SHORT QUESTIONS AND ANSWER
Question 1: What is natural vegetation?
Answer:
Natural vegetation refers to plant communities that have grown naturally without human intervention and have been undisturbed by humans for a long time.
Question 2: What are endemic species?
Answer:
Endemic species are purely Indian plant or animal species that have evolved within India’s boundaries.
Question 3: What are exotic plants?
Answer:
Exotic plants are species that have come from outside India and are not native to the region.
Question 4: What does the term “flora” denote?
Answer:
The term “flora” refers to the plants of a particular region or period.
Question 5: What is the equivalent term for animals in a specific region?
Answer:
Animals of a particular region are referred to as “fauna.”
Question 6: Which type of forests are found in heavy rainfall areas of the Western Ghats and islands like Andaman and Nicobar?
Answer: Tropical Evergreen Forests.
Question 7: What is the characteristic feature of Tropical Evergreen Forests?
Answer:
These forests remain green throughout the year due to consistent warmth and high rainfall.
Question 8: Name some commercially important trees found in Tropical Evergreen Forests.
Answer:
Ebony, mahogany, rosewood, rubber, and cinchona.
Question 9: Which type of forests are the most widespread in India?
Answer: Tropical Deciduous Forests (also known as monsoon forests).
Question 10: What happens to the leaves of trees in Tropical Deciduous Forests during the dry summer?
Answer:
Trees shed their leaves for about six to eight weeks during the dry summer.
Question 11: How are Tropical Deciduous Forests further divided based on water availability?
Answer:
They are divided into moist deciduous and dry deciduous forests.
Question 12: Where are Montane Forests found?
Answer:
Montane forests are found in the western slope of the Western Ghats, hills of the northeastern region, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Question 13: Which type of forests are found in areas receiving rainfall between 200 and 100 cm?
Answer: Moist deciduous forests.
Question 14: What are Littoral and Swamp forests?
Answer:
These forests grow in coastal areas and swampy regions.
Question 15: What is the significance of India’s rich biodiversity?
Answer:
India is one of the 12 mega-biodiversity countries globally, with diverse plant and animal species.
LONG QUESTIONS AND ANSWER
Question 1: What are the major types of natural vegetation found in India and what factors influence their distribution?
Answer:
- India exhibits a diverse range of natural vegetation types, including tropical evergreen forests, tropical deciduous forests, thorn forests, mangrove forests, montane forests, and various types of grasslands.
- Factors such as temperature, rainfall, soil type, altitude, and human activities significantly influence the distribution of these vegetation types.
Question 2: Describe the characteristics and distribution of tropical evergreen forests in India.
Answer:
- Tropical evergreen forests are characterized by dense and multi-layered vegetation with a variety of species.
- They are found in regions receiving high rainfall throughout the year, such as the Western Ghats, parts of Northeast India, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
- These forests have a high biodiversity and consist of trees that do not shed their leaves simultaneously.
Question 3: Discuss the ecological significance of mangrove forests and their distribution in India.
Answer:
- Mangrove forests play a crucial ecological role as they act as natural barriers against coastal erosion, protect shorelines from storm surges, and provide habitats for a diverse range of flora and fauna.
- In India, mangrove forests are found along the coastal areas of the Sundarbans in West Bengal, the deltas of the Godavari, Krishna, and Mahanadi rivers, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Question 4: Explain the factors responsible for the depletion of natural vegetation and wildlife in India.
Answer:
The depletion of natural vegetation and wildlife in India can be attributed to various factors, including deforestation, urbanization, industrialization, mining activities, overgrazing, poaching, pollution, and climate change. These factors have led to habitat destruction, fragmentation, and loss of biodiversity, posing significant threats to the survival of many plant and animal species.
Question 5: Compare and contrast the characteristics of tropical deciduous forests and thorn forests in terms of their structure, composition, and distribution in India.
Answer:
- Tropical deciduous forests are characterized by trees that shed their leaves during a particular season, typically in response to changes in rainfall. They are found in regions with a distinct dry season, such as parts of Central India, the Eastern Ghats, and the Chota Nagpur Plateau.
- Thorn forests, on the other hand, are characterized by trees and shrubs with small leaves and thorns to reduce water loss. They are found in arid and semi-arid regions such as Rajasthan, Gujarat, and parts of the Deccan Plateau.
Question 6: Discuss the conservation measures undertaken to protect natural vegetation and wildlife in India.
Answer:
- Conservation measures aimed at protecting natural vegetation and wildlife in India include the establishment of national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, biosphere reserves, and protected areas.
- Additionally, efforts are being made to promote afforestation, reforestation, sustainable forest management practices, and the conservation of endangered species.
- Public awareness campaigns, community participation, and the implementation of environmental laws and policies also play a crucial role in conservation efforts.
Question 7: Analyze the significance of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in the conservation of natural vegetation and wildlife.
Answer:
National parks and wildlife sanctuaries serve as important protected areas for the conservation of natural vegetation and wildlife by providing habitats for endangered species, preserving biodiversity, and promoting ecological balance. These areas also serve as centers for scientific research, education, and eco-tourism, contributing to both environmental conservation and socioeconomic development.
Question 8: Explain the concept of biodiversity hotspots and discuss India’s status as a biodiversity hotspot.
Answer:
- Biodiversity hotspots are regions characterized by exceptionally high levels of species richness and endemism that are facing significant threats from human activities.
- India is considered a biodiversity hotspot due to its rich biodiversity and high levels of species endemism, particularly in regions such as the Western Ghats, the Eastern Himalayas, and the Indo-Burma region.
- However, these hotspots are also highly vulnerable to habitat destruction, fragmentation, and loss of biodiversity, highlighting the need for conservation efforts.
Question 9: Describe the impact of climate change on natural vegetation and wildlife in India and discuss adaptation strategies to mitigate its effects.
Answer:
- Climate change poses significant challenges to the survival of natural vegetation and wildlife in India by altering temperature and precipitation patterns, disrupting ecosystems, and exacerbating habitat loss and degradation.
- Adaptation strategies to mitigate the effects of climate change include promoting sustainable land use practices, enhancing habitat connectivity, restoring degraded ecosystems, and implementing measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, efforts to raise awareness and build resilience among local communities are crucial for adapting to the changing climate.
Question 10: Evaluate the role of indigenous communities in the conservation of natural vegetation and wildlife in India.
Answer:
- Indigenous communities play a vital role in the conservation of natural vegetation and wildlife in India through their traditional knowledge, practices, and cultural values that are often closely linked to the environment.
- These communities have a deep understanding of local ecosystems and biodiversity and often engage in sustainable resource management practices that contribute to conservation efforts.
- Recognizing and respecting the rights of indigenous peoples to their land and resources is essential for promoting effective conservation and ensuring the sustainable use of natural resources.
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