All questions of Forest and Wildlife Resources for Class 10 Exam

The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 is an Act of the Parliament of India enacted for protection of plants and animal species. Before 1972, India only had five designated national parks.

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Understanding Reserved Forests
Reserved forests are crucial components of forest management and conservation. They are areas designated specifically for the growth of trees and the sustainable harvesting of forest products. Here’s why option 'A' is the correct match:
Definition of Reserved Forests
- Reserved forests are legally designated areas where the government has full control over the management and conservation of the forest.
- These areas are protected from deforestation and are meant for the sustainable extraction of timber and non-timber products.
Purpose of Reserved Forests
- They serve multiple purposes, including biodiversity conservation, habitat protection for wildlife, and providing resources for local communities.
- By designating these areas as reserved, the government ensures that they are not exploited unchecked, allowing for responsible forestry practices.
Comparison with Other Types of Forests
- Protected Forests: These are often managed by local communities, particularly in regions like the Northeastern states of India, but they do not have the same level of legal protection as reserved forests.
- Unclassed Forests: These are not formally classified and can include areas that may or may not be managed by the Forest Department.
- Permanent Forests: This term typically refers to forests intended for long-term use, but it does not specifically denote a geographical location like Odisha or Rajasthan.
Conclusion
The accurate matching of reserved forests with their definition emphasizes their role in sustainable forestry and environmental conservation. Understanding the distinctions between various types of forests is essential for effective ecological management.

Understanding Khadar Soil
Khadar soil is a vital type of soil used for intensive agriculture, particularly in regions with alluvial plains. Here’s a detailed look at why Khadar soil is preferred for farming.
Characteristics of Khadar Soil
- Khadar soil is typically found in river valleys and floodplains.
- It is rich in nutrients due to the deposition of silt during floods.
- This soil has a fine texture, which facilitates good water retention and drainage.
Suitability for Intensive Agriculture
- Nutrient-Rich: The high nutrient content in Khadar soil supports the growth of diverse crops.
- Moisture Retention: Its ability to retain moisture is crucial for crops, especially in areas with varying rainfall.
- High Fertility: Khadar soil is known for its fertility, making it ideal for growing cash crops and food grains.
Comparison with Other Soil Types
- Kankar Soil: Contains hard nodules of calcium carbonate, making it less suitable for intensive agriculture.
- Bhanger Soil: Generally found in older alluvial plains, it is less fertile and not as suitable for high-yield crops.
- Bhabhar Soil: Located in foothill regions, it has a coarse texture and poor water retention, which limits agricultural productivity.
Conclusion
Khadar soil stands out as the preferred choice for intensive agriculture due to its rich nutrients, good moisture retention, and overall fertility. This makes it essential for sustaining high agricultural outputs in suitable regions.

Overview of Project Tiger
In 1973, India launched Project Tiger as a significant conservation initiative aimed at addressing the alarming decline in the tiger population. The main purpose of this project was to conserve and protect the endangered tiger species, which was facing threats from poaching, habitat loss, and human-wildlife conflict.
Reasons for Launching Project Tiger
- Declining Tiger Population:
- The tiger population in India had plummeted due to excessive hunting and habitat destruction.
- Ecological Importance:
- Tigers play a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance by regulating prey populations and supporting biodiversity.
- Conservation Efforts:
- Project Tiger aimed to create a network of protected areas to ensure a safe habitat for tigers and other wildlife.
Key Objectives of Project Tiger
- Habitat Conservation:
- Establish and maintain protected reserves where tigers can thrive.
- Anti-Poaching Measures:
- Implement strict laws and monitoring systems to deter poaching and illegal trade of tiger parts.
- Community Involvement:
- Engage local communities in conservation efforts to foster coexistence between humans and wildlife.
Impact of Project Tiger
- Increase in Tiger Population:
- The initiative has led to a gradual increase in the tiger population in many areas.
- Awareness and Education:
- Project Tiger has raised awareness about wildlife conservation among the public.
- Biodiversity Conservation:
- Protecting tigers also helps safeguard other species and their habitats, contributing to overall ecological health.
In conclusion, the primary focus of Project Tiger is to conserve and protect the endangered tiger species, ensuring their survival for future generations.

The sangai is an endemic and endangered subspecies of brow-antlered deer found only in Manipur, India. It is also the state animal of Manipur. Its common English name is Manipur brow-antlered deer or Eld's deer and the scientific name is Rucervus eldii eldii. Its original natural habitat is the floating marshy grasslands of the Keibul Lamjao National Park, located in the southern parts of the Loktak Lake, which is the largest freshwater lake in eastern India.

The Concept of Extinction
Extinction refers to the complete disappearance of a species from the planet. This can occur naturally over time or can be accelerated by human activities. Understanding species that are no longer found in their known habitats is crucial for conservation efforts.
Definition of Extinct Species
- An extinct species is one that has no living individuals left.
- They cannot be found despite extensive searches in their known or potential habitats.
Reasons for Extinction
- Habitat Loss: Destruction of natural habitats due to urbanization, agriculture, and deforestation.
- Climate Change: Alterations in climate can make environments unsuitable for certain species.
- Overexploitation: Unsustainable hunting, fishing, and harvesting practices can lead to population declines.
- Invasive Species: Introduction of non-native species can disrupt local ecosystems and outcompete native species.
Importance of Recognizing Extinct Species
- Understanding extinction helps in wildlife conservation and biodiversity preservation.
- Identifying extinct species raises awareness about the fragility of ecosystems and the consequences of human actions.
Conclusion
In summary, species that are not found after thorough searches in their known habitats are classified as extinct. This classification highlights the importance of biodiversity and the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect remaining species before they face a similar fate. Recognizing these extinct species can serve as a reminder of what has been lost and emphasize the need for sustainable practices to prevent further extinctions.

A vulnerable species is one which has been categorized by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as likely to become endangered unless the circumstances that are threatening its survival and reproduction improve. Vulnerability is mainly caused by habitat loss or destruction of the species home.

Renewable resources are those which get renewed or replenished quickly, for ex- wind energy, solar energy etc.

The burning of fossil fuels like coal natural gas, petroleum in automobiles, industries and thermal plants leads to increase in air pollution.

Laterite has been derived from the Latin word 'later' which means brick.

Objective of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act
The Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, enacted in 1972, aims to conserve and protect wildlife and their habitats across India. The primary focus of this legislation is to ensure that endangered species are safeguarded from various threats, particularly hunting.
Prohibition of Hunting
- The act explicitly prohibits hunting of specified endangered species, making it illegal to kill or capture these animals.
- This prohibition is crucial as hunting poses a direct threat to wildlife populations, leading to declines in numbers and potential extinction.
- By banning hunting, the act seeks to create a safe environment for wildlife to thrive and recover from previous exploitation.
Additional Measures
While the act primarily focuses on hunting, it also encompasses other protective measures, including:
- Habitat Protection: Although not the primary focus, the act includes provisions to protect the habitats of endangered species.
- Trade Regulation: The act regulates the trade of wildlife and wildlife products, further contributing to the protection of species.
- Pollution Control: While pollution is detrimental to wildlife, it is not the main objective of this act; however, it is addressed under other environmental laws.
Conclusion
In summary, while the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act addresses various aspects of wildlife conservation, its primary objective is to prohibit hunting, thereby ensuring the survival of endangered species. The act serves as a vital legal framework for wildlife protection in India, promoting biodiversity and ecological balance.

Correct Answer: Option C
The Bishnoi community in Rajasthan is renowned for its strong commitment to environmental conservation, particularly regarding wildlife protection.
Key Points about Bishnoi Villages:
- Wildlife Protection: The Bishnoi people are known for their reverence for nature and are particularly protective of blackbuck, nilgai, and peacocks, which are considered sacred animals.
- Historical Significance: Their conservation efforts date back to the 18th century, inspired by their founder, Guru Jambeshwar, who preached the importance of living in harmony with nature.
- Cultural Practices: The Bishnois follow 29 tenets (hence the name 'Bishnoi', meaning 29) which emphasize the protection of flora and fauna. This includes prohibition against harming animals and cutting down trees.
Comparison with Other Options:
- Option A: Mundas and Santhal tribes do have cultural practices involving nature but do not specifically worship tamarind and mango trees as a primary aspect of their beliefs.
- Option B: While tribals in Odisha and Bihar do engage in worship involving local flora, it's not specifically about mahua and kadamba trees in the same way as the Bishnois protect wildlife.
- Option D: The assertion about people in Alwar district establishing Bhairodev Dakav 'Sonchuri' to promote hunting is incorrect; instead, this community is more focused on conservation and protecting wildlife.
Conclusion:
The Bishnoi community’s proactive measures in wildlife conservation make them exemplary figures in environmental protection, which solidifies option C as the correct answer.

Introduction
In Indian society, certain animals hold significant spiritual and cultural importance, especially around temples. Among these, macaques and langurs are particularly noteworthy for their association with devotion.
Macaques and Langurs: The Temple Companions
- Cultural Significance: Macaques and langurs are often seen in and around temples, where they are treated with reverence. These monkeys are sometimes considered to be manifestations of divine beings or are associated with deities, reflecting the deep-rooted connection between animals and spirituality in Indian culture.
- Behavioral Traits: These primates exhibit behaviors that resonate with human emotions, making them endearing to devotees. Their playful nature and social interactions often draw the attention of temple-goers, who enjoy watching them and sometimes even feeding them.
Religious Beliefs
- Symbolism: In Hinduism, monkeys are associated with Lord Hanuman, a deity symbolizing strength, devotion, and loyalty. Temples dedicated to Hanuman often attract these monkeys, further enhancing their revered status.
- Rituals and Offerings: Devotees frequently offer food and sweets to macaques and langurs as part of their religious practices. This act not only serves as a form of worship but also reflects a broader ecological awareness and respect for all living beings.
Conclusion
The presence of macaques and langurs at many temples in India highlights the harmonious relationship between humans and animals in spiritual contexts. Their role as devotees showcases the intricate tapestry of belief that characterizes Indian society, where every creature is valued and respected.

Under conditions of heavy rainfall, the laterite soil is formed. Due to alternate wet and dry cycles, they are the result of extreme leaching. Heavy rainfall leaches out all soluble materials, leaving behind a high proportion of residual (remaining), insoluble iron and aluminium oxides in the soil from the top layer of the soil. Laterite soil is considered such soil. It is built in regions that receive heavy rainfall. Thus, the correct answer is option 'A'.