NCERT Class 11 Geography Chapter 21 Natural Vegetation

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NCERT Class 11 Geography Chapter 21 Natural Vegetation

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Also, you can read the NCERT book online in these sections Solutions by Expert Teachers as per Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) Book guidelines. CBSE Class 11 Geography Solutions are part of All Subject Solutions. Here we have given NCERT Class 11 Geography Part I: Fundamentals of Physical Geography, Part II: Indian: Physical Environment, Part III: Practical Work in Geography. NCERT Class 11 Geography Chapter 21 Natural Vegetation Notes, NCERT Class 11 Geography Textbook Solutions for All Chapters, You can practice these here.

Natural Vegetation

Chapter: 21

GEOGRAPY [ PART – II ]

SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS

Q.1. What is flora ? What is its importance?

Ans. It refers to natural vegetation growing in a particular area.

Q.2. What is fauna?

Ans. It refers to wildlife living in a particular area.

Q.3. What is virgin vegetation?

Ans. Natural vegetation grown without human aid or interference / disturbance.

Q.4. What is indigenous vegetation?

Ans. It is purely Indian vegetation.

Q.5. What is exotic vegetation?

Ans. The vegetation came from the places outside India.

Q.6. Name three states where elephants are found.

Ans. These are:

(i) Assam.

(ii) Kerala. and

(iii) Karnataka.

Q.7. Which biosphere reserve has setup for the preservation of sub-marine flora and fauna?

Ans. It has been set-up in Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Q.8. What is a biosphere reserve? Give examples one from south and one from north.

Ans. It refers to protect and to conserve biodiversity of India. A biosphere reserve in north is in Uttaranchal state (the Valley of Flowers or Nanda Devi) and in Kerala state (the Nilgiri biosphere reserve) in south. The former is known as Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve and the later as Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.

Q.9. What is CITIES?

Ans. It is Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of world’s flora and fauna, an international convention.

Q.10. What do you understand by “Biomes”?

Ans. It means plant communities occurring in distinct groups in areas having similar climatic conditions.

Q.11. Name two endangered species of wild life.

Ans. (i) Tigers. and

(ii) Rhinoceros.

Q.12. Name two projects which are established to protect endangered species of wildlife.

Ans. (i) Tiger Project in Simlipal (Orissa). and

(ii) Rhinoceros Project in Kaziranga wildlife sanctuary (Assam).

Q.13. Where are littoral forests located?

Ans. These are located in coastal areas of West Bengal, Orissa, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.

Q.14. Mention the percentage of forest cover in India.

Ans. It is 21.2% of total land area of India. It means approx. 12% less than desired area.

Q.15. How is the ecosystem being disturbed by human beings?

Ans. (i) Relentless cutting of trees and clearing the forest areas i.e. deforestation.

(ii) Excessive hunting of animals.

(iii) Overgrazing by animals.

(iv) Rapid rise in population leading to over-exploitation of resources.

Q.16. What steps do you suggest to protect the ecosystem?

(i) Proper planning to conserve the forest resources and undertaking afforestation.

(ii) Setting up of national parks, zoological gardens, and biosphere reserves to protect the wildlife.

(iii) Steps to control environmental pollution.

(iv) Family planning to control over exploitation of resources.

Q.17. Mention the number of biomes into which the ecosystem is divided.

Ans. These are:

(i) forests.

(ii) savanna.

(iii) grasslands.

(iv) deserts. and

(v) tundra.

Q.18. Where can natural vegetation be found?

Ans. Natural vegetation is found in mountain regions, desert and delta regions. These are inaccessible parts.

Q.19. In how many types are the Himalayan vegetation classified? Name them.

Ans. The Himalayan vegetation can be classified according to altitude. It is classified as

1. Tropical.

2. Subtropical.

3. Temperate.

4. Alpine.

Q.20. Where is the montane vegetation found in peninsular India?

Ans. The montane vegetation in peninsular India is found on:

1. The Western Ghats.

2. The Vindhyas.

3. The Nilgiris.

Q.21. When was the National Forest Policy adopted in India?

Ans. The National Forest Policy in India was adopted in 1988.

Q.22. Name the four natural sites which the World Heritage Convention of 1977 have identified in India.

Ans. The World Heritage Convention of 1977 has identified the following four natural sites of outstanding universal value:

1. Kaziranga National Park.

2. Keoladeo National Park.

3. Sunderban Biosphere Reserve.

4. Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve.

Q.23. Name four states of India which have less than 10 percent of their geographical area under forests.

Ans. The states with less than 10 percent of the forest area are: 

1. Rajasthan.

2. Gujarat.

3. Punjab.

4. Haryana. and 

5. Delhi.

Q.24. Name four states of India which have two thirds of their geographical area covered with forests.

Ans. The state with two third forest cover are:

1. Manipur.

2. Meghalaya.

3. Tripura.

4. Sikkim.

Q.25. Name two national parks of Madhya Pradesh.

Ans. Kanha and Shivpuri are two national parks in Madhya Pradesh.

Q.26. Name one state in India where tropical evergreen forests are found.

Ans. Kerala.

Q.27. Name one-region of India where thorny and scrub forests are found.

Ans. Thar desert.

Q.28. Name a group of islands in Bay of Bengal with tropical evergreen forests.

Ans. Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Q.29. Name three important trees found in tropical evergreen forests.

Ans. Rosewood, Ebony, Gurjan.

Q.30. Name three states where monsoon forests are found.

Ans. Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand.

Q.31. Name the state in India noted for Deodar trees.

Ans. Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh.

Q.32. Name two typical trees of scrub and thorn forests.

Ans. Khair and Khajur.

Q.33. Which products are obtained from babul tree?

Ans. Gum and tanning material.

Q.34. Where is the Forest Research Institute located?

Ans. At Dehradun.

Q.35. Name two typical trees found in Tidal forests.

Ans. Sundari and Gurjan.

Q.36. According to scientific norm, how much area of a country should be under forests?

Ans. 33%.

Q. 37. What type of vegetation is found in saline environment under tidal influence?

Ans. Mangrove forests.

Q.38. Name the most important tree associated with above vegetation.

Ans. Sundari and Gurjan trees. Its hard and durable wood is used for boat-making and used as fuel.

Q.39. Name the economically most important vegetation belt of India.

Ans. Monsoon or tropical deciduous forests.

Q.40. What do you understand by the term ‘Boreal’?

Ans. The indigenous floral cover of India have been intermixed by many species brought from outside. The species brought from outside are termed exotic and about 40% of the plant species found in India are exotic. The plant species which have been received from the Sino- Tibetan area are known as ‘Boreal’.

Q.41. Which exotic species of plant is known as Terror of Bengal”? Why is it called so?

Ans. The Water Hyacinth (Eichoria Crassipes Serms), an exotic species of plant is known as “Terror of Bengal”. The exotic plant was brought into India as a decorative garden plant. The Water Hyacinth has grown so extensively in the West Bengal that it is choking up the rivers and streams. It has spread up into almost all water courses and hence, it has got a nickname as “Terror of Bengal”.

Q.42. Describe briefly the vegetal cover scene in the central parts of the plateau.

Ans. Central parts of the Indian plateau represent dry tropical or deciduous and thorny vegetal cover. The central parts of the plateau receive less than 70 cm rainfall and are covered mostly with a thorn forest type of vegetation cover. The central parts of plateau present vast undulating poor grassland, with stunded acacias. Cassiatora and other shrubs are well dispersed. As summer season is very long and dry, the landscape change to palecarbet of grasses with grey stony surfaces.

Q.43. What is the national park? Give two examples of National Park of India.

Ans. A reserved area of preserving its natural vegetation, natural beauty and wild life is known as a national park. Corbett and Kaziranga are the examples of National Parks.

Q.44. How do forests perform productive as-well-as protective functions?

Ans. Forests are renewable resources and perform both productive as well as protective functions.

Productive Functions: Forests provide industrial wood, timber, fuel-wood, fodder and other minor products which have great economic value.

Protective Functions: They reduce soil erosion, regulate the channel flow of water, controlling flood and enrich genetic reserves of flora and fauna.

Q.45. (i) Which species of plant is known as Terror of Bengal’?

Ans. The Water Hyacinth is known as Terror of Bengal. 

(ii) To which category does the vegetation belong?

Ans. This vegetation belongs to exotic species of plants.

(iii) Name another example of plants belonging to the same category.

Ans. Lantana belongs to the same category.

Q.46. Why do the tropical deciduous forests shed their leaves during the summer?

Ans. Teak, sal, sandal are the typical trees of tropical deciduous forests. These are called deciduous trees because they shed their leaves for about six to eight weeks in summer. This is a hot dry season. The leaves get dry due to high temperature and deficiency of moisture. So these trees shed their leaves automatically.

SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS

Q.1. Write a short note on Importance of Plant Kingdom.

Ans. The earth was a barren planet some millions of years ago. The first form of life belonged to plant kingdom. It prepared the ground for the development of animal kingdom. The plants convert energy received from the sun through photosynthesis into food energy which reaches to the animals through food-chains. The animals survive only on the food or energy which is supplied by plants. The plants add to the beauty of the nature. These supply man with various types of flowers, fruits and food. They also supply wood, various herbs and several types of other materials needed to run various industries.

Q.2. What is natural vegetation? Under what climatic conditions are tropical evergreen forests develop?

Ans. Natural vegetation refers to a plant community that has been left undestructed over a long time so as to allow its individual species to adapt themselves to climate and soil conditions as fully as possible.

The tropical forests are found in those areas where rainfall is over 200 cm and the temperatures above 22°C.

Q.3. Which climatic conditions are favourable for evergreen forests?

Ans. The warm and humid climatic conditions are favourable for the evergreen forests.

Q.4. What do you understand by social forestry?

Ans. Social forestry means the management and protection of forests and afforestation on barren lands with a purpose of helping in the environmental, social and rural development.

Q.5. Define biosphere reserve.

Ans. A biosphere reserve is a unique representative ecosystem of terrestrial and coastal areas which are internationally recognised within the framework of UNESCO’s biosphere programme.

Q.6. What is the difference between forest area and forest cover?

Ans. The forest area and the actual forest cover are not the same.

1. The forest area is the area notified and recorded as forest land irrespective of the existence of trees, while the actual forest cover is the area actually occupied by forests.

2. The forest area is based on the records of State Revenue Department.

3. The forest cover is based on areal photographs and satellite imageries. In 2001, the actual forest cover was only 20.55%.

Q.7. Write the measures, you understand fit for the protection of wildlife.

Ans. (i) Ban on hunting should be strictly imposed.

(ii) Poachers and herdsmen should not be allowed to enter the forests.

(iii) More national parks and wildlife sanctuaries should be established.

(iv) Captive breeding of wildlife should be encouraged.

(v) Seminars, workshops, exhibitions etc. should be organised to highlight the importance of the protection of wild life to the public.

(vi) Adequate medical facilities should be provided to the wildlife.

(vii) Proper conditions should be created for the living and breeding.

Q.8. Why is it necessary to increase the area under forest in India?

Ans. Area under forest is very rapidly decreasing. It is now 21% of the total land area in India. It should be at least 33% of the land area. So, it is very necessary to increase the area under forest in India. Our population is increasing. We need wood, fruit, roots, barks from the forests. We get raw materials from the forests for our industries. Thus, forest cover should be necessarily increased.

Q.9. Distinguish between the moist and dry deciduous forests.

Ans.

Q.10. Distinguish between Extinct and Endangered species.

Ans.

Q.11. Distinguish between reforestation and afforestation.

Ans.

Q.12. Give four characteristics of tidal forests.

Ans. Characteristics of Tidal Forests:

(i) These forests are found in the deltaic regions.

(ii) The trees grown here are able to survive in both fresh and saline waters.

(iii) Mangrove are the common varieties with roots of the plants submerged under water E.g.. Sundari trees in Sunderbans.

(iv) Apart from sundari trees, palm, coconut, keora, agar, screw pine and amor are also found in tidal forests.

Q.13. What is a biosphere reserve? What are their uses?

Ans. A protected area reserved for the conservation of endangered species of flora (plants) and fauna (animals) in their natural habitats is called a biosphere reserve.

Uses of Biosphere reserve:

(a) Endangered species of animals and plants are protected.

(b) These rare plants and animals are transmitted to the future generations in all their natural glory.

(c) The surrounding areas are reserved for research work for the betterment of flora and fauna.

Q.14. Write a short note on the importance of forests.

Ans. Forests are valuable resource, like river systems. It is a multiple resource. Forests provide mankind with a number of products.

1. Forests provide many things to meet our food requirements like fruits, nuts, berries etc.

2. Forests are the source of timber for house building, furniture-making, ship-building etc.

3. Forests supply about 40% of fuel of the world. Wood has been the major source of fuel in houses, smelting industries and running locomotive.

Q.15. What is an ecosystem?

Or

Explain ‘natural ecosystem’. Why is any attempt to tamper with ecosystem is results with grave risks? Mention two reasons.

Ans. The interaction among the physical features, vegetation and animals, etc. is called a natural ecosystem.

Any attempt to tamper with eco-system results in grave risks for human as well as animals and vegetation cover because:

(a) The vegetation is the main source of providing food for man and animals.

(b) The animals and natural resources are also helpful for healing their environment. So their should be no unchecked activities in all these sectors, otherwise diseases will spread.

Q.16. What is Project Tiger? How many tiger reserves are there in India?

Ans. Tiger is the national animal of India. It should be preserved carefully. It is among the endangered species of India. Periodic censuses are undertaken to find out the latest position and trends in this regard. ‘Project Tiger’ has been a great success. Now there are 16 tiger reserves in various parts of the country. Some tiger reserves are: The Hazaribagh National Park (Jharkhand), The Kanha National Park (M.P.), Tadoba National Park (Maharashtra), The Corbett National Park and Sarishka (Rajasthan).

Q.17. What is a biosphere reserve? Where and when was the first biosphere reserve of India developed?

Ans. There is a great biological diversity on our land. Vast areas have been reserved for the preservation and protection of flora and fauna of the country in their natural form. Such areas are called bio-reserves. In these areas natural plants and animals are protected for the use of future generations. The first biosphere in India was set up at Nilgiri covering an area of 5500 sq. km. Another biosphere was set up at Nanda Devi in Uttaranchal.

Q.18. Why is thorny type of vegetation found in Rajasthan? Give two reasons.

Ans. (i) Rajasthan is a desert because it receives annual rainfall less than 75 cm. This rainfall does not support dense forests. Dry forests like kikar, babul and khair are found here. These are the typical trees of a desert. Generally khair, bushes and scrubs are found.

(ii) It is a hot region. So the loss of moisture is great due to transpiration. Trees have needle-shaped thorns which prevent loss of moisture.

Q.19. What are ‘exotic flora’? Describe ways in which the exotic species of plants are creating problems for us. Give the names of two such plants.

Ans. Exotic Flora: The species of plant brought from outside are termed as exotic flora. These plants are creating problems for us in many ways. Most of these exotic are troublesome weeds. They rapidly multiply and spread very fast as they don’t have any natural enemies to curb their faster growth.

1. They prevent the growth of economic plants.

2. They reduce the useful land cover.

3. They have become a hazard for public health as they indirectly spread some of the diseases. Lantana and Water Hyacinth are two examples of such exotic plants.

Q.20. How can we utilise our forest resources for generations to come? Explain any three methods.

Ans. We can utilise our forest resources for generations to come by the following methods to conserve them:

1. Reckless cutting of the forests should be stopped.

2. The substitutes of timber should be found out to reduce pressure on forests.

3. Social forestry and farm forestry should be introduced to fulfil the basic needs of fuel and fodder of the people.

4. Trees should be planted where land is unsuitable for agriculture and where forests have been removed.

Q.21. How will you utilise the core, the surrounding and the periphery of biosphere reserve in India?

Ans. There are a number of biospheres reserves in India. Some of the important ones are:

(i) Nilgiri.

(ii) Nanda Devi.

(iii) Meghalaya.

(iv) Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

They all preserve flora and fauna which is very diverse and unique. These biosphere reserves cover very diverse climate and vegetational zones.

In each biosphere reserve, the core preserves wild land, the flora and fauna in their natural forms. The surrounding zones would be utilized for research and experimentation in developing forests and other products and the periphery for agricultural research and experiments.

Q.22. Write a short note on importance of plant kingdom.

Ans. Plants, animals and human beings together form life on the earth. These living things along with the non-living components form biosphere. The first form of life on the earth’ belonged to plant kingdom. It formed a basis for animal kingdom for food. The basic importance of plant kingdom lies in the fact that it alone could covert energy derived from the sun into food energy. The plants add to the beauty of nature. Plants form the backbone of natural resources of a country.

Q.23. Give two characteristic features of the tropical evergreen forests of Kerala that make it difficult to exploit them.

Ans. The tropical evergreen forests of Kerala are difficult to exploit due to the following reasons:

1. Dense growth of vegetation causes difficulty of accessibility, number of species is very large. There is a lack of pure strands.

2. High temperature and heavy rainfall makes conditions unsuitable for their accessibility.

Q.24. Name four major vegetation belts of India.

Ans. The major natural vegetation belts of India are as follows:

1. The tropical evergreen or rain forests.

2. Deciduous or monsoon forests

3. Thorny and scurb forests.

4. Desert vegetation.

5. Mountain forests.

6. Tidal forests.

Q.25. State the different ways in which trees are the friends of man.

Ans. Forest provide many things for food to man. Forests provide timber for house, building and fuel. Soft wood is useful for preparing paper, rayon, plywood. Forests help in rainfall, prevent soil erosion and floods and check advance of deserts. These add to soil fertility. These provide habitat for wild life.

Q.26. Write a detailed note on conservation of wildlife. Suggest three measures to conserve wildlife and explain them.

Ans. India is rich in fauna and flora. There is a great biological diversity in India. There are about 75000 known species of animals found in India. It has 2500 species of fish and 2000 species of birds. But many of these fauna have been destroyed by man. Many rare species have become extinct in India. Our rich wildlife is rich heritage formed through centuries. It must be preserved. Many of the fauna are found only in India such as swamp deer, the one-horned rhinoceros, the bison, Kashmiri stag, nilgai etc. These rare species are in danger of extinction. Wildlife is a gift of nature and a thing of beauty. Wildlife Act provides for the protection and conservation of these species. For this zoos, national parks, bio-reserves, tiger reserves have been established in India.

Q.27. Distinguish between:

(i) Flora and Forest.

Ans.

(ii) Evergreen and Deciduous Forests.

Ans.

(iii) Vegetation and Forests.

Ans.

Q.28. What do you mean by Chipko Movement? Why is the conservation of forests necessary?

Ans. Afforestation is vital for the protection regeneration and development of forests. Chipko Movement is a movement launched by non- governmental organisations for afforestation where forest have been cut. It creates awareness and encourages active participation of masses in tribal areas. Forests are valuable resource. The conservation of forests is essential for ecological security. Forests meet the needs of Aael fodder and timber of the people. They meet the requirements of raw materials for village small scale and large scale forests based industries. For this the social forestry farm forestry and production forestry and producturi forestry programms have been introduced to cover an area of 16.55 lakh hectares besides planting 378.5 crore saplings under farm forestry.

Q.29. Mention Do’s and Don’ts when you visit a National Park or a Sanctuary.

Ans. Do’s: 

1. Remain as quiet as possible. Avoid transistors, music, loud conversation.

2. Take your camera with you without fail.

3. Dress in khaki, brown or olive green to blend with the scenery.

4. Guard against air, soil and water pollution and damage to flora and fauna.

5. Always hire a good and experienced guide to take you around.

Don’ts: Do not always expect to see big animals or huge birds. Smaller animals and birds are also interesting.

Q.30. Distinguish between:

(i) Grasses and Shrubs

Ans.

(ii) Flora and Vegetation

Ans.

Q. 31. Write any three characteristics of Tropical Deciduous Forests.

Ans. (i) Such forests are found on the foothills of Himalayas and many parts of the Peninsular plateau.

(ii) During the dry season the trees in these forests shed their leaves. These forests have teak, shisham, sal, rose-wood as well as thick undergrowth of shrubs and bamboo.

(iii) These forests are also economically very significant for India.

Q.32. State two important character-istics of the moist tropical evergreen forests and mention important areas where they are found.

Ans. Moist tropical evergreen forests closely resemble the equatorial forests. These forests are found with large variety of species and are important for the spice gardens as they ensure an even streamflow for irrigation and supply cupious leaf manure; both essentials for spice plants.

Tropical evergreen forests in our country are found mainly in the rainy tracts of the Sahyadris and the hill regions of the Shillong plateau.

LONG ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS

Q.1. Discuss how are flora and fauna interrelated to each other.

Ans. We can discuss this inter-relation between flora and fauna as under:

(i) Flora are the autotrophs i.e. producer of their food themselves while fauna are heterotrophs i.e. getting their food directly or indirectly from autotrophs. If we say that a lion eats flesh, we should go further in depth and see that the prey animal i.e. deer, sheep etc. that eat grass i.e. flora.

(ii) Food webs and food chains make the inter-relations between the flora and fauna.

(iii) The highest class of mammals i.e. human beings get cradle at birth and pyre on their death from the flora.

(iv) Flora provides food to all living organisms while fauna provides nutrients to the soil from its waste and decay.

(v) Changes can be seen in the life pattern of fauna in accordance to the changes in flora i.e. the vegetation zones. For an instance, we see animals with heavy coat of hair and fur in the temperate zone i.e. in high altitudes of the Himalayan region. Their eating habits are also accustomed with the available grass there.

Q.2. Describe the importance of social forestry in India.

Ans. The term ‘social forestry’ was used for the first time by the National Commission on Agriculture in 1976 to denote tree-raising programmes to supply firewood, small timber and minor forest produce to rural population. Ambitious social forestry programmes have been launched by several state governments. The forest departments in most states have set up separate social forestry wings. Social forestry programmes have mainly three components – farm forestry, encouraging farmers to plant trees on their own farms; wood lots planted by the forest departments for the needs of the community especially along road sides, canal banks and other such public lands; and community wood lots planted by the community themselves on community lands, to be shared equally by them.

The social forestry projects, however, failed as it did not involve poor women who ought to be main beneficiaries. The project became male oriented, turned farmers into cash generating exercise. The wood produced from social forestry programmes is ending up in urban and industrial areas instead of meeting the needs of the poor in rural India, and reducing rural employment. Land under food crops has declined, and absentee landlordism has increased.

Q.3. “In their altitudinal range, the Himalayas present a succession of vegetation region from the tropical to the Alpine.” Substantiate this statement.

Or

Why does Himalayan vegetation vary from one place to another? Describe four types of Himalayan vegetation.

Ans. It is true to say that vegetation in the Himalayas varies from the equatorial to Tundra type of vegetation. The vegetation types of any region are closely related to its natural environmental conditions. They adapt themselves according to a particular environment available there. The Himalayas are the highest and loftiest mountains of the world. The amazing heights and the altitude of 8,000 metres of the Himalayas make it a place of many types of vegetation.

The vegetation type in the Himalayas varies according to the height from the sea leval.

1. Tropical Deciduous: These occur upto 1000 m or in the foothill regions of the Siwalik ranges.

2. Temperate Evergreen: These occur upto 2000 metres height.

3. Broad-leafed Evergreen: Upto 3000 metres.

4. Coniferous: Upto 3500 metres.

5. Alpine, meadows, with short grasses, shrubs and lowering plants and rhododendrons are found beyond 3,500 m to snowline.

The distribution pattern is not purely uniform, however, it varies to a great extent in eastern and western zones. 88°E longitude is the line of demarcation between the eastern Himalayas and the western Himalayas.

Q.4. What steps have been taken up to conserve forests?

Ans. Forests have an intricate inter- relationship with life and environment. These provide numerous direct and indirect advantages to our economy and society. Hence conservation of forests is important to the survival and prosperity of human kind.

According to the new forest policy, the government will emphasise on sustainable forests’, management in order to conserve the forests.

Based on forest conservation policy, following steps are being taken:

1. Social forestry: It means the management and protection of forests and afforestation on barren lands.

2. Urban forestry pertains to raising and management of trees on public and private lands.

3. Rural forestry gives emphasis or promotion of agro foresting and community foresting.

4. Afforestation and reforestation is being undertaken in many areas.

5. Grasslands are being regenerated.

6. Improved methods of silviculture are being practice.

7. Fast growing plants are being planted.

8. Areas under forests are being increased.

Q.5. How does natural vegetation in India depend upon annual distribution of rainfall? Illustrate your answer with examples.

Ans. Due to variation in rainfall, temperature and other factors, the natural vegetation in India are found in a great variety. 

These are as under:

1. The Tropical Evergreen and Semi Evergreen Forests: These forests are found on the western slopes of Western Ghats, Assam, Meghalaya along with other adjoining states of north-east India. They thrive in areas with more than 200 cm rainfall. A large varieties of trees reaching upto a height of 60 m are found here. Trees such as Mahogany, Camphor, Rosewood etc. are grown.

2. The Tropical Deciduous Forests or Monsoon Forests: These forests are the most dominant or widespread vegetation type in India. Such forests are found on the foothills of Himalayas and many parts of the peninsular plateau. During the dry season the trees in these forests shed their leaves. These forests have teak, shisham, sal, rosewood as well as thick undergrowth of shrubs and bamboos. These forests are also economically very significant for India.

3. The Thorn or Desert Forests: These forests occur in areas which have less than 75 cm rainfall annually. They are found in the interior parts of the Deccan Plateau, in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka as well as in Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Gujarat. The commonly found trees in these forests are short, stunted and scattered. Besides Acacia (Babul) and cactus trees, different shrubs and grasses are commonly grown in between these trees.

4. The Tidal Forests: In the tidal areas along the deltas especially the Sundarbans in Bengal, a special type of tropical tree known as ‘Sundari’ or mangroves grows up. The Sundarbans are the home to Bengal tigers.

5. The Himalayan Vegetation: In the Himalayan region the elevation of the hills play the main role in affecting the vegetation and as such they differ accordingly. In the foothills of the Himalayas, tropical deciduous forests occur. Above the tropical deciduous forest zone, there is the zone of mid-latitude and up to 3,500 metres where occurs coniferous forests consisting of pine, fir and other such trees. In fact, the altitudinal limits of different types of forests in the Himalayas widely differ depending upon the exposure of slopes, to winds and the sun.

Q.6. What are the aims of National Forest Policy?

Ans. The new National Forest Policy was adopted in 1988 to stop further decrease in the forest cover.

(i) The policy aimed at bringing 33% of India’s landmass under forest cover. The world coverage was 27% and India’s own coverage at the time was only 19%.

(ii) The policy further state that the effort would be made to maintain environmental stability and to restore forests where ecological balance was disturbed.

(iii) The other objective was the conserve the natural heritage of the country. Its biological diversity and genetic pool.

(iv) The policy further aimed to check soil erosion extension of the desert lands and reduction of floods and droughts.

(v) Other objectives of the policy were to increase the forest cover through social forestry and afforestation on demanded and unproductive land increase in productivity of forests to make timber and fodder available for tribal population.

(vi) It emphasised the creation of a massive people’s movement women to encourage planting of trees and stop falling of trees.

Q.7. Describe the distribution, characteristics and economical significance of different types of forests found in India.

Ans. The following different types of forests are found in India:

1. Tropical Rain Forests: These forests are found in the areas where rainfall is more than 200 cm. These forests are found in Western Ghats, plains of West Bengal, Orissa, Eastern Himalayas and Andaman Islands. The height of trees reaches upto 60 m.

Economic Importance: The trees are of rubber, mahogani, iron wood, rosewood and bamboos etc. These are used in manufacturing railway sleepers, house-building and ship- building.

2. Monsoon or Tropical Deciduous Forests: These forests are found in areas where rainfall is between 100 to 200 cm. They shed their leaves so these are called deciduous forests. These forests are found in Tarai region, Chottanagpur plateau, eastern slopes of Western Ghats and eastern parts of peninsular India. These are not dense forests.

These forests are the true monsoon forests. These form the natural cover all over India.

These are of two types:

(i) moist.

(ii) dry. Teak is the important species of moist deciduous and is found in Chota Nagpur plateau. Sal is a tree of dry deciduous found over peninsular India.

Economic Importance: These forests include the trees of Sal, Teak, Sandal, Arjun, Mahua, Mango and Semul. Sal is useful for railway sleeper and coaches. Teak is used for furniture and house building. Many industries and handicrafts depend on these trees such as matchboxes, toys, packing cases, tanning leather and paper.

3. The Desert or Thorn Forests: These forests occur where annual rainfall is less than 75 cm. These are found in eastern Rajasthan, Saurashtra, Malwa plateau (M.P.), southern Haryana, south-west Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka plateau. These trees are scattered and have long roots, thick bark.

These gradually merge into scrubs and thorny bushes. These form the typical desert vegetation.

Economic Importance: These forests include Babul, Kikar, Khair and Haldu. These are hard wood trees and used in agriculture and making of furniture, carts and charcoal.

4. The Tidal Forests: These forests are found in deltas of rivers in coastal areas. These are called Tidal forests or Deltaic forests. These forests are found in Ganga-Brahmaputra Delta and Deltas of Mahanadi, Godawari, Krishna and Kaveri. These are marshy areas. In Ganga-Brahmaputra delta, these forests are called Sunderbans because Sundari tree is found in this area.

Economic Importance: Sundari, Mangrove and others trees are used for boat building, making boxes and house building.

5. The Mountain Forests: The forests are found on the southern slopes of the Himalayas from Kashmir to Assam. Mixed deciduous and coniferous forests are found here. But in eastern Himalayas, evergreen forests are found as there is heavy rainfall and high temperature.

(i) Tropical moist deciduous forests of sal are found upto a height of 1200 metres in foothills.

(ii) Temperate forests of oak, chestnut and pine trees are found upto a height of 2000 metres.

(iii) Coniferous forests are found upto a height of 3300 m. These include Spruce, Deodar, Pine, Birch, Silverfir, etc.

(iv) Alpine pastures are found beyond 3600 metre where pastoral tribes like Gujjars graze their sheep on short grasses.

Q.8. Explain two reasons for the depletion of natural vegetation. Also give two measures for its conservation.

Ans. The depletion of natural vegetation has mainly occurred due to the following reasons:

1. Excessive population growth: Vast forest areas have been cleared for the habitation for mankind. Besides it, there has been development of various economic activities. The need for firewood and timber for various purposes- has resulted in our exploitation of natural vegetation.

2. Unplanned exploitation of forest resources: Forests were indiscriminately filled for obtaining fuelwood and timber for various domestic, commercial and industrial uses. Over- grazing and shifting cultivation also caused harm to our forest resources.

Measures for conservation of forests:

1. Strict control over tree felling: The government should have strict control over the reckless cutting of trees.

2. Afforestation: There should be regular plantation of trees in areas of exploitation so as to regenerate these resources.

Q.9. Why is conservation of wildlife very essential? Give reasons.

Ans. Conservation of wildlife: Special efforts are being made to preserve endangered species of wildlife-birds and animals. Periodic census is undertaken to find out the latest position and trends in this regard. The Project Tiger has been a great success. Now we have 16 tiger reserves in various parts of the country. Likewise Rhino project is being implemented in Assam. The Indian bustard of Rajasthan and Malwa is yet another endangered species. Even the number of lions had been dwindling for a long.

Steps have been taken for the protection and conservation for the great biological diversity of our land. Under this scheme, the first bio-reserve was set up in the Nilgiri. It consists of 5500 km and is spread at the trijunction of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. There are thirteen such zones to be reserved as such. The country has 89 national parks, 482 wildlife sanctuaries, covering 15.6 million hectare areas. Conservation of wildlife is essential in order to

(i) protect the endangered species of birds and animals. and 

(ii) maintain the ecological balance.

Q.10. Why is conservation of wildlife very essential? Explain.

Ans. Special efforts are being made to preserve endangered species of birds and animals. Periodic census is undertaken to find out the latest position and trends in this regard. The Project Tiger has been a great success. Now we have 25 tiger reserves in various parts of the country. Likewise, Rhino Project is being implemented in Assam. The Indian Bustard of Rajasthan and Malwa plateau are yet another endangered species. Even the number of lions had been dwindling for a long.

Steps have been taken for the protection and conservation of the great biological diversity of our land. Under this scheme, the first bio-reserve has been set-up in the Nilgiris. It consists of 5500 km area and is spread at the tri-junction of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala states. There are thirteen such zones to be under such programme. The country has 89 national parks, 49 wildlife sanctuaries, 35 zoological gardens covering 1,30,000 sq. km area. Conservation of wildlife is essential in order to protect the endangered species of birds and animals as also to maintain the ecological balance. Government of India has so far set up thirteen biosphere reserves.

Q.11. Describe the usefulness of wildlife for human beings and explain the institutional efforts so far made by the Government of India for the protection and conservation of great biodiversity here.

Ans. Wildlife consists of animals, birds and fishes. All of them are useful to man in every ways. They provide milk, eggs, meat etc. We get wool, leather, skins, bones, horns from them. The animals can be used for ploughing, driving carriages, drawing water from wells and as beasts of burden. Wildlife also plays an important role in maintaining the ecological balance in nature. Indiscriminate hunting of wildlife not only disturbs the ecological balance but also leads to the extinction of some species altogether. So, there is a need for providing protection to these rare animals and birds for the future generations. Wildlife adds beauty to the nature and its destruction will naturally destroy the beauty of the nature.

Institutional efforts so far made:

(i) Thirteen biosphere reserves have been set-up in various parts of India and wild animals and birds are kept in their natural habitats. Nilgiri at the tri-junction of three-states (i.e. Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu) and Nanda Devi in Uttaranchal are some such biosphere reserves. India has so far 89 National Parks, 49 Wildlife Sanctuaries, 35 Zoological gardens set- up to protet and preserve the wildlife.

(ii) Periodic censuses are being taken in order to find out the latest position of some rare species so that they can be preserved for our future generations. Tigers and Rhinoceros are some endangered species of wildlife in India.

(iii) Financial and technical assistance is provided to many Botanical Gardens by the Government since 1992.

(iv) Project Tiger, Project Rhino, Project Great Indian Bustard and several other eco-developmental projects have been introduced. Twenty five tiger reserves have been set up in different parts of India.

(v) The killing of wildlife has been banned by the Government. Special forest officers have been appointed and conferred with power to arrest the poachers.

Q.12. How can people’s participation be effective in conserving forests and wildlife?

Ans. The people’s participation is effective to conserve the forests and wildlife. As the forests and tribals are very closely related and one cannot be developed without the other. The age old knowledge of tribals regarding forestry can be used in the conservation and development of forests.

Chipko Movement is a movement launched by the people to conserve the forests. It creates awareness and encourages active participation of masses in tribal areas.

Social forestry and farm forestry are such steps taken by the people. The protection of wildlife has a long tradition in India. Many stories of Panchatantra indicate the people’s participation in the conservation of wildlife.

Parimol

Hi! my Name is Parimal Roy. I have completed my Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy (B.A.) from Silapathar General College. Currently, I am working as an HR Manager at Dev Library. It is a website that provides study materials for students from Class 3 to 12, including SCERT and NCERT notes. It also offers resources for BA, B.Com, B.Sc, and Computer Science, along with postgraduate notes. Besides study materials, the website has novels, eBooks, health and finance articles, biographies, quotes, and more.