Extra 30 short-answer questions from the "Forest and Wildlife Resources" chapter of Class 10 CBSE Geography
---
1. What is biodiversity?
Answer: Biodiversity refers to the variety of all life forms on Earth, including different species of plants, animals, and microorganisms, as well as the ecosystems in which they live.
---
2. What are endemic species? Give an example.
Answer: Endemic species are those that are found only in a specific geographical area and nowhere else in the world. Example: The Nicobar Pigeon is endemic to the Nicobar Islands.
---
3. Define deforestation. What are its causes?
Answer: Deforestation is the large-scale clearing of forests for human activities. Causes: Agriculture expansion, urbanization, industrialization, and logging.
---
4. What is the importance of forests?
Answer: Forests provide oxygen, prevent soil erosion, regulate climate, maintain biodiversity, and support livelihoods through resources like timber, fruits, and medicinal plants.
---
5. What are the consequences of deforestation?
Answer:
1. Loss of biodiversity
2. Increase in global warming
3. Soil erosion and desertification
4. Disturbance in the water cycle
5. Loss of habitat for wildlife
---
6. What are the different types of forests found in India?
Answer:
1. Tropical Evergreen Forests
2. Tropical Deciduous Forests
3. Thorn Forests and Scrubs
4. Montane Forests
5. Mangrove Forests
---
7. What are the major threats to biodiversity?
Answer: Habitat destruction, poaching, pollution, climate change, and introduction of invasive species.
---
8. Name two critically endangered species in India.
Answer: The Great Indian Bustard and the Forest Owlet.
---
9. What is afforestation? How does it help?
Answer: Afforestation is the process of planting trees in barren lands. It helps in restoring biodiversity, reducing carbon dioxide levels, and preventing soil erosion.
---
10. What is meant by social forestry?
Answer: Social forestry involves the plantation of trees on community lands, roadsides, and degraded forests to meet the needs of local people and protect the environment.
---
11. What is the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972?
Answer: It is a law enacted by the Indian government to protect wildlife, forests, and ecosystems, and it led to the establishment of national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves.
---
12. Name two national parks and the states where they are located.
Answer:
1. Jim Corbett National Park – Uttarakhand
2. Kaziranga National Park – Assam
---
13. Differentiate between flora and fauna.
Answer:
Flora refers to all types of plant life.
Fauna refers to all types of animal life.
---
14. What are biosphere reserves?
Answer: Biosphere reserves are large protected areas meant for conservation of biodiversity, research, and sustainable development. Example: Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve.
---
15. What are sacred groves?
Answer: Sacred groves are forests or trees protected by local communities due to religious and cultural beliefs, helping in biodiversity conservation.
---
16. What is an extinct species? Give an example.
Answer: An extinct species is one that no longer exists. Example: The Pink-headed Duck is extinct in India.
---
17. What is the difference between in-situ and ex-situ conservation?
Answer:
In-situ conservation: Protecting species in their natural habitat (e.g., National Parks, Sanctuaries).
Ex-situ conservation: Protecting species outside their natural habitat (e.g., Zoos, Botanical Gardens).
---
18. Name two migratory birds found in India.
Answer: Siberian Crane and Flamingo.
---
19. What are the causes of wildlife depletion in India?
Answer:
1. Deforestation
2. Poaching
3. Pollution
4. Climate change
5. Habitat destruction
---
20. What is a wildlife sanctuary? Give an example.
Answer: A wildlife sanctuary is a protected area where animals are conserved in their natural habitat with restricted human activities. Example: Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala.
---
21. Why are mangrove forests important?
Answer: They protect coastlines from erosion, act as breeding grounds for marine life, and store carbon, reducing climate change effects.
---
22. What is poaching? Why is it a threat?
Answer: Poaching is the illegal hunting and killing of animals for commercial purposes, leading to the extinction of many species.
---
23. How does industrialization impact forests and wildlife?
Answer: Industrial activities cause deforestation, pollution, and habitat destruction, endangering wildlife species.
---
24. What is the difference between national parks and wildlife sanctuaries?
Answer:
National Parks: Strictly protected areas with no human interference (e.g., Jim Corbett National Park).
Wildlife Sanctuaries: Protected areas where limited human activities are allowed (e.g., Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary).
---
25. What role do forests play in maintaining the ecological balance?
Answer:
1. Produce oxygen through photosynthesis.
2. Prevent soil erosion.
3. Regulate temperature and rainfall.
4. Provide habitat for wildlife.
---
26. What is the Forest Survey of India (FSI)?
Answer: The FSI is an organization that assesses India’s forest cover, monitors deforestation, and provides conservation guidelines.
---
27. Why are forests called the "lungs of the Earth"?
Answer: Because they absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, essential for all living beings.
---
28. How does climate change affect biodiversity?
Answer: It leads to habitat destruction, changes in migration patterns, loss of species, and increased natural disasters.
---
29. What is the difference between reserved forests and protected forests?
Answer:
Reserved Forests: Highly protected, no commercial activities allowed.
Protected Forests: Limited activities like grazing may be allowed.
---
30. What are the objectives of Project Tiger?
Answer:
1. To protect Bengal tigers from extinction.
2. To conserve forests and prey species.
3. To prevent illegal poaching and habitat destruction.
