CBSE Class 10 Social Science (Geography – Contemporary India-II)
Chapter 2: Forest and Wildlife Resources
20 Important Questions and Answers
As per CBSE Syllabus 2026–27
Q1. What is biodiversity and why is it important?
Answer:
Biodiversity refers to the variety of living organisms found in a particular region, including plants, animals, birds, insects, and microorganisms. It is important because it maintains ecological balance and supports life on Earth. Different species are interconnected through food chains and ecosystems. Biodiversity provides humans with food, medicines, fuel, and raw materials. It also helps in maintaining soil fertility, pollination, and climate regulation. Loss of biodiversity can disturb ecosystems and threaten the survival of many species. Therefore, conserving biodiversity is essential for sustainable development and the well-being of present and future generations.
Q2. Explain the different categories of species based on the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN).
Answer:
The IUCN classifies species into various categories based on their risk of extinction. Normal species are those whose population levels are considered adequate for survival. Endangered species are at high risk of extinction, such as the blackbuck and Indian rhinoceros. Vulnerable species face a declining population and may become endangered if threats continue. Rare species have small populations and limited distribution. Endemic species are found only in a specific region, such as the Andaman wild pig. Extinct species are those that no longer exist anywhere on Earth. These classifications help governments and conservationists plan protection measures effectively.
Q3. What are endangered species? Give examples.
Answer:
Endangered species are plants or animals whose population has declined significantly and is at risk of becoming extinct in the near future. Their numbers decrease due to habitat destruction, hunting, pollution, climate change, and illegal trade. If immediate conservation measures are not taken, these species may disappear permanently. In India, examples of endangered species include the tiger, blackbuck, Indian rhinoceros, lion-tailed macaque, and crocodile. Protecting endangered species is important because every species plays a unique role in maintaining ecological balance. Wildlife sanctuaries, national parks, and legal protection are important steps in conserving these species.
Q4. What are the main causes of depletion of forests and wildlife in India?
Answer:
The depletion of forests and wildlife in India has occurred due to several reasons. Expansion of agriculture has led to large-scale clearing of forests. Industrialization, mining, urbanization, and development projects such as dams have destroyed natural habitats. Excessive grazing by livestock and shifting cultivation have also contributed to forest degradation. Hunting and poaching for commercial purposes have reduced wildlife populations. During the colonial period, forests were exploited for timber and railway construction. These activities have caused habitat loss, reduced biodiversity, and increased the risk of extinction for many species. Conservation efforts are therefore essential to protect natural resources.
Q5. How did colonial rule affect forest resources in India?
Answer:
During colonial rule, forests were viewed mainly as a source of revenue and raw materials. Large areas of natural forests were cleared to obtain timber for railway sleepers, shipbuilding, and construction. Commercial forestry replaced diverse natural forests with single-species plantations. The British government introduced forest laws that restricted local communities from accessing forest resources. This disrupted traditional conservation practices and increased conflicts between people and authorities. Excessive exploitation led to deforestation and habitat destruction, causing a decline in wildlife populations. The colonial approach prioritized economic gains over ecological conservation, leaving a long-lasting impact on India’s forest resources.
Q6. What are endemic species? Give examples.
Answer:
Endemic species are plants or animals that are naturally found only in a particular geographical area and nowhere else in the world. Their restricted distribution makes them highly vulnerable to habitat loss and environmental changes. Examples of endemic species in India include the Andaman wild pig, Nicobar pigeon, and certain species of plants found in the Western Ghats. Since these species are unique to specific regions, their extinction would mean their complete disappearance from the Earth. Conservation of endemic species requires protecting their habitats through national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and community participation in conservation programs.
Q7. What is the importance of forests for the environment?
Answer:
Forests play a vital role in maintaining environmental balance. They absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, helping to reduce global warming. Forests prevent soil erosion, conserve water, and regulate the climate. They provide habitat for numerous species of plants and animals, thereby supporting biodiversity. Forests also help in maintaining the water cycle and reducing the risk of floods and droughts. In addition, they provide resources such as timber, fuelwood, medicinal plants, and food. Healthy forests are essential for ecological stability and sustainable development. Therefore, conserving forests is necessary for both environmental protection and human welfare.
Q8. What is Project Tiger? Why was it launched?
Answer:
Project Tiger is a wildlife conservation program launched by the Government of India in 1973 to protect the declining population of tigers. The project was introduced because excessive hunting, poaching, and habitat destruction had reduced tiger numbers significantly. Under this initiative, tiger reserves were established across the country to provide safe habitats and prevent illegal hunting. The program also focuses on habitat improvement, scientific monitoring, and community participation. Project Tiger has helped increase tiger populations in many regions. It is considered one of the most successful wildlife conservation programs and has contributed significantly to biodiversity conservation in India.
Q9. Explain the role of national parks in wildlife conservation.
Answer:
National parks are protected areas established by the government to conserve wildlife, natural habitats, and biodiversity. Human activities such as hunting, grazing, and commercial exploitation are strictly regulated or prohibited within these parks. National parks provide safe environments where animals and plants can grow and reproduce naturally. They help protect endangered and vulnerable species from extinction. Examples include Jim Corbett National Park and Kaziranga National Park. These parks also promote environmental awareness, scientific research, and eco-tourism. By preserving ecosystems and wildlife, national parks play an important role in maintaining ecological balance and conserving natural heritage.
Q10. What are wildlife sanctuaries? How do they help conservation?
Answer:
Wildlife sanctuaries are protected areas established to conserve animals and their habitats. Unlike national parks, some regulated human activities may be allowed within sanctuaries. Their main objective is to provide protection to wildlife from hunting, poaching, and habitat destruction. Sanctuaries help endangered and vulnerable species survive and reproduce in a safe environment. They also protect ecosystems and maintain biodiversity. Examples include Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary. Wildlife sanctuaries promote research, environmental education, and sustainable tourism. Through these functions, they contribute significantly to the conservation of India’s rich wildlife resources.
Q11. What do you understand by conservation of forests and wildlife?
Answer:
Conservation of forests and wildlife means protecting, managing, and restoring natural resources to ensure their long-term survival. It involves preventing deforestation, reducing habitat destruction, controlling poaching, and promoting sustainable use of resources. Conservation helps maintain ecological balance, biodiversity, and environmental stability. Governments, local communities, and non-governmental organizations work together to implement conservation measures. Protected areas such as national parks and wildlife sanctuaries play a major role in conservation efforts. Public awareness and participation are also important. Effective conservation ensures that future generations can benefit from healthy forests and diverse wildlife populations.
Q12. How do local communities contribute to forest conservation?
Answer:
Local communities play a significant role in conserving forests because they depend on forest resources for their livelihood. Many communities follow traditional practices that promote sustainable use of resources. They protect forests from illegal logging, overgrazing, and encroachment. Community-based conservation movements have successfully preserved forest ecosystems in several regions of India. Local participation increases awareness and encourages responsible resource management. When communities are involved in decision-making, conservation efforts become more effective and sustainable. Their knowledge of local ecosystems also helps in protecting biodiversity and maintaining ecological balance while meeting human needs.
Q13. What was the Chipko Movement?
Answer:
The Chipko Movement was a forest conservation movement that began in the Himalayan region of Uttarakhand during the 1970s. Villagers, especially women, protested against commercial tree felling by hugging trees to prevent them from being cut down. The movement highlighted the importance of forests for soil conservation, water resources, and local livelihoods. It raised awareness about environmental protection and sustainable development. The Chipko Movement became a symbol of people’s participation in conservation efforts and inspired similar environmental movements across India. Its success demonstrated that community involvement is essential for protecting natural resources.
Q14. What is Joint Forest Management (JFM)?
Answer:
Joint Forest Management (JFM) is a program in which local communities and forest departments work together to conserve and manage forests. Introduced in India during the late 1980s, JFM encourages villagers to participate in protecting forest resources. In return, communities receive benefits such as access to forest products and a share in profits from timber sales. The program aims to reduce deforestation, improve forest quality, and promote sustainable resource use. JFM has strengthened cooperation between government agencies and local people. It has contributed to better forest management and increased community responsibility toward conservation.
Q15. Why is poaching a threat to wildlife?
Answer:
Poaching refers to the illegal hunting, capturing, or killing of wild animals. It is a major threat to wildlife because it reduces animal populations and pushes many species toward extinction. Animals are often hunted for their skin, fur, horns, tusks, bones, or other body parts that are sold in illegal markets. Poaching disrupts food chains and ecological balance. Species such as tigers, elephants, and rhinoceroses have been severely affected by illegal hunting. Strict laws, effective enforcement, public awareness, and community participation are necessary to control poaching and ensure the survival of endangered wildlife species.
Q16. What is the significance of biosphere reserves?
Answer:
Biosphere reserves are large protected areas established to conserve biodiversity and promote sustainable development. They include core zones for strict protection, buffer zones for limited activities, and transition zones where people can live and work sustainably. Biosphere reserves protect ecosystems, endangered species, and genetic diversity. They also support scientific research, environmental education, and conservation programs. Examples in India include the Nilgiri and Sundarbans Biosphere Reserves. These reserves help maintain ecological balance while allowing local communities to benefit from natural resources in a sustainable manner. Thus, they are important tools for long-term conservation.
Q17. How does deforestation affect wildlife?
Answer:
Deforestation destroys the natural habitats of animals and plants. When forests are cleared for agriculture, industries, roads, or urban development, wildlife loses shelter, food, and breeding grounds. This forces animals to migrate or compete for limited resources, increasing their risk of death. Habitat fragmentation also isolates populations, making reproduction difficult. As a result, many species become endangered or extinct. Deforestation disrupts ecological balance and affects food chains. It also contributes to climate change, which further threatens biodiversity. Therefore, reducing deforestation is essential for protecting wildlife and preserving healthy ecosystems.
Q18. Why is biodiversity conservation important for sustainable development?
Answer:
Biodiversity conservation is important for sustainable development because it ensures the availability of natural resources for present and future generations. Diverse ecosystems provide food, water, medicine, fuel, and raw materials. Biodiversity also supports essential ecological processes such as pollination, nutrient cycling, and climate regulation. Loss of biodiversity can reduce ecosystem productivity and increase environmental risks. Conservation helps maintain ecological balance and strengthens resilience against natural disasters and climate change. Sustainable development requires the careful use of resources without harming ecosystems. Therefore, protecting biodiversity is essential for economic growth, environmental health, and human well-being.
Q19. What are rare species? Give examples.
Answer:
Rare species are plants or animals with small populations and limited geographical distribution. Although they are not currently endangered, they may become vulnerable or endangered if their habitats are disturbed. Rare species require special protection because their numbers are already low. Examples in India include the Himalayan brown bear, wild Asiatic buffalo, desert fox, and hornbill species in certain regions. Habitat loss, hunting, and environmental changes can threaten their survival. Conservation measures such as habitat protection, wildlife monitoring, and awareness programs help prevent rare species from moving toward the endangered category and ensure their long-term survival.
Q20. What measures can be taken to conserve forests and wildlife?
Answer:
Several measures can help conserve forests and wildlife. Afforestation and reforestation should be encouraged to restore degraded forests. Strict laws must be enforced to prevent illegal logging and poaching. Protected areas such as national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves should be strengthened. Community participation and Joint Forest Management programs should be promoted. Environmental education can increase public awareness about conservation. Sustainable use of forest resources should be encouraged to reduce pressure on ecosystems. Scientific research and monitoring of species are also important. Together, these measures can protect biodiversity and ensure ecological balance for future generations.