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Chapter Analysis
Intermediate12 pages • EnglishQuick Summary
Chapter 5 deals with the diverse natural vegetation across India, describing five major types: tropical evergreen, tropical deciduous, thorn forests and scrubs, montane, and mangrove forests. It highlights India's rich biodiversity, which includes thousands of plant and animal species, many of which are unique to the country and some are endangered. The chapter also discusses various conservation efforts and the importance of preserving natural vegetation and wildlife for maintaining ecological balance.
Key Topics
- •Types of natural vegetation in India
- •Conservation methods
- •Importance of biodiversity
- •Endangered species
- •Tropical forests
- •Environmental challenges
- •Role of biosphere reserves
- •Wildlife protection measures
Learning Objectives
- ✓Understand the classification of natural vegetation in India.
- ✓Recognize the ecological significance of various forests.
- ✓Identify key threats to flora and fauna and conservation needs.
- ✓Learn about government initiatives for biodiversity protection.
- ✓Appreciate India's rich biodiversity and its global significance.
- ✓Analyze the role of humans in impacting natural vegetation.
Questions in Chapter
Choose the right answer from the four alternatives given below: To which one of the following types of vegetation does rubber belong to?
Answer: Tropical Evergreen
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Cinchona trees are found in the areas of rainfall more than?
Answer: 100 cm
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In which of the following state is the Simlipal bio-reserve located?
Answer: Odisha
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Which one of the following bio-reserves of India is not included in the world network of bioreserve?
Answer: Panna
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What is a bio-reserve? Give two examples.
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Name two animals having habitat in tropical and montane type of vegetation.
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Distinguish between: Flora and Fauna, Tropical Evergreen and Deciduous forests.
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Name different types of Vegetation found in India and describe the vegetation of high altitudes.
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Quite a few species of plants and animals are endangered in India. Why?
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Why has India a rich heritage of flora and fauna?
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On an outline map of India, label the following: Areas of Evergreen Forests, Areas of Dry Deciduous Forests, Two national parks each in Northern, Southern, Eastern and Western parts of the Country.
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Additional Practice Questions
Explain the role of biosphere reserves in the conservation of biodiversity.
mediumAnswer: Biosphere reserves play a crucial role in conserving biodiversity by providing protected environments that support the species' natural habitat while allowing sustainable land use practices that benefit the local population. They help maintain ecological balance, protect endangered species, and preserve valuable plant and animal resources.
What are the main threats to natural vegetation and wildlife in India?
mediumAnswer: The main threats include deforestation, habitat destruction, illegal poaching, pollution, introduction of invasive species, and climate change. These factors contribute to the loss of biodiversity and ecosystem imbalance.
Discuss the significance of tropical evergreen forests to India's ecosystem.
hardAnswer: Tropical evergreen forests are vital for maintaining India's biodiversity. They provide habitat for numerous species, help stabilize the climate, play a role in the global carbon cycle, and support the livelihoods of many indigenous communities.
How do montane forests differ from tropical deciduous forests in terms of vegetation and climate?
mediumAnswer: Montane forests, located in hilly areas, feature coniferous species adapted to cooler climates and varying altitudes. Tropical deciduous forests are found in regions with seasonal rainfall, shedding leaves in dry periods to conserve water.
Evaluate the effectiveness of India's wildlife protection measures.
hardAnswer: India's protection measures have seen success stories, like the increase in tiger populations due to Project Tiger. However, challenges remain due to limited resources, human-animal conflict, and illegal poaching.
What role do mangrove forests play in coastal protection?
mediumAnswer: Mangrove forests protect coastlines by stabilizing sediments, reducing erosion, serving as natural barriers during storms, and supporting diverse marine life.
Why is it important to conserve endemic species in India?
hardAnswer: Conserving endemic species is crucial because they contribute to India's biodiversity, possess unique genetic resources, and play specific roles in their native ecosystems that support overall ecological health.
Identify some of the economic benefits derived from forest resources.
mediumAnswer: Forests provide timber, non-timber products, medicinal plants, and raw materials for various industries. They also support tourism and offer ecosystem services like water filtration and carbon sequestration.
Discuss the impact of climate change on India's natural vegetation.
hardAnswer: Climate change affects India's vegetation by altering rainfall patterns, causing temperature fluctuations, leading to habitat shifts, and increasing the frequency of extreme weather events that threaten plant diversity and survival.
Examine the relationship between deforestation and the loss of wildlife habitats.
mediumAnswer: Deforestation leads to habitat loss, which directly threatens wildlife by reducing their living space, food sources, and breeding areas, leading to population declines and increased extinction risks.