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Q1. What is the main term for the clearing of forests by humans?
Deforestation is the clearing of forests by humans for agriculture, settlements, or other uses. Afforestation is planting trees, desertification is land turning to desert, and reforestation is replanting trees in a deforested area. Deforestation is the direct removal of forest cover.
Q2. Which of the following is a major consequence of deforestation?
Deforestation leads to an increase in carbon dioxide levels because trees absorb CO₂. This contributes to global warming. It also reduces rainfall, increases soil erosion, and lowers groundwater levels. Global warming is a major consequence of deforestation.
Q3. What is the process called when fertile land becomes desert-like?
Desertification is the process by which fertile land becomes desert-like due to factors like deforestation, overgrazing, and climate change. It results in loss of soil fertility and vegetation. Reforestation and conservation help prevent it, while deforestation can cause it.
Q4. What type of vegetation is found in the alpine regions of Jammu & Kashmir?
The alpine regions of Jammu & Kashmir have alpine meadows and shrubs. This vegetation is found at high altitudes near the snowline. Dense tropical trees are found in tropical regions, xerophytic plants in deserts, and thorny bushes in arid areas.
Q5. What is the primary cause of soil erosion?
Soil erosion is the removal of the top fertile layer of soil by natural agents like wind and water. Deforestation, overgrazing, and poor farming practices increase soil erosion. Planting trees and building terraces help prevent it.
Q6. Which of these is a protected area where animals are protected from disturbance?
A wildlife sanctuary is a protected area where animals are protected from human disturbance and poaching. Agricultural fields, urban parks, and deforested areas are not designated for wildlife protection. Sanctuaries are part of in-situ conservation.
Q7. Temperate forests in J&K, like those in Dachigam, are characterized by:
Temperate forests in J&K, such as those in Dachigam, have deciduous trees like oak, maple, and walnut. Thorny plants are found in deserts, cactus in arid regions, and rainforests in tropical areas. These forests are rich in biodiversity.
Q8. Which term refers to the variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat?
Biodiversity refers to the variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat. It includes genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity. Deforestation, reforestation, and desertification are processes that affect biodiversity. High biodiversity indicates a healthy ecosystem.
Q9. Which of these is an example of xerophytic vegetation found in dry areas of J&K?
Xerophytic vegetation, like cactus and thorny bushes, is found in dry, arid areas where water is scarce. Oak and pine are found in temperate forests, and apple orchards are cultivated in temperate regions. Xerophytes have adaptations to survive with little water.
Q10. The main purpose of establishing a wildlife sanctuary is to:
Wildlife sanctuaries are established to protect endangered species and their habitats. They provide a safe environment for animals to live and breed without human interference. Hunting, farming, and timber harvesting are prohibited in sanctuaries.
Q11. What is a major cause of deforestation in forests?
A major cause of deforestation is the clearing of forests for agriculture, settlements, and infrastructure. This is driven by human population growth and demand for land. Large-scale planting and decreasing demand for wood are not causes of deforestation.
Q12. What is the process of planting trees in an area where forest was destroyed called?
Reforestation is the process of planting trees in an area where a forest was destroyed. It helps restore forest cover, prevent soil erosion, and improve biodiversity. Deforestation is cutting down trees, and conservation is protecting resources.
Q13. Overgrazing by livestock can lead to:
Overgrazing by livestock removes vegetation cover, leading to soil erosion and loss of fertility. This can cause desertification, turning fertile land into desert. It reduces biodiversity and damages ecosystems.
Q14. Which of these is a consequence of deforestation on wildlife?
Deforestation destroys the natural habitats of wildlife, leading to loss of shelter and food sources. This causes species to migrate, decline in population, or become extinct. Loss of habitat is a major threat to biodiversity.
Q15. What type of protected area allows limited human activity and protects entire ecosystems?
National parks are protected areas that allow limited human activity and protect entire ecosystems. They are more strictly protected than sanctuaries. National parks also allow for scientific research and ecotourism. Agricultural and mining areas are not protected.
Q16. What happens to carbon dioxide levels when large-scale deforestation occurs?
Deforestation releases stored carbon into the atmosphere as CO₂. Trees absorb CO₂ during photosynthesis, so removing them increases atmospheric CO₂ levels. This contributes to global warming and climate change.
Q17. Which region in J&K is known for its temperate coniferous forests?
The Pir Panjal range in J&K is known for temperate coniferous forests. These forests have trees like pine, fir, and deodar. Ladakh is a desert, the Kashmir Valley has deciduous forests, and Jammu plains have subtropical vegetation.
Q18. The primary aim of conservation is to:
The primary aim of conservation is to protect and preserve natural resources for current and future generations. This includes forests, wildlife, water, and soil. Sustainable use ensures that resources are not depleted.
Q19. What is a direct result of soil erosion caused by deforestation?
Soil erosion removes the top fertile layer of soil, reducing agricultural productivity. This is a direct result of deforestation. Deforestation increases flooding and reduces water quality. Soil erosion is a major environmental problem.
Q20. Which activity is prohibited in a wildlife sanctuary?
Poaching and hunting of animals are strictly prohibited in wildlife sanctuaries. Scientific research, bird watching, and photography are allowed as long as they do not disturb wildlife. Sanctuaries are meant for protection, not for hunting.
Q21. Which of these is a natural cause that can contribute to deforestation?
Forest fires are a natural cause of deforestation. They can be caused by lightning or dry weather and destroy large areas of forest. Planting trees, creating protected areas, and sustainable logging are human actions that prevent deforestation.
Q22. Biosphere Reserves are large protected areas meant for:
Biosphere reserves are large protected areas that conserve biodiversity and promote traditional and sustainable ways of life. They include core zones, buffer zones, and transition zones. They are not just for wildlife or plants alone.
Q23. What is a key feature of xerophytic plants for survival?
Xerophytic plants have adaptations like deep roots to access water and fleshy stems to store water. These help them survive in dry conditions. Large leaves and thin bark are not adaptations for dry environments.
Q24. The ‘Red Data Book’ keeps a record of:
The Red Data Book is a record of endangered and extinct species. It is published by the IUCN and lists species that are at risk of extinction. It helps in conservation planning.
Q25. Which of these is NOT a way to conserve forests?
Clear-cutting (cutting down all trees in a large area) is destructive and not a conservation method. Sustainable logging, preventing forest fires, and creating protected areas are all forest conservation methods. Clear-cutting leads to deforestation.
Q26. Alpine vegetation is typically found:
Alpine vegetation is found at very high altitudes, near the snowline, in mountainous regions. It includes low-growing shrubs, grasses, and flowers. Coastal regions, rainforests, and deserts have different types of vegetation.
Q27. What is a negative impact of deforestation on the water cycle?
Deforestation reduces rainfall because trees play a key role in the water cycle through transpiration. Removal of forests leads to less moisture in the air, reducing rainfall. Groundwater recharge decreases, and flooding increases.
Q28. The purpose of establishing protected areas like sanctuaries is part of:
In-situ conservation means protecting species in their natural habitats. Sanctuaries, national parks, and biosphere reserves are examples of in-situ conservation. Ex-situ conservation is protecting species outside their natural habitats, like in zoos or seed banks.
Q29. Which factor makes the forests of J&K vulnerable to deforestation?
Infrastructure development and urbanization are major factors making J&K’s forests vulnerable to deforestation. Road construction, dam building, and urban expansion lead to forest clearing. Strict protection laws help prevent deforestation.
Q30. What is migration of species away from an area often a result of?
Habitat destruction forces species to migrate to find new areas with food and shelter. Improved habitat, abundant resources, and increased forest cover would not cause migration; they would encourage species to stay.
Q31. Which J&K wildlife sanctuary is known for the Hangul (Kashmir stag)?
Dachigam National Park in Kashmir is famous for the Hangul (Kashmir stag), an endangered species. Kishtwar, Hemis, and Overa-Aru are also J&K protected areas but are not primarily known for Hangul.
Q32. What does the term ‘endemic species’ mean?
Endemic species are found only in a specific geographical area and nowhere else. They are often at risk of extinction. For example, the Hangul is endemic to Kashmir. Worldwide species are called cosmopolitan, extinct species no longer exist, and migratory species move between regions.
Q33. Which practice can help prevent soil erosion?
Terrace farming is a practice that helps prevent soil erosion on hilly slopes. It creates flat steps that reduce water runoff and soil loss. Overgrazing and deforestation increase erosion, and monoculture planting can reduce soil health.
Q34. The Banni grassland in Gujarat is an example of an area threatened by:
The Banni grassland in Gujarat is threatened by desertification due to overgrazing, invasive species, and climate change. Desertification turns grasslands into barren, desert-like land. Reforestation would help prevent desertification.
Q35. What is the main difference between a Sanctuary and a National Park?
National Parks have stricter protection and fewer human activities allowed compared to sanctuaries. Sanctuaries may allow limited human use. Hunting is prohibited in both. National Parks are more focused on ecosystem protection.
Q36. Which gas, absorbed by trees, increases due to deforestation and causes global warming?
Trees absorb carbon dioxide (CO₂) during photosynthesis. Deforestation reduces this absorption, leading to higher CO₂ levels in the atmosphere. This contributes to global warming. Oxygen, nitrogen, and hydrogen are not the primary gases involved.
Q37. Chipko Movement was a famous initiative to prevent:
The Chipko Movement was a forest conservation movement in India where villagers hugged trees to prevent them from being cut down. It was a grassroots effort to prevent deforestation. It raised awareness about the importance of forests.
Q38. What is a ‘seed bank’ used for in conservation?
A seed bank is used to store seeds of different plant species for conservation purposes. It helps preserve genetic diversity and is an ex-situ conservation method. Seeds can be used to restore habitats or reintroduce species.
Q39. The process by which a species no longer exists anywhere on Earth is called:
Extinction is the process by which a species no longer exists anywhere on Earth. This can happen due to habitat loss, hunting, climate change, or other factors. It is irreversible. Migration, endemism, and reforestation are different concepts.
Q40. Which of these is a positive step towards wildlife conservation?
Creating awareness about endangered species is a positive step towards wildlife conservation. It helps people understand the importance of protecting wildlife. Buying animal products, encroaching on forest land, and littering are harmful actions.
Q41. The Thar Desert’s expansion is an example of:
The expansion of the Thar Desert is an example of desertification. Overgrazing, deforestation, and climate change have led to the spread of desert conditions in this region. This reduces fertile land and biodiversity.
Q42. What role do forests play in preventing floods?
Forests help prevent floods by binding soil with roots and absorbing excess rainwater. This reduces surface runoff and slows down water flow, preventing floods. This is an important role of forests in the water cycle.
Q43. Project Tiger is an example of:
Project Tiger is a conservation project launched in India to protect the tiger, an endangered species. It focuses on tiger conservation and habitat protection. It is not a deforestation, hunting, or desertification project.
Q44. What is a ‘keystone species’ in an ecosystem?
A keystone species is one that has a disproportionately large effect on its ecosystem. Its presence is crucial for the survival of many other species. Removing it would cause significant changes to the ecosystem. The tiger is an example of a keystone species.
Q45. Which human need is a direct cause of deforestation in J&K for local communities?
In J&K, local communities often depend on forests for fuelwood and fodder for livestock. This demand leads to the removal of trees and contributes to deforestation. Electronic gadgets, cars, and seawater are not direct causes.
Q46. What does IUCN stand for?
IUCN is the International Union for Conservation of Nature. It is a global organisation that works on conservation and sustainability. It publishes the Red Data Book and sets conservation priorities.
Q47. The Van Mahotsav festival is associated with:
Van Mahotsav is an annual tree-planting festival in India. It is celebrated to promote afforestation and create awareness about the importance of trees. It is not related to harvesting crops, celebrating rivers, or hunting.
Q48. Which of these is an ex-situ method of conservation?
Ex-situ conservation involves protecting species outside their natural habitats. Zoological parks (zoos), botanical gardens, and seed banks are examples. National parks, sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves are in-situ conservation methods.
Q49. Loss of biodiversity can lead to:
Loss of biodiversity makes ecosystems less stable and can lead to the loss of potential sources of medicines, food, and other resources. It reduces resilience to diseases and environmental changes. Biodiversity is crucial for ecosystem health.
Q50. Sustainable development means using resources:
Sustainable development means meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It involves using resources wisely and protecting the environment. It is not about using resources as fast as possible or without restrictions.