All questions of Forest and Wildlife Resources for Class 10 Exam

Endemic species are species which are found isolated by geographical barriers.

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.

21.67%

72 zoological parks zoos in India | nature wildlife in India.

Species which are facing high risk of extinction are called endangered species.

The number of Endangered Species: 79 species of mammals, 44 of birds, 15 of reptiles, and 3 of amphibians, 1,500 plant species are considered endangered.

Intensive agriculture is done on the type of soil known as Khadar.

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.

Understanding the Assertion and Reason
The assertion states that India's biodiversity is vital for ecological balance and supports various life forms. This highlights the importance of biodiversity in sustaining ecosystems, which is indeed true.
Significance of Biodiversity
- Biodiversity contributes to ecosystem stability.
- It provides essential services such as pollination, nutrient cycling, and climate regulation.
- A healthy biodiversity is crucial for food security and medical resources.
Evaluating the Reason
The reason claims that the majority of species in India are well-documented and do not face extinction threats. This statement is misleading.
- Many species in India are not well-documented; significant gaps in biological knowledge exist.
- Numerous species are currently facing threats due to habitat destruction, climate change, pollution, and over-exploitation.
Conclusion
Given this context:
- Assertion (A) is true; biodiversity is critical for ecological balance in India.
- Reason (R) is false; many species are under threat, and not all are well-documented.
Thus, the correct answer is option C: Assertion is true, but Reason is false.

The name of a medicinal Himalayan yew plant under the threat of extinction.

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.

Evergreen forests are found in the Assam Valley, the foothills of the eastern Himalayas and the lower parts of the Naga Hills, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Manipur, where the rainfall exceeds 2,300 mm (91 in) per annum.

Bengal tigers, scientifically known as Panthera tigris tigris, are specifically found in the Delta area. Here is an explanation of why this is the correct answer:

Bengal Tigers
- Bengal tigers are one of the six tiger subspecies and are native to the Indian subcontinent.
- They are known for their distinct orange coat with black stripes, which provides excellent camouflage in their habitat.

Distribution
- Bengal tigers are primarily found in India, with the largest population residing in the Sundarbans mangrove forest in the Ganges Delta.
- The Sundarbans is a vast delta formed by the confluence of the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers, and it spans across India and Bangladesh.
- This delta region is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site and is home to the largest population of Bengal tigers.

Habitat
- The Delta area provides a unique habitat for Bengal tigers due to its combination of mangrove forests, freshwater swamps, and tidal mudflats.
- The tigers are adapted to this specific environment, where they can swim, wade through water, and move through the dense vegetation.
- The mangroves serve as an ideal hunting ground for the tigers, as they provide cover and attract prey such as deer, wild boar, and various types of birds.

Threats and Conservation
- Despite being found in a specific region, Bengal tigers are classified as an endangered species due to various threats.
- Habitat loss, poaching for their body parts, and human-wildlife conflict are some of the major challenges faced by these tigers.
- Conservation efforts, including protected areas, anti-poaching measures, and community involvement, are crucial for the survival of Bengal tigers.

In conclusion, Bengal tigers are specifically found in the Delta area, particularly in the Sundarbans mangrove forest of the Ganges Delta. This region provides the perfect habitat for these majestic creatures, allowing them to thrive and maintain their population.

The correct answer is option 'C': Insensitivity to our environment.

Explanation:
Insensitivity to our environment refers to the lack of awareness and concern for the impact of human activities on the environment. This insensitivity leads to actions that harm the diverse flora and fauna of the planet.

1. Destruction of habitats: Insensitivity to our environment often results in the destruction of natural habitats. Forests are cleared for agriculture, urbanization, and industrialization, leading to the loss of habitat for many plant and animal species. This destruction disrupts ecosystems and threatens the survival of various species.

2. Deforestation: Insensitivity to our environment also contributes to deforestation. Trees are cut down for timber, agriculture, and other purposes, causing the loss of important ecosystems and habitats. Deforestation reduces biodiversity and negatively affects the flora and fauna that rely on forest ecosystems.

3. Overexploitation: Insensitivity to our environment leads to the overexploitation of natural resources. This includes overfishing, illegal hunting, and the unsustainable harvesting of plants. Overexploitation can result in the depletion of certain species and disrupt the delicate balance of ecosystems.

4. Pollution: While pollution is not the correct answer in this case, it is worth mentioning that insensitivity to our environment also contributes to increasing pollution levels. Pollution from various sources, such as industrial waste, agricultural run-off, and improper waste management, can harm both plants and animals. It contaminates water bodies, degrades air quality, and affects the health and survival of species.

5. Climate change: Although global warming is not the correct answer, it is important to note that insensitivity to our environment also contributes to climate change. Activities such as deforestation, burning of fossil fuels, and the release of greenhouse gases are major contributors to climate change. Climate change has significant impacts on ecosystems, altering temperature and precipitation patterns, and affecting the distribution and survival of plant and animal species.

In conclusion, insensitivity to our environment plays a significant role in the threat faced by the diverse flora and fauna of the planet. It leads to the destruction of habitats, deforestation, overexploitation, and ultimately disrupts ecosystems and biodiversity. It is essential for individuals and societies to become more aware and sensitive to the environment to ensure the protection and conservation of our valuable natural resources.

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'.

Launched in 1971, UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB) is an Intergovernmental Scientific Programme that aims to establish a scientific basis for the improvement of relationships between people and their environments.

The brown bear—the Himalayan brown bear is an endangered animal that can be found in some of the most remote mountain regions of Nepal, India, Pakistan and Tibet.

Himalayan Yew is a medicinal plant. It is found in Himachal Pradesh and Arunachal Pradesh. It is used in making drugs. These drugs are used for treating some types of cancer.

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

The species which are not found after searching known areas where they may occur is said to have undergone extinction.

• Extinction in biology or ecology means the end of organism or group of organisms.
• Some of the animals that faced extinction are woolly mammoth, stellar sea cow, dodo etc.

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.

Among the given options, India Rhino is an endangered animal. In 2012, the IUCN Red List included 3079 animal and 2655 plant species as endangered (EN) worldwide.

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

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