Extra 20 long-answer questions from the "Forest and Wildlife Resources" chapter of Class 10 CBSE Geography:
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1. Explain the importance of forests in maintaining ecological balance.
Answer: Forests play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem by:
1. Providing Oxygen: Forests absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen through photosynthesis.
2. Preventing Soil Erosion: Tree roots bind the soil, reducing soil erosion and preventing landslides.
3. Regulating Climate: Forests absorb and store carbon dioxide, reducing global warming.
4. Maintaining Water Cycle: Trees help in rainfall formation through transpiration.
5. Providing Habitat: Forests support biodiversity by providing shelter to various species.
6. Supporting Livelihoods: They provide wood, fruits, medicinal plants, and employment opportunities.
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2. What are the major causes of deforestation in India?
Answer: The major causes of deforestation in India are:
1. Agricultural Expansion: Forests are cleared for farming and plantations.
2. Urbanization: Expanding cities, roads, and buildings lead to forest loss.
3. Industrialization: Industries require land for factories and mining activities.
4. Overgrazing: Excessive grazing by cattle damages forests and prevents regeneration.
5. Timber and Fuelwood Demand: Large-scale cutting of trees for wood and fuel.
6. Forest Fires: Natural and human-made fires destroy vast areas of forests.
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3. Explain the different types of forests found in India.
Answer: India has five major types of forests:
1. Tropical Evergreen Forests: Found in Western Ghats, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, dense, and rich in biodiversity.
2. Tropical Deciduous Forests: Found in Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, they shed leaves in dry seasons.
3. Thorn Forests and Scrubs: Found in Rajasthan, Gujarat, adapted to dry climates.
4. Montane Forests: Found in Himalayan regions, have coniferous trees like pine and fir.
5. Mangrove Forests: Found in coastal areas like Sundarbans, adapted to saline conditions.
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4. What are the major threats to biodiversity in India?
Answer: The major threats to biodiversity include:
1. Deforestation: Habitat destruction due to excessive cutting of trees.
2. Poaching and Illegal Trade: Hunting of animals for skins, horns, and bones.
3. Pollution: Air, water, and soil pollution negatively impact wildlife.
4. Climate Change: Rising temperatures lead to habitat loss.
5. Introduction of Invasive Species: Non-native species threaten indigenous species.
6. Overexploitation of Resources: Excessive hunting, fishing, and logging reduce biodiversity.
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5. What are the different categories of species based on their conservation status?
Answer: The species are classified as:
1. Normal Species: Species with stable populations (e.g., Cattle, Sal trees).
2. Endangered Species: Species facing high risk of extinction (e.g., Tiger, Asiatic Elephant).
3. Vulnerable Species: Species that may soon become endangered (e.g., Gangetic Dolphin).
4. Rare Species: Species with very small populations (e.g., Himalayan Brown Bear).
5. Extinct Species: Species no longer found (e.g., Pink-headed Duck).
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6. What steps have been taken by the government to conserve forests and wildlife?
Answer: The government has taken the following steps:
1. Forest Conservation Act (1980): Regulates deforestation.
2. Wildlife Protection Act (1972): Protects endangered species.
3. Afforestation Programs: Promotes reforestation.
4. Creation of Protected Areas: Establishment of national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves.
5. Project Tiger and Project Elephant: Conservation programs for these species.
6. Community Participation: Encouraging Joint Forest Management (JFM) programs.
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7. Describe the significance of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972.
Answer: The Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 was enacted to:
1. Protect Endangered Species: It prevents the hunting and trading of endangered animals.
2. Create National Parks and Sanctuaries: Conservation areas were established under the law.
3. Control Poaching and Smuggling: Strict penalties for illegal wildlife trade.
4. Encourage Community Participation: Involves local people in conservation.
5. Regulate Captive Breeding: Supports breeding of rare species in controlled environments.
6. Establish Conservation Authorities: State and central authorities monitor implementation.
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8. What are biosphere reserves? Name two in India.
Answer: Biosphere reserves are protected areas meant for biodiversity conservation. They help in research and sustainable development. Examples in India:
1. Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka)
2. Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve (West Bengal)
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9. What are the advantages of afforestation?
Answer: Afforestation provides several benefits:
1. Reduces Soil Erosion by binding the soil.
2. Helps in Climate Regulation by absorbing carbon dioxide.
3. Increases Groundwater Level through better water retention.
4. Supports Biodiversity by creating new habitats.
5. Improves Air Quality by releasing oxygen.
6. Provides Livelihood Opportunities through forestry-based industries.
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10. What is poaching? What are its effects?
Answer: Poaching is the illegal hunting of animals for commercial purposes. Its effects include:
1. Extinction of Species (e.g., Tigers, Rhinos).
2. Loss of Biodiversity by reducing species populations.
3. Disturbance in Ecosystems leading to imbalances.
4. Illegal Trade Growth of animal skins, ivory, and bones.
5. Loss of Genetic Diversity reducing species' survival ability.
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11. What are the different types of protected areas for wildlife conservation? Explain with examples.
Answer: In India, protected areas are classified into the following types:
1. National Parks: Strictly protected areas where no human activity is allowed. Example: Jim Corbett National Park (Uttarakhand).
2. Wildlife Sanctuaries: Areas where limited human activities are permitted. Example: Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (Kerala).
3. Biosphere Reserves: Large conservation areas that include national parks and sanctuaries. Example: Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
4. Conservation Reserves: Community-managed protected areas near forests.
5. Community Reserves: Areas managed by local communities for conservation.
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12. What is the role of local communities in forest and wildlife conservation?
Answer: Local communities play a crucial role in conservation through:
1. Sacred Groves Protection: Many tribal communities protect forests due to religious beliefs.
2. Joint Forest Management (JFM): Government and communities work together to conserve forests.
3. Sustainable Resource Use: Indigenous people use natural resources without harming ecosystems.
4. Forest Conservation Movements: Movements like Chipko Movement helped prevent deforestation.
5. Wildlife Protection: Communities assist in preventing poaching and illegal hunting.
6. Reforestation Initiatives: Local efforts in tree planting and afforestation.
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13. Describe the Chipko Movement and its impact.
Answer: The Chipko Movement (1973) was a forest conservation movement led by villagers in Uttarakhand.
1. Started in Reni village (Uttarakhand) by environmental activists like Sundarlal Bahuguna.
2. Villagers hugged trees to prevent their cutting.
3. Raised awareness about the importance of forests.
4. Led to a government ban on tree-cutting in the region.
5. Inspired other conservation movements in India.
6. Encouraged afforestation and sustainable forest management.
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14. What is the importance of mangrove forests? Name some mangrove regions in India.
Answer: Mangrove forests grow in coastal areas and are vital for ecosystems.
1. Prevent Coastal Erosion: Their roots hold the soil, protecting coastlines.
2. Act as Natural Barriers: Reduce the impact of tsunamis and cyclones.
3. Provide Habitat for Marine Life: Many fish, crabs, and birds depend on them.
4. Absorb Carbon Dioxide: Help combat climate change.
5. Support Local Livelihoods: Provide wood, honey, and fish.
6. Regions in India: Sundarbans (West Bengal), Mahanadi Delta (Odisha), Pichavaram (Tamil Nadu).
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15. How do forests help in water conservation?
Answer: Forests play a crucial role in maintaining the water cycle:
1. Increase Rainfall: Trees release moisture into the air, encouraging rainfall.
2. Reduce Runoff: Roots hold water, preventing floods.
3. Recharge Groundwater: Water seeps into the soil, refilling underground reserves.
4. Prevent Soil Erosion: Protects riverbanks from washing away.
5. Filter Water: Tree roots and soil remove pollutants from water.
6. Maintain River Flow: Help regulate seasonal water availability.
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16. What is the significance of the Joint Forest Management (JFM) program?
Answer: The JFM program, introduced in 1988, involves local communities in forest conservation.
1. Encourages community participation in forest management.
2. Improves degraded forests through local efforts.
3. Provides economic benefits to communities from forest products.
4. Reduces illegal logging by promoting sustainable use.
5. Helps in biodiversity conservation through local awareness.
6. Example: Villagers in Arabari, West Bengal, successfully revived forests under JFM.
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17. Explain the role of national parks in wildlife conservation. Name two national parks in India.
Answer: National parks are protected areas dedicated to preserving wildlife and ecosystems.
1. Strict Protection: No human interference is allowed.
2. Biodiversity Conservation: Protects endangered species.
3. Scientific Research: Helps in the study of ecosystems.
4. Eco-tourism: Promotes nature awareness.
5. Example 1: Jim Corbett National Park (Uttarakhand) – Known for tigers.
6. Example 2: Kaziranga National Park (Assam) – Home to one-horned rhinoceros.
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18. How does climate change affect forests and wildlife?
Answer: Climate change has severe effects on forests and wildlife:
1. Rising Temperatures: Affects habitats of species.
2. Changes in Rainfall Patterns: Causes droughts or floods, impacting forests.
3. Loss of Biodiversity: Many species cannot adapt to new conditions.
4. Increased Forest Fires: Due to extreme heat.
5. Melting Glaciers: Affects montane ecosystems.
6. Disrupts Migration Patterns: Birds and animals struggle to find food and water.
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19. Why are sacred groves important for biodiversity conservation?
Answer: Sacred groves are patches of forests protected by communities for religious reasons.
1. Home to Rare Species: Many endangered plants and animals survive here.
2. Prevent Deforestation: Local beliefs discourage cutting trees.
3. Maintain Genetic Diversity: Preserves native plant species.
4. Source of Traditional Medicine: Many medicinal plants grow here.
5. Act as Carbon Sinks: Absorb carbon dioxide, reducing global warming.
6. Examples in India: Mawphlang (Meghalaya), Kodagu (Karnataka), Aravalli Hills (Rajasthan).
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20. What measures can be taken to prevent deforestation and wildlife depletion?
Answer: Conservation efforts must focus on sustainable forest management and wildlife protection.
1. Strict Laws: Stronger implementation of the Wildlife Protection Act.
2. Afforestation Programs: Large-scale tree plantation drives.
3. Eco-Friendly Development: Using sustainable resources instead of cutting forests.
4. Protection of Wildlife Reserves: Expansion of national parks and sanctuaries.
5. Community Participation: Encouraging JFM and local conservation efforts.
6. Ban on Poaching and Illegal Trade: Stricter penalties for offenders.
