Class 10 Geography Chapter 2 Previous Year Questions - Forest and Wildlife Resources

Ans: (a) Only I, II and III are correct.  
The Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, is a key legislation for wildlife conservation in India. Let’s evaluate each characteristic:  

• I. To make provisions for habitat for wild animals: Correct. The Act establishes protected areas like national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and tiger reserves to provide safe habitats for wild animals, ensuring their survival and reproduction.  
• II. To publish list of protected species: Correct. The Act includes schedules (e.g., Schedule I and II) listing endangered and protected species, prohibiting their hunting, trade, or exploitation.  
• III. To ban hunting to save endangered species: Correct. The Act strictly prohibits hunting of specified animals, particularly endangered species, to prevent extinction and promote conservation.  
• IV. To include important subjects like forests and wildlife in the Union List: Incorrect. Forests and wildlife are listed under the Concurrent List (List III) of the Indian Constitution, allowing both Union and State governments to legislate. The Act itself does not address moving these subjects to the Union List.
  Therefore, option (a) is correct as characteristics I, II, and III align with the Act’s provisions, while IV does not.

Ans: (d) Manas Tiger Reserve - Assam  

• (a) Corbett National Park - Himachal Pradesh: Incorrect. Corbett National Park, India’s first national park, is located in Uttarakhand, known for its tiger population and biodiversity.  
• (b) Bandhavgarh National Park - Rajasthan: Incorrect. Bandhavgarh National Park, famous for its high density of tigers, is in Madhya Pradesh, not Rajasthan.  
• (c) Periyar Tiger Reserve - Tamil Nadu: Incorrect. Periyar Tiger Reserve, known for its elephants and tigers, is located in Kerala, in the Western Ghats.  
• (d) Manas Tiger Reserve - Assam: Correct. Manas Tiger Reserve is in Assam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized for its rich biodiversity, including tigers, elephants, and rhinos.
  Thus, option (d) is the correctly matched pair.

• (a) Corbett National Park - Himachal Pradesh: Incorrect. Corbett National Park is in Uttarakhand, not Himachal Pradesh.  
• (b) Sunderban National Park - Kerala: Incorrect. Sunderban National Park, known for its mangrove forests and Royal Bengal Tigers, is in West Bengal.  
• (c) Bandhavgarh National Park - Rajasthan: Incorrect. Bandhavgarh National Park is in Madhya Pradesh, not Rajasthan.  
• (d) Manas Tiger Reserve - Assam: Correct. Manas Tiger Reserve is located in Assam, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its biodiversity.

Thus, option (d) is the correctly matched pair.

Ans: (b) a-ii, b-iii, c-iv, d-i  
The table below shows the correct matching of each national park or wildlife sanctuary with its respective state:  

The correct mapping is:  

• a-ii (Sariska - Rajasthan)  
• b-iii (Manas - Assam)  
• c-iv (Periyar - Kerala)  
• d-i (Corbett - Uttarakhand)

Thus, option (b) is correct.

Ans: Sacred groves show the inter-connectivity of spirituality and ecology by preserving forests through religious beliefs that consider nature sacred, ensuring ecological balance.  
Sacred groves are forest patches protected by communities due to their spiritual significance, often dedicated to deities or ancestors. This reverence prohibits activities like logging or hunting, preserving biodiversity and maintaining ecological balance. For example, the belief that these groves are "forests of God and Goddesses" ensures they remain untouched, fostering a symbiotic relationship where spiritual practices promote environmental conservation.

Ans: Tribal practices promote forest conservation by revering specific trees and groves as sacred, prohibiting interference and ensuring their preservation.  
Tribal communities, such as the Mundas and Santhals in Chota Nagpur, worship trees like mahua and kadamba, while Odisha and Bihar tribals revere tamarind and mango trees. These cultural practices prevent deforestation and exploitation of sacred groves, maintaining forest cover and biodiversity. By banning interference in these areas, tribes ensure that virgin forests remain pristine, contributing to ecological stability.

Ans: Conservation of wildlife is important for maintaining ecological balance, supporting biodiversity, and ensuring sustainable resources for human survival.  
Wildlife conservation is critical because animals play vital roles in ecosystems, such as pollination, seed dispersal, and maintaining food chains. For example, the source mentions blackbuck, nilgai, and peacocks in Bishnoi villages, which are protected as part of the community, contributing to ecological stability. Wildlife also supports biodiversity, which is essential for resilient ecosystems that provide resources like food, medicine, and clean water. Loss of wildlife can disrupt these services, affecting human livelihoods and environmental health. Thus, conserving wildlife benefits both nature and society.

Ans: (d) Madhya Pradesh  
Madhya Pradesh has the largest area under permanent forest cover in India, as highlighted in the chapter. The state is known for its extensive forest regions, including national parks like Bandhavgarh and Kanha, and numerous wildlife sanctuaries. These forests are classified as reserved and protected forests, contributing significantly to India’s forest cover. In contrast:  

• Haryana and Punjab have limited forest cover due to their agricultural dominance and smaller geographical areas.  
• Himachal Pradesh has significant forests, but its area under permanent forest is less than Madhya Pradesh due to its hilly terrain and smaller total forest area.

Thus, Madhya Pradesh (d) is the correct answer.

Ans: (b) I, II, III
Forests in India are classified into three categories: Reserved, Protected, and Unclassed. Reserved forests cover the largest area, as they are permanently marked for the production of timber or other forest produce and are under strict government control, prohibiting activities like hunting and grazing. Protected forests come next, where certain activities are allowed under regulation to balance conservation and local needs. Unclassed forests, which are not specifically managed or protected, cover the smallest area. Thus, the correct order from largest to smallest is Reserved (I), Protected (II), and Unclassed (III).

Ans: (b) Rajasthan
Sariska Tiger Reserve is located in the Alwar district of Rajasthan. It is a prominent wildlife sanctuary established to protect tigers and other wildlife under Project Tiger. The reserve is known for its biodiversity and efforts to conserve endangered species, making Rajasthan the correct answer.

Ans: Many cultures, especially Indian tribal communities, hold sacred groves in high regard as places where the natural world's divinity is recognised and honored. These groves serve as physical representations of the idea that all natural objects are sacred and deserve preservation.

Ans: Communities include trees in their cultural practices in a variety of ways, primarily by giving sacred or symbolic meaning. For example, certain trees, like the tamarind, mango, kadamba, and mahua, have great significance and are worshipped during weddings and other ceremonies in many Indian tribal communities. Similarly, sacred trees like banyan and peepal are frequently connected to places of worship like temples.

Ans: (1) Numerous societies have customs regarding the preservation of particular natural regions, like sacred woods, where particular species of trees or ecosystems are respected. These places hold rituals and ceremonies that uphold the cultural value of honoring and protecting the natural world.
(2) Natural elements such as trees, animals, and other features are frequently symbolic in cultural belief systems. For instance, groups of macaques and langurs that surround numerous temples receive daily food and are regarded as members of the temple community. Herds of blackbuck, nilgai, and peacocks are regarded as essential members of the community in certain villages of Rajasthan.
This perspective demonstrates a shared understanding of how crucial it is to coexist with nature.

Ans: (d)

Statement (I) suggests banning hunting and protecting tiger habitats, which helps in conserving the tiger population and maintaining biodiversity.
Statement (III) about establishing wildlife sanctuaries and national parks provides safe areas for tigers and other wildlife to thrive, promoting biodiversity.
Statement (IV) on converting forests into reserved and protected forests ensures that these areas are safeguarded from exploitation and development.
Statement (II), which proposes prohibiting public visits to forest areas, might not be practical or beneficial for conservation efforts. Allowing controlled visits can raise awareness and support for wildlife protection.

Ans: (d)
Reserved and protected forests are referred to as permanent forest. It is maintained for the purpose of prod ucing ti mber and ot her forest product. 

Ans: (c)

(A) Sariska Tiger Reserve is located in (II) Rajasthan. It is a well-known tiger reserve famous for its tiger population.

(B) Bhairodev Dakav 'Sonchuri' is in (IV) Alwar, which is part of Rajasthan, and this area is noted for its unique wildlife and conservation efforts.

(C) Chipko movement began in (I) Uttarakhand as a grassroots movement to protect trees and forests.

(D) Navdanya is an organization that promotes biodiversity and organic farming, and it is associated with (III) Karnataka.

Ans: Human beings influence the ecology of a region in several ways:

• Breathing: Humans inhale oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide, which are essential for plant life.
• Anthropogenic activities: Actions such as agriculture, grazing, and industrial development permanently alter the ecology of a region.
• Consumption: Humans use various products from plants and animals, affecting their demand and consequently altering ecosystems.

Ans: A protected area set aside for the preservation and conservation of wildlife and their habitats is known as a wildlife sanctuary. Governments or private organisations created these areas with the intention of protecting biodiversity, fostering ecological balance, and offering refuge to threatened or endangered species.
The difference between wildlife sanctuaries and national parks are:

Ans: The destruction of forests and wildlife is not just a biological issue. The biological loss is strongly correlated with the loss of cultural diversity.

This can be proved using the following points:

• Marginalisation: The loss of biological diversity has pushed many native and forest communities into poverty, as they rely on forests for food, shelter, and livelihoods.
• Cultural Impact: These communities have lifestyles and cultures that are deeply tied to the forests. When forests disappear, their cultures are directly affected.
• Gender Disparity: Women, who are primarily responsible for gathering produce, fuel, fodder, and water, face greater challenges. Their increased workload affects their health and family roles.
• Generational Loss: As women struggle, they may neglect their children, leading to a loss of cultural transmission and values.
• Traditional Practices: Many communities have unique rituals linked to forests, such as worship and marriage ceremonies. The loss of forests can mean the disappearance of these important traditions.

Ans: (i) In the 1960s and 1970s, the conservationists demanded some rules to protect the wildlife. Conceding to their demand, the government enacted the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972. Under this act, an all-India list of protected species was published.
(ii) Hunting was banned to protect the remaining population of some endangered species.
(iii) Trade in wildlife was restricted and the habitats of wildlife were given legal protection. Many national parks and wildlife sanctuaries were established by central state governments and the state governments.
(iv) Several projects were announced for protecting specific animals, e.g. Project Tiger. Project Tiger was launched in 1973 to protect tigers from becoming extinct.

Ans: Biodiversity refers to diverse flora and fauna that exist in a given area. Plants, animals and human beings are interdependent. It is necessary for human beings as we get fresh air, water, food etc., from them. Thus, the existence of human beings depends on them.
Biodiversity boosts ecosystem productivity where each species, no matter how small, all have an important role to play. For example, a larger number of plant species means a greater variety of crops. Greater species diversity ensures natural sustainability for all life forms. Healthy ecosystems can better withstand and recover from a variety of disasters. And so, while we dominate this planet, we still need to preserve the diversity in wildlife. Each species depends on the services provided by other species to ensure survival. It is a type of cooperation based on mutual survival that is provided by a balanced eco system. That is why when the ecosystem is disturbed survival of the species becomes difficult.

Ans: Forests and wildlife are vital to the quality of life and environment. This is because the destruction of forests and wildlife leads to:

• Loss of cultural diversity: Communities relying on forest products suffer greatly due to the decline of flora and fauna.
• Impact on women: In rural areas, women are responsible for gathering firewood, fodder, and water. The depletion of these resources increases their workload and can lead to health issues.
• Poverty: When tribal populations cannot access basic supplies, they must purchase them, creating greater economic strain.

Ans: (i) Since 1951, over 5000 sq km of forest was cleared for River Valley Projects.
(ii) Clearing of forests is still continuing with projects like the Narmada Sagar Project in Madhya Pradesh which would inundate 40,000 hectares of forest.
(iii) Mining is another important factor behind deforestation.

Ans: Reasons for the depletion of forest resources in India are:
(i) Extensive use of forest products such as wood, barks, leaves, rubber, medicines, dyes, food, fuel, fodder, manure etc.
(ii) Agricultural expansion, development of railways, mining, commercial and social forestry.
(iii) Substantial forests in the tribal belts of northeastern states have been degraded by shifting cultivation (Jhumming) or slash and burn agriculture.
(iv) Large scale developmental projects like Narmada Sagar Project of Madhya Pradesh which would inundate 40,000 hectares of forests.
(v) Mining is another important factor, as in the Buxa Tiger Reserve in West Bengal is seriously threatened by dolomite mining. It has disturbed the natural habitat of many species and migration route of animals, especially the great Indian elephant.

Ans: The various steps taken to conserve the flora and fauna of the country include:

• Implementation of the Indian Wildlife Protection Act 1972.
• Controlling deforestation and promoting afforestation programmes.
• Providing legal protection to animals by enforcing laws against hunting and poaching.
• Raising public awareness about the importance of forests and their biodiversity.
• Establishing biosphere reserves; India has set up 18 such reserves.
• Offering financial and technical support to various botanical gardens.
• Implementing focused projects like Project Tiger, Project Rhino, and Project Great Indian Bustard.
• Creating 106 national parks and 565 wildlife sanctuaries to protect natural heritage.

Ans: Three major reasons which are responsible for the depletion of flora and fauna in India: 

(i) Agricultural expansion: After Independence agricultural expansion became the major cause of depletion of forest resources. Between 1951 and 1980, according to the Forest Survey of India, over 26,200 sq. km of fore are was converted into agricultural land all over India
(ii) Mining: It is another major factor responsible for deforestation, eg. dolomite mining has been seriously three attended the Buxa Tiger Reserve in West Bengal. This ongoing mining has disturbed the natural habitat and blocked the migration route of a great Indian elephant.
(iii) Large-scale development projects: Since 1951, over 5000 sq km of forest was cleared for River Valley Projects Large hydro projects have inundated large forest areas.