Short Answer- Class 10 – Social Science -Geography-Chapter 2 Forest and Wild Resources

Class-10- Short Answer-Geography-2- Forest and Wild Resources

Q1.State the factors responsible for the depletion of flora and fauna.

Ans : We, human beings have transformed nature into a resource, obtaining directly and indirectly from the forest and wildlife- wood, barks, leaves, rubber, medicines, dyes, food, fuel, fodder, manure etc.

so it is we ourselves who have depleted our forests and wildlife. The greatest damage inflicted on Indian forests was due to expansion of the railways, agriculture, commercial, mining activities and scientific forestry.

Even after independence, agricultural expansion continues to be one of the major causes of depletion of forest resources.

Between 1951 and 1980, according to the Forest Survey of India, over 26,200 sq.km of forest area was converted into agricultural land all over India. Substantial parts of the tribal belts, especially in the north-eastern and central India, have been deforested by shifting cultivation.

Q2. Assess the need for the conservation of forests and wildlife in India.

Ans : Conservation of forest and wildlife is important because

a. Loss of cultural diversity : The loss of forest and wildlife is not just a biological issue but it is also correlated with cultural diversity.

There are many forest-dependent communities, which directly depend on various components of the forests and wildlife for food, drinks, medicines, etc.

Many of the tribal communities like Muria Gonds, Dhurwas, Bhatras, etc. have lost their habitat because of the destruction of forests.

b. Complex web of living organisms : We humans along with all living organisms form a complex web ecological system in which we are only a part and very much dependent on this system for our own existence.

For example, the plants, animals and micro-organisms recreate the quality of the air we breathe, the water we drink and the soil that produce our food without which we cannot survive.

c. Large scale destruction of forests : Between 1951 and 1980, according to the Forest Survey of India, over 26,200 sq. km of forest area was converted into agricultural lands all over India.

Q3.  Differentiate between endangered and vulnerable species with examples.

 Ans : We can classify the different species of plants and animals on the basis of International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN). a. Endangered species –

These are the species which are in danger of extinction. The survival of such species is difficult if the negative factors that have led to a decline in their population continue to operate. Animals like black buck, crocodile, Indian wild ass, Indian Rhino, lion tailed macaque, sangai (brow anter deer in Manipur) fall in this category.

b. Vulnerable Species – These are species whose population has declined to levels from where it is likely to move into the endangered category in the near future if the negative factors continue to operate. The examples of such species are blue sheep, Asiatic elephant, Gangetic dolphin, etc.

Q4. Poverty is the outcome of environmental destruction. Discuss.

Ans : The destruction of forest and wildlife is not just a biological issue. The biological loss is strongly correlated with the loss of cultural diversity.

 Such losses have increasingly marginalized and impoverished many indigenous and other forest dependent communities, who directly depend on various components of the forest and wildlife for food, drinks, medicine, culture, spirituality, etc.

Within the poor, women are affected more than men. In many societies women bear the major responsibility of doing household work.

This results in serious health problems for women and negligence of home and children because of the increased hours of work and also has serious social implications.

The indirect impact of degradation such as drought or deforestation induced floods, etc. also hits the poor the hardest. Poverty in these cases is a direct outcome of environmental destruction.

Q5. Write a note on good practices towards conserving forest and wildlife.

Ans : Humans have realized the importance of forest and wildlife for their existence. Therefore, various steps are being taken to conserve the forest and wildlife :

a. The government has adopted policies to protect wildlife, land, fresh water and air.

 b. Implementation of, the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act which has enlisted wildlife species that need special attention,

c. Setting up of National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries to protect endangered species. Under the Wildlife Act of 1980 and 1986, several insects have also been included in the list of protected species.

d. Organising community awareness programmes such as vanmahotsav, etc.

Q6. Describe how communities have conserved and protected forests and wildlife in India ?

Ans : India has a diverse culture and religious beliefs. Many traditional communities still live in the forests and depend upon them for their livelihood. These communities are working hand in hand with the government to conserve forests.

For example in Sariska Tiger Reserve, Rajasthan, villagers fought against mining activities.

In Alwar district of Rajasthan, local communities belonging to five villages have set their own rules and regulations in 1,200 hectares of forest land.

They have named it as the Bhairodev Dakav ‘Sonchuri’. Hunting is not allowed in these lands.