PYQs – Class 10 Geography Chapter 2: Forest and Wildlife Resources | CBSE | GPN

📚 Past Year Questions (PYQs) 2019-2024

This section contains 35 authentic questions from CBSE board exams (2019 to 2024) for Geography Chapter 2: Forest and Wildlife Resources. Organized by marks category with focused answers. This chapter connects ecology with conservation - master it for easy marks.

🌳 Chapter 2 Focus Areas

This chapter typically carries 5-7 marks. High-weightage topics: Biodiversity in India, classification of species, causes of depletion, conservation methods, and community participation in conservation.

Most Repeated: Conservation methods (6 times), Causes of depletion (5 times), Community projects (4 times)

Data Points: Remember specific percentages - forest cover, endangered species numbers

Confusion Alert: Students often mix up different conservation categories (endangered vs vulnerable)

PART A: Very Short Answer Questions (1 Mark Each)

Answer in one word or one sentence. Stick to facts and avoid elaboration.

What is biodiversity? [CBSE 2024]
Answer: The variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat or in the world as a whole.
Name any two endangered species of animals in India. [CBSE 2024]
Answer: Asiatic Lion and Great Indian Bustard.
Define endemic species. [CBSE 2023]
⚠️ Repeated
Answer: Species which are found exclusively in a particular area and not found anywhere else naturally.
What percentage of India's total geographical area is under forest cover according to India State of Forest Report 2021? [CBSE 2023]
Answer: 21.71% (Note: This is an important data point - memorize it!)
Name two bird sanctuaries in India. [CBSE 2022]
Answer: Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary (Rajasthan) and Chilika Bird Sanctuary (Odisha).
What is a National Park? [CBSE 2022]
Answer: A natural area designated for conservation of wildlife where human activities are strictly prohibited.
What are extinct species? [CBSE 2021]
Answer: Species which are no longer found anywhere on Earth. Example: Dodo, Indian Cheetah.
Name two wildlife sanctuaries in India. [CBSE 2021]
Answer: Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (Kerala) and Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary (Rajasthan).
What is Project Tiger? [CBSE 2020]
Answer: A wildlife conservation project launched in 1973 to protect tigers in India.
What is the meaning of 'vulnerable species'? [CBSE 2020]
Answer: Species whose population has declined and is likely to move into the endangered category if negative factors continue to operate.

PART B: Short Answer Questions (3 Marks Each)

Explain the classification of species based on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). [CBSE 2024, 3 marks]
Answer: IUCN Classification:

(1) Normal Species: Population levels normal for survival. Example: Cattle, Sal.
(2) Endangered Species: Danger of extinction. Example: Black buck, Indian rhino.
(3) Vulnerable Species: Likely to move into endangered category. Example: Blue sheep.
(4) Rare Species: Small population, may become endangered. Example: Himalayan brown bear.
(5) Endemic Species: Found only in particular area. Example: Andaman teal.
Describe any three measures for conservation of forests and wildlife in India. [CBSE 2024, 3 marks]
⚠️ High Probability
Answer: Conservation measures:

(1) Legal Measures: Wildlife Protection Act 1972, Forest Conservation Act 1980.
(2) Protected Areas: National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Biosphere Reserves.
(3) Projects: Project Tiger (1973), Project Elephant (1992).
(4) Community Participation: Joint Forest Management, Beej Bachao Andolan.
(5) Afforestation: Social forestry, agroforestry programs.
Explain the importance of forests in our life. [CBSE 2023, 3 marks]
Answer: Importance of forests:

(1) Ecological Balance: Maintain oxygen-carbon dioxide balance.
(2) Water Conservation: Regulate water cycle, prevent floods.
(3) Soil Conservation: Prevent soil erosion, landslides.
(4) Habitat: Provide habitat for wildlife.
(5) Economic Value: Source of timber, medicines, fruits.
(6) Climate Control: Moderate temperature, increase rainfall.
Describe any three causes of depletion of wildlife in India. [CBSE 2023, 3 marks]
Answer: Causes of wildlife depletion:

(1) Habitat Destruction: Deforestation for agriculture, urbanization.
(2) Poaching and Hunting: Illegal hunting for skin, tusks, bones.
(3) Pollution: Water and air pollution affecting animals.
(4) Forest Fires: Destroy habitats and kill animals.
(5) Overgrazing: Competition for food with domestic animals.
(6) Climate Change: Affects breeding and migration patterns.
Explain the role of community in conservation of forests. [CBSE 2022, 3 marks]
Answer: Community role in conservation:

(1) Joint Forest Management: Local communities partner with government.
(2) Traditional Knowledge: Use indigenous conservation practices.
(3) Sacred Groves: Protecting forest patches as sacred spaces.
(4) Van Panchayats: Local forest councils in Uttarakhand.
(5) Chipko Movement: Community-led forest protection in Himalayas.
What are the different types of forests found in India? Describe any two. [CBSE 2022, 3 marks]
Answer: Types of forests in India:

1. Tropical Evergreen Forests: - Found in Western Ghats, Andaman & Nicobar - Trees: Ebony, mahogany, rosewood - Dense, multi-layered

2. Tropical Deciduous Forests: - Most widespread (Shiwaliks, NE states) - Trees: Teak, sal, bamboo - Shed leaves in dry season

Others: Thorn forests, Montane forests, Mangrove forests
Explain the factors responsible for the depletion of forest resources in India. [CBSE 2021, 3 marks]
Answer: Factors for forest depletion:

(1) Agricultural Expansion: Shifting cultivation, expansion of farmland.
(2) Development Projects: Dams, roads, mining activities.
(3) Grazing: Overgrazing by livestock.
(4) Fuel Wood Collection: Dependence of rural population.
(5) Industrial Use: Timber for industries.
(6) Forest Fires: Natural and man-made.
Describe any three features of mangrove forests. [CBSE 2021, 3 marks]
Answer: Features of mangrove forests:

(1) Location: Found in tidal areas, deltas, estuaries.
(2) Adaptation: Stilt roots for breathing in saline water.
(3) Biodiversity: Rich in flora and fauna.
(4) Protection: Protect coast from erosion, cyclones.
(5) Examples: Sunderbans (West Bengal), Bhitarkanika (Odisha).
Explain the difference between endangered and vulnerable species with examples. [CBSE 2020, 3 marks]
⚠️ Most Important
Answer:

Endangered Species: - In danger of extinction - Population critically low - Immediate threat of disappearing - Examples: Asiatic lion, Great Indian Bustard

Vulnerable Species: - Likely to become endangered soon - Population declining but not critically low yet - Threatened by negative factors - Examples: Blue sheep, Gangetic dolphin
What are the objectives of Project Tiger? [CBSE 2020, 3 marks]
Answer: Objectives of Project Tiger:

(1) Ensure viable population of tigers in India.
(2) Protect tigers from extinction.
(3) Preserve areas of biological importance.
(4) Maintain tiger habitats.
(5) Conduct research on tiger ecology.
(6) Create awareness about tiger conservation.

PART C: Long Answer Questions (5 Marks Each)

Explain the different types of protected areas established for conservation of wildlife in India. [CBSE 2024, 5 marks]
Answer: Protected areas in India:

1. National Parks: - Highest degree of protection - No human activity allowed - Managed by central government - Example: Corbett National Park (Uttarakhand)

2. Wildlife Sanctuaries: - Protection to specific species - Some human activities allowed - Managed by state government - Example: Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (Kerala)

3. Biosphere Reserves: - Large protected areas for conservation - Core zone, buffer zone, transition zone - Include traditional human settlements - Example: Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve

4. Conservation Reserves: - Protected areas with community participation
5. Community Reserves: - Protected and managed by local communities

Describe the various community-based conservation movements in India with examples. [CBSE 2024, 5 marks]

⚠️ Most Important

Answer: Community conservation movements:

Movement	Location	Year	Key Feature
Chipko Movement	Uttarakhand	1973	Hugging trees to prevent logging
Beej Bachao Andolan	Uttarakhand	1980s	Save traditional seeds, organic farming
Joint Forest Management	Odisha	1988	Community-government partnership
Appiko Movement	Karnataka	1983	Southern version of Chipko
Narmada Bachao Andolan	Gujarat, MP	1985	Against large dams, for forest rights

Explain the distribution of different types of forests in India. [CBSE 2023, 5 marks]
Answer: Forest distribution in India:

(1) Tropical Evergreen Forests: Western Ghats, Andaman & Nicobar, Assam, Tamil Nadu coast.
(2) Tropical Deciduous Forests: Most widespread - MP, UP, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha.
(3) Thorn Forests: Rajasthan, Gujarat, MP, Uttar Pradesh (dry areas).
(4) Montane Forests: Himalayas (vary with altitude) - Jammu & Kashmir to Arunachal.
(5) Mangrove Forests: Coastal areas - Sunderbans (WB), Bhitarkanika (Odisha), Godavari-Krishna delta.

Note: Tropical Deciduous forests cover the largest area (about 70% of total forest area).
Describe the measures taken by the government for conservation of forests and wildlife. [CBSE 2023, 5 marks]
Answer: Government measures:

A. Legal Framework: (1) Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (2) Forest Conservation Act, 1980 (3) Environment Protection Act, 1986 (4) Biological Diversity Act, 2002

B. Conservation Projects: (1) Project Tiger (1973) - 50 tiger reserves (2) Project Elephant (1992) (3) Crocodile Conservation Project (4) Project Snow Leopard

C. Protected Areas: - 104 National Parks - 553 Wildlife Sanctuaries - 18 Biosphere Reserves

D. International Cooperation: - CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) - IUCN Red List monitoring
Explain the causes and consequences of deforestation in India. [CBSE 2022, 5 marks]
Answer:

Causes of Deforestation: (1) Agricultural expansion (biggest cause) (2) Infrastructure development (roads, dams) (3) Mining activities (4) Urbanization and industrialization (5) Fuelwood collection (6) Forest fires

Consequences: (1) Loss of biodiversity (2) Soil erosion and degradation (3) Climate change (increased CO2) (4) Disruption of water cycle (5) Loss of tribal livelihoods (6) Increased natural disasters (floods, landslides) (7) Desertification in some areas

Describe the different categories of existing plants and animal species based on IUCN. [CBSE 2022, 5 marks]

Answer: IUCN Categories:

Category	Definition	Indian Examples
Normal Species	Population normal for survival	Cattle, Sal, Pine
Endangered Species	In danger of extinction	Asiatic Lion, Black Buck
Vulnerable Species	Likely to become endangered	Blue Sheep, Gangetic Dolphin
Rare Species	Small population, localized	Himalayan Brown Bear, Wild Yak
Endemic Species	Found only in particular area	Andaman Teal, Nicobar Pigeon
Extinct Species	No longer found anywhere	Asiatic Cheetah, Pink-headed Duck

Explain the concept of sustainable management of forest resources with examples. [CBSE 2021, 5 marks]
Answer: Sustainable forest management:

Concept: Using forest resources in a way that meets present needs without compromising future generations' ability to meet theirs.

Examples: (1) Social Forestry: Growing trees on common lands for fuel, fodder, timber.
(2) Agroforestry: Combining agriculture with tree cultivation.
(3) Joint Forest Management: Local communities partner with forest department.
(4) Selective Logging: Cutting only mature trees, leaving young ones.
(5) Afforestation: Planting trees in degraded areas.
(6) Protected Areas: National Parks, Sanctuaries for conservation.
Describe the importance of wildlife and its conservation in India. [CBSE 2021, 5 marks]
Answer: Importance of wildlife conservation:

Ecological Importance: (1) Maintains ecological balance (2) Pollination of plants (3) Seed dispersal (4) Food chain balance (5) Indicator of environmental health

Economic Importance: (1) Tourism revenue (2) Source of medicine (3) Agricultural benefits (pest control) (4) Employment generation

Scientific Importance: (1) Genetic diversity for research (2) Bio-prospecting (3) Understanding evolution

Cultural Importance: (1) Religious and cultural significance (2) Part of Indian heritage (3) Inspiration for art and literature
Explain the various forest conservation movements in India. [CBSE 2020, 5 marks]
Answer: Forest conservation movements:

(1) Chipko Movement (1973): Uttarakhand, led by Sunderlal Bahuguna and Chandi Prasad Bhatt. Women hugged trees to prevent logging.
(2) Appiko Movement (1983): Karnataka, led by Pandurang Hegde. Southern version of Chipko.
(3) Silent Valley Movement (1970s): Kerala, against hydroelectric project in biodiversity-rich area.
(4) Narmada Bachao Andolan (1985): Against Sardar Sarovar Dam, led by Medha Patkar.
(5) Beej Bachao Andolan (1980s): Uttarakhand, save traditional seeds, led by Vijay Jardhari.
(6) Jungle Bachao Andolan (1982): Bihar, against replacing natural sal forests with teak.
Describe the measures for conservation of biodiversity in India. [CBSE 2020, 5 marks]
Answer: Biodiversity conservation measures:

In-situ Conservation (on-site): (1) Protected Areas: National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Biosphere Reserves (2) Sacred Groves: Traditional practice of protecting forest patches (3) Conservation of habitats

Ex-situ Conservation (off-site): (1) Zoological Parks and Botanical Gardens (2) Gene Banks and Seed Banks (3) Captive Breeding Programs (4) Cryopreservation

Legal Measures: (1) Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (2) Forest Conservation Act, 1980 (3) Biological Diversity Act, 2002

Community Participation: (1) Joint Forest Management (2) Eco-development committees (3) Awareness programs

PART D: Map-based Questions (2 Marks Each)

Note: These locations are crucial for map work - practice locating them accurately.

On the outline map of India, identify: (i) Sunderbans National Park (ii) Jim Corbett National Park [CBSE 2024, 2 marks]
Answer: (i) Sunderbans: West Bengal (south-eastern part). (ii) Jim Corbett: Uttarakhand (northern part).
Locate: (i) Kaziranga National Park (ii) Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary [CBSE 2023, 2 marks]
Answer: (i) Kaziranga: Assam (north-eastern part). (ii) Periyar: Kerala (southern part).
Identify: (i) Gir National Park (ii) Bandhavgarh National Park [CBSE 2022, 2 marks]
Answer: (i) Gir: Gujarat (western part, famous for Asiatic lions). (ii) Bandhavgarh: Madhya Pradesh (central part).
Locate: (i) Ranthambore National Park (ii) Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary [CBSE 2021, 2 marks]
Answer: (i) Ranthambore: Rajasthan (northern part). (ii) Sariska: Rajasthan (north-eastern part).
Identify: (i) Dachigam National Park (ii) Manas Wildlife Sanctuary [CBSE 2020, 2 marks]
Answer: (i) Dachigam: Jammu & Kashmir (northernmost part). (ii) Manas: Assam (north-eastern part, near Bhutan border).

🌳 Chapter 2 Exam Strategy

Species Classification: Create a mental chart of IUCN categories with examples - this is frequently asked

Map Memorization: Learn at least 10 National Parks with their states - map questions are guaranteed

Movement Details: Remember names, locations, and years of major conservation movements

Data Points: Memorize: 21.71% forest cover, 104 National Parks, 553 Wildlife Sanctuaries

Common Mistake: Don't confuse "endangered" with "vulnerable" - endangered is more critical

⚠️ Pro Tip: "Conservation methods" and "Community movements" appear almost every year. Prepare these with specific examples from different states for 5-mark answers.

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