Access the latest NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Geography Chapter-2: Forest and Wildlife Resources, updated for 2024-2025. Solution is designed to help students tackle difficult questions with ease. The content is written in simple, easy-to-understand language.
Exercise
Multiple Choice Questions
(i) 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. Match the following:
| 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. |
Answer
| 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 belong to both government and private individuals and communities. |
Answer the following questions in about 30 words:
(i) What is biodiversity? Why is biodiversity important for human lives?
Biodiversity refers to the variety of living organisms, including plants, animals, and microorganisms, found in a specific region. It is important for human lives because it maintains ecological balance, supports life by purifying air and water, regulates climate, and provides resources like food, medicine, and materials for shelter.
(ii) How have human activities affected the depletion of flora and fauna? Explain.
Human activities like deforestation, overgrazing, mining, and industrialization have led to the depletion of flora and fauna. The destruction of habitats, poaching, and pollution have caused a decline in biodiversity, threatening many species with extinction and destabilizing ecosystems.
Answer the following questions in about 120 words:
(i) Describe how communities have conserved and protected forests and wildlife in India.
Communities in India have played a significant role in conserving forests and wildlife. Movements like the Chipko Movement in the Himalayas highlighted the importance of protecting forests through community efforts. Local tribes and villagers have also created sacred groves where no cutting of trees is allowed, thus preserving biodiversity. The Beej Bachao Andolan in Tehri focused on protecting indigenous seeds and practicing organic farming. In the Alwar district of Rajasthan, villagers declared a forest area as Bhairodev Dakav ‘Sonchuri,’ setting their own rules to conserve wildlife and prevent hunting. Joint Forest Management (JFM) is another example where communities partner with the government to restore and protect degraded forests, benefiting both the environment and local livelihoods.
(ii) Write a note on good practices towards conserving forest and wildlife.
Several good practices are being followed for the conservation of forests and wildlife. These include community participation in forest management through programs like Joint Forest Management (JFM), where local villagers take responsibility for protecting forest lands. Reforestation and afforestation programs help to replenish lost green cover. The creation of protected areas like national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves prevents illegal logging, poaching, and habitat destruction. Sacred groves, which are protected due to religious beliefs, play a crucial role in conserving biodiversity. Sustainable farming practices, such as using organic methods and crop rotation, help preserve ecosystems while minimizing damage to the environment. These efforts, combined with laws like the Wildlife Protection Act, contribute to the sustainable use of natural resources.
Other Important Short Answer Type Questions
Here are important short answer type questions based on Chapter 2: Forest and Wildlife Resources from the NCERT Class 10 Geography book. These questions are framed to match past NCERT and UPSC exam patterns.
1.Why is biodiversity important for human survival?
Biodiversity includes a variety of plants, animals, and microorganisms that form an interconnected ecological system. It plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of air, water, and soil, which are essential for human survival. Without biodiversity, ecosystems would collapse, affecting food security, health, and environmental stability.
2.What are the major threats to India’s wildlife and forest resources?
The major threats include deforestation due to urbanization and agriculture, illegal poaching and hunting of animals, industrial pollution, shrinking habitats due to human encroachment, and the depletion of prey species. These threats are worsened by climate change and population growth.
3.What is ‘Project Tiger,’ and why was it launched?
Project Tiger was launched in 1973 to protect the endangered tiger population, which had dwindled to 1,827 from an estimated 55,000 at the turn of the 20th century. The project focuses on reducing poaching, conserving tiger habitats, and maintaining a stable prey base to ensure the survival of this keystone species.
4.How do reserved forests differ from protected forests in India?
Reserved forests are designated for strict conservation, and activities like logging, hunting, and grazing are prohibited unless specifically allowed by the government. Protected forests, on the other hand, allow limited use by local communities, but they are still protected from largescale exploitation.
5.What is the significance of ‘sacred groves’ in biodiversity conservation?
Sacred groves are patches of forest that have been preserved due to religious or cultural beliefs. Local communities protect these areas as part of their traditional practices, and they often remain untouched by human interference. Sacred groves are rich in biodiversity and serve as refuges for rare and endangered species.
6.Explain how the Chipko Movement contributed to forest conservation.
The Chipko Movement, started in the 1970s in the Himalayan region, was a nonviolent protest against deforestation. Villagers, particularly women, hugged trees to prevent them from being cut down. The movement successfully raised awareness about the importance of forests and demonstrated the power of community led conservation efforts.
7.How has the Joint Forest Management (JFM) program helped in forest conservation?
The Joint Forest Management (JFM) program involves local communities in the protection and management of forest resources. Communities are given the responsibility of conserving degraded forest land in return for benefits such as access to nontimber forest products and a share in timber profits. This has encouraged sustainable forest use and reduced deforestation.
8.What are the main objectives of ‘Agenda 21’ in relation to forest conservation?
Agenda 21, adopted at the 1992 Earth Summit, emphasizes sustainable development through environmental protection and social equality. In terms of forest conservation, its objectives include reducing deforestation, promoting reforestation, and ensuring that the use of forest resources is sustainable to meet the needs of future generations.
9.How do human activities lead to the depletion of flora and fauna?
Human activities such as deforestation, mining, industrial pollution, overgrazing, and expansion of agricultural land lead to the destruction of natural habitats. This reduces biodiversity, endangered species, and disturbs ecological balance. Additionally, illegal wildlife trade and poaching have significantly depleted wildlife populations.
10.Why is it difficult to manage and regulate forest and wildlife resources in India?
India’s vast geographical area, diverse ecosystems, and large population make it challenging to manage forest and wildlife resources effectively. Factors like illegal logging, encroachment, inadequate enforcement of laws, and insufficient resources for conservation agencies further complicate management efforts.
MCQs: Forest and Wildlife Resources
Here are 20 MCQs based on Chapter 2: Forest and Wildlife Resources from the NCERT Class 10 Geography book, tailored to past NCERT and UPSC exam patterns.
1.Which of the following conservation strategies does NOT directly involve community participation?
(a) Joint Forest Management
(b) Chipko Movement
(c) Beej Bachao Andolan
(d) Demarcation of Wildlife Sanctuaries
2.What is the main goal of the Project Tiger initiative launched in 1973?
(a) Increase tiger population
(b) Protect endangered plants
(c) Conserve forest resources
(d) Provide shelter to tribal communities
3.Which type of forest is considered the most valuable for the conservation of wildlife resources?
(a) Unclassed Forests
(b) Protected Forests
(c) Reserved Forests
(d) Private Forests
4.Which of the following states has the highest percentage of reserved forests in India?
(a) Maharashtra
(b) Madhya Pradesh
(c) Uttarakhand
(d) West Bengal
5.In which year was the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act implemented?
(a) 1962
(b) 1972
(c) 1982
(d) 1992
6.What percentage of India’s forests are classified as reserved forests?
(a) 30%
(b) 45%
(c) 50%
(d) 60%
7.Which of the following is NOT a cause of the decline in India’s biodiversity?
(a) Habitat destruction
(b) Illegal poaching
(c) Afforestation
(d) Climate change
8.The Chipko Movement, started in the Himalayas, is an example of:
(a) Environmental destruction
(b) Communitydriven conservation
(c) Industrialization
(d) Government wildlife policy
9.Which national park is associated with the conservation of the onehorned rhinoceros?
(a) Sundarbans National Park
(b) Kaziranga National Park
(c) Bandipur National Park
(d) Ranthambore National Park
10.What is the significance of Sacred Groves in India?
(a) Areas for commercial logging
(b) Areas protected by local communities for religious reasons
(c) Regions for mining operations
(d) Government protected areas
11.Which state passed the first resolution for Joint Forest Management (JFM)?
(a) Rajasthan
(b) Odisha
(c) Kerala
(d) Gujarat
12.Which of the following animals is NOT part of India’s conservation projects?
(a) Bengal Tiger
(b) Asiatic Lion
(c) Indian Elephant
(d) Kangaroo
13.What is the main purpose of biodiversity conservation?
(a) Create monocultures for agricultural use
(b) Maintain genetic diversity
(c) Increase urbanization
(d) Build new industrial zones
14.Which of the following is a feature of Reserved Forests?
(a) They are primarily for commercial use
(b) They are protected from depletion
(c) They are managed by private companies
(d) They are left for wildlife habitat only
15.Which conservation project is focused on the snow leopard in India?
(a) Project Snow Leopard
(b) Project Elephant
(c) Project Rhino
(d) Project Lion
16.Which of the following regions in India has the largest area under permanent forests?
(a) Punjab
(b) Gujarat
(c) Madhya Pradesh
(d) Himachal Pradesh
17.The Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 primarily aims to:
(a) Increase agricultural land
(b) Protect endangered species
(c) Promote afforestation
(d) Encourage industrialization
18.Which of the following is NOT classified as a protected species under India’s Wildlife Act?
(a) Blackbuck
(b) Peacock
(c) Olive Ridley Turtle
(d) African Elephant
19.What does JFM stand for in forest conservation strategies?
(a) Joint Forest Management
(b) Jungle Forest Management
(c) Judicious Forest Management
(d) Joint Farming Management
20.What was the primary concern of the Beej Bachao Andolan in India?
(a) Forest conservation
(b) Water conservation
(c) Crop biodiversity conservation
(d) Land conservation
Answers:
1. (d)
2. (a)
3. (c)
4. (b)
5. (b)
6. (c)
7. (c)
8. (b)
9. (b)
10. (b)
11. (b)
12. (d)
13. (b)
14. (b)
15. (a)
16. (c)
17. (b)
18. (d)
19. (a)
20. (c)
Other Chapter
| Chapter 1:- Resources and Development | Chapter 3:- Water Resources |
| Chapter 4:- Agriculture | Chapter 5:- Mineral and Energy Resources |
| Chapter 6:- Manufacturing Industries | Chapter 7:- Lifeline of National Economy |
