha and Bihar worship the tamarind (Tamarindus indica) and mango (Mangifera indica) trees during weddings.
3. Peepal and banyan trees are also considered sacred and worshipped in most parts of India.
4. Sacred qualities are often ascribed to springs, mountain peaks, plants and animals which are closely protected.
5. In and around Bishnoi villages in Rajasthan, herds of blackbuck, (chinkara), nilgai and peacocks can be seen as an integral part of the community and nobody harms them.

 

Q5 “Conservation of rapid decline in wildlife population and forestry has become essential.” Explain.

OR

Why do we need to conserve our forests and wildlife resources? Explain any two steps taken by the communities to protect our forest and wildlife resources. 

OR

Why is conservation of forests and wildlife necessary? In what way have conservation projects changed in the recent years? 

OR

Assess the need for the conservation of forests and wildlife in India. 

 

Ans 1. Loss of cultural diversity : The loss of forest and wildlife is not just a biological issue but it is also correlated with cultural diversity. 

2. There are many forests-dependent communities, which directly depend on various components of the forests and wildlife for food, drinks, medicines, etc. Many tribal communities like Muria Gonds, Dhurwas, Bhatras, etc. have lost their habitat because of the destruction of forests.
3. Complex web of living organisms : We humans along with all living organisms form a complex web ecological system in which we are only a part and very much dependent on this system for our own existence.
4. For example, the plants, animals and micro-organisms recreate the quality of the air we breathe, the water we drink and the soil that produces our food without which we cannot survive.
5. Large scale destruction of forests : Between 1951 and 1980, according to the Forest Survey of India, over 26,200 km of forest areas were converted into agricultural lands all over India.

 

Q6 Describe the different types of plant and animal species found in India.

OR

Explain any five different categories of existing plants and animal species based on the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources with examples.

 

Ans 1. Normal species : These include those whose population levels are considered to be normal for their survival, such as cattle, sal, pine, rodents etc. 

2. Endangered species : These include those species which are in danger of extinction. The several of such species is difficult if the negative factors that have led to a decline in their population continue to operate. For example, black buck, crocodile, Indian wild ass, etc.
3. Vulnerable species : These include the species whose population has declined to levels from where it is likely to move into the endangered category in the near future if the negative factors continue to operate. For example, blue sheep, gangetic dolphin etc.
4. Rare species : They may move into the endangered or vulnerable category for example, blue bear, wild Asiatic buffalo.
5. Endemic species : These are found in some particular areas usually isolated by natural or geographical barriers. For example, Andaman teal, Nicobar prigo.

 

Q7 What steps have been taken by the government for the conservation of forest and wildlife in India? Explain. 

OR

Write any three effective practices towards conserving forests and wildlife.

OR

Explain any three measures taken by the Indian Government to protect wildlife. 

 

Ans 1. National parks, biosphere and wildlife sanctuaries : To protect biodiversity, the Indian government has established 100 national parks, 515 sanctuaries and 17 biosphere reserves.

2. The Indian Wildlife Protection Act : The Indian Wildlife Protection Act was implemented in 1972, with various provisions for protecting habitats. An all India list of protected species was also published. The thrust of the programme was towards protecting the remaining population of certain endangered species by banning hunting, giving legal protection to their habitats and restricting trade in wildlife.
3. Projects for protecting specific animals : The central government has also announced several projects for protecting specific animals which were greatly threatened, including the tiger, the one-horned rhinoceros, the Kashmir stag or hangul, the three types of crocodiles – the freshwater crocodile, the saltwater crocodile and the Gharial, the Asiatic lion and others.
4. Forest Policy : India is one of the few countries which has had a forest policy since 1894. It was revised in 1952 and again in 1988. The main plank of the forest policy is protection, conservation and development of forests.
5. Forest Research Institutes : Indian government has created many forest Research Institutes for the research, protection and development of the forests. IFS Dehradun is the oldest research institution of the country.

 

Q8 Distinguish between Reserved forests, Protected forests and Unclassed forests. 

OR

Classify the forests into three categories.

 

Ans Difference between Reserved forests, Protected forests and Unclassed forests:

Reserved Forests	Protected Forests	Unclassed Forests
1. These are permanently earmarked either for production or other forest produce.	1. These are protected from any further depletion	1. These consist of inaccessible forests or wastelands.
2. More than 50% of the total forest land of India has been declared as reserved forests.	2. Almost 1/3rd of the total forest area of India is called the protected forest.	2. These consist of only 16% of the total forest areas of India.
3. These are controlled by the government.	3. These are controlled by the government.	3. These are owned by government and private individuals.
4. The forests of J & K, Andhra Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Maharashtra fall in this category.	4. The forests of Bihar, Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Odisha and Rajasthan fall under this category.	4. The forests of north-eastern states and parts of Gujarat fall under this category.

 

Q9 “Conservation projects have changed their focus in recent years.” Explain. 

OR

In what ways has the conservation project changed in recent years? 

 

Ans 1. The conservation projects are now focusing on biodiversity rather than on a few of its components. 

2. There is now a more intensive search for different conservation measures. Increasingly, even insects are beginning to find a place in conservation planning. 
3. In the notification under Wildlife Act of 1980 and 1986, several hundred butterflies, moths, beetles and one dragonfly have been added to the list of protected species. 
4. In 1991, for the first time plants were also added to the list, starting with six species. 
5. The clear lesson from the dynamics of both environmental destruction and reconstruction in India is that local communities everywhere have to be involved in some kind of natural resource management.

 

Q10 “Maintenance of the ecological system is of utmost importance.” How can you contribute to conserving it and what values are developed through this activity?  

 

Ans 1. We humans along with all living organisms form a complex web of ecological system in which we are only a part and very much dependent on this system for our own existence. 

2. For example, the plants, animals and micro-organisms re-create the quality of the air we breathe, the water we drink and the soil that produces our food without which we cannot survive. Forests play a key role in the ecological system as these are also the primary producers on which all other living beings depend. 
3. We should save our environment by switching to green technology and by contributing less to the emission of carbon dioxide. 
4. We should plant more and more trees, say no to plastic bags, travel by public transport, etc.
5. It will improve the quality of our lives as well as our children and will save our money to switch to alternate sources for power.

 

Q11 Give three reasons why we need to save the biodiversity of our planet. How can you contribute to the given cause? 

OR

Explain the importance of biodiversity for human beings.

 

Ans 1. We humans along with all living organisms form a complex web of ecological systems in which we are only a part and very much dependent on this system for our own existence. For example, the plants, animals and micro-organisms recreate the quality of the air we breathe, the water we drink and the soil that produces our food without which we cannot survive. 

2. The destruction of forests and wildlife is not just a biological issue. The biological loss is strongly correlated with the loss of cultural diversity. It also preserves the genetic diversity of plants and animals for better growth of species and breeding. 
3. Our contribution: 

1. Minimizing wastage of resources. 
2. Use Jute bags. 
3. Planting more trees.

 

Q12 Mention any four major threats to the population of tigers? Explain the efforts made by the government to protect them. 

 

Ans Major threats to the population of tiger:

1. Poaching for trade 
2. Shrinking habitat 
3. Depletion of prey base species 
4. Growing human population 
5. The trade of tiger skins and the use of their bones in transitional medicines, especially in the Asian countries, left the tiger population on the verge of extinction. 

Efforts made by the government to protect them are as under:

1. Project Tiger, one of the well-publicised wildlife campaigns in the world, was launched in 1973. 
2. There are 42 tiger reserves in India covering an area of 37,761 sq km. 
3. Tiger conservation had been viewed not only as an effort to save an endangered species, but with equal importance as a means of preserving bio types of sizeable magnitude. 
4. Some of the tiger reserves of India are Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand, Sunderbans National Park in West Bengal etc.

 

Q13 Explain the social impacts of loss of forests. 

OR 

“Forest and wildlife are vital to the quality of life and environment in the subcontinent.” Explain. 

 

Ans Social impacts of loss of forests:

1. Loss of cultural diversity : The loss of forest and wildlife is not just a biological issue but it is also correlated with cultural diversity. There are many forests-dependent communities, which directly depend on various components of the forests and wildlife for food, drinks, medicines, etc. 
2. Many tribal communities like Muria Gonds, Dhurwas, Bhatras, etc., have lost their habitat because of the destruction of forests.
3. Impact on women : Even among the poor, women are affected more than men. In many societies, women bear the major responsibility of collection of fuel, fodder, water and other basic needs. 
4. As these resources are depleted, the drudgery of women increases. Most of the time they have to walk for more than 10 km to collect the basic necessities. This causes serious health problems for women in the negligence of home and children because of the increased hours of work, which often has serious social implications.
5. Poverty : Deforestation is also responsible for poverty. It is considered as a direct outcome of environmental destruction. Most of the poor people or tribal people depend on forests for their basic needs. Now if the forests are destroyed, these poor people will be deprived of the basic necessities.

 

Q14 Describe how communities have conserved and protected forests and wildlife in India. What moral lessons have you learnt from this? 

 

Ans Communities have conserved and protected forests and wildlife in India in the following ways:

1. In Sariska Tiger Reserve : Rajasthani villagers have fought against mining by citing the Wildlife Protection Act. In many areas, villagers themselves are protecting habitats and explicitly rejecting government involvement.
2. The inhabitants of five villages in the Alwar district of Rajasthan have declared about 1,200 hectares of forest area as the ‘Bhairodev Dakav Sonchuri. The community has declared their own set of rules and regulations which do not allow hunting and are protecting the wildlife against any outside encroachments.
3. Many states have launched the Joint Forest Management programme to involve local communities in the management and restoration of degraded forests. Odisha was the first state to launch this programme. 
4. Improper farming techniques, defective methods of farming are also responsible for depletion of our biodiversity. So many farmers and citizen groups support the Bee) Bachao Andolan in Tehri and Navdanya have developed or are using various crop production methods which do not use synthetic chemicals for growing crops. 
5. The famous Chipko Movement was launched by the women of Chamoli in northern India, and covered more than 12,000 km. area of forests just by hugging the trees when the lumberjacks attempted to cut them.

Moral lessons:

1. Conservation strategies can be successful only with the participation of local people. 
2. The clear lesson from the dynamics of both environmental destruction and reconstruction in India is that local communities everywhere have to be involved in some kind of natural resource management. But there is still a long way to go before local communities are at the centre-stage in decision making. Accept only those economic or developmental activities that are people centric, environment-friendly and economically rewarding.

 
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Map Based Questions

 

Q1 Locate Reserved forests on the given map.

Ans

 

Q2 Locate Protected forests on the given map.

 

Ans

Q3 Locate Unclassed forests on the given map.

Ans

Q4 Locate and label the following items on the given map

1. Sunderban National Park 
2. Corbett National Park 
3. Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary

 

Ans

 
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