NATURAL VEGETATION AND WILD LIFE

Question 1.
The number of flowering plants in India is about _______ .
Answer:
15,000

Question 2.
Name two non-flowering plants.
Answer:
Algae, fungi and ferns.

Question 3.
The sandy soils of desert support _______ .
Answer:
Cactus and thorny bushes.

Question 4.
Sundari trees are found in _______ .
Answer:
Tidal Forests

Question 5.
A very large ecosystem on land having distinct type of vegetation and animal life is called
_______ .
Answer:
Biome

Question 6.
At higher altitudes, mosses and lichens form part of _______ .
Answer:
Tundra vegetation

Question 7.
The dry deciduous forests are found in areas having rainfall between _______ .
Answer:
100 cm and 70 cm
Question 8.
The mangrove tidal forests are found in the areas of coasts influenced by sea _______ .
Answer:
Tides

Question 9.
Royal Bengal Tiger is found in _______ .
Answer:
Mangrove forests

Question 10.
Wildlife Protection Act was implemented in India in _______ .
Answer:
1972

Question 11.
The natural habitat of the Indian lion is the _______ .
Answer:
Gir forest in Gujarat

Question 12.
Give an example of biosphere reserve in India.
Answer:
Pachmarhi

Question 13.
Which type of forests does Sundari tree belong to?
Answer:
Mangrove Forests

Question 14.
The moist Tropical Deciduous Forests are more prominent in the eastern and central parts of
India because :
Answer:.
These areas experience 100 to 200 cm of annual rainfall.

Question 15.
Where do flamingos migrate in large numbers in India?
Answer:
Rann of Kachchh
Question 16.
The elephants are found in the hot-wet forests of _______ .
Answer:
Assam and Karnataka

Question 17.
Ebony, mahogany, rosewood, rubber and cinchona are the important trees of _______ .
Answer:
Tropical Evergreen Forests.

Question 18.
What are Tropical Rain Forests?
Answer:
These forests grow in the areas having annual rainfall of more than 200 cm.

Question 19.
Where is the Project Rhino being implemented?
Answer:
Assam.

Question 20.
Where was the first biosphere reserve set up?
Answer:
Nilgiri.

Question 21.
What does ‘Natural Vegetation’ mean?
Answer:
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.

Question 22.
Name some of the important species of Moist Deciduous Forests.
Answer:
Teak, bamboos, sal, shisham, sandalwood, khair, kusum, aijun and mulberry are some of the
important species of Moist Deciduous Forests.

Question 23.
Which medicinal plant has both antibacterial and antibiotic properties?
Answer:
The neem plant has both anti-bacterial and anti-biotic properties.

Question 24.
Name some important birds found in India.
Answer:
Some of the important birds found in India are peacocks, pheasants, ducks, parakeets, cranes
and pigeons.

Question 25.
Where is Nanda Devi biosphere reserve located?
Answer:
Nanda Devi biosphere reserve is located in Uttarakhand.

Question 26.
Name two every green broad-leaf trees.
Answer:
Oaks and Chestnuts.
Question 1.
How do the forests play both a productive and protective role?
Answer:
Productive Role of Forests :

 The forests supply us wood, pulp, cellulose, packaging material etc. to run a number of
industries like paper industry, packaging industry etc.
 We obtain a number of consumer goods like fuel wood, timber, medicinal herbs, resins,
gums, lac and honey from our forests.
 Forests control the wind force and temperature and cause rainfall.
Protective Role of Forests :

 Forests help in maintaining the ecological balance and providing pollution free air.
 These help in checking soil erosion and raising the water table which receding
presently at a faster rate.
 These provide humus to the soil and make it fertile.
 These provide manure to the plants as their leaves and stems after they die, decompose
in a natural way.
Question 2.
What are the different steps taken by the government to protect flora and fauna?
Answer:
The different steps taken by the government to protect flora and fauna are :

 Eighteen biosphere reserves have been set up in the country to protect flora fauna.
 The Sunderbans in the West Bengal, Nanda Devi in Uttarakhand, the Gulf of Mannar
in Tamil Nadu and the Nilgiris have been included in the world network of biosphere
reserves.
 Financial and technical assistance is provided to many botanical gardens by the
government since 1992.
  Project Tiger, Project Rhino, Project Great Indian Bustard and many other eco-
developmental projects have been introduced by the government.
 103 National Parks, 535 Wildlife Sanctuaries and Zoological Gardens are set up to take
care of natural heritage.
Question 3.
Write a short note on wildlife in India.
Answer:
India is also rich in its fauna. It has approximately 90,000 animal species. The country has
about 2,000 species of birds. They constitute 13% of the world’s total. There are 2,546
species of fish, which account for nearly 12% of the world’s stock. It also shares between 5
and 8 per cent of the world’s amphibians, reptiles and mammals.
The elephants are the most majestic animals among the mammals. They are found in the hot
wet forests of Assam, Karnataka and Kerala. One-horned rhinoceroses are the other animals,
which live in swampy and marshy lands of Assam and West Bengal. 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.
Question 4.
What is the importance of biosphere reserve? What are its objectives?
Answer:
Biosphere reserves are a series of multipurpose protected areas linked through a global
network, intended to demonstrate the relationship between conservation and development.
The main purpose of biosphere reserve is conservation of flora and fauna.
The main objectives are :

 Preserving plant and animal species of the area in natural forms.

 To protect flora and fauna from their overexploitation.
 To save endangered species and prevent extinction of valuable species.
 To undertake research and experimentation in forestry.
Question 5.
Describe how rainfall and relief influence the vegetation of an area.
Answer:
Factors like rainfall and relief influence the natural vegetation of an area.
Rainfall: In India, almost the entire rainfall is brought in by the advancing southwest
monsoon (June to September) and retreating northeast monsoons. Areas of heavy rainfall
have more dense vegetation as compared to areas of less rainfall.
Areas with more than 200 cm of annual rainfall have tropical evergreen rainforests. Tropical
moist deciduous forests are found in areas with 100 to 200 cm of rainfall. Tropical dry
deciduous forests are found in areas receiving rainfall between 100 cm and 70 cm. In regions
with iess than 70 cm of rainfall, the natural vegetation consists of thorny trees and bushes.
Relief: The type of vegetation found in an area depends upon the relief or landform of the
area. The fertile level lands of plains are generally devoted to agriculture. Much of the natural
vegetation is cleared or altered in such areas. Grasslands and woodlands develop in areas
with undulating and rough terrains. Mountainous areas have succession of vegetation types
according to the altitude of the area.
Question 6.
Give a brief description of Tropical Evergreen Forests.
Answer:
Tropical Evergreen Forests are found in areas receiving heavy rainfall of over 200 cm, well-
distributed throughout the year. They are also known as rainforests.
The warm, wet climate throughout the year supports luxuriant vegetation of all kinds
including trees, shrubs and creepers.
The trees grow very tall, reaching a height of 60 metres or even above. As the trees grow very
close to each other, they form a thick canopy. The different types of vegetation form a
multilayered structure.
The climate supports a large number of broad-leaved trees of different species. Ebony,
mahogany, rosewood, rubber, cinchona, etc. are commercially important trees.
These trees do not shed their leaves at the same time as there is no distinct dry season.
This makes the forests evergreen as they retain their green look throughout the year.
Question 1.
What position does India occupy in the world with regards to plant diversity?
Answer:
Tenth place.
Question 2.
What position in Asia, does India hold in plant diversity?
Answer:
Fourth place.
Question 3.
What is the number of flowering plants in India?
Answer:
15,000 flowering plants.
Question 4.
What percentage of flowering plants does India contribute to the world’s total?
Answer:
6%.
Question 5.
What is Natural Vegetation?
Answer:
Natural vegetation refers to the plants which have grown naturally without human aid and
have been left undisturbed by humans for a long time.
Question 6.
Give another name for natural vegetation.
Answer:
Virgin vegetation
Question 7.
Why are cultivated crops, fruits and vegetables not considered as natural vegetation?
Answer:
They are grown with the help of man.
Question 8.
What is the difference between flora and fauna?
Answer:
Flora refers to the plants of a particular region or period. The species of animals are referred
to as fauna.
Question 9.
Why is there a great diversity in flora and fauna?
Answer:
Differences in land, soil and climate cause a great diversity in the flora and fauna of a region.
Question 10.
What is the main occupation of people where land is fertile and level?
Answer:
Agriculture.
Question 11.
Which occupation can be carried on in grasslands and woodlands?
Answer:
Cattle grazing.
Question 12.
Why do trees grow faster in summer?
Answer:
Due to longer duration of sunlight.
Question 13.
Why are the southern slopes of the Himalayas covered with thicker vegetation as
compared to northern slopes?
Answer:
The southern slopes of the Himalayas get direct sunlight while the northern slopes receive
indirect rays or oblique rays.
Question 14.
Name the two winds which cause rainfall in the major part of the Indian subcontinent.
Answer:

 South West Monsoons in Summer.

 North East Monsoons in Winter.
Question 15.
Why do the windward or western slopes of the Western Ghats have a denser vegetation
than the eastern or leeward slopes?
Answer:
Rainfall is heavier on the windward or western slopes than the eastern or leeward slope.
Question 16.
Which areas in India have been untouched by man or have not been modified?
Answer:
Inaccessible regions of the Himalayas and the hilly region of Central India and the
marusthali.
Question 17.
According to the Indian State of Forest Report 2011, what is the percentage of forest
cover in India.
Answer:
21.05%.
Question 18.
‘When the vegetation is altered, the animal life also changes’. How?
Answer:
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.
Question 19.
How do the human beings influence the ecology of a region?
Answer:
Human beings utilise the vegetation and wildlife. They cut the trees for their own benefit and
kill the animals for various purposes. The ecological balance is disturbed.
Question 20.
What is a biome?
Answer:
A very large ecosystem on land having distinct types of vegetation and animal life is called a-
biome.
Question 21.
How are the biomes identified?
Answer:
Biomes are identified on the basis of plants.
Question 22.
What is the other name of Tropical Rain Forests? [CBSE 2016]
Answer:
These forests are also known as the Tropical Evergreen Forests.
Question 23.
Name two regions, one in the north of the Tropic of Cancer and one in the south of the
TTopic of Cancer, where TTopical Evergreen Forests are found.
Answer:

 North – Northern parts of Assam

 South – Windward slopes of the Western Ghats.
Question 24.
Name any four commercially important trees of the Evergreen Forests.
Answer:
Ebony, mahogany, rosewood and rubber.
Question 25.
For what purpose did the people in the forests use bamboo?
Answer:
The people in the forests used bamboo for commercial purposes especially for the
construction of houses and for carrying the water from the higher regions of heavy rainfall to
the lower areas.
Question 26.
Name any four common animals found in the Tropical Evergreen Forests?
Answer:
Elephants, monkeys, rhinoceros and snakes.
Question 27.
Name the most widespread forests of India. By what other name are they also known
as?
Answer:
Tropical Deciduous Forests. These forests are also known as Monsoon Forests.
Question 28.
What are the sub-divisions of the Tropical Deciduous Forests?
Answer:
Dry Deciduous – (70-100 cm of rain)
Wet Deciduous – (100-200 cm of rain)
Question 29.
Why are thorny trees and shrubs found in Gujarat and Rajasthan?
Answer:
Rainfall is less than 70 cm
Question 30.
When was the Wildlife Protection Act implemented in India? [HOTS]
Answer:
1972.
Question 31.
Name the natural habitat of the Indian lion.
Answer:
Gir forest in Gujarat.
Question 32.
Name any two bird sanctuaries in India.
Answer:

 Vedanthangal
 Ranganathittu
Question 33.
Name any three common animals each of thorn forests and the mangrove forests found
in India.
Answer:
The wild ass, camels and horses are the common animals of the thorn forest.
Tigers, crocodiles and gharials are found in coastal areas where mangrove forests exist.
Question 34.
How many species of animals and birds does India have?
Answer:
India has approximately 90,000 of animal species and 2,000 species of birds.
Question 35.
Name any three animals found in rivers, lakes and the coastal areas of India.
Answer:
Turtles, crocodiles and gharials.
Question 36.
Name any three animals which live in the Himalayas due to its cold climate.
Answer:
The yak lives in Ladakh’s freezing high altitudes. The shaggy horned wild ox and the Tibetan
antelope also live in the cold regions of Elimalayas.
Question 37.
Differentiate between endemic and exotic plants.
Answer:
The Virgin vegetation which is purely Indian is known as endemic, while those plants which
have come from outside India are known as exotic plants.
Question 38.
How does the vegetation change with the change in the soil?
Answer:
Different types of soils have different characteristics and minerals, therefore it is suited to
those plants which can grow well under those conditions.
Question 39.
What type of vegetation is supported by the following soils?
Answer:
Sandy soils of the desert – cactus and thorny bushes
Marshy or deltaic soils – mangroves
Hill soils – conical trees or coniferous trees
Question 40.
What are the causes for the variation of sunlight at different places?
Answer:

 Differences in latitude
 Differences in altitude
 Season and duration of the day
Question 41.
Which forest is the most widespread forest of India? What is its other name? Give an
example of any two species of trees of these forests.
Answer:
The Tropical Deciduous Forest is the most widespread forest of India. These forests are also
called the Monsoon Forests. Shisham and sal are two important species of these forests.
Question 42.
In which regions are the following animals found?
Answer:
Lion: Gir forest in Gujarat Tigers: Forests of Madhya Pradesh Leopards: Himalayas.
Question 43.
Name four bioreserves in India which have been included in the world network of
biosphere reserves.
Answer:
(a) Sundarbans
(b) Nanda Devi
(c) Gulf of Mannar
(d) Nilgiris .
(e) Nokrek
(f) Great Nicobar
(g) Manas
(h) Simlipal
(i) Pachmarhi
(j) Achanakmar-Amarkantak (Any four)
Question 44.
What are migratory birds?
Answer:
Migratory birds visit a warmer country during the winters as in their native country the
temperature falls below freezing point. These birds return to their native area in summer.
Short Answer Type Questions
Question 45.
Give reasons why India’s natural vegetation has undergone many changes?
Answer:
India’s natural vegetation has undergone many changes due to the:
growing demand for cultivated land
development of industries and mining
urbanisation and overgrazing of pastures
Question 46.
Where are mangrove forests found? How are they formed? Which is the most
important tree of the Ganga Delta?
Answer:
Mangrove forests are found in the coastal areas mainly in the deltas of the rivers. These
forests are also known as the tidal forests as they are formed by the tides which bring in mud
and silt and accumulate it on the coasts. The most important tree of the Ganga Delta is the
Sundari tree which is hard and durable.
Question 47.
Name any three medicinal plants of India and mention for what they are used.
Answer:
Jamun: The juice has digestive properties. The powder of the seed is used for curing
diabetes.
Arjun: The fresh juice of leaves is a cure for earache and regulate blood pressure.
Tulsi Plant: It is used to cure cough and cold.
Question 48.
‘Bird life in India is colourful’. Explain.
Answer:
(a) The country has about 2,000 species of birds. Some of the wetlands of India are popular
with migratory birds.
(b) Peacocks, pheasants, ducks, parakeets, cranes and pigeons are some of the birds
inhabiting the forests and the wetlands of the country.
(c) In places where the desert merges with the sea, like the Rann of Kachchh, flamingoes with
their pink plumage, come in large numbers.
Question 49.
How many National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries have been set up by the
government to take care of the natural heritage of India? Why have these been
established by the government?[CBSE 2016]
Answer:
103 National Parks and 535 Wildlife Sanctuaries have been set up to take care of the natural
heritage of India. These have been established to protect and save the flora and fauna, and
maintain the balance of the ecosystem.
Question 50.
A great variety of flora is found in India. Give three geographical factors responsible
for this diversification of flora. [CBSE 2011]
Answer:
India has a great variety in flora because of:
(a) Varied relief of mountains, plains, plateaus and desert. They have their own different
types of flora. In the mountainous regions, wet temperate forests are found between the
height of 1000-2000 m, coniferous forests are found between 1500 and 3000 m. Trees like
the pine, deodar, spruce and cedar are found. In regions of less rainfall (less than 70 cm) and
in semi-arid regions the vegetation consists of acacias, palms and cacti.
(b) In areas of heavy rainfall like the Western Ghats, which receive more than 200 cm of
rainfall, tropical evergreen forests are found.
(c) Different types of terrain and soil – like alluvial, black, red, laterite support different types
of vegetation e.g., black soil is good for growing cotton.
Question 51.
Distinguish between Thorn Forests and Mangrove Forests. [CBSE 2010]
Answer:
Thorn Forests Mangrove Forests

(a) Located in regions having 70 cm of rainfall. The (a)The Mangrove tidal forests are found in coastal

natural vegetation consists of thorny trees and bushes. influenced by tides.

(b) Found in semi-arid regions, e.g., Gujarat, Rajasthan, (b)Mangrove tidal forests are found in the deltas of

Haryana, Uttar Pradesh. Ganga, Mahanadi, Krishna, Godavari and Kaveri.

(c)Babool, kikar, palms, cacti and acacia are the main (c) The Sundari is an important tree found here. Th

plant species. have hard durable wood. Other examples are agar,

Question 52.
Write three measures to conserve Ecosystem. [HOTS] [CBSE 2010]
Answer:
Ecosystem can be conserved by:
(a) avoiding cutting of trees indiscriminately.
(b) checking rapid growth of population. Otherwise overcrowding will result in imbalances
and the pollution of the environment.
(c) checking the smoke from the chimneys and vehicles. Waste from farms, factories and
cities should be scientifically treated so that we can save our ecosystem and preserve it for the
benefit of mankind.
Question 53.
Write the main characteristics of tropical deciduous forests. [CBSE 2010]
Answer:
Main characteristics of tropical deciduous forests are:
(a) They form the natural cover almost all over India, hence they are also called ‘monsoon
forests’.
(b) Rainfall needed is between 75-200 cm. They are sub-divided into (/) moist deciduous (ii)
dry deciduous. Examples are sal, teak, shisham, sandalwood, bamboo, etc.
(c) Trees shed their leaves for about six to eight weeks in summer.
(d) Located on the eastern slopes of Western Ghats, Uttar Pradesh, Chattisgarh, northeastern
states
Bihar, West Odisha, along the Shiwaliks and rainier pans of peninsular plateau.
(e) These forests are economically most important. They have been commercially exploited,
providing the most valuable timber and other forest products.
Question 54.
Explain ‘natural ecosystem’. Why is any attempt to tamper with the ecosystem fraught
with grave risks? [CBSE 2010]
Answer:
(a) An ecosystem consists of all species of plants and animals in a given area which are
interdependent.
(b) It is the ecosystem which helps the man to survive and lead a comfortable life. It provides
man with food, raw material for industries and clothing. The natural resources should be used
carefully so that they are not exhausted in a short time.
(c) Ecosystem can be conserved by avoiding cutting of trees indiscriminately. Checking on
rapid growth of population, otherwise overcrowding will result in the imbalances and
pollution of environment.
Question 55.
Describe the major vegetation zones of the Himalayan region. [CBSE 2010]
Answer:
In mountainous areas (Himalayas), the decrease in temperature and increase in altitude leads
to
the corresponding changes in natural vegetation. The major vegetation zones are:
(a) Wet temperate type of forests are located between a height of 1000-2000 metres.
Evergreen broad-leaf trees such as chir, chill, ash, oak, chestnuts are found in this region.
(b) Between 1500-3000 metres above sea-level, coniferous forests such as pine, deodar, silver
fir, spruce and cedar are found.
(c) At high altitude, Alpine vegetation comprising Silver fir, junipers, pines and birches is
found.
(d) Tundra vegetation of moss and lichen prevails at higher altitude. (any three)
Question 56.
Write three measures to protect wildlife. [CBSE 2010]
Answer:
The measures taken by the Government for the protection and conservation of our biological
diversity are:
(a) Periodic census are conducted to find out the latest position and trends in this regard.
(b) Tiger reserves have been set up. Project Tiger is a great success.
(c) Rhinos in Assam and elephants in Periyar are being conserved.
(d) Several national parks and bird sanctuaries have been set up.
Question 57.
Describe the vegetation and the wildlife found in the Ganga and Brahmaputra delta.
[CBSE 2010
Answer:
Mangrove tidal forests are found in coastal regions, influenced by the tides. The roots of the
plants
are submerged under water. They are found in the deltas of Ganga and Brahmaputra. The
Sundari trees are found here. They have hard durable wood. Other examples are agar, keora.
The Tigers are found in the Sundarbans of West Bengal. Turtles, crocodiles, gharials and
snakes are also found in these forests.
Question 58.
Name two states where thorn forests and scrubs vegetation are found. Which are the
common animals found in these forests? Why is there absence of trees in these forests?
Answer:
Thorn forests and scrubs vegetation are found in Gujarat and Rajasthan. Camels, rats, wild
ass are the common animals found in these forests. There is absence of trees because rainfall
is less than 70 cm in these regions.
Question 59.
Mention the ways in which the desert plants adapt themselves to their surroundings.
Answer:
(a) Trees are scattered.
(b) Have long roots which go deep into the soil to get moisture.
(c) The stems are succulent to conserve water.
(d) Leaves are thick and small to prevent excessive evaporation of moisture. (any three)
Question 60.
Which migratory bird visits the Rann of Kachchh in winter? Why? How do we benefit
from these birds?
Answer:
Siberian Crane is the migratory bird which visits the Rann of Kachchh in winter. It becomes
extremely cold in Siberia so they come here and build nest mounds from the salty mud and
raise their young ones.
The visit of the Siberian Crane is one among many extraordinary sights in the country. Many
tourists and visitors come here to see them.
Question 61.
Compare the wildlife of the Himalayas and the wetlands of our country. [CBSE 2015]
Answer:
The animals of the Himalayas can survive in the extreme cold where the temperatures are
very low.
These include shaggy horned wild ox, the Tibetan antelope, the bharal, wild sheep and the
Tibetan wild ass. Rare animals like the snow leopard and the red panda are found in certain
areas.
In the wetlands, animals like the crocodiles, gharial and turtles are commonly found. A
number of reptiles and birds inhabit the wetlands of the country.
Question 62.
What is the meaning of flora and fauna? How is India rich in its fauna? Explain. [CBSE
2016]
Answer:
The term ‘flora’ is used to denote plants and the term ‘fauna’ is used to denote animals. India
has
approximately 90,000 of animal species. The country has about 2,000 species of birds. There
are 2546 species of fish, which account for nearly 12% of the world’s stock. It also shares
between 5 and 8 per cent of the world’s amphibians, reptiles and mammals. India is the only
country in the world that has both tigers and lions. In the rivers, lakes and coastal areas,
turtles, crocodiles and gharials are found. Peacocks, Pheasants, ducks and cranes are some of
the birds inhabiting the forests and wetlands of the country.
Long Answer Type Questions
Question 63.
Why are the forests important to man? What has been the result of man’s interference
with nature?
Answer:
The importance of forests are as follows:

 Forests increase the quality of environment.

 They modify the climate.
 They control the erosion of the soil.
 Control soil erosion.
 Regulate stream flow.
 They support many industries and thus provide a livelihood for the rural population.
 Forests provide humus to the soil and shelter to the wildlife.
The interference of man with nature has resulted in the extinction of many plants and
animals.
Question 64.
Complete the following table: Name any two common animals found in these forests.
Height Trees

(a) Wet temperate

(b) Temperate forests

(c) Alpine

(d) Tundra
Answer:
Height Trees

(a) Wet temperate 1,000-2,000 metres Oaks, Chestnuts

(b) Temperate forests 1,500-3,000 metres Pine, deodar, spruce, cedar

(High altitude) 3,600 metres above

(c) Alpine Silver fir, junipers, pines
sea-level

(d) Tundra Higher altitudes Mosses, lichens

The common animals found in these forests are the Kashmir stag and the spotted dear.
Question 65.
Mention the steps taken by the government to protect the flora and fauna. [HOTS]
Answer:
(a) Eighteen biosphere reserves have been set up for the protection of the flora and fauna.
(b) Financial and technical assistance is provided to many Botanical Gardens since 1992.
(c) Many eco-developmental projects have been introduced e.g., Project Tiger, Project Rhino,
Project Great Indian Bustard etc.
(d) 103 National Parks and 535 Wildlife Sanctuaries set up to take care of the natural
heritage.
(e) Setting up of Zoological gardens.
Question 66.
Describe the features of the Mangrove forests? [CBSE 2016]
Answer:

 Mangrove forests are found in the coastal regions which are affected by tides.
 Dense mangroves are the common varieties of trees.
 The roots of the plants are submerged in water and can be seen only during low tide.
 The Sundari trees found in the Ganga-Brahmaputra delta provide durable hard timber.
 Palm, coconut, keora, agar also grow in some parts of the delta.
 Royal Bengal Tiger is the famous animal in these forests. (any five)
Question 67.
Give a brief account of the wildlife in India in five points.
Answer:
(a) India is rich in its wildlife. It has about 90,000 animal species, about 2000 species of birds
and about 2546 species of fish.
(b) Elephants are found in the hot wet forests of Assam, Karnataka and Kerala. One-horned
rhinoceros live in swampy and marshy lands of Assam and North-west Bengal.
(c) Rann of Kutch and Thar desert are habitat of wild asses and camels. Lions are found in
Gir hills of Gujarat and Tigers in the Sundarbans of West Bengal.
(id) The Himalayas harbour a wide wild variety of animals, e.g., yaks, snow-leopards, bear,
Tibetan antelope [bharal (blue sheep), musk-deer, kiang (Tibetan wild ass)], etc.
(e) In rivers, lakes and coastal areas, turtles, crocodiles and gharials are found.
Question 68.
Distinguish between TVopical Evergreen and Deciduous Forests. [CBSE 2010]
Answer:
 Tropical Evergreen Forests Deciduous Forests

(a)Located in regions of heavy rainfall more than 200 cm (a)The Mangrove tidal forests are found in coastal

of rainfall. influenced by tides.

(b) Luxuriant vegetation of all kinds, trees, shrubs and (b)These are most widespread forests of India. Th

creepers. Trees reach height of 60 metres. divided into moist and dry deciduous forest

(c)There is no definite time for trees to shed their leaves. (c) Trees of this forest type shed their leaves for ab

These forests generally appear green all the year round. weeks in dry summer.

(d) Wet deciduous are found in regions between 10

(d) These forests are found in Western Ghats, Assam, cm of rainfall, e.g., Jharkhand, Odisha and Chattisg

Tamil Nadu, Lakshadweep, Andaman and Nicobar. Dry deciduous are found in regions between 70-10

of rainfall, e.g., Bihar. Uttar Pradesh.

(e) Some important trees of this forest are ebony,

(e)There are open stretches in which teak, peepal, n
mahogany, rosewood, cinchona. Trees, shrubs and
sal grows.
creepers give it a multi-layered structure.

Map Skills
Question 69.
On the outline map of India, identify the type of vegetation.
Answer:
A. Tropical Evergreen
B. Tropical Deciduous Forest
C. Thorn Forest
D. Montane Forest
E. Mangrove Forest
Question 70.
Locate and label the following national parks on the map of India.
(a) Corbett
(b) Kaziranga
(c) Ranthambor
(d) Shivpuri
(e) Kanha
(f) Simlipal
(g) Manas
Answer:

Question 71.
Locate and label the following bird sanctuaries and wildlife sanctuaries on the given
map of India.
(a) Bird Sanctuaries: Bharatpur and Ranganthittu
(b) Wildlife Sanctuaries: Sariska, Mudumalai, Rajaji, Dachigam.
Answer:

Choose the correct option:

Question 1.
To which one of the following types of vegetation does rubber belong to?
(a) Tundra
(b) Tidal
(c) Himalayan
(d) Tropical Evergreen

Answer
Answer: (d) Tropical Evergreen

Question 2.
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
Answer: (a) 100 cm

Question 3.
In which of the following state is the Simlipal bio-reserve located?
(a) Punjab
(b) Delhi
(c) Odisha
(d) West Bengal

Answer
Answer: (c) Odisha

Question 4.
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

Answer
Answer: (a) Manas

Question 5.
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

Answer
Answer: (d) Ladakh
Explanation:
Ladakh’s freezing high altitudes are a home to yak, the shaggy horned wild ox weighing
around one tonne, the Tibetan antelope, the bharal (blue sheep), wild sheep, and the kiang

Question 6.
Which term is used to denote animal species of a particular region or period?
(a) Fauna
(b) Ferns
(c) Flora
(d) None of these

Answer
Answer: (a) Fauna
Explanation:
The term flora is used to denote plants of a particular region or period. Similarly, the species
of animals are referred to as fauna.

Question 7.
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

Answer
Answer: (c) Exotic Plants
Explanation:
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.

Question 8.
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

Answer
Answer: (c) Virgin Vegetation
Explanation:
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 a virgin
vegetation.

Question 9.
Which is not included in the group of non-flowering plants?
(a) Orchids
(b) Algae
(c) Fungi
(d) None of these

Answer
Answer: (a) Orchids
Explanation:
Orchids are not included in the group of non-flowering plants cultivated crops and fruits,
orchards form part of vegetation but not natural vegetation.

Question 10.
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

Answer
Answer: (d) All the above
Explanation:
Forests influence the climate of a place. It controls wind force and temperature and causes
rainfall. It provides humus to the soil and shelter to the wild life.

Question 11.
Which type of vegetation zone is found in the higher reaches of the Himalayas?
(a) Tropical
(b) Alpine
(c) Temperate
(d) None of these

Answer
Answer: (b) Alpine
Explanation:
Alpine is the types of vegetation zones are found in the higher reaches of the Himalayas with
mean annual average temperature below 7°C.

Question 12.
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

Answer
Answer: (c) Cactus and thorny bushes
Explanation:
The sandy soils of the desert support cactus and thorny bushes while wet, marshy, deltaic
soils support mangroves and deltaic vegetation.

Question 13.
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

Answer
Answer: (d) All the above
Explanation:
The character and extent of vegetation are mainly determined by temperature, humidity and
precipitation. Extent of vegetation is mainly determined by temperature along with humidity
in the air, precipitation and soil.

Question 14.
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

Answer
Answer: (b) Grasslands and woodlands
Explanation:
The undulating and rough terrains are areas where grassland and woodlands develop and give
shelter to a variety of wild life.
Question 15.
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

Answer
Answer: (d) All of these
Explanation:
Ladakh’s freezing high altitudes are a home to yak, the shaggy horned wild ox weighing
around one tonne, the Tibetan antelope, the bharal (blue sheep), wild sheep, and the kiang

Question 16.
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

Answer
Answer: (b) Tropical rainforest
Explanation:
The commercially important trees of the tropical rain forest are ebony, mahogany, rosewood,
rubber and cinchona.

Question 17.
Why is the southern slopes in 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 winds
(d) All the above

Answer
Answer: (d) All the above
Explanation:
The southern slopes in Himalayan region covered with thick vegetation as compared to
northern slopes of the same hills on account of more exposure to sunlight, more precipitation,
and less exposure to colder wind.

Question 18.
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

Answer
Answer: (b) Punjab
Explanation:
Punjab has the least percentage of its area under forest cover. According to India State of
Forest Report 2011, the forest cover in India is 21.05 per cent.

Question 19.
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

Answer
Answer: (b) Human occupancy
Explanation:
In the hilly region of central India and the marusthali, the vegetation of most of the areas has
been modified at some places, or replaced or degraded by human occupancy.

(a) Match the following:

Column A Column B
(i) Rajaji National Park (a) Assam
(ii) Sanjay Gandhi National Park (b) Rajasthan
(iii) Rajgir National Park (c) Maharashtra
(iv) Simlipal National Park (d) Uttarakhand
(v) Ranganthittu Birds Sanctuary (e) Gujarat
(vi) Kaziranga National Park (f) Uttar Pradesh
(vii) Sariska Wild life Sanctuary (g) Bihar
(viii) Gir National Park (h) Rajasthan
(ix) Dudhwa National Park (i) Kerala
(x) Keoladeo Ghana National Park (j) Odisha
Answer
Answer:

Column A Column B
(i) Rajaji National Park (d) Uttarakhand
(ii) Sanjay Gandhi National Park (c) Maharashtra
(iii) Rajgir National Park (g) Bihar
(iv) Simlipal National Park (j) Odisha
(v) Ranganthittu Birds Sanctuary (i) Kerala
(vi) Kaziranga National Park (a) Assam
(vii) Sariska Wild life Sanctuary (b) Rajasthan
(viii) Gir National Park (e) Gujarat
(ix) Dudhwa National Park (f) Uttar Pradesh
(x) Keoladeo Ghana National Park (h) Rajasthan
(b) Match the following:

Column A Column B
(i) Sundarbans (a) Uttarakhand
(ii) Gulf of Mannar (b) Assam
(iii) The Nilgiris (c) Madhya Pradesh
(iv) Nanda Devi (d) West Bengal
(v) Nokrek (e) Andaman and Nicobar Islands
(vi) Great Nicobar (f) Odisha
(vii) Manas (g) South India
(viii) Simlipal (h) Tamil Nadu
(ix) Pachmari (i) Meghalaya
(x) Agasthyamalai (j) Kerala
Answer
Answer:

Column A Column B
(i) Sundarbans (d) West Bengal
(ii) Gulf of Mannar (h) Tamil Nadu
(iii) The Nilgiris (g) South India
(iv) Nanda Devi (a) Uttarakhand
(v) Nokrek (i) Meghalaya
(vi) Great Nicobar (e) Andaman and Nicobar Islands
(vii) Manas (b) Assam
(viii) Simlipal (f) Odisha
(ix) Pachmari (c) Madhya Pradesh
(x) Agasthyamalai (j) Kerala

https://www.netexplanations.com/natural-vegetation-and-wildlife-extra-questions/
https://ncertsolutions.guru/mcq-questions-for-class-9-geography-chapter-5/
1. To which one of the following types of vegetation does rubber belong to?
(a) Tundra
(b) Tidal
(c) Himalayan
(d) Tropical Evergreen
2. 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
Question 3. In which of the following state is the Simlipal bio-reserve located?
(a) Punjab
(b) Delhi
(c) Odisha
(d) West Bengal
4. 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
5. 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
6. Which term is used to denote animal species of a particular region or period?
(a) Fauna
(b) Ferns
(c) Flora
(d) None of these
7. 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

8. 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
9. Which is not included in the group of non-flowering plants?
(a) Orchids
(b) Algae
(c) Fungi
(d) None of these
10. 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
Answer Key
1. (d) 2. (a) 3. (c) 4. (a) 5. (d) 6. (a) 7. (c) 8. (c) 9. (a) 10. (d)
Question 1.

Define natural vegetation or virgin vegetation.

Answer:

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.

Question 2.

Explain the terms—endemic or indigenous species and exotic plants.

Answer:

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.

Question 3.

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

Answer:

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.

Question 4.

What is called a biome?

Answer:

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.
Question 5.

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

Answer:

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

Question 6.

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

Answer:

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

Question 7.

Name some commercially important trees of the tropical evergreen forests.

Answer:

Ebony, mahogany, rosewood, rubber and cinchona.

Question 8.

Where in India are the one-horned rhinoceros found?

Answer:

They are found in the jungles of Assam and West Bengal.

Question 9.
Which forests are also called the monsoon forests?

Answer:

The tropical deciduous forests are also called the monsoon forests.

Question 10.

Name the trees found in the thorn forests?

Answer:

Acacias, palms, euphorbias and cacti.

Question 11.

What is alpine vegetation?

Answer:

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

Question 12.

Where are mosses and lichens found?

Answer:

Mosses and lichens are found at higher altitudes in mountainous areas.

Question 13.

Where are Sundari trees found? How are they useful?

Answer:

In the Ganga-Brahmaputra delta, sundari trees are found. They provide durable hard timber.
Question 14.

How many medicinal plants have been named by the World Conservation Union’s Red list?

Answer:

The World Conservation Union’s Red list has named 352 medicinal plants.

Question 15.

What is the most common use of tulsi plant?

Answer:

It is used to cure cough and cold.

Question 16.

Where are elephants found in India?

Answer:

Elephants are found in the hot west forests in Assam, Karnataka and Kerala.

Question 17.

Where are tigers found in India?

Answer:

Tigers are found in the forests of Madhya Pradesh, the Sundarbans of West Bengal and the
Himalayan region.

Question 18.

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

Answer:

Yak and the Tibetan antilope.

Question 19.

How many plant species are endangered?

Answer:

About 1,300 plant species are endangered.

Question 20.

Where is the Asiatic lion found?

Answer:

The Asiatic lion is found in the Gir Forest in Gujarat.

Question 21.

Where are the mangrove tidal forests found?

Answer:

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

Question 22.

Name some non-flowering plants.

Answer:

Algae, fungi and ferns.

Question 23.

What are migrating birds?

Answer:

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

Question 24.

Where are wild asses found in India?

Answer:

In India, wild asses are found in arid areas of the Rann of Kachchh.

Question 25.

Mention one feature of the tropical deciduous forests.

Answer:

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

Question 26.

Name the regions of India where vegetation cover is natural in the real sense.

Answer:

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

Question 27.

What is Van mahotsav?

Answer:

Van mahotsav is a programme in which saplings are planted.

Question 28.

What is a national park?

Answer:

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.

Question 29.

What is a wild life sanctuary?

Answer:

A wild life sanctuary is a place 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 do not
breed or exploit for commercial activities.

Question 30.

What is a zoological garden?

Answer:

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

Question 1.

How is soil an important factor for vegetation?

Answer:

The soils vary over space. Different types of soils provide basis for different types of
vegetation.
The sandy soils of the desert support cactus and thormy bushes while wet, marshy, deltaic
soils support mangroves and deltaic vegetation.

The hill slopes with some depth of soil have conical trees.

Question 2.

How do the human beings influence the ecology of a region?

Answer:

Human beings utilise the vegetation and wild life their greed leads to over utilisation of these
resources.

They cut the trees and kill the animals creating ecological imbalance.

Some of the plants and animals have reached the verge of extinction due to reckless cutting of
trees.

Question 3.

Divide the tropical deciduous forests on the basis of the availability of water. Give a brief
description of each of them.

Answer:

On the basis of the availability of water, the tropical deciduous forests are divided into moist
and dry deciduous:

(i) The moist deciduous forests are found in areas receiving rainfall between 200 and 100 cm.
These forests exist mostly in the eastern part of the country—northeastern states, along the
foothills of the Himalayas, Jharkhand, west Odisha and Chhattisgarh and on the eastern
slopes of the Western Ghats. Some of the commercially important trees of these forests are
teak, sal, bamboo, shisham, sandalwood, mulberry, etc.

(ii) The dry deciduous forest are found in areas having rainfall between 100 cm and 70 cm.
These forests are found in the rainier parts of the peninsular plateau and the plains of Bihar
and Uttar Pradesh. The trees found in these forests are teak, sal, peepal and mem.

Question 4.

Give a brief description of the wild life found in the tropical evergreen and tropical deciduous
forests.
Answer:

The common animals found in the tropical evergreen forests are elephants, monkey, lemur
and deer. The one-horned rhinoceroses are found in the jungles of Assam and West Bengal.
Besides these animals plenty of birds, bats, sloth, scorpions and snails are also found in these
forests.

The common animals found in the tropical deciduous forests are lion, tiger, pig, deer and
elephant. A huge variety of birds, lizards, snakes and tortoises are also found in these forests.

Question 5.

Describe the vegetation and wild life found in the mangrove forests.

Answer:

Vegetation: The mangrove tidal forests are found in the areas of coasts influenced by tides.
Mud and silt get accumulated on such coasts giving favourable conditions for the growth of
trees. The deltas of the Ganga, the Mahanadi, the Krishna, the Godavari and the Kavari are
covered by such vegetation. In the Ganga-Brahmaputra delta, sundari trees are found, other
trees are palm, coconut, keora and agar.

Wild life: Royal Bengal Tiger is the famous animal in the mangrove forests. Turtles,
crocodiles, gharials and snakes are also found in these forests.

Question 6.

Write in brief about the Indian migrating birds.

Answer:

(i) Indian sub-continent plays host to a number of migratory birds in summer as well as
winters. It is estimated that over hundred species of migrating birds fly to India, either in
search of feeding grounds or to escape the severe winter to their native habitat.

(ii) During winter, birds such as Siberian Crane come in large numbers. One such place
favourable with birds in the Rann of Kachchh.
(iii) At a place where the desert merges with the sea, flamingo with their brilliant, pink
plumage, come in thousands to build nest mounds from the salty mud and raise their young
ones.

Question 7.

What are the characteristics of the trees of deciduous forests?

Answer:

(i) Deciduous forests are found in areas receiving rainfall between 200 cm and 70 cm with a
distinct dry season. They are also known as monsoon forests.

(ii) Trees of this forests type shed their leaves for about six to eight weeks in dry summer. So
they have a distinct period for shedding their leaves.

(iii) The trees have wide spread out branches like the neem and mango. Leaves are smaller in
size than that of the rain forests to reduce transpiration. Important trees found in these forests
are teak, sal, shisham, peepal etc.

Question 8.

Distinguish between extinct and endangered species.

Write three main characteristics of tropical decidous forests.

Extinct Species Endangered Species

(i) Extinct species are those species flora and fauna which are no more surviving. (i)
Endangered species are those species of flora and fauna which are in the danger of extinction.

(ii) Even after searches of known or likely areas where they may occur, they are no more
found. (ii) They have declined in number at an alarming rate. If the negative factors that have
reduced their number is not checked, their survival is difficult.

(iii) Asiatic Cheetah and pink-head duck are extinct in India. Dodo and dinosaurs are extinct
from the entire earth. (iii) Black buck, Indian rhino, Indian wild ass, Sangai and Indian tiger
are endangered species throughout the world.

Question 1.
Why does mountain vegetation change with altitude? Explain with example.

OR

Give five characteristics of the Montane forests.

Answer:

(i) 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.

(ii) The wet temperate type of forests are found between a height of 1000 and 2000 metres.
Evergreen broad-leaf trees such as oaks and chestnuts predominate.

(iii) Between 1500 and 3000 metres, temperate forests containing coniferous trees like pine,
deodar, silver fir, spruce and cedar are found. These forests cover mostly the southern slopes
of the Hima¬layas, places having high altitudes in southern and north-east India.

(iv) At higher elevations, temperate grasslands are common. At high altitudes, generally more
than 3,600 metres above sea-level, temperate forests and grasslands give way to the Alpine
vegetation. Silver fir, junipers, pines and birches are the common trees of these forests.
However, they get progressively stunted as they approach the snow line.

(v) At higher altitudes, mosses and lichens form part of tundra vegetation.

Question 2.

Describe the characteristics of the tropical evergreen forests of India.

Answer:

(i) The tropical evergreen forests are found in areas which receive heavy rainfall —more than
200 cm with a short dry season. The trees reach great heights upto 60 metres or even above.

(ii) Since the region is warm and wet throughout the year, it has a luxuriant vegetation of all
kinds— trees, shrubs and creeping giving it a multilayered structure. Hence, sunlight hardly
reaches the earth.
(iii) There is no definite time for trees to shed their leaves. As such, these forests appear
green all the year round.

(iv) Some of the commercially important trees of this forests are ebony, mahogany,
rosewood, rubber and cinchona.

(v) The common animals found in these forests are elephants, monkeys, lemurs and deers.
The one- homed rhinoceroses are found in the jungles of Assam and West Bengal. Besides
these animals plenty of birds, bats, sloth, scorpions and snails are also found in these forests.

Question 3.

Give a brief account of the wild life found in India.

Answer:

(i) India is rich in its fauna. It has approximately 90,000 of animal species. The country has
about 2,000 species of birds and 2,546 species of fish.

(ii) The elephants are found in the hot wet forests of Assam, Karnataka and Kerala. One-
homed rhinoceroses live in swampy and marshy lands of Assam and West Bengal.

(iii) Arid areas of the Rann of Kachchh and the Thar Desert are the habitat for wild ass and
camels respectively. Indian bison, nilgai, chousingha, gazel and different species of deer are
also found in India. It also has several species of monkeys.

(iv) The Himalayas give shelter to a wide range of animals. Ladakh’s freezing high altitudes
are a home to yak, the shaggy homed wild ox, the Tibetan antelope, the bharal, wild sheep
and the Kiang or Tibetan wild ass.

(v) In the rivers, lakes and coastal areas, turtles, crocodiles and gharials are found.
(vi) Birds like peacocks, pheasants, ducks, parakeets, cranes and pigeons are some of the
birds inhabiting the forests and wet lands of the country.

Question 4.

In which regions are the thorny forests and scrubs found in India? Mention the characteristics

of such type of vegetation.

Answer:

The thorny forests and scrubs in India are found in regions with less than 70 cm of rainfall.
This type of vegetation is found in the north-western part of the country including semi-arid
of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana. The main
plant species found in these forests are acacias, palms, euphorbias and cacti.

Characteristics of this type of vegetation

Trees are scattered and have long roots penetrating deep into the soil in order to get moisture.

The stems are succulent to conserve water.

Leaves are mostly thick and small to minimise evaporation. These forests give way to thorn
forests and scrubs in arid areas.

Natural Vegetation and Wildlife Class 9 Extra Questions and Answer Geography Chapter 5
Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) Questions

Question 1.

The Government of India has taken up many steps to protect the flora and fauna of the
country. Mention some of these steps.

Answer;

The government of India has set up fourteen biosphere reserves. Four out of these, the
Sunderbans in West Bengal, Nanda Devi in Uttarakhand, the Gulf of Mannar in Tamil Nadu
and the Nilgiris have been included in the world network of biosphere reserves.

Financial and technical assistance is provided to many Botanical Gardens by the government
since 1992.
Project Tiger, Project Rhino, Project Great Indian Bustard and many other eco-developmental
projects have been introduced.

89 National Parks, 490 wild life sanctuaries and zoological gardens are set up to take care of
Natural heritage.

Question 2.

Describe how India is one of the Indian mega bio-diversity countries of the world.

Answer:

Our country is one of the twelve mega bio-diversity countries of the world. With about
47,000 plant species India occupies tenth place in the world and fourth in Asia in plant
diversity.

There are about 15,000 flowering plants in India which account for 6 percent in the world’s
total number of flowering plants.

The country has many non-flowering plants such as ferns, algae and fungi.

India also has approximately 90,000 species of animals as well as rich variety of fish in its
fresh and marine waters.

The country has about 2,000 species of birds and 2,546 species of fish. It shares between 5
and 8 percent of world is amphibians, reptiles and mammals.

Question 3.

Describe the main objectives of the Project Tiger and the Project Rhino and their effect on the
wild life in India.

Answer:

The Project Tiger and Project Rhino are two well-known wild life conservation projects.
They have been undertaken to protect Indian tiger and one-horned rhino of India.

Their objectives are:

Protect the endangered species from poaching, hunting and illegal trading.

Save the natural habitats of these animals so that they can breed naturally and multiply in
numbers.

Maintain a survey of the number of existing tigers and rhinos.

These projects have played a major role in protecting the endangered animals. The number of
tigers has been increased.

Question 1.

How are forest useful to us?

OR

How are forests important for human beings?

Answer:

Forests provide to man food, fibre, fodder, timber, fuel wood and many other essential things.

They modify the local climate, control soil erosion, regulate stream flow, support a variety of
industries.

They provide humus to the soil and shelter to the wild life.

They provide livelihood for many communities and offer scenic view for recreation.

Forests are renewable resources and play a major role in enhancing the quality of
environment.

Question 2.

Name some medicinal plants. Describe how they are useful for human beings.

Answer:

Sarpagandha, Jamun, Aijun, Babool, Neem, Tulsi and Kachanar.

Sarpagandha: It is used to treat blood pressure.

Jamun: The juice from ripe fruit is used to prepare vinegar which is carminative and diuretic
and has digestive properties. The powder of the seed is used for controlling diabetes.

Arjun: The fresh juice of its leaves is a cure for earache. It is also used to regulate blood
pressure.

Babooh Its leaves are used as a cure for eye sores. Its gum is used as a tonic.

Neem: It has high antibiotic and antibacterial properties.

Tulsi plant: It is used to cure cough and cold.

Kachnan It is used to cure asthma and ulcers. The buds and roots are good for digestive
problems.

Question 3.

Why is bio-diversity necessary and why should it be conserved?

OR

Why according to you flora and fauna should be conserved?

Answer:

Bio-diversity describes the whole range of the different varieties of living things and systems
on the earth.

Bio-diversity can be found everywhere. It includes animal species, plant species, genes,
ecosystems and landscapes.

Bio-diversity is very much needed and must be conserved. High biodiversity indicates the
richness of a place. They help in maintaining the environment best suited for living. The
more plant, insect and animal species there are in one area the greater the biodiversity and the
healthier the ecosystem.

Question 1.

Different vegetation types have been shown in the given political outline map of India.
Identify them and write their names on the lines marked in the map.

Answer:

1. Montane forests

2. Tropical thorn forests

3. Tropical evergreen forests

4. Tropical deciduous forests

5. Mangrove forests
:

Question 2.

On the given outline map of India, locate and label the following:

A. National Parks: Ranthambhor, Shivpuri, Kanha, Corbett

B. Bird Sanctuary: Vedanthangal, Ranganathitto

C. Wild life Sanctuary: Pocharam, Eturnagaram, Chandra Prabha, Periyar