CBSE Important Questions for Class 10 Social Science Geography Forest and Wildlife Resources - 2025-26

1. What are the main reasons causing significant depletion of plants and animals?

Ans: Human actions are the biggest reasons why plants and animals are disappearing:

• Destroying Homes: Cutting down forests and draining wetlands to make space for farms, cities, and roads takes away where animals and plants live.

• Making Things Dirty: Factories and farms cause a lot of pollution that harms plants and animals by making their homes unhealthy.

• Taking too Much: Hunting animals, catching fish, and selling wildlife illegally make their numbers go down too fast.

• Changing the Weather: The world is getting warmer and weather changes mess up where plants and animals can live and how they survive.

2. (i) Which of these statements is not a valid reason for the decline of flora and fauna?

(a) Expansion of agriculture.

(b) Implementation of large-scale developmental projects.

(c) Grazing and fuelwood collection.

(d) Rapid industrialization and urbanisation.

Ans: The idea of "Implementation of large-scale developmental projects" is not a good reason for the decline of plants and animals. Here’s why:

• Expansion of Agriculture: This often means cutting down forests for farms, which takes away homes and food for wildlife.

• Grazing and Collecting Firewood: These activities can lead to too much grazing and cutting trees for wood, which harms plants and animals.

• Fast Building and City Growth: This breaks up habitats, adds pollution, and changes nature, which hurts living things.

3. Are historical forest policies during colonial times accountable for current environmental issues?

Ans: Historical forest policies from colonial times have had a lasting impact on today's environment. These policies focused on using forests to make money without thinking about how it would affect nature or local communities. As a result:

• Many forests were cut down for wood and to make space for farms, which made it hard for animals and plants to survive.

• People who lived in these forests lost their homes and ways to make a living.

• Using forests mostly for profit caused problems in nature that we still have today.

• These old decisions show why it's important to balance making money with taking care of nature for the future.

4. Have you observed any activities in your surroundings contributing to biodiversity loss? Describe them and suggest measures to address this issue.

Ans: In urban areas, activities like building more cities and roads and not properly cleaning up garbage hurt plants and animals. To fix this:

• Save Green Areas: Keep parks and nature spots safe from more buildings.

• Plant Local Plants: Grow plants that belong there in gardens to help animals.

• Stop Pollution: Make laws to cut down on cars and factory dirt.

• Teach: Tell more people how to save nature in schools and communities.

5. Match the following animals with their category of existence.

Ans: 

6. Which of the following factors has contributed to the decline of India’s biodiversity?

(a) Environmental pollution.

(b) Forest fires.

(c) Poaching.

(d) All of the above.

Ans: (d) All of the above

7. Reserved and protected forests are also considered permanent forest estates. Is the statement——–?

(a) True.

(b) False.

Ans: (a) True

8. What does biodiversity mean, and why is it important for human lives?

Ans: Biodiversity means the variety of life on Earth—plants, animals, and tiny creatures. It’s important for us because:

• It gives us clean air, water, and fertile soil.

• Plants and animals provide us with food and medicine.

• Biodiversity supports jobs in farming, fishing, and tourism.

• It enriches our cultures and traditions.

• Diverse nature helps us handle changes in the environment for a better future.

9. Write a short essay on any practices you have observed and practised in everyday life that help conserve and protect the environment around you.

Ans: In our daily lives, we can do simple things to protect the environment. Fixing leaks to save water and using water-efficient appliances helps. Recycling paper, plastic, and glass reduce waste. Turning off lights and using energy-saving devices saves electricity. Planting trees and buying local foods helps cut down on pollution. Avoiding single-use plastics like bags and straws reduces garbage. Talking about these issues with others helps spread awareness and encourages everyone to help the environment.

10. Justify how the destruction of forests and wildlife is not merely a biological issue.

Ans: The destruction of forests and wildlife isn't just about biology; it affects many aspects of human life and society:

Loss of forests and wildlife impacts our daily lives beyond biology. It threatens our environment, economy, and culture.

Environmental Impact:

• Deforestation leads to soil erosion, loss of water quality, and disruptions in the carbon cycle, affecting climate stability.

• Wildlife loss disrupts ecosystems, leading to imbalances that can increase pests and diseases.

Economic Impact:

• Forests provide resources like timber, medicine, and livelihoods for millions.

• Wildlife tourism generates income and jobs in many regions.

Cultural Impact:

• Many communities rely on forests for spiritual, and cultural practices.

• Loss of wildlife can erase traditional knowledge and practices linked to local biodiversity.

11. How has the loss of wildlife resulted in the decline of cultural diversity?

Ans: Loss of wildlife has caused a decline in cultural diversity in several ways:

• Wildlife has always been important in cultural practices and beliefs, forming a big part of traditions and identities.

• Many cultures have stories and rituals about animals, which symbolise values like strength or wisdom.

• Traditional medicines often use ingredients from wildlife, showing deep cultural knowledge.

• Hunting and gathering have shaped how people live and eat, connecting communities and passing down knowledge through generations.

12. Explain the concept of Joint Forest Management.

Ans: Joint Forest Management (JFM) is when local communities and the government work together to take care of forests. They share decisions and responsibilities to protect and use the forests wisely.

In Joint Forest Management:

• Collaboration: Communities and government work together to manage forests.

• Goals: Protecting forests, using resources sustainably, and improving local livelihoods.

• Roles: Communities help manage forests and benefit from sustainable products.

• Benefits: Communities get resources like wood and help keep forests healthy.

• Key Points: Agreements, community involvement, and support are important for success.

13. What measures has the government taken to conserve and protect wildlife?

Ans: The government has taken steps to protect wildlife in India. They've set up national parks, sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves.

• These areas provide safe homes for endangered species and limit human activities that could harm them. 

• Laws like the Wildlife Protection Act, of 1972, ban hunting and trading endangered animals. Government and NGOs work together to enforce these laws. 

• Awareness campaigns educate people about wildlife conservation. Breeding programs aim to increase populations of endangered animals. 

• Efforts also focus on reducing conflicts between people and wildlife by restoring habitats and involving local communities in conservation.

14. Explain the various categories in which existing species of plants and animals can be classified. Provide examples of plants and animals in each category.

Ans: Species of plants and animals are sorted into different groups based on how many are left and how much danger they are in. These groups help decide how to protect them better.

• Extinct: These are species that no longer exist anywhere on Earth. Examples include the Dodo bird and the Tasmanian tiger.

• Endangered: Species that are at risk of disappearing if we don't protect them. Examples include the Bengal tiger and the giant panda.

• Vulnerable: Species that might become endangered if we keep destroying their homes or hunting them. Examples include the snow leopard and the leatherback turtle.

• Rare: Species with very few left that aren't endangered yet but need watching. Examples include certain types of orchids and some small bird species.

• Critically Endangered: Species at very high risk of dying out soon. Examples include the Javan rhinoceros and the Vaquita porpoise.

15. List 3 methods of forest conservation adopted by the Government post-independence.

After India gained independence, the government implemented several ways to protect forests and ensure they are used wisely. These methods include:

• Laws and Rules: The government made laws like the Wildlife Protection Act and Forest Conservation Act to stop the illegal cutting of trees and protect forests.

• Planting Trees: They started projects to plant new trees (afforestation) and restore damaged forests (reforestation) to increase the number of trees.

• Involving Communities: Programs like Joint Forest Management (JFM) let local people help take care of forests. This helps them earn from the forest without harming it, like collecting fruits or nuts.

16. Differentiate between endangered species and vulnerable species of wild animals. Give one example of each.

Ans: Endangered species are those facing a very high risk of extinction shortly. This is often due to a significant decline in their population size or a reduction in their habitat. On the other hand, vulnerable species are likely to become endangered if their declining trends continue. While they are not currently facing as high a risk as endangered species, they are still threatened and require conservation efforts to prevent further decline.

Endangered Species:

• These species have critically low population numbers, which means there are very few left in the wild.

• They face severe threats such as habitat loss, poaching, and climate change.

Example: Amur Leopard: Found in parts of Russia and China, the Amur leopard is critically endangered due to habitat loss, poaching for its beautiful fur, and human-wildlife conflict.

Vulnerable Species:

• These species have declining populations and are at risk of becoming endangered if conservation measures are not implemented.

• They face threats similar to endangered species but are not as critically endangered yet.

Example: Giraffes: Found in various parts of Africa, giraffes are vulnerable due to habitat loss from agriculture and human settlements, as well as illegal hunting for their meat and body parts. Efforts are underway to protect their habitats and manage their populations sustainably.

17. Write a brief overview of ‘Project Tiger’.

Ans: Launched in 1973, Project Tiger aims to protect India's Bengal tiger and its habitats. It establishes tiger reserves across the country to safeguard tiger populations and their natural homes. The project focuses on combating threats like habitat loss and poaching through strict anti-poaching measures. It has successfully increased India's tiger population and raised awareness about wildlife conservation. Challenges include human-wildlife conflict and ongoing threats from illegal hunting and habitat destruction. Future efforts emphasise habitat conservation, enforcing wildlife protection laws, and involving local communities in sustainable conservation practices.

18. Explain four reasons for the depletion of forest resources in India.

Ans: Forest resources in India are decreasing for several reasons. Firstly, forests are cut down to make space for farming and cities as the population grows. This leads to less forest cover. Secondly, illegal cutting of trees and mining also harms forests. These activities happen without following rules, which damages forest ecosystems. Thirdly, fires, whether natural or caused by people, burn large parts of forests each year. Lastly, people building homes and using land wrongly also hurt forests, making it harder for them to support plants and animals.

• Deforestation for agriculture and urban development.

• Illegal cutting of trees and mining.

• Forest fires, both natural and man-made.

• Encroachment and improper land use practices.

19. How are forests important for the environment and human well-being?

Ans: Forests help keep our air clean by taking in carbon dioxide and giving out oxygen. They prevent soil from washing away, which helps farmers grow crops. Forests are homes for many plants and animals, keeping ecosystems healthy. People use forests for wood, medicines, and food, which are important for our daily lives.

20. Discuss the role of local communities in the conservation of forests and wildlife.

Ans: Local communities know a lot about the forests and animals near them. They use this knowledge to protect plants and animals and use resources sustainably. They also help stop illegal activities like hunting and cutting down trees. Working together with governments and groups helps keep forests and wildlife safe.

21. What are the different categories of wildlife conservation status? Provide examples for each category.

Ans: The different categories of wildlife conservation status are:

• Extinct: These are animals or plants that no longer exist. An example is the dodo bird, which became extinct in the 17th century.

• Endangered: These species are at a high risk of disappearing forever. For instance, the Bengal tiger is endangered due to habitat loss and poaching.

• Vulnerable: These species are in danger of becoming endangered. A good example is the snow leopard, which faces threats from habitat fragmentation and illegal hunting.

• Rare: These species have very few individuals left. The red panda is a rare species found in the Himalayas and faces threats from habitat loss.

• Endemic: These species are found only in specific places or regions. The Komodo dragon, found only on a few Indonesian islands, is an example of an endemic species.

22. What are the major threats faced by wildlife in India? Provide examples.

Ans: Wildlife in India faces big problems that could make them disappear:

• Losing homes because people cut down forests for farming and cities.

• Getting killed for their skins or horns to sell illegally.

• Animals like elephants and leopards sometimes hurt people when their homes get smaller.

• Pollution in water and air also hurts wildlife, making it harder for them to live.

23. Describe the measures taken by the government for the conservation of forests and wildlife.

Ans: The government does a lot to save forests and wildlife:

• They make parks and places where wildlife can live safely without hunting or trees being cut.

• Laws stop people from hunting endangered animals and cutting down too many trees.

• Special projects like 'Project Tiger' and 'Project Elephant' help protect specific animals and their homes.

• They also teach people about why forests and wildlife are important to keep safe.

24. Differentiate between reserved forests and protected forests in India.

Ans: Difference between reserved forests and protected forests in India:

• Reserved Forests: Reserved forests in India are those where strict rules protect the trees and animals. People can't use these forests for normal living or farming. They're kept safe mainly for nature and wildlife.

• Protected Forests: Protected forests also have rules to keep them safe, but they're not as strict as reserved forests. People can live nearby and use some resources like wood, but it's controlled to make sure the forest stays healthy.

25. Explain the importance of sacred groves in the conservation of biodiversity in India.

Ans: Sacred groves are important in India for conserving biodiversity because they protect rare plants and animals. These groves provide homes for many different wildlife species like birds and insects. They also help keep plant species diverse by preserving their different genes. Local communities consider sacred groves special, so they protect them from activities like cutting down trees or building houses. This helps keep India's plants and animals safe and balanced in their natural habitats.

Important Topics of Class 10 Geography Chapter 2 Forest and Wildlife Resources

Chapter 2 of Class 10 Geography covers forests in India, their natural importance, reasons for their loss, efforts to protect wildlife, and how local communities help.

Benefits of Learning with Forest and Wildlife Resources Class 10 Important Questions and Answers

• Understanding different forest types in India helps students appreciate the country's rich natural heritage and biodiversity.

• Learning about wildlife conservation inspires a sense of responsibility toward protecting endangered species and their habitats.

• Knowing the causes of deforestation raises awareness about environmental challenges such as soil erosion and climate change.

• Studying conservation measures like afforestation and wildlife sanctuaries empowers students to contribute actively to environmental sustainability.

• Exploring the role of local communities in forest management promotes a deeper understanding of sustainable living practices.

• Studying these ideas helps students know more so they can make good choices and support taking care of nature where they live and everywhere else.

Conclusion 

Learning Chapter 2 of Forest and Wildlife Resources Class 10 Important Questions and Answers is important. It shows us India's different forests, why they're crucial for a healthy environment, and the dangers they face like cutting down trees. Protecting forests and wildlife is key, including planting trees, making safe places for animals, and involving local communities. For more help with Geography, check out Vedantu's live classes and study materials. Start learning and protecting nature today. Explore Vedantu for live classes and study materials to score well in Geography.

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