NCERT Class 10 Social Science Contemporary India: Chapter 2 — Forest and Wildlife Resources
This chapter, 'Flora and Fauna in India,' from NCERT's Contemporary India textbook for Class 10, highlights India's immense biodiversity and the critical need for conservation. It explains that India is one of the world's richest countries in biological diversity, encompassing millions of living beings from microorganisms to large animals and plants. The chapter emphasizes that humans are part of a complex ecological system and depend on flora and fauna for essential resources like clean air, water, and food. It details the importance of forests as primary producers and discusses the threats leading to the decline of wildlife populations. The text introduces the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972 and various conservation projects like Project Tiger, aimed at protecting endangered species and their habitats. Understanding these concepts is crucial for students to grasp the interdependence of life and the significance of environmental conservation for sustainable existence.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 10 |
| Subject | Social Science |
| Book | Contemporary India |
| Chapter | Chapter 2 — Forest and Wildlife Resources |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 3 minutes |
| Word count | 456 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand India's rich biodiversity and its significance.
- Recognize the interdependence between humans and the ecological system.
- Identify the threats to flora and fauna and the need for conservation.
- Learn about conservation efforts like the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act and Project Tiger.
- Appreciate the role of forests and wildlife in maintaining ecological balance.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Biodiversity | The variety of life in the world or in a particular habitat or ecosystem. |
| Flora | The plants of a particular region, habitat, or geological period. |
| Fauna | The animals of a particular region, habitat, or geological period. |
| Habitat | The natural home or environment of an animal, plant, or other organism. |
| Conservation | The preservation, protection, or restoration of the natural environment and wildlife. |
| Endangered species | A species of animal or plant that is seriously at risk of extinction. |
| Poaching | The illegal hunting of animals. |
| Primary producers | Organisms that produce their own food, usually through photosynthesis (e.g., plants). |
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Practice questions
- Why is India considered one of the world's richest countries in terms of biological diversity? Answer: India is rich in biodiversity due to its vast array of plant and animal species, many of which are unique and yet to be discovered.
- What is the importance of flora and fauna in our daily life? Answer: Flora and fauna are essential for our existence as they help recreate the quality of air, water, and soil, which are vital for survival.
- When was the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act implemented, and what was its main objective? Answer: The Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act was implemented in 1972 with the objective of protecting habitats and endangered species by banning hunting and restricting wildlife trade.
- What were the major threats to the tiger population that led to the launch of Project Tiger? Answer: Major threats included poaching for trade, shrinking habitat, depletion of prey species, and growing human population.
- What is the role of forests in the ecological system? Answer: Forests play a key role as primary producers, supporting all other living beings that depend on them.
Frequently asked questions
What is biodiversity?
Biodiversity refers to the immense richness in wildlife and cultivated species, diverse in form and function, which are closely integrated in an ecological system.
Why is conservation of forests and wildlife essential?
Conservation is essential to preserve ecological diversity, life support systems (water, air, soil), and the genetic diversity of plants and animals.
When was Project Tiger launched and why?
Project Tiger was launched in 1973 because the tiger population had dwindled significantly, facing threats from poaching and habitat loss.
What are some examples of endangered species protected in India?
Examples include the tiger, one-horned rhinoceros, Kashmir stag (hangul), crocodiles, Asiatic lion, Indian elephant, black buck, great Indian bustard, and snow leopard.
What is the significance of primary producers in an ecosystem?
Primary producers, like plants and forests, create their own food and form the base of the food web, supporting all other living beings.
What is the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act?
It is a law implemented in 1972 to protect habitats and endangered species by banning hunting and restricting wildlife trade.
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NCERT Class 10 Social Science — Contemporary India — Chapter 2 — Forest and Wildlife Resources. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.