CBSE Class 10 Geography • Chapter 2 • 2026–27
Forest and Wildlife Resources Class 10: Notes, Questions, MCQs & Revision
Complete chapter-focused study resources for Forest and Wildlife Resources from CBSE Class 10 Geography. Learn biodiversity, conservation, forest categories, causes of depletion, community participation, Project Tiger and sustainable management through notes, questions, MCQs and revision resources.
CBSE 2026–27 focus: Forest and Wildlife Resources is Chapter 2 of Contemporary India–II. The current curriculum emphasises the importance of conserving forests and wildlife, their interdependence, the effects of grazing and wood cutting, biodiversity conservation and the impact of developmental activities on forests.
What You Will Study in This Chapter
Understand flora, fauna, biodiversity and why biological diversity matters for ecological balance and sustainable development.
Study major causes such as agricultural expansion, development projects, industrialisation, urbanisation, over-exploitation and other human pressures.
Learn why conservation is necessary and how protected areas, laws and conservation programmes help protect species and habitats.
Revise the distinction between reserved, protected and unclassed forests and understand their role in conservation.
Prepare important concepts related to endangered, vulnerable, rare, endemic and extinct species and conservation measures.
Study examples such as the Chipko Movement, sacred groves, Beej Bachao Andolan and Joint Forest Management.
Study Resources for Forest and Wildlife Resources
Quick Revision Notes
1. Biodiversity
Biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms found in a region. It includes plants, animals and microorganisms and the ecosystems in which they exist. Forests and wildlife are interdependent parts of ecological systems, so the loss of one component can affect many others.
2. Why Forests and Wildlife Need Conservation
- They maintain ecological balance and support natural cycles.
- They provide habitats for many species.
- They support livelihoods and local communities.
- They provide resources and ecosystem services.
- Conservation helps protect biodiversity for present and future generations.
3. Causes of Depletion
Important causes include expansion of agriculture, large development projects, mining and industrial activities, urbanisation, commercial exploitation of forest resources and excessive pressure on land and forests. The chapter also examines how grazing and wood cutting can affect forests.
4. Categories of Species
Students should understand the meaning and examples of categories used to describe the conservation status of species, including normal, endangered, vulnerable, rare, endemic and extinct species. Learn the definitions carefully because classification-based MCQs and matching questions are common practice formats.
5. Reserved, Protected and Unclassed Forests
Indian forests are broadly classified into reserved forests, protected forests and unclassed forests. Reserved forests receive the highest degree of protection among these categories. The distinction between the three categories is an important examination topic.
6. Project Tiger
Project Tiger was launched in 1973 as a major conservation programme for protecting tigers and their habitats. For examination preparation, remember its purpose, the reasons behind tiger conservation and the wider importance of protecting habitats and ecosystems.
7. Community and Conservation
Forest conservation is not limited to government action. The chapter highlights the contribution of local communities and traditional practices. Examples such as the Chipko Movement, sacred groves, the Beej Bachao Andolan and Joint Forest Management show different forms of community participation in conservation.
High-Priority Topics for Exam Preparation
- Meaning and importance of biodiversity
- Reasons for conserving forests and wildlife
- Causes of depletion of flora and fauna
- Classification of species according to conservation status
- Reserved, protected and unclassed forests
- Wildlife Protection Act and conservation efforts
- Project Tiger and its objectives
- Role of local communities in conservation
- Chipko Movement and other community initiatives
- Sacred groves and traditional conservation practices
- Joint Forest Management
- Effects of development activities, grazing and wood cutting on forests
CBSE Question-Pattern Preparation
The current Class 10 Social Science paper uses a mix of objective questions, short-answer questions, case-based questions and longer analytical responses. Prepare this chapter across different formats rather than relying only on one-mark MCQs.
- 1 mark: definitions, classification, programmes, examples and identification.
- 2 marks: short explanations and differences.
- 3 marks: causes, effects, conservation measures and examples.
- 4 marks: case-based or competency-based application of concepts.
- 5 marks: structured analytical answers involving causes, impacts, conservation and community participation.
How to Prepare Forest and Wildlife Resources
- Read the prescribed NCERT chapter once for complete understanding.
- Make a one-page list of definitions, categories and important examples.
- Revise the causes of biodiversity depletion and conservation measures together.
- Practise differences such as reserved, protected and unclassed forests.
- Attempt chapter MCQs without looking at the answers first.
- Practise 3-mark and 5-mark answers using clear points and relevant examples.
- Finish with case-based and previous-year questions before moving to the next chapter.
Related Class 10 Geography Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
It is Chapter 2 of CBSE Class 10 Geography in Contemporary India–II. The chapter focuses on biodiversity, forest and wildlife conservation, causes of depletion and the role of communities.
Yes. It is listed as Chapter 2 in the Geography portion of the current Class 10 Social Science curriculum.
Focus on biodiversity, reasons for conservation, causes of depletion, species categories, forest classification, Project Tiger, community participation, Chipko Movement, sacred groves and Joint Forest Management.
CBSE assigns marks to the Geography section as a whole rather than publishing a fixed chapter-wise mark allocation. Prepare this chapter for all relevant question formats.
Yes. These resources are designed for revision and exam preparation, but students should read the prescribed NCERT chapter because textbook activities, examples and wording can support competency-based questions.
Continue Your Class 10 Geography Preparation
After completing Forest and Wildlife Resources, continue with Resources and Development, then move through the remaining Geography chapters using the Class 10 Social Science Study Guide.
Reference: CBSE Class 10 Social Science Curriculum 2026–27 and the prescribed NCERT Geography text, Contemporary India–II.