Class 10 Geography – Chapter 2: Forest and Wildlife Resources

Page-by-Page Micro Notes with Explanation + PYQ-Linked Content (2025–26

NCERT Edition)
Each line is simplified and broken into 3–4 points where required.

Page 17 – Introduction

Line: "India is one of the world’s richest countries in terms of its vast array of
biological diversity..."

India has a huge variety of flora and fauna.

Nearly 8% of the world’s total biodiversity is found here.
Forests and wildlife are unevenly distributed.
These resources are essential for ecological balance.

PYQ Link:
Q. Name the percentage of biodiversity India holds globally. (Answer: 8%)

Page 18 – Flora and Fauna in India

Line: "Over 81,000 species of fauna and 47,000 species of flora are found in
India..."

India’s biodiversity includes:

• Fauna (animals): 81,000+ species

• Flora (plants): 47,000+ species
Includes mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, insects, and flowering
plants.

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Line: "Some animals like the cheetah have vanished..."

Many species are now endangered or extinct due to human activities.

Cheetah is an example of extinction in India.

Case Study:
The Asiatic Cheetah – Once found in India, now extinct due to hunting and
habitat loss.

PYQ Link:
Q. Mention one extinct species in India. (Answer: Asiatic Cheetah)

Page 19 – Classification of Species

Line: "The International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources
(IUCN) has classified plants and animals into various categories..."

Categories:

1. Normal Species – Population is stable.

→ e.g., cattle, rodents
2. Endangered Species – High risk of extinction.
→ e.g., Indian Rhino, Wild Ass
3. Vulnerable Species – Declining, but not endangered yet.
→ e.g., Gangetic Dolphin
4. Rare Species – Small population, risk of becoming endangered.
→ e.g., Himalayan Brown Bear
5. Endemic Species – Found only in a specific area.
→ e.g., Nicobar Pigeon
6. Extinct Species – No longer found.
→ e.g., Asiatic Cheetah

PYQ Link:
Q. Define: Endangered species. (2020)
Q. Name any one endemic species. (2023)

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 Page 20 – Causes of Depletion of Flora and Fauna

Line-by-Line Breakdown of Causes:

1. Deforestation for agriculture & mining

Forests are cleared to grow crops or extract minerals.
2. Overgrazing
Excess cattle feed on forest grass → ecosystem imbalance.
3. Poaching for trade
Animals killed for skin, bones, or exotic pets.
4. Development projects
Dams, highways → habitat destruction.
5. Forest fires and natural calamities

PYQ Link:
Q. Mention any two causes for the depletion of forest and wildlife. (2019)

Page 21 – Conservation of Forest and Wildlife in India

Line: "Conservation preserves the ecological diversity..."

Conservation helps protect:

• Biodiversity
• Cultural heritage
• Resources for future generations
Forests protect against floods, droughts, and soil erosion.

Government Initiatives:

• Indian Wildlife Protection Act (1972)

Bans hunting, protects habitats
Creation of National Parks, Sanctuaries, Biosphere Reserves

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PYQ Link:
Q. Name one measure taken by the Indian government to conserve forest and
wildlife. (2021)

Forest Type Ownership & Control Example

Reserved Forests Most protected – No human activity Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Odisha
Protected Forests Limited human access allowed Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan
Unclassed Forests Mostly community or private ownership NE states, parts of Gujarat

Line: "More than half of the total forest land has been declared reserved
forests..."

Reserved forests cover over 50% of India’s forest land.

High biodiversity areas → strict protection.

PYQ Link:
Q. Which category of forests is considered most protected? (Reserved Forests)

Page 23 – Role of Communities in Conservation

Line: "In India, forests are also home to some of the traditional communities..."

Local people have traditional knowledge of conservation.

Many have fought to protect forests.

Case Studies:

1. Bishnois of Rajasthan – Protect blackbucks, sacred trees.

2. Chipko Movement (1970s) – Women in Garhwal hugged trees to stop

deforestation.

3. Joint Forest Management (JFM), 1988

Community + Government forest management program.

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PYQ Link:
Q. What was the Chipko Movement? (2020)
Q. Which community is known for protecting blackbucks? (Bishnois)

Page 24 – Summary and Key Ideas

India has rich biodiversity but faces depletion due to human and natural
causes.
Conservation laws and people's participation are key to sustainable
management.
Examples like Bishnois, Chipko, JFM show that community-led conservation is
effective.
Categories of forests help in organizing protection strategies.

Suggested PYQ-Based Short Answer Revision Questions

1. Define endangered species. Give one example.

2. Explain any two causes for depletion of flora and fauna.

3. What is the role of the community in forest conservation?

4. Differentiate between reserved and protected forests.

5. Write a short note on the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

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Chapter: Money and Credit

Subject: Class 10 Economics (NCERT-Based)

Format: Line-by-Line | Page-by-Page | Examples from Textbook | PYQ-Linked
Points

Page 40 – Introduction to Money as Medium of Exchange

"Money, in modern economy, acts as a medium of exchange."

• In barter system, goods are directly exchanged.

• Money replaces barter by acting as a common medium (PYQ: Why is money

called a medium of exchange?).

• Buyer gives money → gets goods; seller gets money → buys something
else.

Example: A shoe manufacturer sells shoes for ₹500 and uses the money to buy
wheat from a farmer.

Page 41 – Barter System and its Difficulties

"Before the introduction of money, people used the barter system."

• Barter means exchanging one commodity for another without money.

• Limitation: Requires double coincidence of wants – both parties must want

what the other offers. (PYQ 2020)

Example: A farmer having wheat must find a tailor who wants wheat and can
stitch clothes.

Page 41 – Modern Forms of Money

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"Modern currency is not made of precious metal and has no use of its own."

• Unlike old days (gold/silver coins), today’s notes/coins are token currency.

• It is accepted because it's authorized by the government (Legal Tender).

Key Point:

• Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issues currency on behalf of government.

Page 42 – Deposits with Banks and Cheques

"People deposit money in banks to keep it safe and earn interest."

• Banks keep a part of deposits and lend the rest (loan-giving function).

• Depositors can withdraw using cheques or ATM.

• Cheque: Written instruction to a bank to pay someone from account.

PYQ Insight:

• What is demand deposit? How is it beneficial?

Page 43 – Credit and Loan Activities of Banks

"Banks use deposits to extend loans."

• Only a fraction of total deposits kept in cash (CRR).

• Rest is given as credit to borrowers (interest is charged).

• Profit for banks = Interest on loans – Interest paid to depositors.

Page 43 – Two Different Credit Situations

Case 1: Salim (positive outcome of credit)

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 • Takes loan to buy raw materials → earns profit → repays easily.

• Credit helps increase income and production.

Case 2: Swapna (negative outcome of credit)

• Crop failure → can’t repay → debt trap → forced to sell land.

• Credit can push people into debt and poverty.

PYQ 2022:

• Explain two contrasting situations of credit with examples.

Page 44 – Terms of Credit

"Every loan agreement specifies terms of credit."

• Includes: interest rate, collateral, repayment schedule, documentation.

• Collateral: Asset pledged as security (e.g. land, house, gold).

• More collateral = safer loan for lender.

NCERT Example:

• Meera pledges her gold to get a loan from moneylender.

Formal Sector Informal Sector

Banks, Cooperatives Moneylenders, landlords
Regulated by RBI Not regulated
Lower interest High interest (up to 36–120%)
Legal documentation Often exploitative

PYQ Question:

• State two features of formal sources of credit.

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 Page 46 – Self Help Groups (SHGs)

"SHGs help people, especially women, in rural areas get small loans."

• Group of 15–20 people pool savings.

• Provide small loans at low interest.

• Empower women → financial independence.

• SHGs can also get bank loans once they gain credibility.

Example from Book:

• SHG in Tamil Nadu gives loan to Rekha to buy sewing machine → earns
income.

Topic PYQ Focus

Medium of Exchange Why money replaced barter
Double Coincidence of Wants Major drawback of barter
Credit (Two Case Studies) Credit’s positive and negative impacts
Formal vs Informal Credit Comparison table – 2 marks/3 marks
Terms of Credit Definition with collateral
Self Help Groups Role in women empowerment

Final Concept Recap:

• Money simplifies transactions and promotes trade.

• Credit is essential but must be managed carefully.

• Formal credit should be expanded to reduce rural debt traps.

• SHGs promote inclusive development and grassroots finance.