CBSE Class 10 Science 2019 · Paper 31/4/1 · Question 14

Biodiversity is the variety of life in an area: the number of species of plants, animals and micro-organisms found there, and the range of different life forms. Forests are called biodiversity hot spots because they are very rich in different life forms: a forest is home to a very large number and range of species of plants, animals and micro-organisms. Two factors responsible for deforestation: urbanisation, which clears forests for towns, roads and industries; and over-exploitation of forests for timber and fuel wood. Other correct factors, such as overgrazing, clearing land for agriculture, mining, dams, pollution or population explosion, also earn credit.