Forest and Wildlife Resources – CBSE Class 10 (2025–26) New Pattern

❌ Map work (National Parks/Wildlife Sanctuaries) removed as per latest pattern.

---

A. MCQs

1. Conservation of biodiversity is essential mainly because it:
   a) increases forest revenue
   b) maintains ecological balance
   c) promotes tourism
   d) supports industrial growth
   Ans: b
2. Which of the following was the main objective of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972?
   a) Commercial use of forests
   b) Protection of endangered species and habitats
   c) Expansion of agriculture
   d) Tribal displacement
   Ans: b
3. Which forest category is considered the most valuable for conservation?
   a) Protected forests
   b) Reserved forests
   c) Unclassed forests
   d) Community forests
   Ans: b
4. Project Tiger was launched in:
   a) 1971
   b) 1972
   c) 1973
   d) 1980
   Ans: c
5. Which movement highlighted the role of local communities in forest conservation?
   a) Green Revolution
   b) Chipko Movement
   c) Civil Disobedience Movement
   d) Non-Cooperation Movement
   Ans: b

---

B. Assertion–Reason Questions

Q1.
Assertion (A): Reserved forests are regarded as the most valuable forests in India.
Reason (R): These forests are permanently protected and managed for conservation and timber production.

Options:
A. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
B. Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A
C. A is true but R is false
D. A is false but R is true

Ans: A

---

Q2.
Assertion (A): Conservation of forests helps in maintaining genetic diversity.
Reason (R): Genetic diversity is required for better adaptability and survival of species.

Ans: A

---

C. Case-Based Questions

Case:
India has experienced a rapid decline in forest cover and wildlife population due to industrialisation, urbanisation, mining, and agricultural expansion. Recognising this threat, the government and local communities have taken several initiatives like Project Tiger, Joint Forest Management, and community-led movements to conserve forest and wildlife resources.

Questions:

1. Identify any one major cause of depletion of forest and wildlife resources. (1)
   Ans: Industrialisation / mining / agricultural expansion (any one)
2. Name the programme that involves joint participation of local communities and the government. (1)
   Ans: Joint Forest Management (JFM)
3. Explain one role of local communities in conservation. (2)
   Ans: Local communities protect forests by preventing illegal cutting, resisting mining activities, and conserving biodiversity through traditional practices.
4. Why is conservation important for sustainable development? (1)
   Ans: It ensures the long-term availability of natural resources while maintaining ecological balance.

---

D. Short Answer Questions (3 Marks)

Q1. Explain why biodiversity is important for human survival. (3)

Model Answer:
Biodiversity is important for human survival as it maintains ecological balance and supports life-support systems such as air, water, and soil. Forests and wildlife provide food, medicines, raw materials, and livelihoods to people. Moreover, biodiversity preserves genetic diversity, which helps species adapt to environmental changes and ensures sustainable development.

Keywords: ecological balance, life-support system, genetic diversity, sustainable development

---

Q2. How have human activities led to the depletion of flora and fauna in India? (3)

Model Answer:
Human activities such as deforestation for agriculture, industrialisation, mining, and urban expansion have led to large-scale destruction of natural habitats. Overgrazing, poaching, and pollution have further reduced wildlife populations. These activities have disturbed ecological balance and resulted in the rapid depletion of flora and fauna.

Keywords: deforestation, habitat destruction, poaching, ecological imbalance

---

E. Long Answer Questions (5 Marks)

Q1. Describe the role of local communities in the conservation of forests and wildlife in India. (5)

Model Answer:
Local communities have played a significant role in conserving forests and wildlife in India. The Chipko Movement successfully prevented deforestation by encouraging people to protect trees. In Rajasthan, villagers of Alwar district declared forests as Bhairodev Dakav Sonchuri, banning hunting and tree felling. Through Joint Forest Management (JFM), communities jointly protect degraded forests and receive benefits like non-timber forest produce. Traditional practices such as sacred groves have preserved biodiversity by restricting human interference. These efforts prove that community participation is essential for sustainable conservation.

Keywords: community participation, Chipko Movement, JFM, sacred groves, sustainable conservation

---

Q2. Explain the measures taken by the government to conserve forest and wildlife resources in India. (5)

Model Answer:
The government has adopted several measures to conserve forest and wildlife resources. The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 provides legal protection to endangered species and their habitats by banning hunting and trade. National parks and wildlife sanctuaries were established to protect ecosystems. Project Tiger (1973) was launched to save the endangered tiger species. Conservation efforts now focus on biodiversity rather than a single species. Additionally, programmes like Joint Forest Management involve local communities in forest protection and restoration.

Keywords: Wildlife Protection Act, legal protection, Project Tiger, biodiversity conservation, JFM

---

F. Exact Keywords CBSE Examiners Look For (VERY IMPORTANT)

• Ecological balance
• Genetic diversity
• Sustainable development
• Habitat destruction
• Community participation
• Legal protection
• Endangered species
• Biodiversity conservation

Examiner Tip: Use years, acts, examples, and keywords → marks are rarely cut.

---