Unit Test (Solutions): Forest & Wildlife Resources | Social Studies (SST) Class 10 PDF Download

Time: 1 hour

M.M. 30

Attempt all questions.

• Question numbers 1 to 5 carry 1 mark each.
• Question numbers 6 to 8 carry 2 marks each.
• Question numbers  9 to 11 carry 3 marks each.
• Question number 12 & 13 carry 5 marks each.

Q1: Which one of the following is a direct threat to wildlife?  (1 Mark)  
(a) Biodiversity hotspots
(b) Protected areas
(c) Habitat destruction
(d) Ecological succession
Ans: (c)
Habitat destruction directly threatens wildlife as it involves the destruction, degradation, or fragmentation of natural habitats where various species live. This can lead to loss of biodiversity and endangerment of wildlife.

Q2: Which of the following is NOT a method of conserving forests?  (1 Mark)  
(a) Afforestation
(b) Reforestation
(c) Deforestation
(d) Social forestry
Ans: (c)
Deforestation is the process of clearing forests for various purposes, such as agriculture, urbanization, and industrialization. It is not a method of conserving forests; rather, it leads to the depletion of forest cover.

Q3: Which one of the following is a biodiversity hotspot in India?  (1 Mark)  
(a) Himalayas
(b) Thar Desert
(c) Western Ghats
(d) Indo-Gangetic Plains
Ans: (c)
The Western Ghats region in India is known for its rich biodiversity and is considered one of the biodiversity hotspots due to the presence of numerous species of plants and animals, many of which are endemic to the region.

Q4: Which statement is true regarding the 'Chipko Movement'?  (1 Mark)  
(a) It aimed at promoting deforestation for economic growth.
(b) It advocated the conservation of forests by hugging trees.
(c) It was a campaign to establish wildlife sanctuaries.
(d) It supported the use of chemical pesticides in agriculture.
Ans: (b)
The Chipko Movement was a significant environmental movement in India that aimed to raise awareness about the importance of conserving forests. People hugged trees to prevent them from being felled, highlighting the need for sustainable forest management.

Q5: Which one of the following is an example of a national park in India?  (1 Mark) 
(a) Jim Corbett National Park
(b) Sariska Bird Sanctuary
(c) Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary
(d) Gir Forest National Park
Ans: (a)
Jim Corbett National Park is a well-known national park in India, located in the state of Uttarakhand. It is famous for its Bengal tigers and diverse wildlife.

Q6: State any two reasons for the depletion of wildlife.  (2 Marks) 
Ans: Two reasons for the depletion of wildlife are habitat destruction and overexploitation. Habitat destruction, such as deforestation and urbanization, leads to the loss of natural habitats, while overexploitation involves excessive hunting, fishing, or harvesting of species, causing their populations to decline.

Q7: Mention any two advantages of building dams.  (2 Marks) 
Ans: Two advantages of building dams are:

• Hydroelectric Power Generation: Dams harness the energy of flowing water to generate electricity through hydroelectric power plants. This renewable energy source reduces dependence on fossil fuels and contributes to clean energy production.
• Irrigation and Water Supply: Dams store water in reservoirs, which can be used for irrigation of agricultural fields and providing a reliable supply of water for domestic, industrial, and agricultural needs. This enhances agricultural productivity and ensures water availability in water-deficient regions.

Q8: State any two objectives of wildlife sanctuaries.  (2 Marks) 
Ans: Two objectives of wildlife sanctuaries are:

• Protection of Wildlife: Wildlife sanctuaries are established to provide a safe and secure habitat for various species of animals and plants. They offer a protected environment where wildlife can thrive without the threat of hunting or habitat destruction.
• Research and Education: Wildlife sanctuaries serve as sites for scientific research and educational activities. Researchers study the behavior, ecology, and population dynamics of species in their natural habitat. They also create awareness among visitors about the importance of biodiversity and conservation.

Q9: Explain the causes and consequences of deforestation.  (3 Marks) 
Ans: Deforestation is the process of clearing forests for various purposes, such as agriculture, logging, and urbanization. It has several causes, including the expansion of agricultural land, logging for timber and paper production, infrastructure development, and mining. The consequences of deforestation include loss of biodiversity, disruption of local and global ecosystems, soil erosion, reduced water quality and availability, climate change due to decreased carbon sequestration, and adverse impacts on indigenous communities and local economies.

Q10: Explain the concept of biodiversity and why it is important for the survival of species.  (3 Marks) 
Ans: Biodiversity refers to the variety of living organisms, including plants, animals, and microorganisms, found within a particular ecosystem or on Earth as a whole. It encompasses genetic diversity, species diversity, and ecosystem diversity. Biodiversity is crucial for the survival of species because it ensures the resilience and stability of ecosystems. Each species plays a specific role in the ecosystem, and their interactions are essential for the ecosystem's proper functioning. Biodiversity provides ecosystem services like pollination, nutrient cycling, and climate regulation, which are vital for sustaining life on Earth.

Q11: What are the consequences of the extinction of species?  (3 Marks) 
Ans: The consequences of the extinction of species are:

• Loss of Biodiversity: Each species has a unique role in the ecosystem, and its extinction disrupts the ecological balance, leading to a loss of biodiversity.
• Ecosystem Imbalance: The removal of a species from an ecosystem can cause imbalances in food chains and ecological interactions, affecting other species and ecosystem functioning.
• Impact on Human Well-being: The extinction of species can directly or indirectly affect human well-being as it may lead to the loss of vital resources, such as food, medicines, and ecosystem services.

Q12: Describe the major factors responsible for the depletion of the tiger population in India. Suggest measures to protect and conserve tigers effectively.  (5 Marks) 
Ans: The depletion of the tiger population in India is attributed to several major factors:

• Habitat Loss: The destruction and fragmentation of tiger habitats due to human activities like deforestation, infrastructure development, and agricultural expansion have severely impacted tiger populations.
• Poaching and Illegal Trade: Tigers are hunted for their body parts, which are in high demand in illegal markets for traditional medicine and ornamental purposes.
• Human-Wildlife Conflict: Conflicts between tigers and humans occur when tigers enter human settlements or attack livestock, leading to retaliatory killings by local communities.
• Lack of Awareness: Insufficient awareness among local communities and inadequate enforcement of wildlife protection laws contribute to the challenges in conserving tigers.

To protect and conserve tigers effectively, the following measures can be adopted:

• Strengthening Protected Areas: Enhancing the management and protection of tiger reserves and wildlife sanctuaries will create safe habitats for tigers to breed and thrive.
• Anti-Poaching Efforts: Strengthening anti-poaching units, intelligence networks, and wildlife crime control can curb poaching and illegal trade of tiger parts.
• Community Participation: Involving local communities in tiger conservation through awareness campaigns, livelihood support, and eco-tourism initiatives can foster a sense of ownership and responsibility.
• Translocation and Reintroduction: Initiating tiger translocation and reintroduction programs in suitable habitats can help in restoring tiger populations in areas where they have been locally extinct.
• Conservation Breeding: Establishing captive breeding centers for tigers can act as a safety net and supplement the wild population if required.
• Research and Monitoring: Conducting research on tiger behavior, population dynamics, and their prey species can provide valuable insights for better conservation strategies.
• International Collaboration: Collaborating with neighboring countries to combat wildlife trafficking and illegal trade can reduce the demand for tiger products globally.

Q13: Discuss the importance of national parks in the conservation of wildlife. Choose any two national parks in India, describe their unique features, and explain the steps taken by the government for their preservation.  (5 Marks)
Ans: National parks play a crucial role in the conservation of wildlife due to their protected status, which ensures the preservation of natural habitats and biodiversity. The importance of national parks can be highlighted as follows:

• Conservation of Biodiversity: National parks provide undisturbed habitats for various plant and animal species, including rare and endangered ones, contributing to the conservation of biodiversity.
• Protection of Endemic Species: Many national parks are home to species that are found only in specific regions, known as endemic species. These areas safeguard such unique species from extinction.
• Scientific Research and Education: National parks serve as living laboratories for scientists to study wildlife, ecosystems, and ecological processes. They also offer educational opportunities for visitors to learn about the importance of conservation.
• Eco-tourism and Socio-economic Benefits: National parks attract eco-tourists, which generate revenue for local communities and promote their involvement in conservation efforts.

Two national parks in India with their unique features and preservation measures are:

1. Kaziranga National Park (Assam):

• Unique Features: Kaziranga is known for its significant population of one-horned rhinoceroses and Bengal tigers. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an Important Bird Area (IBA) with a rich diversity of avifauna.
• Preservation Measures: The government has implemented strict anti-poaching measures and surveillance to protect rhinos and tigers from poachers. Conservation programs involve habitat management, controlling invasive species, and ensuring water availability.

2. Ranthambore National Park (Rajasthan):

• Unique Features: Ranthambore is famous for its population of Bengal tigers and is one of the best places in India to spot these elusive cats. The park's landscape includes a mix of dry deciduous forests, lakes, and ancient ruins.
• Preservation Measures: The government has initiated community-based conservation programs to involve local communities in wildlife protection. It also conducts monitoring and research to study tiger behavior and population dynamics.

These national parks benefit from legal protection under the Wildlife Protection Act, and the government collaborates with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and wildlife conservation bodies to implement conservation measures effectively. Ecological studies and regular monitoring help in understanding the parks' health and guide conservation efforts. Additionally, ecotourism is promoted with guidelines to minimize human impact on the ecosystems and wildlife.