Important Questions Class 10 Science Chapter 16

Important Questions Class 10 Science Chapter 16 – Sustainable Management of Natural Resources 

Chapter 16 of CBSE Class 10 Science covers ‘Sustainable Management of Natural Resources’. Sustainable development encourages today’s growth while protecting resources for the needs of future generations. Therefore, achieving sustainable development calls for transformation in all spheres of life. This chapter teaches students to make environmentally responsible judgments and choices, the results of which may be immediate, long-term or wide-ranging. This chapter discusses resource management, forest and wildlife management, and the reduce, reuse, and recycle principle.

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CBSE Class 10 Science Important Questions 2022-23

CBSE Class 10 Science Important Questions are also available for the following chapters:

Important Questions Class 10 Science Chapter 16 – With Solutions

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Below are a few questions and their answers from our question set of Important Questions Class 10 Science Chapter 16.

Question 1: From the list given below to pick the item that is not a natural resource

(a) Soil

(b) Water

(c) Electricity

(d) Air

Answer 1: (c) Electricity

Explanation:

Natural resources include soil, water and air, whereas people transform various energy sources to create electricity.

Question 2. The most rapidly dwindling natural resource in the world is

(a) water

(b) forests

(c) sunlight

(d) wind

Answer 2: (b) forests

Explanation:

Water, wind and sunlight are non-exhaustible resources. Forests are depleting due to human activities.

Question 3. The pH of the water sample collected from a river was found to be acidic in the range of 3.5 – 4.5, on the banks of the river were many factories that were discharging effluents into the river. The effluents of which one of the following factories is the most likely cause for lowering the pH of the water of the river?

(a) Plastic cup manufacturing factory

(b) Lead battery manufacturing factory

(c) Soap and detergent factory

(d) Alcohol distillery

Answer 3: (d) Alcohol distillery

Explanation:

During the process of fermentation, Lactic acid and alcohol are produced. Ethanoic acid is produced as a result of alcohol oxidation. The pH of river water will fall as a result.

 Question 4. The most appropriate definition of a natural resource is that it is a substance/commodity that is

(a) a man-made substance placed in nature

(b) a gift of nature which is very useful to mankind

(c) present only on land

(d) available only in the forest

Answer 4: (b) a gift of nature which is very useful to mankind

Explanation:

Natural resources are found worldwide; hence, options (a) and (d) are incorrect. Humans do not create natural resources. Hence option d) is incorrect.

Question 5. The pH range most suitable for life of freshwater plants and animals is

(a) 6.5 – 7.5

(b) 9.0 – 10.5

(c) 3.5 – 5.0

(d) 2.0 – 3.5

Answer 5: (a) 6.5 – 7.5

Explanation:

Freshwater plants and animals can thrive best in environments with a neutral pH.

Question 6. The main cause for abundant coliform bacteria in the river Ganga is

(a) disposal of unburnt corpses into water

(b) discharge of effluents from electroplating industries

(c) washing of clothes

(d) immersion of ashes

Answer 6:  (a) disposal of unburnt corpses into water

Explanation:

Human excreta are where the majority of coliforms are found. Therefore, unexcavated remains are the sources of coliform that pollute the water in the Ganga river.

Question 7. Given below are a few statements related to biodiversity. Pick those that correctly describe the concept of biodiversity

1. Biodiversity refers to the different species of flora and fauna present in an area.
2. Biodiversity refers to only the flora of a given area
3. Biodiversity is greater in a forest
4. Biodiversity refers to the total number of individuals of a particular species living in an area

(a) (i) and (ii)

(b) (ii) and (iii)

(c) (i) and (iii)

(d) (ii) and (iv)

Answer 7:  (c) (i) and (iii)

Explanation:

Because biodiversity encompasses both flora and fauna and does not refer to a single species, options ii) and iv) are false.

Question 8. Among the statements given below to select the ones that correctly describe the concept of sustainable development.

(i) Planned growth with minimum damage to the environment

(ii) Stopping all developmental work to conserve the environment 

(iii) Growth irrespective of the extent of damage caused to the environment

(iv) Growth that is acceptable to all the stakeholders

(a) (i) and (iv)

(b) (ii) and (iii)

(c) (ii) and (iv)

(d) (iii) only

Answer 8: (a) (i) and (iv)

Explanation:

Environment protection should not be sacrificed for economic growth. Because human progress is equally vital, options ii) and iii) are false.

Question 9. A successful forest conservation strategy should be involving

(a) protection of only herbivores 

(b) protection of only consumers

(c) protection of animals at the highest trophic level

(d) comprehensive programme to protect all the physical and biological components

Answer 9: (d) comprehensive programme to protect all the physical and biological components

Explanation:

For the survival of forests, biotic and abiotic community balance is crucial. Hence response choice d) is correct.

Question 10. Select the incorrect statement

(a) Economic development is linked to environmental conservation

(b) Sustainable development encourages development for the current generation and conservation of resources for future generations

(c) Sustainable development does not consider the viewpoints of stakeholders

(d) Sustainable development is a long-planned and persistent development

Answer 10: (c) Sustainable development does not consider the viewpoints of stakeholders

Explanation:

The sustained growth of any programme requires the participation of all stakeholders. Hence option c) is untrue.

Question 11. The important message conveyed by the ‘Chipko Movement’ is

(a) to involve the community in forest conservation efforts

(b) to cut down forest trees for developmental activities 

(c) to ignore the community in forest conservation efforts

(d) government agencies have the unquestionable right to order the destruction of trees in forests

Answer 11: (a) to involve the community in forest conservation efforts

Question 12. Which of the following is not a natural resource?

(a) Mango tree

(b) Wind

(c) Snake

(d) Wooden house

Answer 12: (d) Wooden house

Explanation:

Wind, snakes and mango trees are all examples of natural resources, but wooden houses are artificial.

Question 13. Select the wrong statement

(a) Forests provide a variety of products

(b) Forests have greater plant diversity

(c) Forests do not conserve soil

(d) Forests conserve water

Answer 13: (c) Forests do not conserve soil

Explanation:

Forests assist in maintaining the fertility of the soil by preventing soil erosion and by contributing humus to the soil.

Question 14. Groundwater will not be depleted due to

(a) afforestation

(b) thermal power plants

(c) cropping of high water demanding crops

(d) loss of forest, and decreased rainfall

Answer 14: (b) thermal power plants

Explanation:

Thermal power plants have no impact on groundwater depletion, but afforestation, which causes seepage and water loss, as well as a reduction in rainfall, also has an impact.

Question 15. Opposition to the construction of large dams is due to

(a) economic reasons

(b) social reasons 

(c) environmental reasons

(d) all the above

Answer 15:  (d) all the above

Explanation:

One environmental factor is the destruction of an ecosystem close to the dam. People moving is a sociological reason. Economic factors have an impact on both agricultural land and employment.

Question 16. Pick the right group of terms which has no fossil fuel.

(a) Wind, ocean and coal

(b) Petroleum, wood, sun 

(c) Wind, wood, sun

(d) Kerosene, wind and tide

Answer 16: (c) Wind, wood, sun

Explanation:

The solution is (c) Wind, wood, and sun because options a, b, and d all contain fossil fuels such as coal, kerosene, and petroleum.

Question 17. Select the eco-friendly activity among the following

(a) Using dyes for colouring clothes 

(b) Using poly bags for shopping

(c) Using a car for transportation

1. d) Using windmills to generate power for irrigation

Answer 17: d) Using windmills to generate power for irrigation

Explanation:

They are not eco-friendly because using a car for transportation, using polybags, and colouring clothes with dyes increase environmental impact.

Question 18. It is important to make small check dams across the flooded gullies because they

(i) hold water permanently

(ii) hold water and prevent soil erosion

(iii) recharge groundwater

(iv) hold water for irrigation 

(a) (i) and (iv)

(b) (ii) and (iii)

(c) (iii) and (iv)

(d) (ii) and (iv)

Answer 18: (b) (ii) and (iii)

Explanation:

The use of check dams can stop soil erosion. Check dams aid in improving groundwater levels by retaining water.

Question 19. What kind of changes can you make in your habits to become more environment-friendly?

Answer 19: The practices listed below can be integrated into our daily lives to help the environment:

• Any electrical device, including TVs, water heaters, lights, fans, and air conditioners, should be turned off when not in use.
• Repair any leaking taps or pipelines quickly to prevent water wastage. Additionally, it’s important to limit how much water you take. For instance, you shouldn’t run the taps while brushing your teeth.
• Glass and plastic garbage should be disposed of in recycling containers (many plastics take a long time to decompose and can adversely affect the environment).
• Using things that are recyclable and environmentally beneficial rather than plastic products. An eco-friendly practice would be to use paper or cloth bags for plastic ones.

Question 20. How do the advantages of exploiting natural resources with short-term gains in mind differ from the advantages of managing our resources from a long-term perspective?

Answer 20: The benefits of resource exploitation with a short-term goal include that it can satisfy basic human requirements right away. Natural resources are exploited in the short term to meet the demand. It only benefits the current generation, as opposed to long-term resource management, which aims to meet the demands of subsequent generations. Sustainable resource utilisation is possible to achieve over the long run.

Question 21: What would be the advantages of exploiting resources with short-term aims?

Answer 21: Utilising resources to satisfy present and immediate basic requirements is equivalent to using resources concerning short-term aims. The resources that might be accessible to future generations may not always be considered.

Benefits of using resources for immediate objectives

• Quick industrial development
• Attending to and meeting the population’s immediate needs
• Improvements are far more significant than the long-term objectives.
• Growing agricultural development

Given their accessibility and availability in the future times to come, resources must be managed wisely. Utilising resources to achieve short-term objectives simply highlights their ongoing depletion for current and future generations.

Question 22: Why is an equitable distribution of resources essential in a society? List two factors which are against such distribution.

Answer 22:

Natural resources must be distributed fairly so everyone can access them, rather than just a small group of wealthy and influential individuals.

The following two factors work against a fair distribution of resources:

• Those who are interested in profiting from these resources.
• Limited availability of some of the scarce resources to fulfil the demands of a very large population

Question 23:  List two advantages associated with water harvesting at the community level.

Answer 23:

Two advantages related to water harvesting at the community level are:

• The amount of groundwater rises as a result of water harvesting.
• Water harvesting decreases water loss by evaporation by keeping the water on the top layer of soil.

Question 24:  How would these advantages differ from the advantages of using a long-term perspective in managing our resources?

Answer 24:

The conservation of resources so that future generations may use them is made possible by the long-term model of resource utilisation. As a result, the economy will be able to expand for longer. Additionally, it gives technology more time to develop and find new, sustainable energy sources (such as nuclear fusion and fuel cells). Regarding resource management, the long-term perspective offers more benefits than the short-term.

Question 25: “Reuse is better than recycling of materials”. Give a reason to justify this statement.

Answer 25:

Because reuse doesn’t take as much energy as recycling, reuse is preferable. I repeatedly use things as part of my reuse approach. For instance, used envelopes can be repurposed into notepads.

Question 26: What measures would you take to conserve electricity in your house?

Answer 26:

The following steps can help you save electricity in your home.

• All incandescent bulbs should be replaced with LED bulbs.
• When the room or residence is empty, turn off the fan and the light.
• By leaving windows open, the light will be able to enter the home, reducing the need for daytime lighting.
• Reducing the use of coolers and air conditioners.

Question 27:  Why do you think there should be an equal  distribution of resources among all? What forces would be working against such a distribution of our resources?

Answer 26:

Every person can receive their fair share of resources through the equitable distribution, which also ensures that everyone get access to the necessities of life (such as food, water, shelter, etc.). The following factors prevent equitable distribution:

• The distribution of resources by region (such as soil and minerals).
• Greed and corruption among some people
• Unfair resource allocation between the rich and the poor.

Question 27. What is sustainable development? State its two main objectives. 

Answer 27:

Sustainable development is described as the management of available resources and the creation of innovative strategies for using natural resources to meet changing basic human requirements while also protecting the resources for future generations.

The two fundamental goals of sustainable development are

• Reducing reliance on traditional energy sources and embracing unconventional energy sources.
• Advancing technologies while protecting natural resources.

Question 28. Although coal and petroleum are produced by biomass degradation, we need to conserve them. Why?

Answer 28:

Because coal and petroleum take millions of years to develop, we must conserve them. Petroleum is being used more quickly than it is being created, which could lead to depletion. Therefore, you must consume them.

Question 29. Why should we conserve forests and wildlife?

Answer 29:

For the stability of the environment, it is crucial to preserve forests. Numerous different types of life are found in forests. The loss of numerous significant species and disruption of the food chain can result from the destruction of these forests. Additionally, forests play a critical part in the water cycle and shield soil from erosion. The daily lives of humans may suffer greatly if forests are lost.

Question 30. Every one of us can do something or the other to reduce our consumption of various natural resources. List four such activities based on the 3R approach.

Answer 30:

The following actions can limit the use of natural resources:

• We can contribute to a reduction in the usage of fossil fuels if we use public transportation rather than private vehicle to get where we need to go.
• Water can be conserved by repurposing the irrigate used to wash vegetables to water garden plants.
• Reusing and repairing obsolete electronics like mobile phones and televisions conserves natural resources.
• To lessen the need to cut down trees to produce such products, it may be beneficial to encourage the use of furniture made of metals, textiles, etc., rather than wood.

Question 31:  Suggest some approaches towards the conservation of forests.

Answer 31: 

• Planting plants to stop deforestation is one action that may be taken to preserve forests.
• Security personnel are stationed in the woods to stop poaching and the illegal trade in forest products.
• Including measures to safeguard forest people without interfering with their way of life.
• Preventing the development of roads, structures and dams on forest land.

Question 32:  Suggest a few measures for controlling carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere.

Answer 32: 

• Reduce automobile emissions by using public transportation.
• Use CNG or other clean fuels instead.
• Instead of burning it, waste should be turned into manure.
• By increasing tree planting, carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere can be lowered.

Question 33: Why is sustainable management of natural resources necessary? Out of the two-reuse and recycle-which, in your opinion is better to practice? Give reason.

Answer 33: 

The ardent need for sustainable management of natural resources arises for the following reasons: The Earth’s resources are finite, and the demand for those resources is rising daily due to the rapid growth of the world population. Natural resources can be wisely exploited to meet the needs of the present generation and future generations with the help of good management.

(i) It also considers the long term and forbids the exploitation of natural resources for immediate gain.

(ii) Reuse does not require energy, in contrast to recycling. As a result, reuse is preferable to recycling.

Question 34: Find out about the traditional water harvesting/ management systems in your region.

Answer 34: 

Groundwater and lakes are the primary sources of water in crowded metropolitan areas. While pipes take water directly from lakes, borewells are used to extract groundwater. The collected water is then stored in water tanks positioned throughout the city in key areas.

Question 35: Compare the above system with the probable systems in hilly/ mountainous areas, plains, or plateau regions.

Answer 35: Rainwater is frequently gathered and channelled with the aid of a stream in steep areas. For irrigation purposes, the stream is redirected through canals to various locations. Water is frequently collected from rivers in hilly areas that originate from glaciers.

The plains obtain water from numerous natural sources, including lakes and rivers. Borewells are used to extract groundwater for irrigation and human consumption.

Question 36: What is meant by wildlife? How is it important for us?

Answer 36: 

Wildlife is any type of life that exists in its natural habitat, whether it be plants or animals because it keeps the food chain in place.

We value wildlife in the following ways:

• Wildlife is a renewable source of a wide range of commercial goods that can be employed sometimes, including food, fur, lac, musk, leather, feathers, ivory, lumber, fibre, fodder, fuel and medicines.
• Wildlife is regarded as a gene bank from which high-yielding plants and animals can be created through selection and hybridisation.
• Since wildlife offers the best opportunities for sports and recreation, it can be employed economically to generate income from tourism (jungle safaris, etc.).

Question 37: What changes would you suggest in your home to be environment-friendly?

Answer 37: 

• Segregating rubbish into biodegradable waste (such as food waste) and non-biodegradable waste is one significant improvement that can help make homes more environmentally friendly (plastics).
• Use environmentally friendly products like paper cups and cloth shopping bags instead of plastic ones.
• By turning off any electrical devices that are not in use, you may prevent energy waste.
• Fixing leaky faucets as soon as possible and implementing water-saving techniques will help you avoid wasting water (such as closing the taps while brushing and using water judiciously while bathing).

Question 38: Management of forest and wildlife resources is a very challenging task. Why? Give any two reasons. 

Answer 38:

Since so many people are interested in the forest, managing its resources, including its species, is thought to be difficult. These parties are interested in the forest and wildlife resources, either directly or indirectly. These parties involved are given below:

• People depend on forest products for numerous parts of their livelihood and live in or close to the woods.
• The businesspeople who use diverse forest products and those interested in protecting wildlife and forests.
• The government’s Forest Department is in charge of managing the forest resources and owns the land.

Maintaining everyone’s interest is a difficult undertaking because:

• Forest resources are becoming scarce as a result of industrialisation and urbanisation.
• Profit-seekers aim to benefit financially from this resource.

Question 39:  In the context of the conservation of natural resources, explain the terms reduce, recycle and reuse. From among the materials that we use in daily life, identify two materials for each category.

Answer 39: 

Reduce: Reduction in the consumption of a resource or good, like water and electricity, for example.

Recycle: Recycling means returning a discarded product to the producer so that they can utilise the material to make another byproduct. For instance, plastic buckets and cups, glass bottles, paper and metal.

Reuse: Reusing something means using it again and again rather than tossing it away. For instance, used envelopes, plastic tote bags and jam bottles.

Question 40: Why must we conserve our forests? List two factors responsible for causing deforestation. 

Answer 40:

Our forests must be preserved because they contain valuable resources. For example, forests give our creatures a place to live (natural habitats), shelter, security and food.

They offer the wood needed to make boats, houses, furniture and other necessary daily items.

They are a rich source of many other things like honey, lac, medicines, colours, Katha, sandalwood, spices, and many other things. They supply the raw materials for paper, rayon and many other industries.

They assist in preserving the equilibrium of gases in the atmosphere, such as CO2 and O2.

The following are two major causes of deforestation:

• Indiscriminate tree cutting for fuel, dam-building, industrial wood needs, and other purposes.
• Excessive grazing by a large number of animals.

Question 41:  Can you suggest some changes in your school which would make it environment-friendly?

Answer 41: Among the significant adjustments that can make schools more environmentally friendly are the following:

• Giving teachers and kids a way to report any dripping faucets so that the school plumber may fix them right away.
• When classes are over, students and teachers are responsible for turning off all the lights and fans.
• Putting trash cans for biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste in different parts of the school.
• Encouraging the usage of transportation options like school buses and bicycles.

Question 42: State two advantages of conserving (i) forests, and (ii) wildlife.

Answer 42:

The preservation of forests and wildlife has two benefits:

(i) Forests 

(a) Forests aid in lowering air pollution.

(b) They minimise noise while absorbing CO2 and gathering suspended particles.

(ii) Wildlife Life

(a) Wildlife supports the ecological stability of the environment.

(b) Wild animals provide precious goods like ivory, honey, musk and other things.

Question 43. We saw in this chapter that there are four main stakeholders regarding forests and wildlife. Which among these should have the authority to decide the management of forest produce? Why do you think so?

Answer 43: 

Because it is a part of the government that the people elect, the government’s forest department should have the authority. These forest authorities, however, must not be dishonest and must not accept payments from smugglers or poachers. The forest authority can use the government’s resources to effectively maintain and preserve the forest regions.

Question 44. Prepare a list of five activities that you perform daily in which natural resources can be conserved, or energy utilisation can be minimised.

Answer 44: 

(a) You can water plants with any leftover water in the water bottle.

(b) Before going to bed, turn off all of the faucets.

(c) Steer clear of watering plants with a hosepipe.

(d) Use fans and lights only when necessary,

(e) Substitute CFL for standard bulbs and tubes.

Question 45: What was “Chipko Andolan”? How did this Andolan ultimately benefit the local people and the environment? 

Answer 45:

A prime example of the common person’s help to forest preservation is the Chipko Andolan (tree-hugging movement). Early in the 1970s, an occurrence in a far-flung Garhwal village high in the Himalayas gave rise to the Chipko Andolan. A logging contractor had permitted clear-cut trees in a forest near a town. The local residents opposed clearing this forest because doing so would harm their idyllic environment. When the hamlet men were away at work, the contractor’s workmen arrived in the forest to cut down the trees one day.

The ladies of the hamlet hurried to the forest without the men and, grasping the tree trunks with their arms, stopped the workers from felling them. Thus, the forest’s trees were preserved. The Chipko movement swiftly extended throughout all the towns and assisted in forest protection, benefiting mankind. The preservation of food, fodder, fuel, fibre and fertiliser trees benefits the local population and ecosystem.

Question 46. How can you as an individual contribute or make a difference to the management of (a) forests and wildlife, (b) water resources and (c) coal and petroleum?

Answer 46: 

(a). By organising and participating in protests against deforestation and animal poaching, a person can help manage forests and wildlife resources.

Assisting numerous non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that strive to safeguard forests and animals through volunteer activity.

Arranging and participating in community projects that entail planting fresh trees in forest areas.

(b). A person can help manage water resources by avoiding water waste in their regular activities and using water wisely.

Participating in demonstrations and other activities raises awareness of water management’s significance.

Encouraging behaviours like rainwater collection and discouraging sewage and wastewater discharge into lakes and rivers.

(c).  Using fuel-efficient transportation options like carpooling, taking public transportation, and riding a bicycle are ways an individual can help manage the use of non-renewable energy sources like coal and gasoline.

Replacing standard bulbs with energy-efficient lighting such as CFLs and LEDs.

Replacing electric heaters with solar water heaters to heat water.

Question 47: Forests are “biodiversity hotspots”. Justify this statement.

Answer 47:

Diversity is conserved in forests. They contain different varieties of plants, animals and other forms of living beings. Due to substantial species loss, climate change, and habitat loss, forests are also in grave danger. They are therefore regarded as hotspots for biodiversity.

Question 48:  Is water conservation necessary? Give reasons.

Answer 48:

All terrestrial forms of life require water as a fundamental component. Water is essential to all living processes, making it impossible for there to be life without it.

Water covers 3/4 of the surface of the Earth, yet most of it is in the form of water. As a result, humans are unable to use that water for survival. We require clean, fresh water to survive. Freshwater makes up less than 1% of all the water on the planet. Water is, therefore, quite scarce.

Our requirement for water grows along with the population. People suffer from water shortages in a few regions due to the overuse of water resources. Consequently, water conservation is required to save lives.

Question 49: List four stakeholders who may be helpful in the conservation of forests.

Answer 49:

Forest resource stakeholders include the following:

• Local residents
• The Government’s Forestry Department
• The Industrialists
• The lovers of wildlife and nature

Question 50:  What can you, as an individual, do to reduce your consumption of the various natural resources?

Answer 50: 

Some actions that individuals may take to lessen their consumption of natural resources include using fuel-efficient modes of transportation, such as carpooling, bicycling and public transportation.

• Water should be used wisely and not wasted.
• Reduce the demand for natural resources using recycled materials like paper and bottles.
• Promoting renewable resources by switching from electric to solar-powered water heaters.

Question 51: List four causes of damage to forests.

Answer 51: 

Four causes of damage to forests are given below:

• Human habilitation must be expanded to accommodate the growing human population, which means removing forests to make more land available for residential use.
• New factory construction is also required as a result of rapid industrialisation. Clearing forests also creates space for factory construction.
• The need for new supplies of wood furniture and other products that require cutting trees rises in tandem with the world’s expanding human population.
• Large-scale forest destruction is caused by forest fires that humans start by carelessly discarding cigarettes, mishandling combustible things or leaving a campfire unattended.

Question 52: Suggest a few useful ways of utilising wastewater.

Answer 52:

The following are a few useful ways of utilising wastewater.

• Wastewater can be utilised for irrigation, groundwater replenishment and car washing.
• You can wash automobiles and water plants with treated city water.
• Some contaminants in sewage water can be used as fertilisers for different crops.

Question 53: List four measures that can be taken to conserve forests.

Answer 53:

Four measures that can be taken to conserve forests are:

• Afforestation is the planting of trees for human needs.
• Alternative energy sources like biogas should be used instead of felling trees for fuel.
• By using urban forestry and agricultural techniques.
• By restricting human activity like settlement, farming, recreation, etc.

Question 54: Why are forests considered “biodiversity hotspots”? List two ways in which an individual can contribute effectively to the management of forests and wildlife.

Answer 54: Individuals can effectively contribute to managing forests and wildlife in two ways: by maintaining the natural habitats of wild animals and by identifying and protecting each species’ specific breeding and nursing grounds.

Individuals can effectively contribute to managing forests and wildlife in two ways:

• By maintaining the natural habitats of wild animals and identifying and protecting each species’ specific breeding and nursing grounds.
• By establishing trees and keeping up the areas designated as wildlife refuges.

Question 55: What is the importance of the forest as a resource?

Answer 55:

The importance of the forest as a resource is listed below.

(a) Wildlife can find a home, food, and protection in forests.

(b) Forests contribute to the atmosphere’s CO2 and O2 balance.

(c) Forests increase the soil’s ability to retain water.

(d) Forests control the water cycle.

(e) Forests are the source of all necessary goods, including fuelwood, paper and pulped wood.

(f) Wood products, such as fruits, resins, gums, essential oils, bidi wrappers, etc., are valuable.

Question 56: Based on the issues raised in this chapter, what changes would you incorporate into your lifestyle to move towards the sustainable usage of our resources?

Answer 56: 

To transition to sustainable use of natural resources, people can incorporate the adjustments listed below into their lifestyles:

• Organise household garbage into biodegradable and non-biodegradable categories.
• You may reduce energy waste by turning off lights, fans, and other electrical equipment while not in use.
• By immediately fixing any leaking taps or pipelines, you can use water more wisely and prevent waste.
• You may prevent water waste by controlling the amount of water used for bathing, washing clothing, brushing teeth, etc.
• Using environmentally beneficial techniques, such as planting trees and collecting rainwater.
• Using environmentally beneficial techniques, such as planting trees and collecting rainwater.
• Using recycled materials, such as paper and bottles.
• Use environmentally friendly products such as paper cups and cloth shopping bags instead of throwaway plastic cups and non-biodegradable polythene bags.

Question 57: What is biodiversity? What will happen if the biodiversity of an area is not preserved? Mention one effect of it. 

Answer 57:

The term “biodiversity” describes the diversity and heterogeneity of living things on Earth or in a specific ecosystem. The cornerstone of the enormous range of ecosystem services (pollination, food, timber, spices, etc.) that are essential to human well-being is biodiversity. Ecosystem productivity is increased by biodiversity because every species, no matter how minor, plays a crucial part. Therefore, diversification is necessary to preserve ecological balance. Ecological equilibrium will be disturbed, and an ecological imbalance will result from biodiversity loss. Additionally, it will deny people access to some crucial ecological services.

Question 58:  Why are the Arabari forests of Bengal known to be a good example of conserved forest?

Answer 58:

The forest agency devised a plan involving the locals in preserving the forest. The people received compensation for their labour and participation in harvesting activities. After paying a small charge, they were allowed to harvest wood and feed. The sal woodlands of Arabari were preserved in this way via the active and eager cooperation of the local population.

Question 59: Water is a valuable resource. List two ways you would suggest every family member save this resource.

Answer 59:

Water is a precious resource. Thus there are two suggested ways to save it: preventing water waste at home by turning off the faucet when brushing your teeth, shaving, etc.; and in public areas.

Encouraging the reuse of water, for as by watering garden plants with vegetable washing water.

Benefits of Solving Important Questions Class 10 Science Chapter 16

Class 10 Science is crucial for students pursuing the science stream in Class 11 and Class 12. Having clear concepts about each topic is important as the Class 10 chapters would form the basis for many chapters that would be covered in Class 11 and Class 12. We suggest students solve questions from our question bank of  Important Questions Class 10 Science Chapter 16. Our team has collated exam-oriented questions and prepared their step-by-step solutions.

Below are a few of the benefits of solving questions from our Important Questions Class 10 Science Chapter 16:

• Our team has sourced the questions from NCERT textbook and exemplar books, other Science reference books and past years’ question papers. They are carefully chosen so as to cover all the topics from the chapter. Students can confidently rely on our comprehensive question bank as it would save a lot of their time to search questions from different sources. By solving questions they would be able to fully revise the chapter.
• While solving the questions from our Important Questions Class 10 Science Chapter 16 students will be able to self-assess their weak and strong points. Based on it they can plan their revisions and improve their exam preparation.
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All of the chapter topics are adequately covered in our question bank of Science Class 10 Chapter 16 Important Questions.

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