NCERT Class 9 Social Science Chapter 11 Natural Vegetation And Wildlife

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NCERT Class 9 Social Science Chapter 11 Natural Vegetation And Wildlife

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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 9 Social Science Solutions are part of All Subject Solutions. Here we have given NCERT Class 9 Social Science Chapter 11 Natural Vegetation And Wildlife and After, NCERT Class 9 Social Science Textbook of India and The Contemporary World – I: History, Contemporary India -I: Geography, Democratic Politics – I: Political Science, Economics and Disaster Management. for All Chapters, You can practice these here.

Natural Vegetation And Wildlife

Chapter: 11

CONTEMPORARY INDIA – I (GEOGRAPHY) 

NCERT TEXTBOOK QUESTIONS WITH ANSWERS

Q. 1. Choose the right answer from the four alternatives given below: 

(i) To which one of the following type of vegetation does rubber belong to:

(a) Tundra.

(b) Himalayan. 

(c) Tidal.

(d) Tropical evergreen. 

Ans. (d) Tropical evergreen. 

(ii) Cinchona trees are found in the areas of rainfall more than:

(a) 100 cm.

(b) 70 cm.

(c) 50 cm.

(d) Less than 50 cm.

Ans. (a) 100 cm.

(iii) Which one of the following states is the Simlipal Bio-reserve located? 

(a) Punjab.

(b) Delhi.

(c) Orissa.

(d) West Bengal.

Ans. (b) Orissa.

(iv) Which one of the following bio-reserves of India is not included in the world network of Bio-reserves?

(a) Manas.

(b) Gulf of Mannar.

(c) Dihang-Dibang. 

(d) Nanda Devi.

Ans. (a) Manas.

Answer the following questions:

Q. 2. (i) Define an ecosystem. 

Ans. Ecosystem refers to specific landscape which is created due to interaction of natural and social environment. Due to man-nature interaction, a regional system is created in which organisms live. Thus the landforms, plants, animals and organisms all grow together in an area under a specific environment. This system provides the conditions for growth of organisms. Plants, animals, human beings interact with environment to form an ecosystem.

(ii) What factors are responsible for the distribution of plants and animals in India? 

Ans. The distribution of plants and animals is determined primarily by the following factors:

(i) Climate. 

(ii) Soil.

(iii) Relief.

(iv) Drainage.

(iii) What is a bio-reserve? Give two examples.

Or

What is a biosphere reserve? What is their importance?

Ans. There is a great biological diversity of 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 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 Uttarakhand.

The main features bio-reserves are as under:

(i) In each biosphere reserve the core preserves the flora and fauna in their natural forms.

(ii) The surrounding zone is utilized for research and experiments in forest and other products. 

(iii) The periphery is used for agriculture research and development.

(iv) Name two animals having habitat in tropical and montane type of vegetation. 

Ans. These animals are deer and monkey. 

Q. 3 Distinguish between:

(i) Flora and Fauna.

Ans.

(ii) Tropical Evergreen and Deciduous Forests.

Ans.

Q. 4. Name different types of vegetation found in India and describe the vegetation of high altitudes.

Ans. Major vegetation types found in India are as under:

(i) Tropical rain forests. 

(ii) Tropical deciduous forests. 

(iii) The thorn forests and shrubs. 

(iv) Temperate forests with grassland. 

(v) Alpine and Tundra vegetation. and 

(vi) Tidal forests.

Vegetation of High Altitudes: It is known as Alpine and Tundra vegetation. This type of Vegetation is found generally at more than 3600 nts. height above the sea level. The chief feature of such a type of vegetation are as given: 

(i) Temperate forests and grasslands are replaced here by Alpine type of vegetation or forests.

(ii) In these forests trees like silverfir, junipers, birches and pines are found.

(iii) As these trees approach the snowline, they get progressively stunted or shorter in size/ height.

(iv) Ultimately, these turn into scrubs and shrubs and merge with the Alpine grasslands. These grasslands provide superb grazing fields to the nomadic tribes like the Bakarwals and Gujjars to feed their sheep and goats. 

Q. 5. Quite a few species of plants and animals are endangered in India. Why?

Ans. This is because of: 

(i) Relentless poaching and hunting of animals and cutting of trees. 

(ii) Pollution due to chemical and industrial waste. 

(iii) Acid deposits. 

(iv) Introduction of alien species. 

(v) Clearing forests for inhabitation and agriculture owing to ever increase in population.

Q. 6. Why has India a rich heritage of flora and fauna?

Ans. This is because the factors like, temperature, sunlight, precipitation, soil and relief all are suitable for the growth and development of both animal and plant kingdom in India. These five factors are essential for the growth of biodiversity. India has been listed among the twelve mega biodiversity countries of the world. Here are 47,000 plant species and 89000 animal species. Besides these species, there are about 15,000 flowering plants in India. This all is due to presence of the above said five factors.

MAP SKILLS

Q. 1. On an outline map of India, label the following:

(i) Areas of Evergreen Forests. 

(ii) Areas of Dry Deciduous Forests.

(iii) Two national parks each in Northern, Southern, Eastern and Western parts of the country.

Hints:

(i) Evergreen Forests: Western Ghats, Assam, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and foothills of the Himalayas.

(ii) Dry Deciduous Forests: Orissa, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, U.P. 

(iii) National Parks: In North:

(i) Dudhwa.

(ii) Corbett; 

In East: 

(i) Rajdewra.

(ii) Simlipal.

In West: 

(i) Gir.

(ii) Kanheri.

In South: (i) Guindy.

(ii) Nagarhole.

PROJECT ACTIVITY

(i) Find some trees in your neighborhood having medicinal values. 

Hint. Students should do themselves.

For example: Jamun, Neem, Arjun, Tulsi etc.

(ii) Find ten occupations getting raw material from forests and wildlife. 

Ans. These occupations are: 

(i) Furniture works.

(ii) Pharmaceuticals.

(iii) Lumbering.

(iv) Architecture.

(v) Civil works.

(vi) Animal husbandry.

(vii) Dairy industry.

(viii) Alchemy.

(ix) Butchery.

(x) Hunting.

(iii) Write a poem or paragraph showing the importance of wildlife.

Ans. Just listen o’killers,

the poacher and hunters!

and stop intervening another kingdom.

You say civilized you are,

yet going to spoil ecosystem.

Don’t proud on being a human,

if humanity you have lost,

mammals you always remember,

a member of the family you intend to roast. 

Stop this nuisance, go back home,

gruesome offense don’t commit it,

learn to love within your limits,

don’t appear as Neero to the Rome.

“Might is right” never proves good,

you live in colony, they live in woods.

Let them live free from fear,

killing them shall, kill you dear!

Check your passion, the crafty designs. 

Live within, don’t use outwits.

(iv) Write the script of a street play giving the importance of tree plantation and try to enact it in your locality.

Ans. Students should do themselves under the guidelines of their teachers. An episode on Chipko Andolan or on Pipal, the religious tree in which tri-gods (Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh) symbolically present-can be chosen for street-play duly dramatized. 

(v) Plant a tree either on your birthday or one of your family members birthday. Note the growth of the tree and notice in which season it grows faster. 

Ans. This question pertains to direct experience of the students and they should follow themselves. 

Hint: (i) Generally, trees grow faster in rainy season.

(ii) The growth of a tree depends on a number of factors including quality of soil, climate, temperature, precipitation, the manure or fertilizer used etc.

(iii) A report may be prepared by taking the practical experience under following points: 

(a) Name of tree. 

(b) Specified vegetation zone (out of six zones). 

(c) Date of planting. 

(d) Record of growth after every month’s supervision. 

(e) General nature of tree. 

(f) Detail of seasons passed after planting.

(g) Use of that tree for society etc.

SOME OTHER IMPORTANT QUESTIONS FOR EXAMINATION

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS

Q. 1. India has rich heritage of flora and fauna because of:

(i) different soil types.

(ii) different temperature variations. 

(iii) varying amount of rainfall. 

(iv) varied landform/terrain.

(a) Both (i) and (ii).

(b) Both (ii) and (iv).

(c) (i), (ii) and (iii).

(d) All of these.

Ans. (d) All of these 

Q. 2. How do forests influence the climate of a place?

(a) They modify the local climate.

(b) They control the wind force and temperature.

(c) They cause rainfall.

(d) All of these.

Ans. (d) All of these.

Q. 3. To which one of the following types of vegetation does rubber belong to?

(a) Tundra.

(b) Tidal.

(c) Himalayan.

(d) Tropical Evergreen.

Ans. (d) Tropical Evergreen.

Q. 4. 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.

Ans. (a) 100 cm 

Q. 5. In which of the following state is the Simlipal bio-reserve located?

(a) Punjab. 

(b) Delhi. 

(c) Odisha.

(d) West Bengal.

Ans. (c) Odisha.

Q. 6. Which one of the following bio-reserves of India is not included in the world network of bio-reserve?

(a) Manas. 

(b) Nilgiri.

(c) Gulf of Mannar.

(d) Nanda Devi.

Ans. (a) Manas.

Q. 7. The yak, shaggy-horned wild ox and the Tibetan antelope are found in which one of the following regions?

(a) Tibet. 

(b) Uttarakhand.

(c) Himachal Pradesh. 

(d) Ladakh.

Ans. (d) Ladakh.

Q. 8. Which term is used to denote animal species of a particular region or period?

(a) Fauna. 

(b) Ferns. 

(c) Flora.

(d) None of these.

Ans. (a) Fauna. 

Q. 9. Which term is used for virgin vegetation, which have come from outside India are termed as exotic plants?

(a) Indigenous plants. 

(b) Endemic species.

(c) Exotic Plants. 

(d) None of these. 

Ans. (c) Exotic Plants.

Q. 10. Which term is used for the original plant cover of an area which has grown naturally? 

(a) Garden.

(b) Agriculture.

(c) Virgin Vegetation. 

(d) Indigenous species. 

Ans. (c) Virgin Vegetation.

Q. 11. Which is not included in the group of non-flowering plants?

(a) Orchids.

(b) Algae. 

(c) Fungi.

(d) None of these.

Ans. (a) Orchids. 

Q. 12. How do forests influences the climate of a place? 

(a) Modify local climate.

(b) Control wind force and temperature.

(c) Cause rainfall. 

(d) All the above.

Ans. (d) All the above.

Q. 13. Which type of vegetation zone is found in the higher reaches of the Himalayas?

(a) Tropical.

(b) Alpine. 

(c) Temperate.

(d) None of these.

Ans. (b) Alpine.

Q. 14. Which type of vegetation grows in the sandy soil of the desert?

(a) Coniferous trees. 

(b) Grasslands.

(c) Cactus and thorny bushes.

(d) None of these.

Ans. (c) Cactus and thorny bushes. 

Q. 15. The character and extent of vegetation are mainly determined by which of the climatic factor?

(a) Temperature.

(b) Humidity.

(c) Precipitation.

(d) All the above.

Ans. (d) All the above. 

Q. 16. Which type of vegetation usually develops on undulating and rough terrains?

(a) Mangroves. 

(b) Grasslands and woodlands.

(c) Cactus and thorny bushed.

(d) None of these. 

Ans. (b) Grasslands and woodlands.

Q. 17. Which one of the following species is found in Tibet area?

(a) Yak.

(b) Shaggy-horned wild ox. 

(c) Tibetan antelope.

(d) All of these. 

Ans. (d) All of these.

Q. 18. Ebony, mahogany and rosewood trees are grown in which type of the forests?

(a) Coniferous forest.

(b) Tropical rainforest. 

(c) Tropical thorn forest.

(d) None of these. 

Ans. (b) Tropical rainforest.

Q. 19. Why are the southern slopes is Himalayan region covered with thick vegetation?

(a) On account of more exposure to sunlight.

(b) On account of more precipitation.

(c) On account of less exposure to colder wind.

(d) All the above. 

Ans. (d) All the above.

Q. 20. Which one of the following state of India has the least percentage of its area under forest cover?

(a) Bihar. 

(b) Punjab. 

(c) Madras.

(d) Sikkim.

Ans. (b) Punjab.

Q. 21. Due to which reason the vegetation of most of the areas has been modified or replaced or degraded?

(a) Change of climate. 

(b) Human occupancy. 

(c) Soil erosion. 

(d) None of these. 

Ans. (b) Human occupancy. 

Q. 22. Which type of vegetation is found in the areas receiving rainfall between 70 cms to 200 cms?

(a) Tropical Deciduous Forest.

(b)Tundra vegetation. 

(c) Himalayan vegetation and forest.

(d) Thorny forest. 

Ans. (a) Tropical Deciduous Forest

Q. 23. Rubber belongs to which of the following vegetation?

(a) Himalayan.

(b) Tundra.

(c) Tidal.

(d) Tropical Evergreen. 

Ans. (d) Tropical Evergreen.

Q. 24. In the question given below, there are two statements marked as Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Read the statements and chose the correct option.

Assertion (A): The duration of sunlight is different at different places.

Reason (R): This is due to differences in the land above the sea level.

Options: 

(a) (A) is correct but (R) is wrong.

(b) (A) is wrong but (R) is correct. 

(c) Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).

(d) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).

Ans. (a) (A) is correct but (R) is wrong. 

Q. 25. In the question given below, there are two statements marked as Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Read the statements and chose the correct option. 

Assertion (A): The vegetation cover of India a large parts is more or less natural in the real sense.

Reason (R): The vegetation in most of the areas has been modified at some places, or replaced or degraded by human occupancy. 

Options:

(a) (A) is wrong but (R) is correct. 

(b) (A) is correct but (R) is wrong.

(c) Both (A) and (R) are wrong. 

(d) Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).

Ans. (a) (A) is wrong but (R) is correct. 

Q. 26. In the question given below, there are two statements marked as Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Read the statements and chose the correct option.

Assertion (A): India’s natural vegetation has undergone many changes.

Reason (R): The growing demand for cultivated land, development of industries and mining, urbanization and overgrazing of pastures is the reason behind it.

Options:

(a) (A) is correct but (R) is wrong.

(b) (A) is wrong but (R) is correct.

(c) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).

(d) Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).

Ans. (c) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).

Q. 27. In the question given below, there are two statements marked as Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Read the statements and chose the correct option. 

Assertion (A): The Tropical Deciduous Forests appear green all the year round.

Reason (R): There is a definite time of the germination of new leaves.

Options:

(a) (A) is correct but (R) is wrong.

(b) Both (A) and (R) are wrong.

(c) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).

(d) Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).

Ans. (b) Both (A) and (R) are wrong.

Q. 28. In the question given below, there are two statements marked as Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Read the statements and chose the correct option.

Assertion (A): The Tropical Deciduous Forests are also called the monsoon forests.

Reason (R): Trees in the Thorn Forests and Scrubs are scattered and have long roots penetrating deep into the soil in order to get moisture.

Options:

(a) (A) is correct but (R) is wrong. 

(b) (A) is wrong but (R) is correct.

(c) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).

(d) Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A). 

Ans. (d) Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).

Fill in the Blanks:

(i) A narrow belt of living organisms is also known as ___________.

Ans. (i) biosphere.

(ii) __________ refers to natural vegetation growing in a particular area.

Ans. Flora.

(iii) India’s first bio-reserve was set up in ___________.

Ans. Nilgiri.

(iv) A ___________ is an area meant for the protection and inhabitation of wild animals.

Ans. sanctuary.

(v) The Sundarbans are located in __________.

Ans. West Bengal.

True and False:

(i) Forests whose trees shed their leaves annually are known as coniferous forests. 

Ans. False.

(ii) Fauna refers to wildlife living in a particular area.

Ans. True.

(iii) The Chipko Movement was started to conserve water.

Ans. False.

(iv) Human beings are an integral part of the ecosystem.

Ans. True.

(v) Government of India enacted Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 to conserve and protect the endangered species.

Ans.True.

VERY SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS

Q. 1. Define natural vegetation or virgin vegetation.

Ans. Natural vegetation refers to a plant community which has grown naturally without human aid and has been left undisturbed by humans for a long time. This is termed as virgin vegetation.

Q. 2. Explain the terms-endemic or indigenous species and exotic plants.

Ans. The virgin vegetation, which are purely Indian are known as endemic or indigenous species but those which have come from outside India are termed as exotic plants.

Q. 3. How can you say that the nature of land influences the type of vegetation? 

Ans. The type of vegetation depends on the nature of land. The fertile level is generally devoted to agriculture. The undulating and rough terrains are areas where grassland and woodlands develop.

Q. 4. What is called a biome?

Ans. A very large ecosystem on land having distinct types of vegetation and animal life is called a biome. The biomes are identified on the basis of plants.

Q. 5. Name the regions of India where the tropical evergreen forests are found.

Ans. The Western Ghats and the island groups of Lakshadweep, Andaman and Nicobar, upper parts of Assam and Tamil Nadu coast.

Q. 6. Why do the tropical evergreen forests appear green all the year round?

Ans. The tropical evergreen forests appear green all the year round because there is no definite time for trees to shed their leaves.

Q. 7. “Land and soil affects the natural vegetation directly and indirectly.” Justify by giving two examples. 

Ans. The sandy soil of the desert support cactus and thorny bushes and wet, marshy and deltaic soil supports mangroves.

Q. 8. Mention any two factors responsible for deforestation. 

Ans. Overgrazing by animals and careless management of forests. 

Q. 9. How can temperature affect the type of vegetation?

Ans. On the slopes of the Himalayas, and hills of the Peninsula above, the height of 915m, the fall in the temperature affects the types of vegetation and its growth and changes it from tropical to subtropical temperature in the alpine vegetation.

Q. 10. Which medicinal plant has both antibacterial and antibiotic properties?

Ans. The neem plant has both antibacterial and antibiotic properties. 

Q. 11. What is alpine vegetation?

Ans. Alpine vegetation refers to the zoned of vegetation between the altitudinal limit for tree growth and the rival zone, found above 3000m.

Q. 12. How are the habitats of camels and those of one horned rhinoceros diametrically opposite to each other?

Ans. Camels are found in Rajasthan where as the one-homed rhinoceros are found in Assam and North-West Bengal.

Q. 13. Where are Sundari trees found? How are they useful?

Ans. In the Ganga-Brahmaputra delta, sundari trees are found. They provide durable hard timber.

Q. 14. Why are the leaves of the Ther All and stems succulent?

Ans. Leaves of the Thow Forests are mostly small to minimize evaporation and the stems are succulent to conserve water.

Q 15. Why are cultivated crops, fruits and vegetables not considered as natural vegetation?

Ans: They are grown with the help of man.

Q. 16. Why are the southern slopes of the Himalayas covered with thicker vegetation as compared to northern slopes? 

Ans. The southern slopes of the Himalayas get direct sunlight while the northern slopes receive indirect rays or oblique rays.

Q. 17. When the vegetation is altered, the Binal life also changes. How?

Ans. This happens because plants occur in distinct groups of communities in areas having similar climatic conditions. The nature of the plants in an area, to a large extent, determines the animal life in that area. All the plants and animals in an area are interdependent and inter related to each other in their physical environment. Therefore when the vegetation changes, the animal life is affected.

Q. 18. Name any two animals found at Ladakh’s freezing high altitudes.

Ans. Yak and the Tibetan antilope.

Q.19. Differentiate between endemic and exotic plants.

Ans. The Virgin vegetation which is purely Indian is known as endemic, while these plants which have come from outside India are known as exotic plants.

Q. 20. Which forest is the most widespread forest of India? What is its other name? Give an example of any two species of thees of these forests.

Ans. The Tropical Deciduous Forest is the most widespread forest of India. These forests are also called the Monsoon forests. Shishams and sal are the two important spices of these forests.

Q. 21. Where are the mangrove tidal forests found?

Ans. They are found in the areas of coasts influenced by tides.

Q. 22. What are migrating birds?

Ans. Some birds  fly hundreds and thousands  of kilometers to find the best ecological and habitats for feeding, breeding and raising their young. The birds are called migrating birds.

Q. 23. Mention one feature of the tropical deciduous forests.

Ans. Trees of these formats shed their leaves for about six to eight weeks in dry summer.

Q. 24. Name the regions of india where vegetation cover is natural in the real sense.

Ans. The Himalayas, the hilly region of central India and the marusthali (desert area).

Q. 25. What is Van mahotsav?

Ans. Van mahotsav is a programme in which saplings are planted.

Q. 26. What is a national park? 

Ans. A national park is a park officially recognised by a nation’s government. National parks are often made to protect the animals that live inside them or the land itself.

Q. 27. What is a wild life sanctuary? 

Ana. A wild life sanctuary is a plane of refuge where abused, injured and abandoned captive wild life may live in peace and dignity for the rest of their lives. True wild life sanctuaries de not bread or exploit for commercial activities.

Q. 28. What is a zoological garden? 

Ans. A zoological garden is a park like area in which live animals are kept in cages or large enclosures for public exhibition.

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 process into food energy which reaches to the animal kingdom when plants are made food by them. 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. Distinguish between the moist and dry deciduous forests.

Ans.

Q. 3. Distinguish between Extinct and Endangered species. 

Ans.

Q. 4. Distinguish between Tropical deciduous forests and Temperate forests with grasslands.

Ans.

Q. 5. Distinguish between reforestation and afforestation.

Ans.

Q. 6. How do human beings influence the ecology of a region? Explain.

Ans. Human beings are an integral part of the ecosystem. They utilize the vegetation and wildlife. The greed of human beings lead to over utilization of these resources. They cut the trees and kill animals creating an ecological imbalance.

As a result some of the plants and animals have reached the verge of extinction.

Q. 7. Name any three commercially important trees of evergreen forests. Also name any three animals, of this region.

Ans. Three commercially important trees of evergreen forests are:

(i) Ebony.

(ii) Mahogany

(iii) Rosewood.

(iv) Rubber.

(v) Cinchona.

Three animals are:

(i) Elephants.

(ii) Monkey.

(iii) Lemur.

(iv) Deer.

Q. 8. How do the forests play both a productive and protective role?

Ans. Productive Role:

(i) The forests supply us wood, pulp, cellulose, packaging material etc. to run a number of industries like paper industry, packaging industry etc.

(ii) A number of consumer goods like fuel wood, timber, medicinal herbs, resins, gums, lac and honey we obtain from our forests.

(iii) These provide livelihood for many communities.

(iv) Forests control the wind force and temperature and cause rainfall.

Protective Role:

(i) Forests help in maintaining the ecological balance and providing pollution free air.

(ii) These provide natural habitat to wildlife.

(iii) These help in checking soil erosion and raise the water table receding presently at a faster speed.

(iv) These provide humus to the soil and make it fertile.

(v) These provide manure to the plants as their leaves and stems after they die, decompose in a natural way.

Q. 9. 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. eat grass, i.e., flora.

(ii) Food webs and food chains make ex-facie the inter-relation 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. 10. What are migratory birds? 

Ans. Some species of birds keep moving from one place to another across the countries. For example, Siberian crane. Many of these birds arrive on wet lands in India specially during winters. They build their nests and breed here.

Q. 11. Why are the forests considered the most valuable resource? Give any three reasons. 

Ans. The forests are considered the most valuable resource for the following reasons:

(i) Forests have greatly influenced human activities. Modern civilisation depends more and more on forests. 

(ii) Forests provide many things to meet our requirements like wild fruits, nuts, berries, etc. Many tribes are dependent on gathering of these products in forests. 

(iii) Forests are source of timber for house building, furniture making, ship building etc.

(iv) Forests supply about 40% of fuel of the world. Wood has been the major source of fuel in houses, smelting industries and running locomotives.

Q. 12. Eco-system is very important for the living beings. How can you contribute to conserve it? Express your views.

Ans. All the plants and animals occur in distinct groups of communities in areas having similar climate conditions. All the plants and animals in the area are interdependent and interrelated to each other in physical environment called the ecosystem. Human beings are an integral part of the ecosystem. They utilize the vegetation and wildlife. The greed of human beings leads to over utilisation to these resources. They cut the trees and kill animals creating an ecological imbalance.

Eco-system can be conserved by:

(i) Avoiding indiscriminate cutting of trees. 

(ii) Checking rapid growth of population.

(iii) Checking the smoke from the chimneys and vehicles.

Q. 13. What is the meaning of flora and fauna? How is India rich in its fauna? Explain.

Ans. Flora and Fauna refers to the plant and animal kingdom.

This is because the factors like, temperature, sunlight, precipitation, soil and relief all are suitable for the growth and development of both animal and plant kingdom in India. These five factors are essential for the growth of biodiversity. India has been listed among the twelve mega biodiversity countries of the world. Here are 47,000 plant species and 89000 animal species. Besides these species, there are about 15,000 flowering plants in India. This all is due to presence of the above said five factors.

Q. 14. Account for depletion of forest in India.

Ans. Forests have been depleted in India due to the following reasons:

(i) The clearing of extensive forest areas for agriculture.

(ii) The practice of shifting cultivation. 

(iii) Heavy soil erosion.

(iv) Overgrazing of pastures.

(v) Cutting of trees for timber and fuel.

(vi) Human occupancy of land.

Q. 15. What is deforestation? What are its disadvantages? 

Ans. The process of clearing of forests by cutting or burning is known as deforestation. In India, large areas of forest have been cleared for cultivation and settlement. The growth of population has increased the pressure on human occupancy of land. This indiscriminate deforestation has disturbed the ecological balance. It has resulted in soil erosion. It has affected the climate of areas. It has also caused floods in many areas. Cutting of forests along Shiwaliks has resulted in soil erosion in Punjab.

Q. 16. Name any three common animals each of thorn forests and the Mangrove forests found in India.

Ans. (i) Animals such as Royal Bengal Turtles, crocodiles, gharials and snakes are found in Mangrove forests.

(ii) In desert forests, the common animals are rats, mice, rabbits, fox, wolf, tiger, lion, wild ass, horses, and camels.

Q. 17. Which values do the national parks of any country promote?

Ans.

• Proaction of Forests.

• Salty of animals

• Promotion of herbs and plants as the occupation to the backward community. 

• Reviving the ecology system.

Q. 18. Write a short note on the birds found in open grassland, light woodland and cultivated land.

Ans. These birds are as under:

(a) Cattle Egret: A small white heron is usually seen in small flocks in attendance on herds of cattle. It frequently parches on the backs of the animals Birds in breeding plumage have buff planes on the head and shoulders and a yellow bill.

(b) Adjutant Stork: This often disheveled birds is a scavenger and thus, seen near rubbish dumps and carcasses. It has a naked head and neck, a huge bill and a large fishy pouch which hangs down the front of the neck.

(c) Rose-ringed Parakeet: This bird is found throughout India upto about 1500 mts. attitude above the sea level. The pied Mynah is restricted to northern and central India. The rose ringed parakeet often forms hugh flocks, and impressive sight coming into roost. The long tail is noticeable both in flight and when the bird is perched. They can be very destructive to crops but are attractive birds which are frequently kept as pets.

(d) Pied Mynah: This bird is conspicuous with its smart black and white plumage. While grazing on land or cultivation, this bird is seen in flocks. It feeds on the ground and the village rubbish dumps.

(e) Drongo: Drongo is openly seen perched on telegraph wires or bare branch. Its distinctively forked tail makes it easy to identify. 

(f) Baya or weaver bird: It is of yellow colour and remarkable for the intricate nests built by it. It makes its nest in large colonies oftenly near villages. The male in the breeding season can be distinguished by the combination of black face and throat and contrasting yellow top of the head and the breast band. In the non-breeding season, the male and female both ars brownish sparrow like birds.

Q. 19. Write a short note on conserving biodiversity.

Ans. Wildlife in India is rich and varied. There are about 89000 known species of animals in India. All species are a part of the ecosystem and they help in maintaining the ecological balance in nature. Had it not so balanced, it would have led to the extinction of some species of animals and birds. It is our duty to conserve the endangered species as this heritage to be passed on to our future generations. All species of animals and birds add to the beauty of the nature.

Two endangered species of wildlife are the tiger and the Indian bustard of Rajasthan and Malwa. To preserve the endangered species of wildlife, following steps are being taken:

(a) The National Wildlife Action Plan, 1983 provides the framework of strategy and programmes for conserving the wildlife.

(b) Several biosphere reserves (like Nilgiri, Nanda Devi, Nokrek, Manas, Sunderbans, Simlipal, Panchmari and Dehang-Debang) have been set up in different states of India. Presently, we have 89 National Parks and 490 Wildlife Sanctuaries.

(c) Government of India enacted Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 to conserve and protect the endangered species.

(d) India is a member to CITIES (Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species of world flora and fauna). Under this convention, export or import of endangered species and their commercial exploitation has been strictly prohibited.

(e) As many as twenty-five tiger reserves have been set-up and Government of India has taken viable steps to conserve elephants and rhinos in Assam.

LONG ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS 

Q. 1. Why is conservation of wildlife very essential? Explain.

Ans. Conservation of Wildlife: 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 live 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 linns 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 sq. km. area and is spread at the tri-junction of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala states. There are thirteen such zones to be reserved into it. The country has 89 national parks, 490 wildlife sanctuaries, 35 zoological gardens covering 1,30,000 sq. kms. area. Conservation of wildlife is essential in order to protect the endangered species of binds and animals as also maintain the ecological balance. Government of India has so far set-up thirteen biosphere reserves.

Q. 2. Write a detailed note on conservation of wildlife.

Ans. lndia is rich in fauna and flora. There is a great biological diversity in India. There are about 89,000 known species of animals. It has 2500 species of fish and 1200 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, Kashmir 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 their protection and conservation zoos, national parks. bio-reserves, tiger reserves have been established India.

Q. 3. What is a Biome? State the number of Biomes into which the land ecosystem is divided and also the basis for the grouping.

Ane. Biome is a very large ecosystem on land. It has distinct type of vegetation and animal life. Five principal biomes are found in the world. These are Forests, Savanna, Grasslands, Deserts and Tundra. These biomes are useful for studying the world pattern of vegetation.

The grouping of these biomes is done on the basis of plant formations. Animals are also included. These groups are based on soils, water and heat.

Q. 4. Discuss the altitudinal zones of vegetation in the mountainous regions.

Ans. Altitudinal zones of vegetation in mountainous regions: The distribution of vegetation in mountainous region depends upon altitude because temperature decreases with increasing  altitude.

(i) Forests of the Shiwaliks: In the Shiwalks, tropical moist deciduous forests are found. Sal is the most dominant and economically important tree. Bamboo trees are also common in this belt.

(ii) Forests upto an altitude of 1000 to 2000 metres: Wet hill forests are found between 1000 to 2000 metres above sea level. Evergreen broad leave oaks, chestnuts and apples.

(iii) Forests upto an altitude of 1600 to 3300 metres: Between 1600 to 3300 metres above sea level, pine, cedar, deodar, silverfir and sprams are some of the more important species.

(iv) Forests at an altitude of 3600 metres: Alpine forests are found at 3600 metres above sea level. They consist of silver firs, pines, birches and junipers.

Q. 5. What factors control the diversity and growth of fauna and flora? 

Ans. The growth, types and diversity in flora and fauna kingdom is due to the following factors: 

(i) Temperature: The character and extent of vegetation are mainly determined by temperature along with humidity in the air, precipitation and soil. On the slopes of the Himalayas and the hills of the Peninsula above the height of 915 meters, the fall in the temperature affects the types of vegetation and its growth and changes it from tropical to subtropical, temperate and alpine.

(ii) Sunlight: The variation in sun’s radiant energy at different places is due to difference in latitude, altitude, season and duration of the day. Due to the factor of sunlight, trees grow faster in summer.

(iii) Precipitation: Almost the entire rainfall is brought in by the advancing south west monsoon (June to September) and retreating north east monsoons. Areas of heavy rainfall have more dense vegetation as compared to other areas.

(iv) Soil: Changes in soil conditions have given rise to peculiar types of vegetation in many areas such as mangrove forests, swamps and sandy coastal forests.

(v) Relief: It is another important factor affecting vegetation-plains, plateaus and mountains have different types of vegetation. 

Q. 6. Describe the medicinal plants found in India. 

Ans. Medicinal Plants: India is known for its herbs and spices from ancient times. Some 2,000 plants have been described in Ayurveda and at least 500 are in regular use. The World Conservation Union’s Red List has named for 352 medicinal plants of which 52 are critically threatened and 49 endangered.

(i) The Rauvolfia Serpentina (Sarpagandha): Used to treat blood pressure; it is found only in India.

(ii) Jamun: The juice from unripe fruit is used to prepare vinegar which is carminative and diuretic and has digestive properties. The powder of the seed is a cure for diabetes, the bark is good for cough, asthma and dysentery.

(iii) Arjun: The fresh juice of leaves is a cure for earache. It is also used to care blood pressure problems and heart diseases. 

(iv) Babool: Leaves are used as a tonic and a cure for eye sores. It is used as a tonic and medicine for cough, its bark dust is a cure for dog bite.

(v) Neem: has high antibiotic and antibacterial effects. 

(vi) Tulsi plant is used to cure cough and cold.

(vii) Kachnar is used to cure asthma and ulcers. The buds and roots are good for digestive problems. The root is used as cure for snake-bite.

Q. 7. Write a short note on the importance of forests. 

Ans. Importance of Forests: Forests are a valuable resource; like a river system, it is multiple resource. Forests provide mankind with a number of products. Forests have greatly influenced human activities. Modern civilisation depends more and more on forests.

Following are the direct and indirect advantages of forests: 

1. Forests provide many things to meet our requirements like wild fruits, nuts, berries, etc. Many tribes are dependent on gathering of these products in forests.

2. Forests are 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 locomotives.

4. Soft wood supply raw materials for wood pulp, paper, rayon industries.

5. Many products like rubber, pitch, gum, tanning materials, cork, camphor, fir, herbs, etc. are gathered from forests. 

6. Forests provide plywood and fibre wood for packing purposes.

7. Forests help in rainfall by capturing moisture in the air. These effect the climate of an area.

8. Forests prevent soil erosion and floods.

9. Forests increase the fertility of soil, help agriculture and maintain ecological balance.

10. Forests provide shelter to wild animals and help recreation, wildlife and hunting.

11. They check the advance of deserts. 

Q. 8. Explain how forests play a major role to enhance the quality of our environment.

Ans. Forest plays an important role to enhance the quality of an environment are as under:

(i) Forest help in maintaining the ecological balance and providing pollution free air.

(ii) Then provide natural habitat to wildlife. 

(iii) These help in checking soil erosion and use the water table receding presently at a faster speed.

(iv) These provide humus to the soil and make it fertile.

(v) These provide manure to the plants as their leaves and stems after they die, decompose in a natural way.

Q. 9. Describe the origin and spread of the Saminist movement.

Ans. Surantiko Samin was a resident of Randublatung village in Java. Around 1890 he gatimed state ownership of the forest. He was of opinion that the wind, water, earth and wood were not created by the state. Gradually a wide spread movement developed in the area. By 1907 around 3,000 families became the followers of his ideas. When the Dutch came to survey the forest, the Saministed protested. They laid down on their land and refused to pay taxes or fines They also denied performing labour. Hence, the Saminist movement became popular in Java.

Q.10. Describe any three characteristics of thorn forests.

Ans. 1. Thorn forests are found in regions with less than 70 cm of rainfall. This type of vegetation is found in north-western India, in the desert and semi-desert areas.

2. The vegetation consists of low and open forests with short thorny trees and thorny bushes, scrubs and grasses in between. Trees are scattered and have long roots, penetrating deep into the soil to tap ground water. The leaves are thick and small to reduce evaporation and are often transformed into spines and thorns to minimize evaporation. The cacti growing in the deserts have thick succulent stems to conserve water.

3. Acacias, palms, euphorbias, khair, babul and cacti are the main plants of these forests. 

Q. 11. Write three measures to protect wildlife.

Ans. Understanding the grave threat, conservation of forests and wildlife have been taken up. Government, NGOs, wildlife organizations and volunteers have taken up activities to protect wildlife and plants. They include:

(i) 14 biosphere reserves to protect biodiversity. 

(ii) Project Tiger, Project Rhino, Project Great Indian Bustard and other eco-development projects to protect endangered species.

(iii) Setting up of 89 National Parks; 490 wild life sanctuaries, zoological gardens, protected and reserved forests, botanical gardens to protect the endangered species along with other types of flora and fauna.

(iv) Wildlife Protection Act to safeguard wild life.

(v) Afforestation, social programmes and awareness campaigns can also help to protect endangered species.

Q. 12. What is an ecosystem? How do the human beings influence the ecology of a region? 

Ans. All the plants and animals occur in distinct groups of communities in areas having similar climatic conditions. All the plants and animals in the area are interdependent and interrelated to each other in physical environment called the ecosystem. Human beings are an integral part of the ecosystem and They utilise the vegetation and wildlife. The greed of human beings leads to over utilization of these resources. They cut the trees and kill animals creating an ecological imbalance.

Q. 13. Why has India a rich heritage of flora and fauna?

Ans. The term ‘flora’ is used to denote plants and the term ‘fauna’ is to denote animal species of a particular region. India is rich in flora and fauna because it is marked by great bio-diversity. With about 47000 plant species, India occupies tenth place in the world and fourth in Asia in plant diversity. 15000 flowering plants are endemic or indigenous to India. They account for 6% of world’s total number of flowering plants. A large number of non-flowering plants like ferns, algae and fungi are also found in India. Plants of all climatic regions ranging from tropical to Tundra are found in India. India is rich in fauna or animal life also. It has more then 89000 species of animals and 1200 species of birds. 13% of the world’s total number of birds are found in India. 5 to 8% of the world’s amphibians are found in India. It has 2500 species of fish in its marine and fresh waters.

Q. 14. Explain any three measures taken by the government to protect the flora and fauna of the country.

Ans. Understanding the grave threat, conservation of forest and wildlife have been taken-up. Government, NGOs, wildlife organizations and volunteers have taken up activities to protect wildlife and plants. They include:

(i) 14 biosphere reserves to protect biodiversity.

(ii) Project Tiger, Project Rhino, Project Great Indian Bustard and other eco-development projects to protect endangered species. 

(iii) Setting up of 89 National Parks, 490 wildlife sanctuaries, zoological gardens, protected the endangered species along with other types of flora and fauna.

(iv) Wildlife Protection Act to safeguard wildlife.

(v) Afforestation, social programmes and awareness campaigns can also help to protect endangered species. 

Q. 15. Why is it necessary to increase the areas under forest? Give reasons.

Ans. It is necessary to increase the areas under forest because:

1. Forests provide various products like timbers, medicinal herbs etc. 

2. They are natural habitat of flora and fauna. They are necessary to maintain the ecological balance.

3. Forests help in rainfall, check floods and soil erosion. 

Q. 16. Give the main causes for depletion of biodiversity in India.

Ans. Main causes are as under:

1. With the increase of population there is increasing demand for forest products and several forests have been cleared for agriculture. 

2. Human beings influence and utilise the vegetation and wildlife. The greed of human beings lead to over utilization of the forests. 

3. Pollution due to chemical and industrial wastes, acid deposits etc. are responsible for the depletion of natural resources.

Q. 17. Write any three measures to conserve ecosystem.

Ans. Eco-system can be conserved by:

1. Avoiding indiscriminate cutting of trees. 

2. Checking rapid growth of population.

3. Checking the smoke from the chimneys and vehicles.

Q. 18. Write two major threats to our ecosystem. Write four steps taken by the government to counter these threats.

Ans. Two major threats to ecosystem:

1. Relentless cutting of trees and clearing the forest areas.

2. Excessive hunting of animals.

Steps taken by the government to counter these threats are as under:

(i) 13 biosphere reserves have been set up in the country to protect flora and fauna. 

(ii) Project Tiger, Project Rhino and many other eco-developmental projects have been introduced.

(iii) National parks, wildlife sanctuaries have been set up. 

(iv) Financial and technical assistant is provided to many botanical gardens etc.

HOTS QUESTIONS 

Q. 1. Describe any four characteristic features of tropical deciduous forests. 

Ans. Special features of Tropical Deciduous Forest:

(i) Tropical deciduous forests form a natural cover almost all over India, particularly by between regions of 200 and 75 cm of annual rainfall. Hence they are called the monsoon forests par excellence

(ii) They are economically very important because of timber like sal and teak

(iii) They need care as they are less fire resistant.

(iv) They are of two types-moist and dry. Moist forests are found on the eastern slopes of Western Ghats, North eastern parts of the Peninsular Chota Nagpur plateau and along the Shivalika.

The rest of the country has dry forests. 

(v) They are called deciduous because in dry season they shed their leaves once in a year.

Q. 2. “The climate is one of the most important factors in deciding the character and extent of vegetation.” Explain.

Ans. (i) On the slopes of the Himalayas and the hills of the Peninsula above the height of 915 m, the fall in the temperature affects the types of vegetation, and its growth, and changes it from tropical to subtropical temperate and alpine vegetation.

(ii) The southern slopes in the Himalayan region have a thick vegetation cover as compared to the northern slopes due to the longer duration of sunlight.

(iii) The western slopes of the Western Ghats are covered with thick forests due to mare rainfall.

Q. 3. Name the vegetation found at high altitude in our country. Describe the animals which are found in this region.

Ans. Montane forests are found at high altitudes in our country. These forests are wet temperate types.

(i) Trees found in these forests are deodar, fir, cedar (1500-3000 m), silver fir and junipers (3800 m and above).

(ii) Animals found in these forests are spotted deer, wild sheep, jack, rabbit, yak etc.

(iii) Its regions include slopes of Himalayas, North-East India.

Q. 4. Why is India regarded as the home of several varieties of elephants? 

Ans. India possesses a great variety of flora due to:

(a) Varied relief of mountains, plains, plateaus, deserts. They all have their own types of flora.

(b) Different types of terrain and soils-like alluvial, black, red, laterite-support different types of vegetation and crops.

(c) India stands tenth in the world and fourth in Asia in plant diversity 47,000 species of plants have been described by the Botanical Survey of India.

PASSAGE BASED QUESTIONS

1. Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow:

Tropical Evergreen Forests are restricted to heavy rainfall areas of the Western Ghats and the island groups of Lakshadweep, Andaman and Nicobar, upper parts of Assam and Tamil Nadu coast. They are at their best in areas having more than 200 cm of rainfall with a short dry season. The trees reach great heights up to 60 metres or even above. Since the region is warm and wet throughout the year, it has a luxuriant vegetation of all kinds.

(i) Why are tropical evergreen forests called ‘evergreen’?

(a) Because the leaves of the tree are green in colour.

(b) Because the trees reflect green colour.

(c) Because there is no definite time for trees to shed their leaves.

(d) Because the tree here are very short.

Ans. (c) Because there is no definite time for trees to shed their leaves.

(ii) Which of the following are the commercially important trees of this forest?

(a) Neem, bamboo and teak. 

(b) Ebony, mahogany, rosewood, rubber and cinchona.

(c) Banyan, mangroves, sal, shisham and sandalwood. 

(d) khair, kusum, arjun and mulberry.

Ans. (b) Ebony, mahogany, rosewood, rubber and cinchona.

(iii) Name the common animals found in these forests. 

(a) Lion, tiger, pig, deer.

(b) Rats, mice, rabbits, fox. 

(c) Spotted dear, wild sheep, jack rabbit, Tibetan antelope.

(d) Elephant, monkey, lemur and deer, etc. 

Ans. (d) Elephant, monkey, lemur and deer, etc. 

(iv) Since this region is warm and wet throughout the year, it has a luxuriant vegetation of all kinds. What are the luxuriant vegetation found here?

(a) Shrubs and bushes.

(b) Trees, shrubs and creepers. 

(c) Tall grass and creepers.

(d) Mangroves and pines.

Ans. (b) Trees, shrubs and creepers.

2. Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow:

In mountainous areas, the decrease in temperature with increasing altitude leads to the corresponding change in natural vegetation. As such, there is a succession of natural vegetation belts in the same order as we see from the tropical to the tundra region. The wet temperate type of forests is found between a height of 1000 and 2000 metres. Evergreen broad-leaf trees, such as oaks and chestnuts predominate. Between 1500 and 3000 metres, temperate, forests containing coniferous trees, like pine, deodar, silver fir, spruce and cedar, are found. 

(i) What type of vegetation is found at high altitudes above 3600 metres above the sea level?

(a) Tropical Evergreen Forests. 

(b) Alpine type of vegetation.

(c) Mangrove Forests.

(d) Tropical Thorn Forests and scrubs.

Ans.(b) Alpine type of vegetation.

(ii) Name the nomadic tribes found in the montane forests in India.

(a) Banjaras and Gadia Lohar.

(b) Gaddi shepherds and Banjaras. 

(c) Gujjars and Bakarwals.

(d) Gadia Lohar and Gaddi shepherds.

Ans. (c) Gujjars and Bakarwals.

(iii) In the montane forests, in the higher altitudes, the vegetation found is: 

(a) trees, shrubs and creepers.

(b) bamboos, sal and shisham.

(c) acacias, palms and euphorbias. 

(d) mosses and lichens form part of tundra vegetation.

Ans. (d) mosses and lichens form part of tundra vegetation.

(iv) The montane forests cover mostly the:

(a) eastern parts of the Himalayas.

(b) southern slopes of the Himalayas. 

(c) western parts of the Himalayas. 

(d) northern parts of the Himalayas.

Ans. (b) southern slopes of the Himalayas.

3. Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow:

Arid areas of the Rann of Kachchh and the Thar Desert are the habitat for wild ass and camels respectively. Indian bison, nilgai (blue bull), chousingha (four horned antelope), gazel and different species of deer are some other animals found in India. It also has several species of monkeys. India is the only country in the world that has both tigers and lions. The natural habitat of the Indian lion is the Gir forest in Gujarat. Tigers are found in the forests of Madhya Pradesh, the Sundarbans of West Bengal and the Himalayan region. 

(i) Where is the natural habitat of one-horned rhinoceroses?

(a) moist and dry deciduous forests.

(b) semi-arid areas of Gujarat and Rajasthan.

(c) swampy and marshy lands of Assam and West Bengal.

(d) wet temperate forests.

Ans. (c) swampy and marshy lands of Assam and West Bengal

(ii) Which of the following is the unique feature about the leopards?

(a) They are commonly found in the temperate regions.

(b) They are short in size.

(c) They have a longer life span as compared to other animal species.

(d) They are the members of the cat family.

Ans. (d) They are the members of the cat family

(iii) The main cause for threat to few animal species is:

(a) over population.

(b) hunting by greedy hunters for commercial purposes.

(c) loss of natural ecology.

(d) disease and malnutrition.

Ans. (b) hunting by greedy hunters for.

(iv) The most majestic animal among the mammals, elephant, is found in the:

(a) swampy areas of the Assam.

(b) marshy areas of West Bengal. 

(c) hot wet forests of Assam, Karnataka and Kerala.

(d) thorny forests of Rajasthan. 

Ans. (c) hot wet forests of Assam, Karnataka Kerala.