GSEB Class 9 Social Science Solutions Chapter 18 Climate

1. Answer the following as directed:

Question 1. Give a list of Zoo-geographic regions of India.
Answer: India's wildlife can be categorized into nine zones, based on similarities in their characteristics and regional presence. These nine zoo-geographical regions where Indian wildlife is found are:
1. Himalayas
2. Ladakh and dry cold area
3. Forest cover of lower Himalayas
4. Highlands without forest cover in upper Himalayas
5. Northern Plain
6. Desert of Rajasthan
7. Peninsular Plateau
8. Seacoast
9. Nilgiri Hills
In simple words: India's wildlife is grouped into nine areas based on their features and where they live. These areas are called zoo-geographic regions.

Exam Tip: When asked to list regions, ensure you include all the specified areas and present them clearly, preferably in a numbered or bulleted format for better readability.

Question 2. Wildlife is in danger today. Explain.
Answer:
1. Human desires and constantly growing development have endangered the survival of wildlife.
2. Clearing trees and forests for urban expansion and development has led to the loss of natural living spaces for wild animals.
3. Hunting animals and birds for their skin, meat, teeth, hair, and bones also contributes to their decline.
4. As the human population grows, there is an increasing demand for cattle to produce milk. Excessive grazing by domestic animals in forests reduces the grass available, which is a key food source for herbivores. This often leads to herbivores migrating or even dying.
5. The decrease in herbivores means carnivores struggle to find food. As a result, these carnivores often move into human areas looking for food, attacking people and their livestock.
6. Thus, wild animals often become victims of human anger and lose their lives.
7. In Southern and South-Eastern India, the issue of elephants entering farmlands in search of food has greatly increased.
8. There are more incidents of leopards attacking people in Saurashtra and South Gujarat. A similar issue occurs with bears in the forests of North-East Gujarat.
9. This situation makes people dislike wild animals. Such conditions create conflict between wild animals and human communities, which can harm wildlife in the long term.
10. Furthermore, human activities cause a lot of pollution in the environment, disrupting natural cycles and harming living organisms within nature.
In simple words: Wildlife is in danger because of human wants and constant development. Cutting forests, hunting, and more cattle for milk reduce animal food and homes. This makes carnivores enter human areas. Pollution also harms wildlife and nature's balance.

Exam Tip: When explaining why wildlife is endangered, cover a range of factors like habitat loss, poaching, human-wildlife conflict, and pollution, providing a complete overview.

Question 3. Give a brief information about different projects for wildlife protection.
Answer:
1. Various protection initiatives are planned for wildlife species facing extinction.
2. Project Tiger was launched in 1973 to counter hunting and the declining tiger population. It was initially set up in 9 reserved areas, now covering 48 regions.
3. Asiatic Lions once roamed up to Iran in Asia, but due to hunting and habitat loss, they are now only found in Gujarat's Gir Forests. At one point, their numbers dropped below 100.
4. In 1972, a project began in Gir to protect the Asiatic Lions. The 2015 Lion Census reported 523 lions.
5. The Hangool project was introduced for the rare Barasinga Deer species in Kashmir.
6. Other projects include the Crocodile Project for saline water crocodiles, the Rhino Project for protecting Indian Rhinos, and the Snow Leopard Project for protecting leopards.
In simple words: To save wildlife, especially animals facing extinction, the government started many projects. Project Tiger protects tigers, Project Lion protects Asiatic lions, Hangool Project helps Barasinga deer, and other projects protect crocodiles, rhinos, and snow leopards.

Exam Tip: Remember the year each major project (like Project Tiger and Project Lion) was launched and their primary focus. Listing specific endangered animals and their corresponding projects demonstrates comprehensive knowledge.

2. Answer the following questions in detail.

Question 1. Bio-diversity of India.
Answer:
1. India has diverse landforms and varied climates.
2. Similar diversity is observable in India's wildlife.
3. Globally, about 15 lakh wildlife species have been documented, with 81,251 species found in India.
4. These species include reptiles, mammals, fish, and various insects.
5. Despite having less forest cover, India shows remarkable wildlife diversity.
6. Asian elephants are found in Peninsular rainforests, one-horned rhinos in the swampy Brahmaputra river region, and snow leopards in the higher Himalayas. Wild goats and musk deer are present in Jammu-Kashmir.
7. Wild buffaloes can be seen in the forests of Southern India.
8. Tigers inhabit Central India and West Bengal, Ghudkhar in the Little Desert of Kutch, and flamingos in the waterlogged Great Desert.
9. The Great Indian Bustard is found in grassland areas. Many migratory birds from colder regions visit water bodies in large numbers, including Siberian cranes, pelicans, Tibetan ducks, junks, and karkaras.
10. Flying squirrels are seen in the dense forests of the Western Ghats, Nicobari doves on the Nicobar islands, and rare coral species are found in the Gulf of Kutch and Lakshadweep island.
11. Diverse reptiles such as King cobras, snakes, pythons, and iguanas are present.
12. Along coastal areas and other water bodies, various fish, sea snakes, dolphins, sharks, dugongs, and octopuses are observed.
13. Research continues to identify more animals in different forests. India ranks sixth among nations rich in biodiversity.
In simple words: India has many different types of land and weather, leading to a rich variety of wildlife, including over 81,000 species. We have elephants, rhinos, tigers, and many unique birds and reptiles, making India a global leader in biodiversity.

Exam Tip: When discussing India's biodiversity, highlight both its varied geography/climate and specific examples of unique animals found in different regions, alongside the total number of species and its global ranking.

Question 2. Remedies for Wildlife Conservation.
Answer:
1. We must be more dedicated to implementing strong legal rules and strictly enforcing them for conserving forest areas and wild animals.
2. Long-term planning is essential to protect and expand forest areas.
3. Various social non-governmental organizations should prioritize this and organize public awareness programs.
4. These issues should be included in school courses to educate future citizens.
5. Before starting any development project, its potential environmental and living organism impacts should be carefully checked.
6. Cutting down large trees outside forest areas should be stopped so that the hollow spaces within them and their branches can serve as resting places for birds.
7. Ponds, farm ponds, and wetlands, which are important for migratory birds and other water-dependent creatures, should be preserved.
8. In agricultural fields, bio-insecticides should be used instead of chemical-based ones.
9. To manage forest fires, proactive planning for patrolling and safety should be established.
10. Efforts should be made to encourage the government sector to reduce pollution.
In simple words: To save wildlife, we need stronger laws and their strict enforcement. Long-term planning is crucial, alongside public awareness and teaching conservation in schools. We must assess project impacts, protect old trees and water bodies, use eco-friendly farming, prevent forest fires, and reduce pollution.

Exam Tip: Focus on practical solutions covering legal, educational, environmental, and agricultural aspects when listing remedies for wildlife conservation. Use bullet points for clear presentation.

Question 3. Select a proper option and write the answer:

Question 1. How many Zoo-geographic regions is India divided into?
A. Three
B. Four
C. Six
D. Nine
Answer: (D) Nine
In simple words: India is divided into nine main areas where different types of animals live.

Exam Tip: Remember the specific number of zoo-geographic regions India is divided into, as this is a direct factual recall question.

Question 2. How many species of living organisms are recorded in the world?
A. 72 Lakhs
B. 15 Lakhs
C. 18 Lakhs
D. 19 Lakhs
Answer: (B) 15 Lakhs
In simple words: Around 1.5 million different types of living things have been identified and written down globally.

Exam Tip: Pay attention to the specific numbers provided for global biodiversity statistics, as these can be common MCQ questions.

Question 3. Where are the flying squirrels seen?
A. Greater Rann of Kachchh
B. At higher altitude in Himalayas
C. Marshy land
D. In Western Ghats forests
Answer: (D) In Western Ghats forests
In simple words: Flying squirrels are found living in the thick forests of the Western Ghats.

Exam Tip: Associate specific unique animals with their particular habitats or regions to easily recall answers for such questions.

Question 4. Which bird is rarely seen in the mountainous area of Vijaynagar Taluka?
A. Flamingo
B. Chilotro
C. Bustard
D. Parrot
Answer: (B) Chilotro
In simple words: The Chilotro bird is not often seen in the mountain areas of Vijaynagar Taluka.

Exam Tip: For specific regional wildlife questions, remember the unique species that are particularly rare or notable in those areas.

Question 5. Where are rare species of corals found?
B. Nal Sarovar
C. Lakshadweep Islands
D. Gir Sanctuary
Answer: (C) Lakshadweep Islands
In simple words: You can find unusual kinds of corals around the Lakshadweep Islands.

Exam Tip: When dealing with marine life, connect specific species like corals with their appropriate ocean or island habitats.

Question 6. Where are the bustards seen?
A. Wetland
B. Mountainous area
C. Marshy Lands
D. Grasslands
Answer: (D) Grasslands
In simple words: Bustards are birds usually found in areas with lots of grass.

Exam Tip: Know the typical habitats of key wildlife species to answer questions about their geographical distribution accurately.

Gujarat Board Class 9 Social Science Additional Important Questions and Answers

I. Answer the following questions:

Question 1. What is a Sanctuary?
Answer: A sanctuary is a safeguarded region for protecting and preserving wildlife that is at risk of being harmed or destroyed.
In simple words: A sanctuary is a safe place for wild animals that are in danger.

Exam Tip: Emphasize the protective aspect and the purpose of preserving endangered wildlife when defining a sanctuary.

Question 2. What is a National Park?
Answer: A national park is a protected area for a country's plants and animals (wildlife) and for keeping nature's beauty intact.
In simple words: A national park is a special place that protects both plants and animals, and also keeps the natural scenery beautiful.

Exam Tip: Distinguish a National Park by its dual focus on protecting both flora (plants) and fauna (animals) along with preserving natural landscapes.

Question 3. Give an account of the Indian wildlife.
Answer:
1. In recent decades, India's wildlife has faced threats, leading to a reduction in the number of wild animals.
2. About a century ago, India had many tigers. However, a 2014 estimate by the Forest and Environment Department reported only 2226 tigers today.
3. The number of vulture species has also declined because of the meat pollution caused by the diclofenac drug, which was used to treat dairy cattle.
4. Leopards, once common in India at the beginning of the 20th century, are now nearly extinct in the country.
5. Formerly, Asiatic lions roamed forests in Middle Eastern countries, but now they are only found in Gujarat's Gir Forests. Following the implementation of the 'Lion Project,' their population increased to 523 by 2015.
6. Flamingos were once seen in large numbers across the country, but their population has since decreased.
7. The Shyam Garud (Black eagle), which naturally lives in the mountain forests of Gujarat, is rarely seen now.
8. The Chilotro, a bird found in the mountain forests of Vijaynagar Taluka in Sabarkantha district, is also seldom seen today.
In simple words: Indian wildlife is decreasing due to various reasons. Tigers, vultures, and leopards have faced major population drops. Asiatic lions, once widespread, are now only in Gir forests, but their numbers are growing thanks to protection projects. Other birds like flamingos, Shyam Garud, and Chilotro are also becoming rare.

Exam Tip: When describing the state of Indian wildlife, provide specific examples of endangered species and mention key historical and current population figures if available to support your points.

Question 4. Give information about different projects for the protection of wildlife.
Answer: Major projects for the protection of wildlife include:
1. Project Tiger: Recognizing the declining tiger population and the threats from hunting, the Government of India launched 'Project Tiger' in 1973. This project initially covered 9 protected zones and now encompasses 48 areas. There are currently 50 tiger reserves in India managed under this project.
2. Project Lion: Historically, lions were found as far as the forests of Iran in the Asian subcontinent. However, due to hunting and forest destruction, lions are now exclusively found in Gujarat's Gir forest. At one point, their population dropped to 100. Consequently, the 'Project Lion' was introduced by the Government in 1972.
3. Similarly, other initiatives like the Hangool Project for the rare Kashmiri Barasinga deer, the 'Crocodile Project' for saline water crocodiles, the 'Rhino Project' for Indian Rhinos, and the 'Snow Leopard Project' for leopards have been implemented.
In simple words: India has many projects to protect wildlife. Project Tiger (started 1973) saves tigers, and Project Lion (started 1972) protects Asiatic lions in Gir. Other projects help rare animals like Barasinga deer, crocodiles, rhinos, and snow leopards.

Exam Tip: For each project, state its name, the year it was launched, and the specific animal(s) it aims to protect. Also, mention any numerical outcomes like the increase in protected areas or animal populations if relevant.

Question 5. What do you mean by a zoo-geographical region and bio-diversity?
Answer: A region is classified into various natural vegetation areas based on its characteristics. Similarly, the presence of animals across a region can be categorized by its zoo-geographical region.
**Zoo-geographical Region:** A specific area of the world classified based on its unique animal life is known as a zoo-geographical region. There are about 6-7 such geographical regions worldwide. For instance, the world's zoo-geographical regions include: Palaearctic, Ethiopian (Africa South of the Sahara), Oriental, Australian, Nearctic, and Neotropical. India's zoo-geographical regions are similarly divided into nine zones at the country level.
**Biodiversity:** The variety of plant and animal life found in a particular habitat is known as biodiversity. Biodiversity differs from region to region. Therefore, it can be studied based on the zoo-geographical region it belongs to.
In simple words: A zoo-geographical region is a part of the world defined by its unique animal life. Biodiversity is the total variety of plants and animals found in a specific place.

Exam Tip: Clearly define both terms. For zoo-geographical regions, mention the classification based on animal life and give a few examples of global regions. For biodiversity, emphasize the variety of flora and fauna in a habitat.

Question 6. India is home to some of the most diversified, finest and rarest species of wildlife of the world. Given reason.
Answer:
1. Of the 15 lakh wildlife species globally, approximately 81,251 are found in India, which accounts for about 18% of the world's species.
2. India possesses a wide array of animals and birds, including reptiles, mammals, fish, and insects.
3. India is a natural habitat for tigers, which are becoming scarce globally.
4. Asiatic lions are now found exclusively in India.
5. Other rare wildlife species in India include snow leopards, one-horned rhinos, and flying squirrels.
6. Additionally, a large number of migratory birds visit India.
7. Hence, it is true that India hosts some of the world's most diverse, unique, and rare wildlife species.
In simple words: India is home to many different and rare animals because it has 18% of the world's wildlife, including tigers, Asiatic lions, snow leopards, and many types of birds, reptiles, and insects.

Exam Tip: To support the claim that India has diverse wildlife, provide specific examples of unique and rare species, along with statistics on its global share of species. This makes the argument strong.

Question 7. Give an account of the endangered/ extinct Wildlife of India.
Answer:
1. With rapidly expanding cities and widespread development, India's wildlife constantly faces threats to its survival.
2. Comparing historical wildlife census records with current figures clearly shows a decline in India's wildlife over the past few decades.
**1. Tigers:** A century ago, thousands of tigers lived in India. However, based on the 2014 figures from the Forest and Environment Ministry, only about 2226 tigers remain in India.
However, this number has increased compared to the past. The rise in numbers is evident from the footprints observed over recent years.
**2. Vultures:** Hindus do not consume cows because they consider them holy. When a cow dies, it is left for vultures to feed on.
People use diclofenac, a drug that is now banned for treating sick dairy cattle like cows. This drug harms the cattle's bodies and their meat.
Consequently, when vultures consume such dead cattle, it badly affects their bodies and leads to their death. Hence, vultures are becoming extinct.
**3. Leopards:** Asiatic leopards, once common in large numbers in Indian forests at the beginning of the 20th century, are now extinct.
**4. Asiatic Lions:** Asiatic lions, once found as far as the Middle East, are now exclusively found in Gujarat's Gir forest. The government has taken strict measures to protect them, and their population has now increased to 523.
**5. Cranes:** These birds were once numerous in Gujarat, but their population has drastically reduced.
**6. Shyam Garud (Black eagle):** This bird, native to the mountainous forests of Gujarat, is now rarely seen.
**7. Chilotro:** This bird, found in the forests of Vijaynagar Taluka in Sabarkantha District, is hardly seen today.
In simple words: India's wildlife faces many dangers. Tigers and vultures have drastically reduced in number due to hunting, habitat loss, and harmful drugs. Leopards are now extinct. Asiatic lions, once critically endangered, are now protected and their numbers are slowly increasing. Other birds like cranes, Shyam Garud, and Chilotro are also becoming rare.

Exam Tip: For each endangered/extinct species, describe its former status, current situation, and key reasons for its decline or recovery. Use statistics where available to make your answer more precise.

Question 8. State the need to conserve wildlife.
Answer:
**Need for Conservation:**
1. Wildlife is an essential part of living organisms and plays a very important role in maintaining a balanced ecosystem.
2. However, a continuous decrease in their numbers over the years reduces the quality of the environment, which also disrupts the ecosystem.
3. Endless human demands and people's desire for progress and development create an imbalance in the environment.
4. All these factors can lead to significant negative changes in the environment.
5. We still have time to act. If we do not take appropriate measures, future generations will only know wildlife through pictures.
In simple words: We need to save wildlife because it keeps nature balanced. If animal numbers keep falling, the environment gets worse, leading to big problems. If we don't act now, future generations will only see wild animals in books.

Exam Tip: When explaining the need for conservation, focus on the ecological role of wildlife (ecosystem balance), the consequences of its loss (environmental degradation), and the ethical responsibility towards future generations.

Question 9. Describe which steps are taken by the government for conservation of wildlife?
Answer:
1. India has actively enacted several laws to safeguard its wildlife.
2. Laws for wildlife protection in India date back to the era of the great Mauryan King Ashok.
3. India's Constitution also includes wildlife protection under Fundamental Duties and Directive Principles.
4. Based on the recommendations of the Indian Wildlife Board, Parliament passed the Wildlife Conservation Act.
5. The Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, implemented in 1972, contains various provisions for protecting habitats.
6. The program primarily focuses on protecting the remaining populations of specific endangered species by prohibiting hunting, legally protecting their habitats, and restricting wildlife trade.
7. The government has established national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.
8. It has also launched several projects to protect particular animals that were severely threatened, such as the tiger, the one-horned rhinoceros, the Kashmir stag or hangul, three types of crocodiles (freshwater, saltwater, and gharial), the Asiatic lion, and others.
9. Currently, India has 550 Sanctuaries, 104 National Parks, and 18 Bio-reserves. Of these, Gujarat has 23 Sanctuaries, 4 National Parks, and 1 Bio-reserve.
**Projects to conserve wildlife:**
1. Project Tiger: This project was initiated in 1973 to prevent tiger hunting and increase their population. Initially, it covered nine reserved areas, which have now expanded to 48.
2. Lion Project: Historically, Asiatic lions were found across the Asian subcontinent, extending to Iran. Due to continuous hunting and forest destruction, they are now found only in the Gir forests of Saurashtra. At one point, their population fell below 100. In 1972, a project was launched in Gir to protect the Asiatic Lions. The Lion Project has significantly helped to increase their numbers to 523, according to the latest data.
**Other projects initiated by the government for wildlife conservation:**
* Hangool Project for the rare Barasinga Deer species in Kashmir.
* Crocodile Project for saline water crocodiles.
* Rhino Project for protecting the Indian Rhino.
* Snow Leopard Project for protecting snow leopards.
In simple words: The government has taken many steps to save wildlife, including old laws and new acts like the 1972 Wildlife (Protection) Act. They ban hunting, protect habitats, and run specific projects like Project Tiger (since 1973) and Project Lion (since 1972). Other projects save Barasinga deer, crocodiles, rhinos, and snow leopards.

Exam Tip: When detailing government conservation efforts, cover both legislative measures (Acts, constitutional provisions) and specific projects (naming the project, year, and target species). Quantifiable data like the number of parks/sanctuaries or animal populations adds strength.

Question 10. What are the factors that cause fearful depletion of wildlife.
Answer: **Factors that cause fearful depletion of wildlife:**
1. Destruction of forests.
2. Hunting animals by humans as a hobby, for business, or to display bravery.
3. Use of insecticides by farmers.
4. Hunting animals for meat, skin, feathers, bones, horns, teeth, etc.
5. Wild animals are also killed due to urban expansion, increasing human population, growing demand for fuel and wood, vehicle noise, pollution, improper medical treatment, and superstitions.
6. Unpredictable and insufficient rain decreases water sources in forests, causing problems for wildlife.
7. These factors pose various threats to wild animals, making them face several dangers.
In simple words: Wildlife numbers are dropping fast due to forest destruction, hunting for sport or products, pesticides from farms, growing cities, pollution, and not enough rain. These things harm animals and put them in danger.

Exam Tip: When listing causes of wildlife depletion, categorize them into broad themes like habitat loss, direct harm (hunting, pollution), and environmental changes (climate, water scarcity) to ensure a comprehensive answer.

II. Complete the following statements.

Question 1. India has a great variety of birds because ..............
Answer: India has a great variety of birds because major birds such as peacock, swan, flamingo, ghorad, chilottoro, etc. can be seen here. Thousands of flamingos arrive at the Rann of Kachchh during winter. There are many birds like crows, doves, and parrots etc. in India.
In simple words: India has many different birds, like peacocks and flamingos, and many migratory birds visit during winter, showing its rich birdlife.

Exam Tip: When asked to complete a statement about India's bird diversity, provide specific examples of well-known and migratory birds to illustrate the variety.

Question 2. There is a danger for the wildlife because ..............
Answer: There is a danger for the wildlife because of deforestation, hunting of animals for hobby, vanishing water resources in forests, etc.
In simple words: Wildlife is in danger because forests are being cut down, animals are hunted for fun, and water in forests is disappearing.

Exam Tip: For questions about threats to wildlife, focus on key human-induced factors like habitat destruction and hunting, along with environmental impacts like water scarcity.

Question 3. The government has started Project Tiger because ..............
Answer: The government has started Project Tiger to protect tigers from hunting and their decreasing number.
In simple words: Project Tiger began because tigers were being hunted and their numbers were falling, so the government wanted to protect them.

Exam Tip: Always clearly state the primary reason or purpose behind government conservation initiatives, such as protecting a specific endangered species from known threats.

III. Fill in the blanks.

Question 1. The one-horned rhino is found in the marshy and ............ river in India.
Answer: Brahmaputra
In simple words: The single-horned rhino lives in the swampy Brahmaputra river area in India.

Exam Tip: Link specific animals directly to their unique habitats, like the one-horned rhino to the Brahmaputra marshy regions.

Question 2. The wild ass known as ............ are found in the Little Desert of Kachchh.
Answer: Ghudkhar
In simple words: The wild ass, known as Ghudkhar, lives in the small desert region of Kachchh.

Exam Tip: Remember local names for unique regional wildlife, such as Ghudkhar for the wild ass in Kachchh.

Question 3. The Asiatic Lions are found only in the forests of ............ in India.
Answer: Gir
In simple words: Asiatic Lions are only found in India's Gir forests.

Exam Tip: This is a key fact; ensure you know that Gir Forest is the only habitat for Asiatic Lions in India.

Question 4. Wildlife protection laws were formed by the great king ............ of Maurya dynasty in India.
Answer: Ashok
In simple words: King Ashok from the Maurya dynasty made rules to protect animals in India.

Exam Tip: Connect historical figures with their significant contributions, like Emperor Ashok's early efforts in wildlife conservation.

Question 5. In India ............ species of wildlife are found.
Answer: 81,251
In simple words: Over 81,000 different types of wild animals and plants live in India.

Exam Tip: Factual recall of specific numbers related to biodiversity in India is important for such fill-in-the-blank questions.

IV. State whether the following statements are true or false.

Question 1. Flamingoes are seen in the wetlands of the Great Rann of Kachchh.
Answer: True
In simple words: Flamingos can be found in the wet areas of the Great Rann of Kachchh.

Exam Tip: Match specific bird species with their known habitats, like flamingos with wetlands in the Rann of Kachchh.

Question 2. Many migratory birds come to the wetland area of India from hot regions during the winter.
Answer: False.
In simple words: Migratory birds come to India's wetlands during winter, but they usually come from cold regions, not hot ones.

Exam Tip: Understand the purpose and origin of migratory patterns; birds typically migrate from colder areas to warmer ones for winter.

Question 3. There a total of 22 Sanctuaries and 4 National Parks in Gujarat.
Answer: True
In simple words: Gujarat has 22 sanctuaries and 4 national parks.

Exam Tip: Be precise with numerical facts, especially regarding the number of protected areas in specific states like Gujarat.

Question 4. Project Kachchh was started in 1972 AD for the protection of Asiatic lions.
Answer: False
In simple words: The project for Asiatic lions was called 'Project Lion' and it started in Gir, not Project Kachchh.

Exam Tip: Carefully distinguish between similar-sounding projects and their specific target species or regions; 'Project Lion' was for Asiatic lions, not 'Project Kachchh'.

Question 5. The Asiatic elephant can be seen in the high altitude regions of South India.
Answer: False
In simple words: Asiatic elephants are typically found in the peninsular rain forests, not in the high-altitude regions of South India.

Exam Tip: Remember the specific habitats of large mammals; Asiatic elephants prefer forests, not high-altitude areas.

V. Match the following.

Answer:
1. (B)
2. (C)
3. (E)
4. (D)
5. (A)
In simple words: Match each animal with its correct habitat: the one-horned rhino lives in Brahmaputra's marshy lands, snow leopards are in the high Himalayas, musk deer are found in Jammu and Kashmir, Ghudkhar in the Little Rann of Kachchh, and tigers in West Bengal.

Exam Tip: For matching questions, associate each animal with its most prominent or unique habitat. This requires accurate knowledge of animal distribution.

VI. Choose the correct option.

Question 1. What is the correct order of National Parks starting from the north and proceeding south?
A. Ranthambhore, Bandipur, Dachigam, Kanha
B. Kanha, Dachigam, Bandipur, Ranthambhore
C. Dachigam, Kanha, Bandipur, Ranthambhore
D. Dachigam, Ranthambhore, Kanha, Bandipur
Answer: (D) Dachigam, Ranthambhore, Kanha, Bandipur
In simple words: The correct order of national parks from north to south is Dachigam, then Ranthambhore, followed by Kanha, and finally Bandipur.

Exam Tip: For geographical ordering questions, mentally map the locations of the national parks from north to south. Knowing the states where each park is located can help.

Question 2. What is the correct order of Sanctuaries starting from the South and proceeding north?
A. Keoladeo, Chandraprabha, Etumagaram, Mudumalai
B. Mudumalai, Etumagaram, Chandraprabha, Keoladeo
C. Etumagaram, Mudumalai, Keoladeo, Chandraprabha
D. Chandraprabha, Keoladeo, Mudumalai, Etumagaram
Answer: (B) Mudumalai, Etumagaram, Chandraprabha, Keoladeo
In simple words: Starting from the south and moving north, the correct order of sanctuaries is Mudumalai, then Etumagaram, followed by Chandraprabha, and finally Keoladeo.

Exam Tip: Similar to national parks, remember the relative geographical positions of major sanctuaries, especially when ordering them from south to north or vice-versa.

Question 3. Which among the following is a wildlife sanctuary?
(a) Kaziranga
(b) Pocharam
(c) Bandipur
(d) Dachigam
Answer: (b) Pocharam
In simple words: A wildlife sanctuary is a special, safe place where animals and birds can live without being hunted or harmed. Pocharam is one such safe area for wildlife.

Exam Tip: Remember to distinguish between national parks and wildlife sanctuaries; sanctuaries prioritize protecting a specific species in its natural habitat, while national parks focus on a broader ecosystem.

Question 4. How many species of living organisms are recorded in the world?
(a) 72 lakhs
(b) 15 lakhs
(c) 18 lakhs
(d) 19 lakhs
Answer: (b) 15 lakhs
In simple words: There are about 15 lakh different kinds of living things, like animals, plants, and tiny organisms, that scientists have officially found and listed all over the planet.

Exam Tip: Pay attention to numbers and statistics provided in the chapter as they are frequently tested in MCQs.

Question 5. Into how many zoo-geographic zones have India been divided?
(a) Nine
(b) Four
(c) Six
(d) Eight
Answer: (a) Nine
In simple words: India's animal regions are split into nine main parts. Each part has its own special types of animals, making it unique.

Exam Tip: Know the number of zoo-geographic zones in India as this is a factual recall question.

VII. On An Outline Map Of India, Show The Major Wildlife Reserves.