Q1.What is meant by flora?

Flora refers to the different types of plant species found in a particular area.

Q2.What is meant by fauna?

Fauna refers to the different types of animal species found in a particular area.

Q3.Define biodiversity.

Biodiversity is the variety of different plant and animal species present in a region.

Q4.Why is India called a mega-diversity nation?

Because India has a very large variety of plants, animals and ecosystems found in different regions.

Q5.What do you mean by natural vegetation?

Natural vegetation is plant life that grows naturally without human help in a particular region.

Q6.What are forest resources?

Forest resources are all useful products and services obtained from forests, like timber, fodder and oxygen.

Q7.What are wildlife resources?

Wildlife resources include all wild animals and birds that live in forests and other natural habitats.

Q8.Why are forests and wildlife called renewable resources?

Because they can renew and regenerate themselves naturally, if used and protected properly.

Q9.In what type of climate are tropical evergreen forests found?

They are found in areas with high temperature and heavy rainfall throughout the year.

Q10.Name any two trees found in tropical evergreen forests.

Ebony and mahogany are commonly found in tropical evergreen forests.

Q11.Why are tropical deciduous forests called monsoon forests?

Because they shed their leaves in the dry season and grow again with the arrival of monsoon rains.

Q12.Give two examples of trees found in moist deciduous forests.

Teak and sal are important trees found in moist deciduous forests.

Q13.Where are thorn forests mainly found in India?

Thorn forests are mainly found in Rajasthan, Gujarat and parts of Punjab and Haryana.

Q14.What type of vegetation is found in very dry areas of low rainfall?

Thorny bushes, acacia and cacti are found in very dry low rainfall areas.

Q15.What are montane forests?

Montane forests are forests found in mountainous regions at different heights or altitudes.

Q16.Name any two trees commonly found in temperate montane forests.

Pine and deodar are commonly found in temperate montane forests.

Q17.Where are mangrove forests found in India?

Mangrove forests are found in coastal tidal areas, especially in river deltas like the Sunderbans.

Q18.What special feature helps mangrove trees to survive in waterlogged soil?

Mangrove trees have breathing roots (pneumatophores) that help them survive in waterlogged soil.

Q19.Name any one region of India rich in evergreen and semi-evergreen forests.

The Western Ghats are rich in evergreen and semi-evergreen forests.

Q20.Name one state where deciduous forests are widely found.

Madhya Pradesh has large areas under deciduous forests.

Q21.What are normal species?

Normal species are those whose population level is considered normal for their survival.

Q22.What are endangered species?

Endangered species are those that are in danger of extinction in the near future.

Q23.What are vulnerable species?

Vulnerable species are those whose population has declined so much that they may become endangered soon.

Q24.What do you mean by endemic species?

Endemic species are those found only in a particular region and nowhere else in the world.

Q25.What are rare species?

Rare species are those with small populations which may become endangered if conditions worsen.

Q26.What are extinct species?

Extinct species are those which no longer exist anywhere on the earth.

Q27.What is deforestation?

Deforestation is the large-scale removal of forest cover, often for other land uses.

Q28.Mention one economic reason for deforestation in India.

Expansion of agriculture and cultivation is one important economic reason for deforestation.

Q29.How does mining affect forests?

Mining clears large areas of forests and disturbs soil, water and wildlife habitats.

Q30.What is poaching?

Poaching is the illegal hunting and killing of wild animals for trade or profit.

Q31.Give one effect of overgrazing on forests.

Overgrazing damages young plants and prevents regeneration of forest vegetation.

Q32.How do development projects lead to loss of biodiversity?

Large dams, roads and industries destroy natural habitats and displace plants and animals.

Q33.Give one way in which forest fires are harmful.

Forest fires destroy trees, soil nutrients and wildlife over large areas.

Q34.How does climate change threaten wildlife?

Climate change alters temperature and rainfall, making habitats unsuitable for many species.

Q35.What is meant by conservation?

Conservation means the planned and careful use of resources so that they are protected for the future.

Q36.Which Act provides legal protection to many wild animals and birds in India?

The Wildlife Protection Act provides legal protection to many wild animals and birds.

Q37.What is a national park?

A national park is a protected area reserved for wildlife and environment where no commercial use is allowed.

Q38.What is a wildlife sanctuary?

A wildlife sanctuary is an area where animals are protected but limited human activities may be allowed.

Q39.What is a biosphere reserve?

A biosphere reserve is a large protected area that conserves ecosystems, genetic diversity and traditional life.

Q40.Name the famous project started to protect tigers in India.

Project Tiger was started to protect tigers and increase their population in India.

Q41.What is social forestry?

Social forestry means growing trees on community and private land to meet local needs of people.

Q42.What is afforestation?

Afforestation is the process of planting trees on land where there were no forests earlier.

Q43.Why is conservation of forests important for soil?

Forests protect soil from erosion and help maintain its fertility and moisture content.

Q44.What is the main idea behind community-based conservation?

It is to involve local people in protecting and using forest resources in a sustainable way.

Q45.Why do local communities have a strong interest in protecting forests?

Because their daily needs of fuel, fodder and small timber depend directly on forests.

Q46.What is Joint Forest Management (JFM)?

JFM is a programme in which local communities and the forest department jointly manage forests.

Q47.How does people’s participation help reduce illegal cutting of trees?

Local people act as guardians of forests and report or stop illegal cutting quickly.

Q48.Give one example of a people’s movement related to saving forests.

The Chipko Movement is an example where villagers hugged trees to prevent them from being cut.

Q49.How can students help in forest conservation?

Students can spread awareness, join tree plantation drives and avoid wastage of paper and wood.

Q50.Why is community participation essential for sustainable development?

Because when people are involved, resources are used carefully and protected for future generations.