CBSE Class 5 EVS Chapter 20 Whose Forests NCERT Solutions

Reviewed by NCERT Help Editorial Team · Updated on 29 Jul 2026

NCERT Solutions PDF Class 5 PDF

This chapter, "Whose Forests?", from CBSE Class 5 EVS, delves into the fundamental concept of forests and their significance. It explores what constitutes a forest, differentiating between natural forests and plantations. The solutions highlight the symbiotic relationship between forests, plants, animals, and the indigenous communities, known as adivasis, who depend on them for their livelihood. It discusses the diversity of flora found in forests and the reasons behind Suryamani's statement about the inseparable connection between forests and human existence. The chapter also touches upon the rights of forest dwellers and the conflicts that can arise with external interests, such as contractors. These NCERT Solutions provide clear explanations and answers to help students understand the importance of forests and the rights of those who live in them, aiding in effective exam revision.

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Quick info

Board	CBSE
Class	Class 5
Subject	EVS
Session	2026
Language	English
Type	NCERT Solutions
Chapter	Chapter 20

Chapter summary

Chapter 20, "Whose Forests?", focuses on understanding the definition and components of a forest. It explains the interdependence of trees, plants, animals, and adivasis within forest ecosystems. The solutions clarify the diversity of forest types and trees, and emphasize the critical role forests play in the survival of indigenous communities. It also addresses issues related to forest access and resource utilization, prompting discussions on forest ownership and rights.

Learning outcomes

Understand the definition and characteristics of a forest.
Identify the various components found in a forest ecosystem.
Explain the interdependence between adivasis and forests.
Recognize the diversity of trees and plants in different forests.
Discuss the concept of forest ownership and the rights of forest dwellers.

Topics covered

Paper topics

Definition of a forest
Components of a forest ecosystem
Adivasis and their relationship with forests
Forest dwellers' livelihood
Diversity of trees and plants
Forest ownership
Rights of forest dwellers
Forest conservation

Important topics

Understanding what constitutes a forest
The role of adivasis and their dependence on forests
The interconnectedness of life within a forest
The concept of forest rights and ownership

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Questions and Solutions

Discuss: What do you think is a forest?

What do you think is a forest?

Solution: A forest is a large area of land covered predominantly with trees and other vegetation. It is a complex ecosystem where numerous plants, animals, birds, and insects live together in a natural environment. Many forests are also home to indigenous communities, known as adivasis, who live in harmony with nature and depend on the forest for their survival.

Discuss: If someone grew lots of trees close to each other, would this become a forest?

If someone grew lots of trees close to each other, would this become a forest?

Solution: Simply planting many trees close together does not automatically create a forest. A true forest is a natural ecosystem that develops over time and includes a wide variety of plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms interacting with each other and their environment. While a plantation of trees can provide some benefits, it typically lacks the rich biodiversity and complex ecological balance found in a natural forest.

Find Out and Write: Other than trees what all is there in a forest?

Other than trees what all is there in a forest?

Solution: Besides trees, a forest is home to a vast array of other living things. This includes various types of animals, from large mammals to small creatures, numerous species of birds, a multitude of insects, and other plants like shrubs, herbs, and creepers. Forest people, or adivasis, also live within and depend on the forest.

Find Out and Write: Do all forests have similar types of trees? How many trees can you identify?

Do all forests have similar types of trees? How many trees can you identify?

Solution: No, not all forests have the same types of trees. Forests vary greatly depending on their geographical location, climate, and soil conditions. Different regions are characterized by specific types of trees. For example, some common trees found in forests include teak, sal, bamboo, and pine. Identifying specific trees requires knowledge of botany and local flora.

Find Out and Write: Suryamani says, "If the forests are not there, we too will not remain." Why so?

Suryamani says, "If the forests are not there, we too will not remain." Why so?

Solution: Suryamani's statement emphasizes the deep and inseparable connection between forest-dwelling communities, known as adivasis, and the forests they inhabit. Their entire livelihood, culture, and survival depend on the forest. They collect food (like wild fruits), medicinal herbs, firewood, and materials for making baskets and other crafts from the forest. Without the forest, these essential resources would be lost, endangering their existence.

Think and Write: Do you know anyone who loves the forest?

Do you know anyone who loves the forest?

Solution: This question is based on personal experience and reflection. Many people love forests for their natural beauty, the peace they offer, and the diverse wildlife they contain. Some individuals might be environmentalists, researchers, or simply people who enjoy spending time in nature and appreciate the importance of forests for the planet's health.

Think and Write: The contractor did not allow Suryamani's people to go into the forest. Why?

The contractor did not allow Suryamani's people to go into the forest. Why?

Solution: The contractor likely prevented Suryamani's people from entering the forest because he had a contract with the government to cut down the trees, possibly for development projects like building dams or for commercial purposes. Allowing the local communities to collect resources would interfere with his work and potentially reduce the timber available for his contract. Therefore, he restricted their access to protect his own interests.

Discuss: Who do you think the forest belongs to?

Who do you think the forest belongs to?

Solution: The question of who forests belong to is complex. From a natural perspective, forests are part of the Earth's ecosystem and belong to nature itself, supporting all life within them. However, in many societies, forests are legally considered the property of the government or state. Importantly, indigenous communities, like the adivasis, have lived in and depended on forests for generations, developing a deep cultural and practical connection, and often believe they have a right to the forest and its resources.

Common mistakes

Confusing plantations with natural forests.
Underestimating the dependence of adivasis on forest resources.
Not recognizing the diversity of life within a forest.
Overlooking the importance of forest conservation.

Revision tips

Visualize a forest ecosystem and list its inhabitants.
Understand the meaning of 'adivasis' and their connection to forests.
Think about why forests are important for both nature and people.
Discuss the questions with friends to grasp different perspectives on forest ownership.

Practice MCQs

Q1. What is a forest primarily characterized by?

Q2. Who are the people often referred to as living inside forests and in association with them?

Q3. Besides trees, what other elements are typically found in a forest?

Q4. Why might planting many trees close together not automatically create a forest?

Q5. Suryamani's statement, "If the forests are not there, we too will not remain," emphasizes:

Frequently asked questions

What is the main idea of Chapter 20, 'Whose Forests?' for Class 5 EVS?

The chapter explains what a forest is, who lives there (like adivasis), and why forests are crucial for the survival of both nature and people, especially indigenous communities.

Who are the 'adivasis' mentioned in the chapter?

Adivasis are indigenous people who traditionally live in and depend on forests for their food, shelter, and livelihood, collecting resources like leaves, herbs, and fruits.

Why is Suryamani's statement, 'If the forests are not there, we too will not remain,' so important?

It highlights the deep and essential connection between the survival of forest-dwelling communities and the existence of forests, as their entire way of life depends on forest resources.

How do these NCERT Solutions help students?

They provide clear, rewritten answers to all questions, helping students understand complex concepts like forest ecosystems, adivasi rights, and the importance of conservation for their exams.

What is the difference between a forest and a plantation, according to the chapter?

A forest is a natural ecosystem with diverse plants and animals living together, while a plantation is simply a large number of trees planted close to each other, often lacking the natural biodiversity of a forest.

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