Annual Examination | Academic Year 2025-26
Forest and Wildlife Resources
Geography — Contemporary India II • Class X
General Instructions
- All questions are compulsory.
- Marks for each question are indicated on the right.
- Write neatly and legibly in the space provided.
- Section A: MCQ — circle the correct option.
- Section B: Very Short Answer (1 mark each).
- Section C: Short Answer (3 marks each).
- Section D: Long Answer (5 marks each).
- Section E: Map / Source-Based (10 marks).
Section A
Multiple Choice Questions — Choose the most appropriate answer
20 x 1 = 20 Marks
Q1.
The Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act was implemented in which year?
(c) 1972 — The Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act was implemented in 1972 with provisions for protecting habitats, banning hunting, and restricting wildlife trade.
[1]
Q2.
In 1973, when Project Tiger was launched, the tiger population in India had fallen to:
(b) 1,827 — The tiger population had dwindled from an estimated 55,000 at the turn of the century to just 1,827 by 1973.
[1]
Q3.
Which type of forest covers more than half of India's total forest land and is regarded as most valuable for conservation?
(c) Reserved Forests — More than half of India's total forest land is declared as Reserved Forests, the most strictly protected category.
[1]
Q4.
Which state has the largest area under permanent forests, constituting 75% of its total forest area?
(b) Madhya Pradesh — Madhya Pradesh has the largest area under permanent forests (Reserved + Protected), constituting 75% of its total forest area.
[1]
Q5.
Joint Forest Management (JFM) in India formally started in 1988 when which state passed the first resolution?
(c) Odisha — JFM has been in formal existence since 1988 when the state of Odisha passed the first resolution for joint forest management.
[1]
Q6.
Periyar Tiger Reserve is located in which Indian state?
(c) Kerala — Periyar Tiger Reserve is a key tiger reserve located in Kerala, South India.
[1]
Q7.
The Bhairodev Dakav 'Sonchuri' is a self-declared protected forest covering 1,200 hectares. It is located in which district?
(b) Alwar, Rajasthan — Inhabitants of five villages in Alwar district declared 1,200 hectares of forest as the Bhairodev Dakav 'Sonchuri' with their own rules banning hunting.
[1]
Q8.
In which year were plants first added to India's protected species list under the Wildlife Protection Act?
(d) 1991 — In 1991, for the first time, plants were added to the protected species list, starting with six specific plant species.
[1]
Q9.
Which of the following conservation strategies does NOT directly involve community participation?
(d) Demarcation of Wildlife Sanctuaries — Demarcation is a government-driven administrative activity. JFM, Chipko, and Beej Bachao Andolan all involve direct community participation.
[1]
Q10.
Sacred Groves are pristine forest patches protected by:
(b) Age-old tribal beliefs and nature worship — Sacred Groves are based on the tribal belief that all creations of nature must be protected; these forests are left completely untouched.
[1]
Q11.
Manas Tiger Reserve is located in which state?
(c) Assam — Manas Tiger Reserve is located in Assam in North-East India.
[1]
Q12.
Unclassed Forests are predominantly found in which region of India?
(b) North-Eastern states and parts of Gujarat — All North-Eastern states and parts of Gujarat have a very high percentage of their forests as unclassed forests managed by local communities.
[1]
Q13.
The famous Chipko Movement, which resisted deforestation by hugging trees, took place in which region?
(b) The Himalayas — The famous Chipko movement in the Himalayas not only resisted deforestation but also showed that community afforestation with indigenous species can be enormously successful.
[1]
Q14.
Corbett National Park, a famous tiger reserve, is located in:
(c) Uttarakhand — Corbett National Park is located in Uttarakhand and is one of India's oldest and most famous tiger reserves.
[1]
Q15.
Which community of Chota Nagpur region is known to worship mahua and kadamba trees?
(c) Mundas and Santhals — The Mundas and Santhals of Chota Nagpur region worship mahua (Bassia latifolia) and kadamba trees, preserving them from time immemorial.
[1]
Q16.
India and Nepal together provide habitat to approximately what fraction of the world's surviving tiger population?
(b) Two-thirds — India and Nepal provide habitat to about two-thirds of the surviving tiger population in the world, making them prime targets for poachers.
[1]
Q17.
Which of the following is NOT a major threat to tiger population in India?
(c) Creation of Sacred Groves — Sacred Groves actually aid conservation! The real threats are poaching, habitat loss, depletion of prey, and growing human population.
[1]
Q18.
Sunderbans National Park, a tiger reserve, is located in:
(b) West Bengal — Sunderbans National Park is in West Bengal, located in the Ganga-Brahmaputra delta and famous for Bengal tigers.
[1]
Q19.
Under JFM, what do local communities receive in return for protecting degraded forest land?
(c) Non-timber forest produce and share of harvested timber — Under JFM, communities are entitled to non-timber forest produce and a share of the timber harvested upon successful protection.
[1]
Q20.
Biodiversity or Biological Diversity is best described as:
(c) The immense variety of all life forms closely integrated through interdependencies — Biodiversity is immensely rich in wildlife and cultivated species, diverse in form and function but closely integrated in a system through multiple networks of interdependencies.
[1]
Section B
Very Short Answer Questions — Answer in one sentence or phrase
10 x 1 = 10 Marks
Q21.
What does the term 'biotype' mean in the context of Project Tiger?
A biotype refers to a complete habitat or ecosystem of sizeable magnitude — not just a single species but the entire environment including prey, vegetation, rivers, and all organisms that support it. Project Tiger aimed to preserve biotypes, not just tigers.
[1]
Q22.
Name any two animals that have been given special protection under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
Any two from: Tiger, One-horned Rhinoceros, Kashmir Stag (Hangul), Gharial, Asiatic Lion, Indian Elephant, Black Buck (Chinkara), Great Indian Bustard (Godawan), Snow Leopard.
[1]
Q23.
What are 'Permanent Forest Estates' in India?
Reserved Forests and Protected Forests combined are referred to as Permanent Forest Estates, maintained for producing timber and other forest produce and for protective reasons.
[1]
Q24.
In which year were insects first added to India's protected species list, and name any one insect added.
Insects were first added in 1980 (and further in 1986). Any one: butterfly, moth, beetle, or dragonfly.
[1]
Q25.
State the full form of JFM.
Joint Forest Management
[1]
Q26.
Name the Lepcha folk song's context as described in the chapter.
The Lepcha folk song is dedicated to Narak (Lord) and expresses gathering music from springs, rivers, mountains, forests, insects, and animals — symbolising harmony between humans and nature.
[1]
Q27.
What percentage of India's total forest area is classified as Protected Forests?
Almost one-third (approximately 33%) of India's total forest area is classified as Protected Forests.
[1]
Q28.
Name any two states in India that have a bulk of their forest area under the Protected Forests category.
Any two from: Bihar, Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Odisha, Rajasthan.
[1]
Q29.
What was the estimated tiger population in India at the turn of the 20th century?
The estimated tiger population at the turn of the century was 55,000.
[1]
Q30.
What is Beej Bachao Andolan and where is it associated with?
Beej Bachao Andolan is a citizen's movement in Tehri (Uttarakhand) that promotes diversified crop production without the use of synthetic chemicals, proving it is economically viable.
[1]
Section C
Short Answer Questions — Answer in 3-4 sentences
6 x 3 = 18 Marks
Q31.
Why do we need to conserve forests and wildlife? Give three reasons.
- Life-support systems: Conservation preserves water, air, and soil — our fundamental life-support systems.
- Genetic diversity: It preserves the genetic diversity of plants and animals for better growth, breeding, and species survival.
- Ecological balance: Forests maintain biodiversity and the web of interdependencies. For example, agriculture depends on traditional crop varieties, and fisheries depend on aquatic biodiversity.
[3]
Q32.
Describe the three main thrusts of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
- Banning hunting: Hunting of endangered species was strictly prohibited.
- Habitat protection: Legal protection was given to wildlife habitats; national parks and sanctuaries were established.
- Restricting trade: Trade in wildlife and wildlife products was restricted. An all-India list of protected species was published.
[3]
Q33.
Explain the concept of 'Sacred Groves' and give two examples of communities that protect trees through religious beliefs.
Sacred Groves are patches of forest or parts of large forests that have been left completely untouched by local people, based on the tribal belief that all creations of nature must be protected. They are called the "forests of God and Goddesses." Any interference is banned.
- Mundas and Santhals of Chota Nagpur worship mahua and kadamba trees.
- Bishnoi community of Rajasthan protects blackbuck, chinkara, nilgai, and peacocks as an integral part of their community.
[3]
Q34.
Differentiate between Reserved Forests and Protected Forests with reference to their management and area coverage.
- Reserved Forests: Cover more than half of India's total forest land. Regarded as most valuable; strictly managed for conservation; no hunting or timber extraction without permission.
- Protected Forests: Cover almost one-third of the total forest area. Declared by the Forest Department; protected from any further depletion but allow some limited use.
- Both together are called Permanent Forest Estates. Madhya Pradesh leads with 75% of its forests as permanent estates.
[3]
Q35.
What is Joint Forest Management (JFM)? When did it begin and what are the key benefits for local communities?
JFM is a programme that involves local communities in the management and restoration of degraded forest land. It started formally in 1988 when Odisha passed the first resolution.
- Local (village) institutions undertake protection activities on degraded forest land.
- In return, communities receive non-timber forest produce (e.g., fruits, herbs) as intermediary benefits.
- They also earn a share of the timber harvested upon successful protection.
[3]
Q36.
List any three major threats to the tiger population that led to the launch of Project Tiger in 1973.
- Poaching for trade: Tigers were hunted for their skins, which had high market value.
- Bone trade: Tiger bones were used in traditional medicines, especially in Asian countries, bringing them to the verge of extinction.
- Shrinking habitat: Forests were being cleared for agriculture and human settlement, reducing the area available for tigers.
- Depletion of prey: Reduction of prey base species (deer, bison) left tigers without adequate food.
[3]
Section D
Long Answer Questions — Answer in detail (80-120 words)
4 x 5 = 20 Marks
Q37.
Describe in detail how local communities in India have played a significant role in conserving and protecting forests and wildlife. Give at least four specific examples.
Local communities have been conservation superheroes long before government policies. Key examples:
- Sacred Groves: Tribal communities left forest patches completely untouched based on religious beliefs, preserving biodiversity for centuries.
- Chipko Movement (Himalayas): Villagers physically embraced trees to prevent deforestation and demonstrated that community afforestation with indigenous species is viable.
- Bhairodev Dakav 'Sonchuri' (Alwar, Rajasthan): Five villages declared 1,200 hectares a self-protected forest with their own rules banning hunting and outside encroachment.
- Sariska Tiger Reserve: Villagers fought against mining activities by citing the Wildlife Protection Act, demonstrating active legal engagement.
- Beej Bachao Andolan (Tehri): Proved that diverse crop cultivation without synthetic chemicals is economically sustainable.
- JFM: Village institutions partnering with government to restore degraded forests since 1988.
[5]
Q38.
"Project Tiger was not merely an effort to save an endangered species but was equally important as a means of preserving biotypes of sizeable magnitude." Explain this statement in detail, covering the causes that led to its launch, its objectives, and any four tiger reserves established under the project.
Causes that led to Project Tiger (1973):
1 mark: causes | 1 mark: biotype explanation | 2 marks: reserves | 1 mark: overall coherence.
- Tiger population crashed from 55,000 (early 1900s) to just 1,827 by 1973.
- Poaching for skins and bones (used in Asian traditional medicines), shrinking habitats, and depletion of prey base.
- India and Nepal housing 2/3 of world's tigers made them prime poaching targets.
- Save the tiger as a species from extinction.
- More importantly, preserve entire biotypes — complete ecosystems including forest cover, prey animals, rivers, and vegetation that sustain all life.
1 mark: causes | 1 mark: biotype explanation | 2 marks: reserves | 1 mark: overall coherence.
[5]
Q39.
Explain the types and distribution of forests in India. Which states are known for each category and which state leads in total permanent forest coverage?
India's forest land is classified into three categories:
1 mark each for three categories with states | 1 mark for permanent estate definition | 1 mark for MP leadership.
- Reserved Forests (50%+): Most valuable; strictly protected for conservation. States with large areas: Jammu and Kashmir, Andhra Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Maharashtra.
- Protected Forests (~1/3): Protected from further depletion; some limited use allowed. States: Bihar, Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Odisha, Rajasthan.
- Unclassed Forests: Managed by government and private/community individuals. Dominant in: North-Eastern states and parts of Gujarat.
1 mark each for three categories with states | 1 mark for permanent estate definition | 1 mark for MP leadership.
[5]
Q40.
What is biodiversity? Why is it important for human survival? Describe how India's biodiversity is under stress and what steps have been taken to address this.
Biodiversity: Immense variety of all living organisms — from microbes and lichens to banyan trees and blue whales — closely integrated through networks of interdependencies.
Importance for humans:
Steps taken: Wildlife Protection Act 1972; Project Tiger 1973; Protection of insects (1980, 1986) and plants (1991); establishment of national parks and sanctuaries; JFM programme; community initiatives like Chipko movement and Sacred Groves.
1 mark: definition | 1 mark: importance | 1 mark: stress | 2 marks: steps taken.
Importance for humans:
- Plants, animals, and microbes recreate the quality of air, water, and soil we depend on.
- Agriculture depends on traditional crop varieties; fisheries depend on aquatic biodiversity.
- Maintains life-support systems and genetic diversity for future species adaptation.
Steps taken: Wildlife Protection Act 1972; Project Tiger 1973; Protection of insects (1980, 1986) and plants (1991); establishment of national parks and sanctuaries; JFM programme; community initiatives like Chipko movement and Sacred Groves.
1 mark: definition | 1 mark: importance | 1 mark: stress | 2 marks: steps taken.
[5]
Section E
Source-Based and Application Questions
12 Marks
Q41.
"In India joint forest management (JFM) programme furnishes a good example for involving local communities in the management and restoration of degraded forests. The programme has been in formal existence since 1988 when the state of Odisha passed the first resolution for joint forest management. JFM depends on the formation of local (village) institutions that undertake protection activities mostly on degraded forest land managed by the forest department. In return, the members of these communities are entitled to intermediary benefits like non-timber forest produces and share in the timber harvested by 'successful protection'."
— NCERT, Contemporary India II
— NCERT, Contemporary India II
(a) What does JFM stand for and when did it formally begin in India?
JFM = Joint Forest Management. It formally began in 1988 when Odisha passed the first resolution. [1 mark]
(b) Who undertakes protection activities under JFM, and on what type of land?
Local village institutions undertake protection activities, mostly on degraded forest land managed by the forest department. [1 mark]
(c) What benefits do community members receive under JFM? Why is this exchange significant?
Communities receive non-timber forest produce (fruits, herbs, minor produce) and a share of harvested timber upon successful protection. This is significant because it creates a direct economic incentive for local people to protect and restore forests, aligning conservation goals with livelihood needs. It also gives communities ownership and responsibility over their local environment. [2 marks]
(d) "The clear lesson is that local communities everywhere have to be involved in natural resource management." Do you agree? Give two reasons to support your answer.
Yes, fully agreed.
1. Local knowledge: Communities have centuries of ecological knowledge and traditional conservation practices (sacred groves, tree worship) that formal government systems often lack.
2. Sustained stewardship: Communities who depend on forests for their livelihood are the most motivated to protect them. As seen with JFM and Bhairodev Dakav 'Sonchuri', community-led conservation can be more effective and lasting than government-only approaches. [2 marks]
1. Local knowledge: Communities have centuries of ecological knowledge and traditional conservation practices (sacred groves, tree worship) that formal government systems often lack.
2. Sustained stewardship: Communities who depend on forests for their livelihood are the most motivated to protect them. As seen with JFM and Bhairodev Dakav 'Sonchuri', community-led conservation can be more effective and lasting than government-only approaches. [2 marks]
[6]
Q42.
On the outline map of India provided (or in the space below), mark and label the following. Also answer the questions that follow.
Map Space
[Attach / draw outline map of India here]
(a) Mark any THREE of the following tiger reserves on the map: Corbett NP, Sunderbans NP, Bandhavgarh NP, Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary, Manas Tiger Reserve, Periyar Tiger Reserve.
Full marks (3) for correctly locating and labelling any three reserves in their correct states. Award 1 mark per correctly placed and labelled reserve.
(b) Shade and label the state that has the highest percentage (75%) of permanent forest cover.
Madhya Pradesh should be shaded and labelled. [1 mark]
(c) Mark the region where Unclassed Forests dominate and are managed by local communities.
The North-Eastern states region should be marked (and parts of Gujarat for full credit). [1 mark]
(d) Mark the district where the Bhairodev Dakav 'Sonchuri' is located.
Alwar district, Rajasthan should be marked. [1 mark]
[6]
20
Section A (MCQ)
10
Section B (VSA)
18
Section C (SA)
20
Section D (LA)
12
Section E (Applied)
80
Total Marks
