๐ฟ 1. What is natural vegetation?
Answer:
Natural vegetation refers to plant life that grows naturally in a region without human interference. It is also called virgin vegetation when left undisturbed for a long time.
๐ฟ 2. What are the factors affecting the distribution of natural vegetation?
Answer:
The distribution of natural vegetation depends on:
- Climate (temperature and rainfall)
- Soil type
- Relief (altitude and slope of land)
- Human interference
๐ฟ 3. Name the major types of vegetation found in India.
Answer:
- Tropical Evergreen Forests
- Tropical Deciduous Forests
- Tropical Thorn Forests and Scrubs
- Montane Forests
- Mangrove Forests
๐ฟ 4. Describe the features of tropical evergreen forests.
Answer:
- Found in areas with more than 200 cm of rainfall.
- Trees are dense, tall, and evergreen.
- Found in Western Ghats, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Assam, and Tamil Nadu coast.
- Major trees: Ebony, Rosewood, Mahogany, Rubber.
๐ฟ 5. What are tropical deciduous forests? Where are they found?
Answer:
- Also called monsoon forests.
- Found in areas with 70 to 200 cm rainfall.
- Trees shed leaves in dry season to conserve water.
- Found in Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Madhya Pradesh, Odisha.
- Common trees: Teak, Sal, Peepal, Neem, Shisham.
๐ฟ 6. What are thorn forests and scrubs?
Answer:
- Found in arid and semi-arid regions with rainfall less than 70 cm.
- Vegetation consists of thorny trees, bushes, and shrubs.
- Plants have long roots and thick leaves to minimize evaporation.
- Found in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Punjab, Haryana.
๐ฟ 7. Write a short note on montane forests.
Answer:
- Found in hilly and mountainous regions.
- Vegetation changes with altitude:
- 1000โ2000 m: Pine and Chir trees
- 2000โ3000 m: Coniferous forests (Deodar, Fir)
- Above 3600 m: Alpine vegetation (Mosses, Lichens)
๐ฟ 8. What are mangrove forests? Where are they found?
Answer:
- Also called tidal forests.
- Grow in saline, marshy coastal areas and delta regions.
- Found in Sundarbans (West Bengal), deltas of Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri.
- Main tree: Sundari tree with stilt roots.
๐ฟ 9. Why is India rich in biodiversity?
Answer:
India has:
- Diverse climatic conditions
- Varied topography
- Different soil types
This supports a wide variety of flora and fauna across the country.
๐ฟ 10. Name any five animals found in India.
Answer:
- Royal Bengal Tiger
- Asiatic Lion
- Indian Elephant
- One-horned Rhinoceros
- Snow Leopard
๐ฟ 11. What are the causes of loss of natural vegetation and wildlife?
Answer:
- Deforestation
- Overgrazing
- Hunting and poaching
- Urbanization and industrialization
- Forest fires and climate change
๐ฟ 12. What is the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972?
Answer:
This Act:
- Provides legal protection to wild animals and birds
- Prohibits hunting and trade of endangered species
- Helped establish national parks and sanctuaries
๐ฟ 13. What are Biosphere Reserves?
Answer:
Biosphere Reserves are large areas for conservation of biodiversity, including flora, fauna, and human communities.
Examples: Sundarbans, Nanda Devi, Nilgiri
๐ฟ 14. What steps have been taken by the government to protect wildlife in India?
Answer:
- Wildlife Protection Act (1972)
- Project Tiger (1973)
- Establishment of National Parks and Sanctuaries
- Project Elephant
- Awareness programs and strict laws
๐ฟ 15. Name two wildlife sanctuaries and two national parks of India.
Answer:
- Wildlife Sanctuaries: Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, Periyar Sanctuary
- National Parks: Jim Corbett National Park, Kaziranga National Park
๐ฟ 16. Why are mangrove forests important?
Answer:
- Act as natural barriers against cyclones and tsunamis
- Prevent coastal erosion
- Provide habitat for diverse species
- Help in carbon storage
๐ฟ 17. What is the Chipko Movement?
Answer:
A forest conservation movement in Uttarakhand where villagers, especially women, hugged trees to prevent them from being cut by contractors.
๐ฟ 18. What is the significance of natural vegetation?
Answer:
- Maintains ecological balance
- Prevents soil erosion and floods
- Provides resources like timber, medicine, and food
- Supports wildlife habitats
๐ฟ 19. Mention the role of communities in forest and wildlife conservation.
Answer:
- Bishnois of Rajasthan protect blackbucks
- Sacred groves in Meghalaya help preserve biodiversity
- Tribal communities protect forests as part of tradition
๐ฟ 20. What is biodiversity? Why is it important?
Answer:
Biodiversity refers to the variety of living organisms found in a region.
It is important because it:
- Supports ecosystem stability
- Provides resources for humans
- Helps in ecological balance