Chapter 2: Forest and Wildlife Resources

Important questions — the ones the board asked most (14)

1. Q1Case-based4 marksAsked: 2026

   Read the given source carefully and answer the questions that follow : Joint Forest Management ... (17.1) Why is conservation of forests necessary ? (17.2) Which type of forests are protected under the ‘Joint Forest Management’ programme ? (17.3) Explain the role of local communities in forest conservation.

   

   Medha Ma’am

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   Model answer · Joint Forest Management

   1. 1.Conservation of forests is necessary because forests maintain ecological balance, protect biodiversity and prevent soil erosion. Forests also regulate the water cycle and provide us oxygen, timber, fuel and fodder. Without conservation, these resources would be depleted and the balance of nature would be disturbed.1 mark
   2. 2.Under the Joint Forest Management programme, degraded forests managed by the forest department are conserved and restored. JFM depends on the formation of local village institutions that undertake protection activities mostly on this degraded forest land.1 mark
   3. 3.Local communities play an active role in forest conservation by forming protection committees to safeguard forests and wildlife. These committees work to prevent illegal logging and encroachment, and the local communities work together with the forest department to monitor the forests and ensure their protection.1 mark
   4. 4.In return for their protection work, local communities are allowed sustainable use of forest resources. The members of these communities are entitled to intermediary benefits like non-timber forest produces, fruits, flowers and minor forest produce, as well as a share in the timber harvested by successful protection, and they also participate in afforestation activities.1 mark

   • Mention at least one reason clearly such as 'maintain ecological balance' or 'prevent soil erosion' for point 1.
   • Use the word 'degraded forest land' when explaining what JFM protects.
   • Write 'intermediary benefits' and 'non-timber forest produces' to earn the last point.

   Marks split from a structure derived from past papers (checked twice); not CBSE’s official scheme

2. Q2Case-based4 marksAsked: 2025

   Read the given source and answer the questions that follow : Sacred Groves – a wealth of diverse and rare species Nature worship is an age old tribal belief based on the premise that all creations of nature have to be protected. Such beliefs have preserved several virgin forests in pristine form called Sacred Groves (the forests of God and Goddesses). These patches of forest or parts of large forests have been left untouched by the local people and any interference with them is banned. Certain societies revere a particular tree which they have preserved from time immemorial. The Mundas and the Santhal of Chota Nagpur region worship mahua (Bassia latifolia) and kadamba (Anthocephalus cadamba) trees, and the tribals of Odisha and Bihar worship the tamarind (Tamarindus indica) and mango (Mangifera indica) trees during weddings. To many of us, peepal and banyan trees are considered sacred. Indian society comprises several cultures, each with its own set of traditional methods of conserving nature and its creations. Sacred qualities are often ascribed to springs, mountain peaks, plants and animals which are closely protected. You will find troops of macaques and langurs around many temples. They are fed daily and treated as a part of temple devotees. In and around Bishnoi villages in Rajasthan, herds of blackbuck (chinkara), nilgai and peacocks can be seen as an integral part of the community and nobody harms them. 35.1 How do sacred groves show the inter-connectivity of spirituality and ecology ? 35.2 How do tribal practices promote conservation of forests ? 35.3 Why is conservation of wildlife important for all of us ? Explain.

3. Q3Case-based4 marksAsked: 2025

   Read the given source and answer the questions that follow : [passage] 36.1 How do sacred groves show the inter-connectivity of spirituality and ecology ? 1 36.2 How do tribal practices promote conservation of forests ? 1 36.3 Why is conservation of wildlife important for all of us ? Explain. 2

   

   Medha Ma’am

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   Hear it from Medha Ma’am · 150 s

   Model answer · conservation of forests and wildlife

   1. 1.Sacred groves show the inter-connectivity of spirituality and ecology because they reflect a sense of respect and reverence for nature which helps in the conservation of the ecosystem. Nature worship is an age old tribal belief based on the premise that all creations of nature have to be protected, and such beliefs have preserved several virgin forests in pristine form called Sacred Groves, which are left untouched by the local people, any interference with them being banned.1 mark
   2. 2.Tribal practices promote conservation of forests because tribes consider forests as the abode of deities, worship them, and prevent them from being cut. Certain societies revere a particular tree which they have preserved from time immemorial: the Mundas and the Santhal of Chota Nagpur region worship the mahua and kadamba trees, and the tribals of Odisha and Bihar worship the tamarind and mango trees during weddings, while peepal and banyan trees are also considered sacred.1 mark
   3. 3.Conservation of wildlife is important for all of us because wildlife is essential for maintaining ecological balance and ensuring the smooth functioning of the food chain. We humans along with all living organisms form a complex web of ecological system in which we are only a part and very much dependent on this system for our own existence, because plants, animals and micro-organisms re-create the quality of the air we breathe, the water we drink and the soil that produces our food, without which we cannot survive.1 mark
   4. 4.Conservation of wildlife is also mandatory for maintaining biodiversity and for human existence. Conservation preserves the ecological diversity and our life support systems – water, air and soil, and it also preserves the genetic diversity of plants and animals for better growth of species and breeding. In agriculture we are still dependent on traditional crop varieties, and fisheries too are heavily dependent on the maintenance of aquatic biodiversity, which shows why conserving wildlife is essential for our own survival.1 mark

   • In point 1, write the exact phrase 'respect and reverence for nature' linking it to conservation of the ecosystem.
   • In point 2, state clearly that tribes treat forests as the abode of deities and worship them to stop cutting.
   • In point 3 and 4, mention both 'ecological balance'/'food chain' and 'biodiversity'/'human existence' separately as two distinct reasons.

   Marks split from a structure derived from past papers (checked twice); not CBSE’s official scheme

4. Q4Case-based4 marksAsked: 2024

   Read the following source and answer the questions that follow : Project Tiger [passage] (35.1) Why was 'Project Tiger' considered a significant step for Tiger Conservation ? 1 (35.2) What role did India play in the global tiger population ? 1 (35.3) Mention any two major threats to the wildlife species. 2

5. Q5Case-based4 marksAsked: 2024

   Read the following source and answer the questions that follow : Sacred Groves – A wealth of diverse and rare species [passage] (35.1) How does sacred groves relate to the belief in nature worship ? 1 (35.2) How do communities incorporate trees into their cultural practices ? Explain with example. 1 (35.3) Explain the cultural values that contribute to the coexistence of nature. 2

   How the model answer begins

   1. (35.1) Sacred groves come from nature worship, an age old tribal belief that all creations of nature have to be protected. Sacred Groves are called the forests of God and Goddesses, because people believe deities live…

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6. Q6Case-based4 marksAsked: 2023

   Read the given source and answer the questions that follow : COMMUNITY AND CONSERVATION [passage] (35.1) How are forests related with Communities ? 1 (35.2) Explain the aim of 'Wildlife Protection Act. 1 (35.3) How are communities working for the conservation of Wildlife ? Explain with example. 2

   How the model answer begins

   1. (35.1) Forests and communities are closely linked. In India, forests are home to some of the traditional communities, who live in and around them.

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7. Q7Case-based4 marksAsked: 2023

   {"text_en": "Read the given source and answer the questions given below it.\nCommunities and Conservation\nForest conservation policies are not new to our country. We are generally unaware that forests are also home to certain human species in our country. In some areas of India, local communities are engaged in conserving habitats with government officials because they realise that this will help them meet their long-term livelihood needs. People of villages in Rajasthan have fought against mining in the Sariska Tiger Reserve under the Wildlife Protection Act. In many areas, villagers themselves are protecting habitats and explicitly rejecting government involvement. The inhabitants of 5 villages in Alwar district of Rajasthan have declared 1,200 hectares of forest as Bhairodev Dakav 'Sonchuri', and have their own rules and regulations which do not allow hunting, and which protect the wildlife against any outside disturbance.\n(34.1) How are forests related to communities?\n(34.2) Explain the objective of the ‘Wildlife Protection Act’.\n(34.3) How are communities working for the conservation of wildlife? Explain with examples.", "options": []}

   How the model answer begins

   1. (34.1) Forests are closely linked to communities because, in India, forests are home to some of the traditional communities. Forests are also their source of livelihood, so local communities work with government…

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8. Q8Short answer2 marksAsked: 2026

   (a) Describe the role of communities in forest conservation in India. OR (b) Describe any two steps taken by the Government of India for the conservation of forests and wildlife.

   How the model answer begins

   1. In Sariska Tiger Reserve, Rajasthan, villagers have fought against mining by citing the Wildlife Protection Act. The inhabitants of five villages in the Alwar district of Rajasthan have declared 1,200 hectares of forest…

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9. Q9Short answer2 marksAsked: 2026

   (a) Describe the main provisions of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Or (b) Describe any two features of 'Reserved Forests' in India.

   How the model answer begins

   1. (a) A national list of endangered species was made, and hunting them was banned (their trade also restricted). OR (b) Reserved forests are regarded as the most valuable for conserving forest and wildlife resources.

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10. Q10Short answer2 marksAsked: 2026

    (a) Describe the main provisions of ‘Joint Forest Management’. OR (b) Describe any two characteristics of ‘protected forests’ in India.

    How the model answer begins

    1. (a) JFM involves local communities, through village institutions, in protecting and restoring degraded forests. OR (b) Protected forests make up almost one-third of India's forest area, as declared by the Forest…

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11. Q11Very short answer2 marksAsked: 2024

    (A) Suggest any two measures for the conservation of forest. OR (B) Suggest any two measures for the conservation of wildlife.

    How the model answer begins

    1. (A) Two measures for the conservation of forest are: i. The Government should not allow excessive cutting down of forest trees. Deforestation must be resisted, as the Chipko movement in the Himalayas successfully did in…

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12. Q12Very short answer2 marksAsked: 2023

    Suggest any two ways to conserve wildlife in India.

    How the model answer begins

    1. Two ways to conserve wildlife in India are: (i) Enforcing the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, which was implemented in 1972 with various provisions for protecting habitats. It protects endangered species by banning…

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13. Q13Very short answer2 marksAsked: 2023

    Explain any two causes of depletion of forests during the colonial period in India.

    How the model answer begins

    1. The expansion of railways required large-scale felling of trees for making sleepers and for fuel, which led to destruction of forests during the colonial period.

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14. Q14Very short answer2 marksAsked: 2023

    Differentiate between reserved and protected forests.

    How the model answer begins

    1. Reserved forests: More than half of the total forest land has been declared reserved forests; Protected forests: Almost one-third of the total forest area is protected forest, as declared by the Forest Department.

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Objective questions with the board’s key (10)

1. 1. CBSE 2026

   In which of the following States of India, has the largest area under permanent forests ?

   • (A) Uttar Pradesh
   • (B) Madhya Pradesh ✓
   • (C) Gujarat
   • (D) Maharashtra

   Answer: (B)

2. 2. CBSE 2026

   Match Column-I with Column-II and choose the correct option : Column-I (National Parks) Column-II (States) a. Sariska i. Madhya Pradesh b. Sunderban ii. Uttarakhand c. Corbett iii. West Bengal d. Bandhavgarh iv. Rajasthan

   • (A) iii ii i iv
   • (B) iv ii iii i
   • (C) iv iii ii i ✓
   • (D) ii iv iii i

   Answer: (C)

3. 3. CBSE 2026

   Identify the state related with the Chipko Movement :

   • (A) Arunachal Pradesh
   • (B) Madhya Pradesh
   • (C) Uttarakhand ✓
   • (D) Bihar

   Answer: (C)

4. 4. CBSE 2026

   Which of the following pairs is correctly matched ? Column - A (National Park) Column - B (State)

   • (A) Periyar - Madhya Pradesh
   • (B) Manas - Assam ✓
   • (C) Bandhavgarh - Rajasthan
   • (D) Corbett - Uttar Pradesh

   Answer: (B)

5. 5. CBSE 2026

   Which one of the following pairs is correctly matched ?

   • (A) Periyar - Madhya Pradesh
   • (B) Manas - Assam ✓
   • (C) Bandhavgarh - Rajasthan
   • (D) Corbett - Uttar Pradesh

   Answer: (B)

6. 6. CBSE 2026

   11. In which of the following regions did the "Beej-Bachao Andolan" of farmers begin ?

   • (A) Kumaon
   • (B) Tehri ✓
   • (C) Almora
   • (D) Chamoli

   Answer: (B)

7. 7. CBSE 2025

   Choose the correctly matched pair from the following : National Park/Tiger Reserve - State

   • (A) Corbett National Park - Himachal Pradesh
   • (B) Bandhavgarh National Park - Rajasthan
   • (C) Periyar Tiger Reserve - Tamil Nadu
   • (D) Manas Tiger Reserve - Assam ✓

   Answer: (D)

8. 8. CBSE 2025

   Which of the following features of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act are correct ? Choose the most appropriate option. Features : I. Providing for the habitat of wildlife. II. Publishing the list of protected species. III. Banning hunting for the protection of endangered species. IV. Including important subjects like forests and wildlife in the Union List.

   • (A) Only I, II and III are correct. ✓
   • (B) Only I, II and IV are correct.
   • (C) Only II, III and IV are correct.
   • (D) Only I, III and IV are correct.

   Answer: (A)

9. 9. CBSE 2025

   Choose the correctly matched pair :

   • (A) Corbett National Park - Himachal Pradesh
   • (B) Sunderban National Park - Kerala
   • (C) Bandhavgarh National Park - Rajasthan
   • (D) Manas Tiger Reserve - Assam ✓

   Answer: (D)

10. 10. CBSE 2025

    'Sariska Tiger Reserve' is located in which one of the following states ?

    • (A) Madhya Pradesh
    • (B) Rajasthan ✓
    • (C) Uttar Pradesh
    • (D) Maharashtra

    Answer: (B)

Questions parents and students ask

How many marks does "Forest and Wildlife Resources" carry in CBSE Class 10 Social Science?

In the CBSE papers of 2023–2026, this chapter carried about 2 marks and about 1 questions a year; by marks it ranks 19 in Social Science.

Which are the most important (VVI) questions of "Forest and Wildlife Resources"?

The 14 questions above are from the board’s real papers, each with the years it was asked; the most-asked come first with their full model answers. All 14 written questions of this chapter, with answers, are in the AskMedha app.

Do the answers follow the board’s marking scheme?

Yes. CBSE publishes its marking schemes; every model answer here is written point by point to the marks the board’s own scheme gives, and checked by a second, independent model.