Class 10 Social Science Chapter 7 Forest & Wildlife

Q1. Which of the following is a critically endangered species in India? [CBSE 2023] [1] (a) Blue sheep (b) Asiatic cheetah (c) Langur (d) Indian rhino

Ans: (b) Asiatic cheetah. It is now extinct in India. Other critically endangered species include pink-headed duck, mountain quail, and forest spotted owlet.

Q2. The Indian Wildlife Protection Act was passed in: [CBSE 2022] [1] (a) 1952 (b) 1972 (c) 1986 (d) 1991

Ans: (b) 1972. The Wildlife Protection Act provides legal protection to wildlife habitats and prohibits hunting of endangered species. It established national parks and sanctuaries.

Q3. Which type of forest covers the maximum area in India? [CBSE 2024] [1] (a) Reserved forests (b) Protected forests (c) Unclassed forests (d) Mangrove forests

Ans: (a) Reserved forests. They cover more than half of India's total forest area. Considered the most valuable and protected under government control.

Q4. Project Tiger was launched in: [CBSE 2021] [1] (a) 1972 (b) 1973 (c) 1980 (d) 1992

Ans: (b) 1973. It was launched to protect the dwindling tiger population. Initially 9 tiger reserves were set up; now there are over 50 across India.

Q5. Chipko Movement is associated with: [CBSE 2020] [1] (a) Saving water bodies (b) Protecting forests by hugging trees (c) Anti-mining protests (d) Anti-pollution campaign

Ans: (b) Protecting forests by hugging trees. Started in the Garhwal Himalayas in 1970s, villagers (especially women) hugged trees to prevent contractors from cutting them.

Q6. Biodiversity refers to: [CBSE 2023] [1] (a) Variety of plant species only (b) Variety of all life forms - plants, animals, and microorganisms (c) Only animal species (d) Marine life only

Ans: (b) Variety of all life forms including plants, animals, and microorganisms found in an area. India is one of the world's richest countries in biodiversity.

Q7. Which of the following is an endemic species? [CBSE 2024] [1] (a) Species found worldwide (b) Species found only in a particular area (c) Extinct species (d) Migratory species

Ans: (b) Species found only in a particular area and nowhere else. E.g., Asiatic lion (only in Gir, Gujarat), Malabar Giant Squirrel, and Nilgiri Tahr.

Q8. Community participation in forest management is seen in: [CBSE 2022] [1] (a) Reserved forests (b) Joint Forest Management (JFM) programme (c) National parks (d) Biosphere reserves

Ans: (b) Joint Forest Management (JFM) programme. Started in 1988, it involves local communities in management and protection of degraded forests, sharing benefits.

Q9. How much of India's total land area is under forest cover (approximately)? [CBSE 2021] [1] (a) 10% (b) 21-22% (c) 33% (d) 50%

Ans: (b) About 21-22%. This is well below the National Forest Policy target of 33% of total geographical area. Northeastern states have the highest forest cover.

Q10. Assertion (A): Forests are biodiversity hotspots. Reason (R): Forests provide habitat to diverse flora and fauna. [CBSE 2024] [1] (a) Both true and (R) correctly explains (A) (b) Both true but (R) does not explain (A) (c) (A) is true but (R) is false (d) (A) is false

Ans: (a) Both true and (R) correctly explains (A). India has several biodiversity hotspots including Western Ghats and Eastern Himalayas, largely due to forest cover.

Q16. "Conservation of forest and wildlife is vital for the ecological balance." Explain with examples. [CBSE 2024] [5] UNIQUE STUDY POINT BY SUMEET SAHU | Amitesh Nagar, Indore (M.P.) | www.uniquestudyonline.com Page 2 UNIQUE STUDY POINT BY SUMEET SAHU Class X | Social Science | Geography Ch.2

Ans: Conservation is essential for ecological survival: • Food Chain: Every species plays a role in the food chain. Loss of one species (like tigers) disrupts the entire ecosystem, causing overpopulation of prey species. • Climate Regulation: Forests absorb CO2, release oxygen, and regulate rainfall. Amazon deforestation has altered rainfall patterns in South America. • Soil Protection: Tree roots bind soil. Deforestation in Himalayas has led to landslides, floods in northern plains, and siltation of rivers. • Water Cycle: Forests act as natural sponges - absorbing rainwater and releasing it slowly. Deforestation leads to flash floods and drought. • Conservation Efforts: Project Tiger (1973), wildlife sanctuaries, national parks, biosphere reserves, and community-based conservation have shown positive results.

Q17. Describe the measures taken by the Indian government for the conservation of forests and wildlife. [CBSE 2023]

Ans: Government has taken comprehensive conservation measures: • Wildlife Protection Act (1972): Provides legal framework to protect endangered species, prohibits hunting, and establishes protected areas. • National Parks & Sanctuaries: India has over 100 national parks and 550+ wildlife sanctuaries. Jim Corbett, Kaziranga, and Gir are world-famous. • Project Tiger (1973): Dedicated programme to protect tigers. Tiger population has increased from about 1,800 in 2010 to over 3,600 by 2023. • Forest Policy (1988): National Forest Policy aims at 33% forest cover. Joint Forest Management involves communities in protecting degraded forests. • Biosphere Reserves: 18 biosphere reserves (Nilgiri, Sundarbans, Nanda Devi, etc.) protect biodiversity while allowing sustainable use by local communities.

Q18. What are the different categories of species based on conservation status? Give examples. [CBSE 2022]

Ans: IUCN classifies species into several categories: • Normal Species: Population is at normal level. Not in danger. E.g., cattle, sal tree, pine, rodents. • Endangered Species: In danger of extinction. E.g., Indian tiger, one-horned rhino, Asiatic lion, Indian elephant, snow leopard. • Vulnerable Species: Population declining, may become endangered. E.g., blue sheep, Asiatic elephant, Gangetic dolphin, Indian giant squirrel. • Rare Species: Small populations, localised in limited areas. E.g., Himalayan brown bear, wild Asiatic buffalo, hornbill, Nicobar pigeon. • Extinct Species: Not found after repeated searches. E.g., Asiatic cheetah and pink-headed duck are extinct in India.

Q19. Explain the Chipko Movement and its significance for forest conservation. [CBSE 2021]

Ans: The Chipko Movement is a landmark in India's environmental history: • Origin: Started in the Garhwal Himalayas in the early 1970s. Villagers, especially women led by Sunderlal Bahuguna, hugged trees to prevent commercial logging. • Cause: Forest contractors were given permission to cut trees while local communities were denied rights. This sparked protests against unjust forest policies. • Method: Non-violent resistance - villagers physically embraced trees (chipko = to hug), making it impossible for loggers to cut them down. • Impact: Led to a 15-year ban on commercial felling in the Himalayan forests. Inspired similar movements across India and environmental awareness globally. • Legacy: Demonstrated that local communities are the best guardians of forests. Influenced government policies on community forest management and environmental protection.

Q20. Explain the factors responsible for the depletion of flora and fauna in India. [CBSE 2020]

Ans: Multiple factors have caused biodiversity loss: • Colonial Legacy: British era saw massive deforestation for railway sleepers, ship-building, and plantations. Forests were treated as revenue sources, not ecological assets. • Agricultural Expansion: After independence, forests cleared for agriculture to feed growing population. Shifting cultivation in NE India also degrades forests. • Development Projects: Dams, mining, roads, industries, and urban expansion have consumed vast forest areas. River valley projects submerge thousands of hectares. UNIQUE STUDY POINT BY SUMEET SAHU | Amitesh Nagar, Indore (M.P.) | www.uniquestudyonline.com Page 3 UNIQUE STUDY POINT BY SUMEET SAHU Class X | Social Science | Geography Ch.2 • Overexploitation: Excessive harvesting of timber, fuelwood, and non-timber forest products beyond the regeneration capacity of forests. • Environmental Pollution: Industrial pollutants, pesticides, and toxic waste contaminate habitats. Plastic pollution in rivers and oceans kills aquatic wildlife.