NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Social Science Geography Chapter 2 Forest and Wildlife Resources

Class 10 Social Science Geography Chapter 2 Forest and Wildlife Resources:- Class 10 Geography Chapter 2, "Forest and Wildlife Resources," explains the rich biodiversity of India, focusing on the importance of forests and wildlife. It covers the different types of forests found across the country, their distribution, and the wide variety of species that live in these areas.
It also discusses conservation efforts, such as Project Tiger, and the significant role of communities in preserving natural resources. Understanding these topics is key to realising the importance of protecting our environment for future generations. For detailed insights, check out the NCERT Class 10 Geography Chapter 2 question answer provided in the below article.
NCERT Solutions For Class 10 Social Science Geography Chapter 2 Forest and Wildlife Resources
Go through the class 10 geography chapter 2 detailed NCERT Solutions below:-
Exercise Page No 22
1. Multiple choice questions.
(i) Which of these statements is not a valid reason for the depletion of flora and fauna?
(a) Agricultural expansion.
(b) Large scale developmental projects.
(c) Grazing and fuelwood collection.
(d) Rapid industrialisation and urbanisation.
Answer: Grazing and fuelwood collection
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(ii) Which of the following conservation strategies do not directly involve community participation?
(a) Joint forest management
(b) Beej Bachao Andolan
(c) Chipko Movement
(d) Demarcation of wildlife sanctuaries
Answer: Demarcation of wildlife sanctuaries
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2. Match the following animals with their category of existence.
Animals/Plants |
Category of existence |
Black Buck |
Extinct |
Asiatic Elephant |
Rare |
Andaman wild pig |
Endangered |
Himalayan Brown Bear |
Vulnerable |
Pink Head Duck |
Endemic |
Answer:
Animals/Plants |
Category of existence |
Black Buck |
Endangered |
Asiatic Elephant |
Vulnerable |
Andaman wild pig |
Endemic |
Himalayan Brown Bear |
Rare |
Pink Head Duck |
Extinct |
3. Match the following.
Reserved Forests |
Other forests and wastelands belonging to both government and private individuals and communities |
Protected Forests |
Forests are regarded as most valuable as far as the conservation of forest and wildlife resources is concerned |
Unclassed Forests |
Forest lands are protected from any further depletion |
Answer:
Reserved Forests |
Forests are regarded as most valuable as far as the conservation of forest and wildlife resources is concerned |
Protected Forests |
Forest lands are protected from any further depletion |
Unclassed Forests |
Other forests and wastelands belonging to both government and private individuals and communities |
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4. Answer the following questions in about 30 words.
(i) What is biodiversity? Why is biodiversity important for human lives?
Answer: Biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms on Earth, spanning ecosystems, species, and genetic diversity. It thrives most in tropical regions, covering just 10% of Earth's surface but hosting 90% of its species.
Biodiversity is vital for humans in several ways:
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Agriculture: Diverse plant species provide us with food and contribute to resilient farming.
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Business and Industry: Biodiversity supplies raw materials and inspires innovations in biotechnology and medicine.
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Recreation: It enriches our lives through activities like wildlife viewing and nature tourism.
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Ecological Functions: Biodiversity supports essential processes like pollination, nutrient cycling, and pest control, which maintain healthy ecosystems.
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(ii) How have human activities affected the depletion of flora and fauna? Explain
Answer: The impact of human activities on natural ecosystems, particularly in river valleys and forests, has been profound and multifaceted:
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River Valley Projects: Building dams and reservoirs has altered river habitats, affecting plants and animals that rely on them.
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Illegal Mining: Unregulated mining has destroyed forests, leading to habitat loss and biodiversity decline.
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Development in Forests: Building for leisure has fragmented habitats, harming wildlife and plants.
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Human-Wildlife Conflict: As people expand into forests, conflicts with wildlife increase, threatening both human safety and animal survival.
5. Answer the following questions in about 120 words.
(i) Describe how communities have conserved and protected forests and wildlife in India.
Answer: The Chipko movement, renowned in the Himalayas, not only successfully halted deforestation but also demonstrated the effectiveness of community-led afforestation using native species.
In various cultures, specific trees hold deep cultural significance and are revered. For instance, the Mundas and Santhals of Chota Nagpur cherish mahua and kadamba trees, while tribes in Odisha and Bihar honor tamarind and mango trees in traditional ceremonies. Trees like peepal and banyan are also considered sacred by many.
In Rajasthan's Sariska Tiger Reserve, villagers have actively opposed mining activities under the Wildlife Protection Act. Across different regions, communities are taking charge of habitat protection, often rejecting governmental interventions. In Alwar district, five villages have designated 1,200 hectares of forest as the Bhairodev Dakav 'Sonchuri', enforcing their own conservation rules to safeguard wildlife from external threats like hunting and encroachment.
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(ii) Write a note on good practices towards conserving forest and wildlife.
Answer:
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Community-Based Forest Management
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Joint Forest Management (JFM): Engaging local communities in forest conservation through JFM programs. This involves forming local institutions to protect and manage degraded forest lands in collaboration with forest departments.
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Community Afforestation: Encouraging local communities to participate in afforestation with indigenous species, as demonstrated by the Chipko Movement.
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Cultural and Traditional Practices
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Tree Reverence: Preserving trees of cultural significance. For example, the Mundas and Santhals of Chota Nagpur worship mahua and kadamba trees, while tribes in Odisha and Bihar revere tamarind and mango trees during weddings.
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Sacred Groves: Protecting sacred groves and trees like the peepal and banyan, which are considered sacred by many communities.
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Legislative and Policy Measures
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Wildlife Protection Act: Utilizing legal frameworks to protect wildlife habitats. For instance, villagers in the Sariska Tiger Reserve used the Wildlife Protection Act to fight against mining.
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Local Governance: Encouraging local communities to establish their own rules and regulations for conservation, as seen in the Bhairodev Dakav ‘Sonchuri’ initiative in Rajasthan.
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Sustainable Development
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People-Centric Development: Prioritizing economic and developmental activities that are environmentally friendly and economically rewarding for local communities.
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Sustainable Practices: Ensuring that development projects do not harm forest ecosystems, such as avoiding unnecessary construction in forested areas and promoting eco-friendly tourism.
Forest and Wildlife Resources Summary
The students will explore the following topics:
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Flora and Fauna in India: An overview of the diverse plant and animal life found across the country.
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Different Types of Species: A study of the various species that inhabit India's ecosystems.
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Conservation of Forests and Wildlife in India: Efforts and strategies to protect and preserve forests and wildlife.
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Project Tiger: An in-depth look at the initiative aimed at tiger conservation in India.
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Types and Distribution of Forest and Wildlife Resources: Understanding the different forest types and how wildlife resources are distributed.
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Community and Conservation: The role of local communities in the conservation of natural resources.
Class 10 Social Science Geography Chapter 2 Forest and Wildlife Resources FAQs
Q1. What is the main focus of Chapter 2 "Forest and Wildlife Resources"?
Ans. The chapter focuses on the diversity of forests and wildlife in India, their distribution, and the importance of conserving these resources.
Q2. Why are forests important for maintaining ecological balance?
Ans. Forests play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance by providing habitat for wildlife, regulating climate, and supporting water cycles and soil conservation.
Q3. What are the different types of forests found in India?
Ans. India has a variety of forests, including tropical evergreen forests, tropical deciduous forests, thorn forests, mountain forests, and mangrove forests.
Q4. What is Project Tiger and why was it initiated?
Ans. Project Tiger is a conservation program launched by the Government of India in 1973 to protect tigers from extinction by preserving their natural habitats.
Q5. How do human activities impact forest and wildlife resources?
Ans. Human activities like deforestation, illegal logging, mining, and urbanization lead to habitat destruction, loss of biodiversity, and increased human-wildlife conflicts.