Important Questions (1 Mark): Forest & Wildlife Resources - Class 10 MCQ

• Option A: Project Tiger - 1986: This is incorrect. Project Tiger was launched in 1973 to conserve the tiger population in India.
• Option B: Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act - 1980: This is incorrect. The Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act was enacted in 1972, not 1980. There were amendments to the act in 1980 and 1986.
• Option C: Project Elephant - 1991: This option is not directly related to the provided content. The content mentions the Indian elephant being given protection but does not specify a project start year of 1991.
• Option D: Project Tiger - 1973: This is correct. Project Tiger was indeed launched in 1973 to conserve the endangered tiger population in India.

Therefore, the correctly matched pair is Option D: Project Tiger - 1973.

• Biodiversity plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems.
• It encompasses a wide range of species, including plants, animals, and microorganisms, which are interconnected through complex relationships.
• Healthy biodiversity ensures that ecosystems can function effectively, providing essential services like clean air, water, and fertile soil.
• Areas with high biodiversity are often more resilient to environmental changes.
• Biodiversity is vital for addressing challenges such as climate change and habitat destruction.

• Project Tiger was initiated primarily to conserve and protect the endangered tiger population in India, which had plummeted to a mere 1,827 individuals by 1973.
• This initiative aimed to address critical threats such as poaching, habitat loss, and depletion of prey species.
• An interesting fact is that India is home to approximately two-thirds of the world's remaining tiger population, making its conservation efforts vital not just for the species but also for the ecosystem they inhabit.

• The Assertion is true as local communities in India have indeed utilized their traditional knowledge and practices to implement successful conservation strategies.
• For instance, the Chipko movement has shown how community action can halt deforestation.
• Sacred groves are preserved due to local beliefs.
• The Reason is also true, as both the Chipko movement and the concept of sacred groves exemplify the effectiveness of traditional beliefs in conserving biodiversity.
• Furthermore, the Reason serves as a correct explanation of the Assertion, as these examples illustrate how traditional practices directly contribute to conservation efforts.
• Therefore, both Assertion and Reason are accurate, with the Reason substantiating the Assertion.

• The Joint Forest Management (JFM) initiative is a significant program in India that empowers local communities to participate in the management and restoration of degraded forest areas.
• Established in 1988, JFM allows communities to oversee the protection of forests in exchange for certain benefits, such as access to non-timber forest products and a share of timber harvested.
• This collaborative approach not only helps in forest recovery but also supports the livelihoods of local residents.
• An interesting fact is that Odisha was the first state to implement JFM, setting a precedent for other states to follow in community-based forest management practices.

• The Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act was enacted to safeguard endangered species by prohibiting hunting.
• This helps to ensure the survival of vulnerable populations and maintain ecological balance.
• This legal framework is essential for the conservation of wildlife and their habitats across India.

• Option A: Reserved Forests - Areas set aside for growing trees and other forest products. This is correct as reserved forests are indeed areas set aside for growing trees and other forest products, as well as for safeguarding purposes.
• Option B: Protected Forests - Managed by local communities in North Eastern states. This is incorrect. Protected forests are classified by the Forest Department and are shielded from further depletion, not specifically managed by local communities.
• Option C: Unclassed Forests - Declared as reserved forests by the Forest Department. This is incorrect. Unclassed forests are those that belong to both the government and private individuals and communities, not declared as reserved forests by the Forest Department.
• Option D: Permanent Forests - Primarily found in Odisha and Rajasthan. This is incorrect. Permanent forests are a significant portion of the land in Madhya Pradesh, not primarily in Odisha and Rajasthan.

• The Assertion (A) is true as more than half of the total forest land in India is indeed classified as reserved forests, which play a vital role in conserving biodiversity and wildlife resources.
• The Reason (R) is also true; however, it does not accurately explain the Assertion.
• While protected forests are certainly important, their primary purpose is not solely about sustainable timber harvesting but also includes conservation efforts.
• Therefore, the correct answer is Option B, as both statements are true but the Reason does not correctly explain the Assertion.

• Let's analyze each option to determine the correctly matched pair:
• Option A: Mundas and Santhal tribes - Worship tamarind and mango trees
  • This is incorrect. The Mundas and Santhal tribes worship mahua and kadamba trees, not tamarind and mango trees.
• Option B: Tribals in Odisha and Bihar - Worship mahua and kadamba trees
  • This is incorrect. Tribals in Odisha and Bihar worship tamarind and mango trees during weddings, not mahua and kadamba trees.
• Option C: Bishnoi villages in Rajasthan - Protect blackbuck, nilgai, and peacocks
  • This is correct. In Bishnoi villages in Rajasthan, animals like blackbuck, nilgai, and peacocks are an integral part of the community and are not harmed.
• Option D: People in Alwar district - Established Bhairodev Dakav 'Sonchuri' to promote hunting
  • This is incorrect. People from five villages in the Alwar district of Rajasthan have designated 1,200 hectares of forest as the Bhairodev Dakav 'Sonchuri' to prohibit hunting and safeguard wildlife from external intrusions.
• Therefore, the correctly matched pair is Option C: Bishnoi villages in Rajasthan - Protect blackbuck, nilgai, and peacocks.

• The Assertion is true because India's biodiversity plays a vital role in sustaining ecological balance and supports various life forms, as indicated in the text.
• However, the Reason is false; while India is rich in biodiversity, a significant portion of its species faces threats of extinction, including documented wild flora and mammals.
• Therefore, the Reason does not correctly explain the Assertion, leading to the conclusion that the correct answer is Option C: "If Assertion is true but Reason is false."