Forest And Wildlife Resources Class 10 CBSE

Geography:Forest and Wildlife Resources

Important Question and Anwers

Section A

1. Which state have less than 10% of their area under forests? [1]
Ans.1. Delhi and Punjab

2. Which state has the largest area under permanent forests? [1]
Ans.2. Madhya Pradesh

3. What is JFM? [1]
Ans.3. Joint Forest Management is a Movement launched to manage and restore degraded
forests by involving the local communities.

4. Name any two movements which were launched by local communities for the
protection of forest and wildlife.[1]
Ans.4. Chipko Movement and Beej Bachao Andolan

5.Which state has the largest are under permanent forests? [1]
Ans. Madhya Pradesh

6. What is the share of India in the total number of species in the world? [1]
Ans. 8 per cent

7. What is the approximate number of species of animals found in India? [1]
Ans. About 81000

8. There are how many flowering plants in India?
Ans. About 15000

9. Name any four Endemic Species. [1]
Ans. Andaman Teal, Nicobar Pigeon, Andaman Wild Pig, Mithun in Arunachal Pradesh.

10. Name any four Extinct Species. [1]
Ans. Asiatic Cheetah, Pink head Duck

11. When and in which state was the program of joint forest management first
adopted?[1]
Ans. In 1988, in Odisha the program of joint forest management was first adopted.

12. Which species of India’s flora and fauna are on the verge of extinction?
Ans. Among the animals, the cheetah, Pink Headed Duck, Mountain Quail, Forest Spotted
Owl etc. And among the plants, wild variety of Mahua (Madhuca Insignies), a wild
species of grass (Hepaneuron) is on the threatened list.

13.Name any four Normal Species.
Ans. Cattle, Sal, Pine and Rodent

14.Name any four Endangered Species
Ans. Black Buck, crocodile, Indian Ass, Indian Rhino

15.Name any four Vulnerable Species
Ans. Blue Sheep, Asiatic Elephant, Gangetic Dolphin.

16.Name any four Rare Species
Ans. Himalayan Brown Bear, Wild Asiatic Buffalo, desert Fox and Hornbill.


Section B 

 
1. Do you agree that natural vegetation is important for the environment as well as
for the human beings? Give reasons to support your answer.[3]
 Ans.Natural vegetation is very important for the environment as well as for human life. So,
it is very essential to conserve it. The main reasons for the importance of natural
vegetation are following:
A. Natural vegetation adds beauty to nature.
B. Natural vegetation provides habitat to the wildlife, both birds and animals.
C. The coming generation would be deprived of great variety of fauna without the
natural vegetation.

2. How does indiscriminate deforestation affect the ecosystem? [3]
Ans.A. The process of clearing of forests by cutting or burning of trees is known as
deforestation.
B. In India, large areas of forests have been cleared for cultivation and settlement.
C. The growth of population has increased the pressure on human occupancy of land.
D. Hence, the depletion of forests affects the ecosystem, and as a result, soil erosion
occurs. It has affected the climate of areas. It has also caused floods in many areas.

3. What is biological diversity? Why biodiversity is important for human lives? [3]
Ans.Biological diversity is immensely rich in wildlife and cultivated species, diverse in form
and function but closely integrated in a system through multiple networks of
interdependencies.
Following are the importance:
A. Human beings depend on biodiversity for their very survival.
B. Without plants and animals we cannot survive, because we get oxygen from plant
and it create the quality of air we breathe in.

4. What is enrichment plantation? How is it harmful for natural habitat? Explain with
example.[3]
Ans.Some of our environmental activists say that the promotion of a few favored species, in
many parts of India, has been carried through the ironically-termed “enrichment
plantation”, in which a single commercially valuable species was extensively planted
and other species eliminated.
For instance, teak monoculture has damaged the natural forests of South India and
Chir Pine (pinus roxburghii) plantation in Himalayas has replaced the Himalayan Oak
(quercius spp.) and Rhododendron forests.

5. “India’s environment is at great risk”. Justify this statement. [3]
Ans.A. Over half of India’s natural forests are gone, one third of its wetlands drained out.
B. 70% of its surface water bodies polluted and 40% of its mangroves eliminated.
C. Hunting and trade of wild animals and commercially valuable plants are still going
on.
D. As a result, thousands of plant and animal species are heading towards extinction.

6. Give any three methods of forest conservation adopted by the government after
independence.
Ans.A. The Indian wildlife Protection Act was implemented in 1972 with aim to protect
wild life.
B. Government established national parks, Biosphere reserves and Wildlife
Sanctuaries.
C. The central government announced several projects for protecting specific
animals- Project Tiger.

5. How were colonial forest policies responsible for the depletion of forest resources
in our country?[3]
Ans.Some of our environmental activists say that the promotion of a few favored species, in
many parts of India, has been carried through the ironically-termed “enrichment
plantation”, in which a single commercially valuable species was extensively planted
and other species eliminated.
For instance, teak monoculture has damaged the natural forests of South India and
Chir Pine (pinus roxburghii) plantation in Himalayas has replaced the Himalayan Oak
(quercius spp.) and Rhododendron forests

6. What types of forests are found in different parts of India? [3]
Ans.A. Jammu and Kashmir, Andhra Pradesh, Uttrakhand, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West
Bengal and Maharashtra have large percentage of reserved forests of its total forest
area.
B. Bihar, Haryana Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Odisha and Rajasthan have a bulk of it
under protected forests.
C. All Northern eastern states and parts of Gujarat have a very high percentage of
their forests as un-classed forests managed by local communities.

7. Why do we need to conserve our forest and wildlife resources? Explain any three
reasons.[3]
Ans.A. It preserves ecological diversity that why there is a need to conserve our forests
and wildlife.
B. It preserves our life support system-water, air soil that why there is a need to
conserve our forests and wildlife.
C. It preserves genetic diversity of plants and animals which generates better
breeding that why there is a need to conserve our forests and wildlife.

8. What are Sacred groves? How these are helpful in the conservation of flora and
fauna?[3]
Ans.A. Sacred groves are patches of forest or parts of large forests that have been left
untouched- any interference with them being banned socially on account of
sacredness and spiritually attached to them.
B. Sacred groves literally mean a forest of Gods and Goddesses. Due to the fear of God
people have not cut the forests and kill the animals.
C. Sacred qualities in Indian society are ascribed not only to forests but other
creations of nature as we (such as rivers, mountain peaks, animals etc.), which are
closely protected.

9. Write any three features of Un-Classed forests. [3]
Ans.A. This consists of inaccessible forests or unoccupied wastes.
B. They belong to both government and private individuals and communities.
C. These are mostly found in the North-eastern states and parts of Gujarat where
these are managed by the local communities.

10. Write a short note on reserved Forests. [3]
Ans.A. Reserved Forests are regarded as the most valuable as far as the conservation of
forest and wild life resources concerned.
B. These are permanently earmarked either for production or other purpose.
C. More than half of the total forest land has been declared as reserved forests.
D. These are controlled by government.

11. Why is the Himalayan Yew in trouble? [3]
Ans. A. The Himalayan Yew, locally known as the Thuner is a medicinal plant. Its biological
name is Texus wallachiana.
B. It is found in certain parts of Himachal Pradesh and Arunachal Pradesh.
C. This wonder plant has a chemical compound taxol which is extracted from its
twigs, roots, bark and needles. This chemical is used to manufacture a drug which is
used to manufacture a drug which is the largest anti-cancer drug in the world today
D. Over the past 10 years this plant has been over-exploited resulting in drying up of
trees which could have survived and served their use for more years.


12. What steps have been adopted under the Indian Wildlife Act to protect endangered
species of animals?[3]
Ans.A. In response to the conservationist’s demand for national wildlife protection
program in 1960s and 1970s, the Indian Wildlife Protection Act was implemented
in 1972.
B. It contained many provisions for protecting habitats. The main focus was on
protecting the remaining population of certain endangered species.
C. For this to be accomplished hunting was banned, legal protection was given to their
habitats and trade in wildlife was restricted.
D. National parks and wildlife sanctuaries was setup.

13. What are the three types of forests as identified by Forest Department? [3]
Ans.A. Reserved Forests: These are the forests which are permanently earmarked for
production of either timber or other forest produce.
B. Protected Forests: As the name indicates these forests are protected from further
depletion.
C. Unclassed Forests: This consists of inaccessible forests or unoccupied wastes.

14. Large scale development projects have significantly to the loss of forests. Give
reasons to support this statement.[3]
Ans.A. Large-scale development projects have also contributed significantly to the loss of
forests.
B. Since 1951, over 5,000 sq km of forest was cleared for river valley projects.
C. Clearing of forests is still continuing with projects like the Narmada Sagar Project in
Madhya Pradesh, which would inundate 40,000 hectares of forests.

15. How mining is responsible for the loss of forests. Give reasons. [3]
Ans.A. Mining is important factor behind deforestation.
B. The Buxa Tiger Reserve in west Bengal is seriously threatened by the ongoing
dolomite mining.
C. It has disturbed the natural habitat of many species and blocked the migration
route of several others, including the great Indian Elephant.

16.How does deforestation affect eco system? Give two reasons.
Ans.A. Deforestation or cutting of trees affecting the eco system in many ways. It is
responsible for climatic change.
B. It accelerates soil erosion and affects underground flow of water deforestation.
C. Depletion of forests leads to disappearance of wild life as well as many wild
varieties of plants.

17.How is Afforestation helpful in maintaining ecological balance?
Ans.A. Afforestation plays a major role in enhancing the quality of environment. They
modify local climate. They influence air temperature and reduce wind forces.
B. Afforestation helps in controlling soil erosion.
C. It provides natural environment for wild life.
D. Afforestation helps in enhancing the quality of rainfall.

18.What is a National Park? Name any two national parks of India?
Ans.A national Park is relatively a large area where several ecosystems exist freely and are
not disturbed materially by human exploitation and occupation, and where plants and
animal species, aesthetic sites and habitats are of special scientific, educational and
recreational interest.
A. There are 89 National parks in the country. The Corbett national Park in
Uttarakhand.
B. Dudwa National Park in U.P.

19.What is Wildlife Sanctuary? How is it different from National Park?
Ans.A. A wildlife sanctuary is like a national park but the difference is that in a sanctuary
certain types of activates might be permitted. Livestock grazing and collection of
forest produce, for instance, may be allowed.
B. In a national park, conservation of species is mostly left to nature, with the least
human activities, but in a sanctuary conservation of species is affected by
manipulative management.

20.What are Biosphere Reserves?
Ans.A. Biosphere Reserves are multipurpose protected areas created to deal with the
issue of conservation of bio-diversity and sustainable use.
B. In a biosphere reserves, local communities, management agencies, scientists,
cultural groups and non government agencies work together to manage and
substantially develop the area resources.
C. Here even agricultural activities are allowed to the local communities and bonafide
employment is provided to them. Tourism is allowed to boost revenue.

21. Differentiate between Extinct Species and Endangered species.
 Ans.

Section C
1. Highlight the trees and animals which are worshiped by Indian societies in
different parts of India?[5]
Ans.A. The Mundas and the Santhals of Chhota Nagpur region worship the mahua and
kadamba tree.
B. The tribals of Orissa and Bihar worship the tamarind and mango trees during
auspicious accessions such as weddings.
C. The peepal and banyan tree are considered sacred all over the country.
D. Certain animals such as macaques and langurs are treated as a part of temple
devotees.
E. In Rajasthan nilgai, peocock and chinkara are an important part of the community
and no one can think of harming them
 

2. Write a short note on Beej Bachao Andolan in TehriNavdanya. [5]
Ans.A. Beej Bachao Andolan in Tehri and Navdanya-Save the seed movement searches,
reintroduces, collects, tests, distributes and popularizes every indigenous variety of
mountain crops available.
B. It has also been able to successfully revive the free exchange of seeds within the
community and has proved to be a lifeline of traditional mountain agriculture.
C. It advocates the discontinuation of the use of chemical dependent seeds and
synthetic chemicals.
D. These measures, they argue, are also economically viable as diversified crop
production in adequate quantities have been achieved.

3. What steps must be taken to preserve the natural vegetation? [5]
Ans.A. Cutting of the trees in the forests must be stopped. The government has taken
adequate steps in this direction. Forest department has been created for this
purpose. Laws have been implemented to punish the persons who are found guility
of cutting of trees. Awareness among the people is more important. Without this
awareness result cannot be satisfactory.
B. The people must cooperate to check the feeling of trees. Their active participation
is most important in this regard. Many persons have must come forward for this
task.
C. Necessary wood for industrial purposes and for other activities must be acquired in
a well planned manner, so that industrial growth and environment protection both
can be achieved.
D. Wherever the trees have been cut for any reason, new saplings of trees must be
planted to maintain the ecological balance.
E. Festivals like Vanmahotsava should be celebrated everywhere. It would help in
growing the awareness.

4. What are the steps taken by Government to conserve flora and fauna of the
country?
Ans.A. To protect flora and fauna, the Indian wildlife protection Act was implemented in
1972, with various provisions for protecting habitats.
B. An all–India list of protected species was also published. The thrust of the program
was towards protecting the remaining population of certain endangered species by
banning hunting, giving legal protection to their habitats and restricting trade in
wildlife.
C. Central and many stage governments established national parks and wildlife
sanctuaries.
D. The central government 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 crocodile-freshwater crocodile, saltwater
crocodile and the Gharial, the Asiatic lion, and others.
E. Most recently, the Indian elephant, black buck, the great Indian bustard and the
snow leopard, etc. have been full or partial legal protection against hunting and
trade throughout India.

5. What were the views of foresters and environmentalists regarding the degrading
factors behind the depletion of forest resources?[5]
Ans.A. Manu foresters and environmentalists hold the view that the greatest degrading
factors behind the depletion of forests resources are grazing and fuel wood
collection.
B. Though there may be some substance in their argument, yet, the fact remain that a
substantial part of the fodder demand is met by lopping rather than by felling
entire trees.
C. The forest ecosystems are repositories of some of the country’s most valuable
forest products, minerals and other resources that meet the demands of the rapidly
expanding industrial-urban economy.
D. These protected areas, thus mean different things to different people, and therein
lays the fertile ground for conflicts. 


6. Write down the features of JFM.
Ans.A. In India Joint Forest Management program furnishes a good example for involving
local communities in the management and restoration of degraded forests.
B. The program has been in formal existence since 988 when the state of Orissa
passed the first resolution for joint forest management.
C. JFM depends on the formation of local (village) institutions that undertake
protection activities mostly on degraded forest land managed by the forest
department.
D. In return, the members of these communities are entitled to intermediary benefits
like non timber forest produces and share in the timber harvested by successful
protection. 


7.How are Forest Useful to Men
Ans.A. The wood that we get from the forests is important for building and construction
purposes, for domestic furniture and for fuel.
B. The raw materials for paper industry, match-making and sport materials are
mainly derived from the forests.
C. The sandal wood, gums, resins, turpentine oil etc. are extracted from the forest
products. Besides the above products, the forests yield many other useful products
such as herbs, lac, honey etc.
D. Grass grown in forests is used for grazing the cattle, sheep, camel etc. To great
extent, the shortage for fodder is also made up by these forests.
E. They play a major role in enhancing the quality of environment. They modify local
climate. They help in controlling soil erosion.

8.Explain how human activities have depleted the flaura
Ans.A. Humans have cleared the jungles for their own living and the livings of their
animals as well as for the construction of their houses. Too much destruction of
trees has disturbed the ecosystem and created various health problems for
themselves.
B. The agriculture expansion during the colonial rule and even after independence
proved one of the major causes of the depletion of the flora and fauna.
C. The great demand of sleeper for the expansion of railways and ship-building during
the colonial rule also inflicted a great damage to the Indian forests.
D. As a result of the removal of the original plant cover and its replacement by a single
crop, the biological diversity has been reduces and a single crop has become
vulnerable to pests and diseases.
E. The burning of fossil fuels in large quantity, automobile exhausts, gaseous effluents
from factories have led to the pollution of air and water.