Natural Vegetation and Wildlife - Class 9 Social Science - Chapter 5 - Notes, NCERT Solutions & Extra Questions
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Notes - Natural Vegetation and Wildlife | Class 9 Contemporary India - I | Social Science
Introduction to Natural Vegetation and Wildlife
India is a land of diverse ecosystems and climates, which contribute to its rich natural vegetation and wildlife. Natural vegetation refers to a plant community that has developed without human intervention and has remained undisturbed for an extended period. Understanding this natural wealth is crucial for conservation and sustainable development.
Understanding Natural Vegetation
Natural vegetation, or virgin vegetation, includes plant species that grow naturally in an environment without human aid. India, being one of the 12 mega biodiversity countries, hosts a vast variety of flora and fauna.
Types of Natural Vegetation
India's vegetation varies across its vast territory, mainly influenced by climate, soil, and topography. The main types of natural vegetation in India include:
Tropical Evergreen Forests
Characteristics: These forests are found in heavy rainfall areas such as the Western Ghats, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and parts of Assam. They are known for their dense, multilayered structure and remain green throughout the year.
Common Trees and Animals: Ebony, mahogany, and rosewood are typical trees, while elephants, monkeys, lemurs, and a variety of birds are common inhabitants.
Tropical Deciduous Forests
Types: Moist and Dry Deciduous Forests.
Characteristics: Found across regions with moderate rainfall, these forests shed their leaves in the dry summer.
Common Trees and Animals: Teak, sal, and bamboo trees are predominant, with wildlife including lions, tigers, and deer.
Tropical Thorn Forests and Scrubs
Characteristics: Located in areas with less than 70 cm of rainfall, these forests have thorny trees and bushes.
Common Trees and Animals: Acacias and cacti are prevalent, while wildlife includes camels, wild asses, and various reptiles.
Montane Forests
Characteristics: Found in mountainous regions, vegetation changes with altitude.
Vegetation Zones Based on Altitude: Includes temperate forests with oaks and chestnuts, and higher altitudes with coniferous trees like pines and deodars.
Common Trees and Animals: Kashmir stag, snow leopards, and various species of deer and goats are common.
Mangrove Forests
Characteristics: Found in coastal tidal areas, especially in deltas of rivers like Ganga and Godavari.
Common Trees and Animals: Sundari trees provide durable timber, with wildlife including the Royal Bengal Tiger, crocodiles, and turtles.
Importance of Wildlife
India's fauna is as diverse as its flora, encompassing a wide range of ecosystems from dense forests to arid deserts.
Common Mammals
Examples: Elephants, tigers, lions, and rhinoceroses are prominent mammals in India.
Habitats: Elephants thrive in Assam, Karnataka, and Kerala, while lions are found in Gujarat's Gir Forest.
Bird Species
Examples: Peacocks, cranes, and migratory birds like the Siberian Crane visit India's wetlands during winters.
Significance: These birds play crucial roles in maintaining ecological balance by aiding in pollination and seed dispersion.
Reptiles and Amphibians
Examples: Crocodiles, gharials, and various species of snakes are found in India's rivers and wetlands.
Significance of Biodiversity
Biodiversity ensures the stability and resilience of ecosystems. It provides us with resources such as food, medicine, and raw materials while also supporting vital ecosystem services like soil fertility, pollination, and climate regulation.
Threats to Natural Vegetation and Wildlife
Human activities pose significant threats to natural ecosystems.
Human Activities: Deforestation, urbanization, and agricultural expansion disrupt natural habitats.
Pollution: Industrial waste and chemical pollution harm both plant and animal life.
Climate Change: Altered weather patterns and extreme climate events threaten biodiversity.
Conservation Efforts
India has implemented several measures to protect its natural heritage.
Government Initiatives:
Wildlife Protection Act (1972): Provides legal protection for numerous species and habitats.
Project Tiger, Project Rhino: Focus on the conservation of key species.
Biosphere Reserves: Eighteen reserves like Sundarbans and Nanda Devi protect both flora and fauna.
National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries: Over 100 national parks and numerous wildlife sanctuaries safeguard natural habitats.
Medicinal Plants in India
India's biodiversity includes a wealth of medicinal plants, integral to traditional healthcare systems like Ayurveda.
Historical Significance: Ancient texts describe the uses of over 2,000 plants in treating various ailments.
Common Medicinal Plants: Examples include Neem, Tulsi, and Ashwagandha.
Conclusion
The conservation of natural vegetation and wildlife is vital for maintaining ecological balance and ensuring the sustainability of our planet. Efforts from government initiatives to individual actions play a crucial role in this endeavor. By protecting our natural heritage, we secure a healthier and more balanced ecosystem for future generations.
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Extra Questions - Natural Vegetation and Wildlife | Contemporary India - I | Social Science | Class 9
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Ask Chatterbot AINCERT Solutions - Natural Vegetation and Wildlife | Contemporary India - I | Social Science | Class 9
To which one of the following types of vegetation does rubber belong to?
(a) Tundra
(b) Tidal
(c) Himalayan
(d) Tropical Evergreen
Rubber belongs to the Tropical Evergreen Forests.
Therefore, the correct answer is: (d) Tropical Evergreen
Cinchona trees are found in the areas of rainfall more than
(a) 100 cm
(b) 50 cm
(c) 70 cm
(d) less than 50 cm
Cinchona trees are found in Tropical Evergreen Forests, which are characterized by areas receiving rainfall more than 200 cm. This information correlates with the options provided:
(a) 100 cm
(b) 50 cm
(c) 70 cm
(d) less than 50 cm
The correct answer is (a) 100 cm, as it is the only option that correctly and logically aligns with the characteristic heavy rainfall needed for Tropical Evergreen Forests where Cinchona trees thrive.
In which of the following state is the Simlipal bio-reserve located?
(a) Punjab
(b) Delhi
(c) Odisha
(d) West Bengal
The Simlipal bio-reserve is located in the state of Odisha.
Correct answer: (c) Odisha
Which one of the following bio-reserves of India is not included in the world network of bioreserve?
(a) Manas
(b) Nilgiri
(c) Gulf of Mannar
(d) Panna
The Manas bio-reserve is not included in the world network of bio-reserves.
Hence, the correct answer is: (a) Manas
What is a bio-reserve? Give two examples.
A bio-reserve, or biosphere reserve, is a region designated to conserve the biodiversity of a habitat, promote research in ecological conservation, and foster sustainable development from an environmental viewpoint. These areas are protected and managed under national and often international frameworks.
Examples of bio-reserves in India:
Sundarbans Reserve - Located in West Bengal, known for its rich mangrove forests and the Royal Bengal Tiger.
Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve - Spread across Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka, celebrated for its unique montane forests and various endemic species.
Name two animals having habitat in tropical and montane type of vegetation.
Tropical Evergreen Forests:
Elephant
Monkey
Montane Forests:
Snow Leopard
Kashmir Stag
Distinguish between
(i) Flora and Fauna
(ii) Tropical Evergreen and Deciduous forests
(i) Flora and Fauna
Flora: Refers to all the plant life present in a particular region or time period. It encompasses all forms of plant growth such as trees, flowers, grasses, and ferns.
Fauna: Encompasses all the animal life in a particular region or time period. This includes birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians, insects, and other animals.
(ii) Tropical Evergreen and Deciduous Forests
Tropical Evergreen Forests:
Located in regions with high rainfall (over 200 cm annually) and no dry season.
Vegetation remains green all year round.
Trees do not have a specific shedding season; leaves of different trees shed at different times, ensuring continuous greenery.
Common in areas like the Western Ghats, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and parts of Assam and Tamil Nadu. Includes trees like ebony and mahogany.
Tropical Deciduous Forests:
Found in areas with moderate rainfall (between 70 cm and 200 cm annually).
Trees shed their leaves for about six to eight weeks during the dry season to conserve water.
These are the most widespread forests in India, prevalent in the eastern and central parts of the country.
Includes trees like teak, sal, and sandalwood.
Name different types of Vegetation found in India and describe the vegetation of high altitudes.
Different Types of Vegetation Found in India:
Tropical Evergreen Forests
Tropical Deciduous Forests
Tropical Thorn Forests and Scrubs
Montane Forests
Mangrove Forests
Vegetation of High Altitudes - Montane Forests:
At high altitudes, vegetation varies with increasing altitude:
1000 to 2000 meters: Wet temperate forests with trees like oaks and chestnuts.
1500 to 3000 meters: Temperate forests with coniferous trees such as pine, deodar, silver fir, spruce, and cedar dominate these regions.
Above 3600 meters: As the altitude increases, the vegetation changes to Alpine vegetation. Common trees include silver fir, junipers, pines, and birches which get progressively stunted approaching the snow line. This zone transitions into tundra vegetation with mosses and lichens. These regions also support Alpine grasslands often utilized for grazing by nomadic tribes like the Gujjars and Bakarwals.
Quite a few species of plants and animals are endangered in India. Why?
Reasons why many species of plants and animals are endangered in India include:
Habitat loss due to deforestation for agriculture, urbanization, and industrial development.
Overexploitation of species for commercial purposes such as logging and poaching.
Pollution from chemical and industrial waste which affects ecosystems.
Introduction of invasive alien species that compete with native species.
Climate change, impacting weather patterns and ecosystems.
These factors disrupt natural habitats and threaten the survival of native species.
Why has India a rich heritage of flora and fauna?
India has a rich heritage of flora and fauna due to its diverse climatic conditions and varied geography which provide ideal habitats for a wide range of plants and animals. With landscapes ranging from the Himalayas in the north to the tropical rainforests in the south, and from the arid deserts in the west to the wetlands in the east, the country supports a multitude of ecosystems.
This diversity, combined with the high annual rainfall in areas like the Western Ghats and the northeastern states, allows various species to thrive. Moreover, India's location between Africa, Europe, and Asia makes it a transitional zone for many species migrating or dispersing between these continents.
Moreover, India is one of the 12 mega bio-diversity countries in the world, reflecting its rich biodiversity. This is evident from its impressive numbers in both flora (about 47,000 plant species) and fauna (approximately 90,000 species of animals), contributing significantly to global biodiversity.
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The Sahara Desert, the world's largest hot desert, is located in:
A) Australia
B) America
C) Africa
The Sahara Desert is the world's largest hot desert and it is located in:
C) Africa
Consider the following pairs: Region of India - Species that can be found here
West - Great Indian Bustard
Central - Sangai
South - Pangolin
Which of the pairs mentioned above is/are incorrectly matched?
A) Only 1
B) Only 1 and 3 C) Only 2
D) Only 2 and 3
The correct answer is C) Only 2.
The Great Indian Bustard is primarily found in parts of western India and is even designated as the State Bird of Rajasthan. This species is present from the western regions to as far south as Karnataka.
The Sangai, also known as the brow-antlered deer, is endemic to the northeastern state of Manipur, thus making the second pair inaccurately matched.
The Pangolin is distributed widely across India, except in the higher altitudes of the Himalayas, making its association with southern India not exclusive but still accurate in a broader geographical context.
Thus, the pairing that is incorrect is: 2. Central - Sangai as it should properly be associated with Northeast India, specifically Manipur.
Natural vegetation is destroyed mainly due to:
A) afforestation
B) poaching
C) grazing
D) wildfires
The correct answers are:
B) poaching, C) grazing, and D) wildfires.
Natural vegetation is primarily destroyed due to activities that adversely affect the environment. Key causes include deforestation, wildfires, poaching, and hunting of animals. These activities, along with exploitation of land resources such as grazing, significantly impact the natural vegetation.
India has a wide range of vegetation because of
A. varied weather patterns
B. varied climatic conditions
C. human interference
D. high temperatures
The correct answer is B. varied climatic conditions.
Different types of vegetation depend on various climatic conditions. India, with its diverse climates, supports a wide range of vegetation across its different regions.
Kevla Devi National Park is situated at -
A. Karnataka
B. Madhya Pradesh
C. Rajasthan
D. Gujarat
Keoladeo National Park, also popularly known as Keoladeo Ghana National Park, is situated in the state of Rajasthan, India. This national park is a well-known bird sanctuary and was formerly a duck-hunting reserve for the Maharajas and British officers. It provides a protected environment for both animals and plants. The park ensures that wildlife is safeguarded in a natural habitat where activities such as poaching are strictly prohibited. Thus, the location of Keoladeo National Park aligns with Option C: Rajasthan.
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