NATURAL VEGETATION AND WILDLIFE - Q&A
EXERCISE
1. Choose the right answer from the four alternatives given below.
(i) To which one of the following types of vegetation does rubber belong to?
(a) Tundra
(b) Himalayan
(c) Tidal
(d) Tropical Evergreen
Answer: (d) Tropical Evergreen
Explanation: Rubber trees require a hot and wet climate to grow, which is characteristic of Tropical Evergreen forests. These forests are found in areas with heavy rainfall (more than 200 cm) and high temperatures, conditions suitable for rubber plantations.
(ii) 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
Answer: (a) 100 cm
Explanation: Cinchona trees are typically found in Tropical Evergreen and Semi-evergreen forests. While evergreen forests get over 200 cm of rain, the range for these types of vegetation starts from areas receiving significant rainfall. In the context of the options provided and the textbook classification, they are associated with moist regions receiving more than 100 cm of rainfall.
(iii) In which of the following states is the Simlipal bio-reserve located?
(a) Punjab
(b) Delhi
(c) Odisha
(d) West Bengal
Answer: (c) Odisha
Explanation: The Simlipal Biosphere Reserve is a national park and a tiger reserve located in the Mayurbhanj district in the Indian state of Odisha.
(iv) Which one of the following bio-reserves of India is not included in the world network of bioreserve?
(a) Manas
(b) Nilgiri
(c) Gulf of Mannar
(d) Panna
Answer: (a) Manas
Explanation: According to the textbook status (contemporary to the printing), the Sundarbans, Nanda Devi, Gulf of Mannar, and Nilgiri were among the first to be included in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves. Panna was added later (in 2020), but historically in many older editions, Manas is listed as the one not included in the world network compared to the others. (Note: Statuses change, but based on standard textbook exercises, Manas is often the intended answer for exclusion from the specific 'World Network' list mentioned in the text).
2. Answer the following questions briefly.
(i) What is a bio-reserve? Give two examples.
Answer: A bio-reserve (or biosphere reserve) is a protected area meant for the conservation of plants and animals. It also restores the traditional life of the tribals living in the vicinity.
Examples:
1. Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (located at the tri-junction of Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu).
2. Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve (located in Uttarakhand).
(ii) Name two animals having habitat in tropical and montane type of vegetation.
Answer:
Tropical Vegetation Animals: Elephant, Monkey, Lemur.
Montane Vegetation Animals: Yak, Snow Leopard, Wild Sheep.
3. Distinguish between
(i) Flora and Fauna
Answer:
Flora:
1. The term 'flora' is used to denote plants of a particular region or period.
2. It represents the natural vegetation (trees, bushes, grasses) of an area.
3. Example: Sal, Teak, Rosewood are flora of India.
Fauna:
1. The species of animals are referred to as 'fauna'.
2. It represents the wildlife (birds, fish, animals) of an area.
3. Example: Tigers, Rhinos, Peacocks are fauna of India.
(ii) Tropical Evergreen and Deciduous forests
Answer:
Tropical Evergreen Forests:
1. Rainfall: Found in areas receiving heavy rainfall (over 200 cm).
2. Shedding Leaves: Trees do not shed their leaves at the same time, so the forest always appears green.
3. Density: These forests are very dense.
4. Examples: Ebony, Mahogany, Rosewood, Rubber.
Tropical Deciduous Forests:
1. Rainfall: Found in areas receiving rainfall between 70 cm and 200 cm.
2. Shedding Leaves: Trees shed their leaves for about 6-8 weeks in dry summer to save water.
3. Density: These are less dense than evergreen forests.
4. Examples: Teak, Sal, Peepal, Neem.
4. Name different types of Vegetation found in India and describe the vegetation of high altitudes.
Answer:
Types of Vegetation in India:
1. Tropical Evergreen Forests
2. Tropical Deciduous Forests
3. Tropical Thorn Forests and Scrubs
4. Montane Forests
5. Mangrove Forests
Description of Vegetation of High Altitudes (Montane Forests):
In mountainous areas, the decrease in temperature with increasing altitude leads to a corresponding change in natural vegetation:
1. 1000m - 2000m: Wet temperate forests contain evergreen broad-leaf trees like oaks and chestnuts.
2. 1500m - 3000m: Temperate forests containing coniferous trees like pine, deodar, silver fir, spruce, and cedar. These cover the southern slopes of the Himalayas.
3. Above 3600m: Alpine vegetation is found here. Silver fir, junipers, pines, and birches are common. As they approach the snowline, they get stunted and merge into alpine grasslands (used by Gujjars for grazing).
4. Higher Altitudes: Mosses and lichens form part of the tundra vegetation.
5. Quite a few species of plants and animals are endangered in India. Why?
Answer: Many species are endangered due to the following reasons:
1. Greed: Excessive hunting and poaching by greedy hunters for commercial purposes (skin, tusks, horns).
2. Habitat Destruction: Deforestation due to pollution, expansion of agriculture, and human habitation destroys the natural homes of animals.
3. Industrialization: Rapid industrialization and urbanization have led to the clearing of vast forest lands.
4. Pollution: Chemical and industrial waste pollutes water bodies and soil, harming plant and animal life.
5. Introduction of Alien Species: Sometimes, foreign species introduced to an ecosystem harm the local native species.
6. Why has India a rich heritage of flora and fauna?
Answer: India has a rich heritage of flora and fauna because of its diverse geographical and climatic factors:
1. Relief (Land and Soil): India has a variety of landforms (mountains, plateaus, plains, deserts). Different types of soil (alluvial, black, sandy) support different types of vegetation.
2. Temperature: The country has a wide range of temperatures, from the hot deserts of Rajasthan to the cold Himalayas, supporting diverse species.
3. Photoperiod (Sunlight): India receives abundant sunlight due to its tropical location, allowing trees to grow faster.
4. Precipitation (Rainfall): The variation in rainfall (from heavy in Meghalaya to scanty in Rajasthan) results in different types of forests (Evergreen to Thorny).
Map Skills
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
Answer: (Self-Activity. Description for plotting provided)
(i) Evergreen Forests: Western slopes of Western Ghats, Island groups (Lakshadweep, Andaman & Nicobar), upper parts of Assam, and Tamil Nadu coast.
(ii) Dry Deciduous Forests: Parts of the Peninsular plateau, plains of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
(iii) National Parks:
- North: Corbett (Uttarakhand), Dachigam (J&K).
- South: Bandipur (Karnataka), Guindy (Tamil Nadu).
- East: Kaziranga (Assam), Manas (Assam).
- West: Gir (Gujarat), Ranthambore (Rajasthan).
Project/Activity
(i) Find some trees in your neighbourhood having medicinal values.
Answer:
1. Neem: Used for bacterial and viral infections.
2. Tulsi: Used to cure cough and cold.
3. Aloe Vera: Good for skin burns and digestion.
4. Amla: Rich in Vitamin C, good for digestion and immunity.
(ii) Find ten occupations getting raw material from forests and wildlife.
Answer:
1. Carpenter (Wood)
2. Rubber Industry Worker (Latex)
3. Paper Industry Worker (Bamboo/Wood pulp)
4. Ayurvedic Doctor (Herbs)
5. Bidi Roller (Tendu leaves)
6. Lac Bangle Maker (Lac)
7. Honey Collector (Wild Honey)
8. Basket Weaver (Bamboo/Cane)
9. Tanner (Animal Hides - regulated)
10. Tourism Guide (Wildlife Sanctuaries)
(iii) Write a poem or paragraph showing the importance of wildlife.
Answer:
Paragraph: Wildlife plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of our planet. Every animal, from the tiny bee to the giant elephant, is part of a complex food web. Predators keep the population of prey in check, preventing overgrazing and protecting the vegetation. Birds and insects are essential for pollination, which gives us fruits and crops. If we lose our wildlife, the delicate balance of nature will collapse, ultimately threatening human survival. Protecting them is protecting ourselves.
(iv) Write the script of a street play giving the importance of tree plantation and try to enact it in your locality.
Answer: (Brief Concept)
Scene: A village suffering from drought.
Character 1 (Elder): "Years ago, this place was cool and had water. We cut all the trees to build houses."
Character 2 (Youth): "Now the sun burns us, and the wells are dry."
Character 3 (Teacher): "It is not too late. If we plant trees today, they will bring rain and shade for our children."
All together: "Let's pledge to plant one tree each!" (They pretend to dig and plant).
(v) Plant a tree either on your birthday or one of your family member's birthday. Note the growth of the tree and notice in which season it grows faster.
Answer: (Activity to be done by the student. Observation: Trees generally grow faster during the rainy season/monsoon due to abundance of water.)