Class 9 Social Science Natural Vegetation and Wild Life Exam Notes

Class 9 Social Science Natural Vegetation and Wild Life Exam Notes. Please refer to the examination notes which you can use for preparing and revising for exams. These notes will help you to revise the concepts quickly and get good marks.

India is one of the twelve mega biodiversity countries of the world, with a rich variety of plants, animals and forests. This Class 9 Social Science exam notes page on Natural Vegetation and Wild Life covers the diversity of India's flora and fauna, the factors that affect natural vegetation, the importance of forests, the types of natural vegetation (tropical rain forest, tropical deciduous forest, thorn forest, montane forest and mangrove forest), the wild life of India, the causes of ecological imbalance, the steps taken to protect flora and fauna, and the biosphere reserves, followed by the chapter exercise.

INTRODUCTION

Our country is one of the twelve mega biodiversity countries of the world. With about 47,000 plant species, India occupies the tenth place in the world and the fourth place in Asia in plant diversity. There are about 15,000 flowering plants in India, which is about 6% of the world's total number of flowering plants. India also has about 89,000 species of animals, as well as a rich variety of fish in its fresh and marine waters.

Virgin vegetation: 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 virgin vegetation.

Flora: The term flora is used to denote the plants of a particular region or period.
Fauna: The species of animals are referred to as fauna.

The huge diversity in the flora and fauna of India is due to the following reasons:

Land: Land affects natural vegetation directly and indirectly. Fertile plains are generally devoted to agriculture. Undulating and rough terrains are areas where grasslands and woodlands develop, and they give shelter to a variety of wild life.

Soil: Soil is one of the most important factors affecting vegetation. Different types of soil support different vegetation. Changes in soil conditions have given rise to peculiar types of vegetation in many areas, such as mangrove forests, swamp forests and sandy coastal forests.

Temperature: Temperature and humidity are the important factors which determine the character and extent of vegetation. On the slopes of the Himalayas and the hills of the Peninsula above a height of 900 metres, the fall in temperature affects the type of vegetation and its growth, and changes it from tropical to subtropical, temperate and alpine.

Sunlight: The variation in the sun's radiant energy at different places is due to differences in latitude, altitude, season and duration of the day. Due to the abundance of sunlight, trees grow faster in summer.

Precipitation: Precipitation determines the density of vegetation. Areas of heavy rainfall have more dense vegetation than other areas.

IMPORTANCE OF FORESTS

1. Forests are renewable resources and play a major role in enhancing the quality of the environment.
2. Forests modify the local climate, control soil erosion, regulate stream flow, support a variety of industries, provide livelihood for many communities, and offer panoramic or scenic views for recreation.
3. Forests control wind force and temperature, and they cause rainfall.
4. Forests provide humus to the soil and shelter to wild life.

Ecosystem: All the plants and animals in an area are interdependent and interrelated with each other and with their physical environment, thus forming an ecosystem.

Biome: A very large ecosystem on land, having distinct types of vegetation and animal life, is called a biome.

TYPES OF VEGETATION

The following major types of vegetation may be identified in our country:
1. Tropical rain forest
2. Tropical deciduous forest
3. Tropical thorn forests and scrubs
4. Montane forest
5. Mangrove forest

Tropical rain forests
1. These forests are found in areas with an annual rainfall of 200 cm or more.
2. These forests grow in areas of high temperature and high rainfall.
3. In these forests trees grow very vigorously, reaching a height of 60 m and above.
4. These forests yield hardwood trees.
5. The rainy parts of the Western Ghats, Assam, West Bengal, the island groups of Lakshadweep, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Orissa have this type of forest.
6. Ebony, mahogany, rosewood and shisham are some of the important trees.
7. A large number of species are found together, which makes commercial use of any particular variety difficult.

Tropical deciduous forests
These are also called monsoon forests. On the basis of the availability of water, these forests are divided into moist deciduous and dry deciduous.

Moist deciduous forests
1. These forests are found in areas with 100 to 200 cm of rainfall.
2. Due to a longer dry season, the trees in these forests are deciduous, that is, they shed their leaves during the dry season.
3. Shisham, sandalwood and sal are the common trees found in these forests. Other economically important trees are khair, rosewood and shisham. Bamboo is also very commonly found in these forests.
4. This vegetation belt covers a vast area of India, extending from the north-eastern states, along the foothills of the Himalayas, Jharkhand, west Orissa and Chhattisgarh, and along the eastern slopes of the Western Ghats.

Dry deciduous forests
1. These forests are found in areas having rainfall between 70 cm and 100 cm.
2. They are found in the rainier parts of the Peninsular plateau and the plains of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
3. These are open stretches of forest. Teak and sal are the important trees.
4. Most of these forests have been cleared for cultivation and grazing.

Thorn forests
1. These forests occur in areas which have less than 70 cm of rainfall annually.
2. They are found in the north-western parts of the country, including the semi-arid areas of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana.
3. The trees commonly found in these forests are short, stunted and scattered.
4. Besides acacia (babul), date palm, euphorbias and cactus, different shrubs and grasses commonly grow in between these trees.
5. The common animals found in these forests are goats, wild asses, horses, camels, wolves, tigers and lions.

Montane forests
1. The wet temperate types of forests are found between heights of 1000 and 2000 metres.
2. Between 1500 and 3000 metres, temperate forests containing coniferous trees such as pine, deodar, silver fir, spruce and cedar are found.
3. These forests cover mostly the southern slopes of the Himalayas, and places with high altitude in southern and north-eastern India.
4. At high altitudes (more than 3600 metres above sea level), temperate forests and grasslands give way to alpine vegetation.
5. Silver fir, junipers, pines and birches are the common trees of these forests.
6. Alpine grasslands are used extensively for grazing by nomadic tribes such as the Gujjars and Bakarwals.
7. The common animals found in these forests are the Kashmir stag, spotted deer, wild sheep, jack rabbits, Tibetan antelope, yaks, snow leopard, squirrels, shaggy-horned wild ibex, bear, red panda, and sheep and goats with thick hair.

Mangrove forests
These forests are found in coastal areas having accumulated mud and silt. Dense mangroves are the common variety, with the roots of the plants submerged under water. These forests are found in the deltas of the Ganga, Mahanadi, Godavari and Kaveri.

WILD LIFE

India is rich in its fauna. It has more than 89,000 species of animals and 1,200 species of birds, which constitute 13% of the world total. There are 2,500 species of fish, which account for 12% of the world stock. India also shares between 5% and 8% of the world's amphibians, reptiles and mammals.

1. Elephants are found in the hot, wet forests of Assam, Karnataka and Kerala.
2. The one-horned rhinoceros lives in the swampy and marshy land of Assam and West Bengal.
3. Wild asses and camels are found in the arid areas of the Rann of Kachchh and the Thar desert.
4. The Indian bison, nilgai (blue bull), chousingha, gazelle and different species of deer are some other animals found in India. It also has several species of monkeys.
5. India is the only country in the world that has both tigers and lions. Lions are found in the Gir forest in Gujarat. Tigers are found in the forests of Madhya Pradesh, the Sundarbans of West Bengal and the Himalayan region.
6. The Himalayan ranges are the home of several animals. The yak (the shaggy-horned wild ox), the Tibetan antelope, the bharal (blue sheep), wild sheep and the kiang are found in the Ladakh region.
7. In the rivers, lakes and coastal areas, turtles, crocodiles and gharials are found.
8. A variety of birds are found in different parts of India. The chief among them are peacocks, geese, pheasants, ducks, mynahs, pigeons, parrots, cranes, hornbills and sunbirds. They belong to both forests and wetlands.

Uses of animals:
1. They provide draught power, transportation, meat and eggs.
2. Fish provide us with nutritious food.
3. Many insects help in the pollination of crops and fruit trees, and they act as biological control on insects that are harmful.
4. They also maintain the ecological balance.

Due to excessive exploitation of plant and animal resources by human beings, the ecosystem has been disturbed.

Causes of imbalance:
1. Hunting by greedy hunters for commercial purposes.
2. Pollution due to chemical and industrial waste, and acid deposits.
3. Habitation (human settlement) in forest areas.
4. Introduction of alien species.
5. Reckless cutting of forests to bring land under cultivation.

Steps taken by the government to protect flora and fauna:
1. Fourteen biosphere reserves have been set up in the country to protect flora and fauna. The Sundarbans in West Bengal, Nanda Devi in Uttarakhand, the Gulf of Mannar in Tamil Nadu and the Nilgiris (Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu) have been included in the world network of biosphere reserves.
2. Financial and technical assistance has been provided by the government to many botanical gardens since 1992.
3. Project Tiger, Project Rhino, Project Great Indian Bustard and many other eco-developmental projects have been introduced.
4. 89 national parks, 49 wildlife sanctuaries and zoological gardens have been set up to take care of the natural heritage.

Fourteen biosphere reserves:
1. Sundarbans
2. Gulf of Mannar
3. The Nilgiris
4. Nanda Devi
5. Nokrek
6. Great Nicobar
7. Manas
8. Simlipal
9. Dihang-Dibang
10. Dibru-Saikhowa
11. Agasthyamalai
12. Kanchenjunga
13. Pachmarhi
14. Achanakmar-Amarkantak

GLOSSARY

1. Natural resources: These are the gifts produced by nature, such as air, water and soil.
2. Ecology: The science which deals with the inter-relations between various organisms and their physical environment.
3. Endangered species: Plants and animals which are extinct or in danger of becoming extinct.
4. Wild life sanctuary: A reserved area for preserving natural beauty, for example, the Ranthambhore wild life sanctuary.
5. Biosphere: The part of the Earth which is covered by living organisms, both plants and animals.
6. Soil: The upper layer of the ground, containing weathered rock and humus.
7. Coniferous forest: Evergreen trees that bear needle-like leaves.
8. Deciduous forest: Trees that lose their leaves every year.
9. Ecosystem: An integrated unit consisting of the community of living organisms and the physical environment.
10. Flora: The plants of a particular region or period.
11. Fauna: The species of animals found in a region.
12. Forest: An extensive area covered with trees.
13. Biome: A very large ecosystem on land, having distinct types of vegetation and animal life.
14. Vegetation: A plant community which has grown naturally without human aid and has been left undisturbed by humans for a long time.

EXERCISE

A. VERY SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS

Q.1 What is eco-system ?

Answer:
An ecosystem is an integrated unit made up of all the plants and animals in an area, which are interdependent on each other and interact with their physical environment.

Teacher's Note:
a) Plants, animals and the physical environment together form an ecosystem.
b) A forest and a pond are both examples of ecosystems.

Q.2 Name some non flowering plants.

Answer:
Ferns, mosses, liverworts and algae are non-flowering plants. Conifers such as pine and deodar also do not bear flowers.

Teacher's Note:
a) Non-flowering plants reproduce by spores or by cones, not by flowers and seeds in fruits.
b) Pine and deodar are common conifers of the montane forests.

Q.3 What are the factors that form flora and fauna?

Answer:
The factors are land, soil, temperature, sunlight and precipitation.

Teacher's Note:
a) Temperature and humidity change the type of vegetation with height.
b) Heavy rainfall gives denser vegetation.

Q.4 Where are evergreen forests found ?

Answer:
Evergreen forests, which are the tropical rain forests, are found in the rainy parts of the Western Ghats, Assam, West Bengal, the Lakshadweep islands, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Orissa.

Teacher's Note:
a) These areas receive an annual rainfall of 200 cm or more.
b) Trees in these forests remain green throughout the year.

Q.5 Name some commercially useful trees of tropical rain forests.

Answer:
Ebony, mahogany, rosewood and shisham are commercially useful trees of tropical rain forests.

Teacher's Note:
a) These trees yield hardwood, which is valuable for timber.
b) Mixed species make commercial use of any single variety difficult.

Q.6 What are the two parts of tropical deciduous forests ?

Answer:
The two parts are moist deciduous forests and dry deciduous forests.

Teacher's Note:
a) Moist deciduous forests get 100 cm to 200 cm of rainfall.
b) Dry deciduous forests get 70 cm to 100 cm of rainfall.

Q.7 Name some trees of alpine forest ?

Answer:
Silver fir, junipers, pines and birches are trees found in the alpine and montane forests.

Teacher's Note:
a) Alpine vegetation is found above 3600 metres.
b) Alpine grasslands are used for grazing by nomadic tribes.

Q.8 What type of trees grow in tidal forest ? Give an example.

Answer:
Mangrove trees, which have dense growth with roots submerged under water, grow in tidal forests. An example is the Sundari tree (Heritiera fomes), found in the Sundarbans.

Teacher's Note:
a) Mangrove forests grow in the deltas of the Ganga, Mahanadi, Godavari and Kaveri.
b) Mud and silt deposited by the sea and rivers support these forests.

Q.9 Where are rhinoceros found ?

Answer:
The one-horned rhinoceros is found in the swampy and marshy land of Assam and West Bengal.

Teacher's Note:
a) The one-horned rhinoceros prefers swampy grasslands.
b) Kaziranga is a well-known home of the one-horned rhinoceros in Assam.

Q.10 Name some nimble animals of India.

Answer:
Some agile animals of India are the spotted deer (chital), the blackbuck, the nilgai, the monkeys and the leopard.

Teacher's Note:
a) The question prints the word "nimble", which means quick and agile.
b) Most of these animals live in the forests and grasslands of India.

Q.11 Which are the different species of deer in India ?

Answer:
The different species of deer in India include the spotted deer (chital), the Kashmir stag, the sambar and the barasingha (swamp deer).

Teacher's Note:
a) Deer species are found in different types of forests, from the plains to the Himalayas.
b) The Kashmir stag is found in the montane forests of the Himalayas.

Q.12 Write the name of two bio-sphere reserves.

Answer:
1. Sundarbans (West Bengal)
2. Nanda Devi (Uttarakhand)

Teacher's Note:
a) India has fourteen biosphere reserves in all.
b) The Gulf of Mannar and the Nilgiris are also biosphere reserves.

Q.13 Why are plants important ?

Answer:
1. Plants give food, timber, medicines and other products to human beings.
2. Plants control soil erosion, regulate stream flow and maintain the quality of the environment.
3. Plants provide humus to the soil, shelter to wild life, and help in rainfall and climate control.

Teacher's Note:
a) Forests are renewable resources because plants can be grown again.
b) Plants form the base of every food chain.

Q.14 What is virgin vegetation ?

Answer:
Virgin vegetation is the natural vegetation which has grown naturally without human aid and has been left undisturbed by humans for a long time.

Teacher's Note:
a) Virgin vegetation is also called natural vegetation.
b) Very little virgin vegetation is left today because of clearing for agriculture and settlements.

Q.15 What is a biome ?

Answer:
A biome is a very large ecosystem on land, having distinct types of vegetation and animal life.

Teacher's Note:
a) Deserts, grasslands and tropical forests are examples of biomes.
b) A biome is larger than a single ecosystem such as a pond or a forest patch.

Q.16 What is vegetation ?

Answer:
Vegetation is the plant community of a region. It refers to the plants which grow in an area, either naturally or with human help.

Teacher's Note:
a) Natural vegetation grows without human aid.
b) The type of vegetation depends on land, soil, temperature, sunlight and rainfall.

Q.17 Where is the alpine vegetation found ?

Answer:
Alpine vegetation is found at high altitudes, above 3600 metres above sea level, in the Himalayan region.

Teacher's Note:
a) At these heights, temperate forests and grasslands give way to alpine vegetation.
b) Alpine grasslands are used for grazing by nomadic tribes.

Q.18 What are endangered species ?

Answer:
Endangered species are plants and animals which are extinct, or are in danger of becoming extinct.

Teacher's Note:
a) Hunting, habitat loss and pollution are the main reasons for endangerment.
b) Project Tiger and Project Rhino were started to protect such species.

Q.19 Why are elephants found mostly in Assam, Kerala and Karnataka ?

Answer:
1. Elephants live in hot, wet forests, which are found in Assam, Kerala and Karnataka.
2. These forests provide them with water, shade, grasses and other plants for food and shelter.

Teacher's Note:
a) Elephants need large areas of forest with plenty of food and water.
b) Habitat loss in these forests has reduced the number of elephants.

Q.20 Why tropical Evergreen forests are found in most-parts of the western ghats ?

Answer:
1. The south-west monsoon winds from the Arabian Sea bring heavy rainfall to the western slopes of the Western Ghats, with more than 200 cm of rain in many parts.
2. The high temperature and high humidity of these areas support the growth of dense, tall evergreen trees.

Teacher's Note:
a) Heavy rainfall is the most important reason for dense evergreen vegetation.
b) The eastern slopes of the Western Ghats get less rain and have deciduous forests.

B. SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS

Q.1 Describe the altitude zone of vegetation in the mountainous region.

Answer:
1. Up to about 900 metres: tropical forests, both evergreen and deciduous.
2. Between 1000 and 2000 metres: wet temperate forests.
3. Between 1500 and 3000 metres: temperate coniferous forests with pine, deodar, silver fir, spruce and cedar.
4. Above 3600 metres: alpine vegetation and grasslands.

Teacher's Note:
a) The temperature falls as the altitude increases, which changes the type of vegetation.
b) Each zone has its own types of trees, animals and land use.

Q.2 What are the major factors responsible for threat to nature ?

Answer:
1. Hunting by greedy hunters for commercial purposes.
2. Pollution due to chemical and industrial waste, and acid deposits.
3. Habitation, or human settlement, in forest areas.
4. Introduction of alien species.
5. Reckless cutting of forests to bring land under cultivation.

Teacher's Note:
a) Human activities are the main cause of the disturbance of the ecosystem.
b) Each threat reduces the number of plants and animals in an area.

Q.3 Write some steps taken by the government for the protection of and conservation of great biological diversity of India.

Answer:
1. Fourteen biosphere reserves have been set up to protect flora and fauna.
2. Financial and technical assistance has been given to many botanical gardens since 1992.
3. Project Tiger, Project Rhino, Project Great Indian Bustard and other eco-developmental projects have been started.
4. 89 national parks, 49 wildlife sanctuaries and zoological gardens have been set up.

Teacher's Note:
a) Biosphere reserves are included in a world network for conservation.
b) Protected areas keep natural heritage safe for future generations.

Q.4 Why is throny type of vegetation found in Rajasthan ? Give the reasons.

Answer:
1. Rajasthan receives less than 70 cm of rainfall annually, which is too little for dense forests.
2. The climate is semi-arid, with high temperature and high evaporation.
3. The short, stunted and scattered trees with thorns reduce the loss of water through their leaves, so they survive the dry conditions.

Teacher's Note:
a) Thorn vegetation is found where the rainfall is less than 70 cm.
b) Acacia (babul), cactus and euphorbias are typical plants of this region.

Q.5 Write short notes on tropical deciduous forests.

Answer:
1. Tropical deciduous forests are also called monsoon forests.
2. Their trees shed their leaves during the dry season.
3. They are divided into moist deciduous forests (100 to 200 cm of rainfall) and dry deciduous forests (70 to 100 cm of rainfall).
4. Important trees are sal, teak, shisham, sandalwood and bamboo.

Teacher's Note:
a) These are the most widespread forests in India.
b) Many dry deciduous forests have been cleared for cultivation and grazing.

Q.6 Why have the deciduous forests been given this name ? Name some places where these are found.

Answer:
1. These forests are called deciduous because their trees shed their leaves during the long dry season, to conserve water.
2. Moist deciduous forests are found in the north-eastern states, along the foothills of the Himalayas, in Jharkhand, west Orissa, Chhattisgarh and the eastern slopes of the Western Ghats.
3. Dry deciduous forests are found in the rainier parts of the Peninsular plateau and the plains of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.

Teacher's Note:
a) The shedding of leaves is an adaptation to the dry season.
b) Teak and sal are the important trees of the dry deciduous forests.

Q.7 Distinguish between dry deciduous and moist deciduous ?

Answer:

Teacher's Note:
a) Rainfall is the main basis of the difference between the two types.
b) Dry deciduous forests have been cleared more widely than moist deciduous forests.

Q.8 Why is there need to conserve bio diversity ?

Answer:
1. Plants and animals maintain the ecological balance, which keeps the environment healthy.
2. Forests provide resources such as timber, food, medicines and fodder, which must be used wisely for future generations.
3. Endangered species must be protected, because once extinct, they cannot be brought back.

Teacher's Note:
a) Biodiversity supports the livelihood of many communities.
b) Conservation also keeps the natural heritage for recreation and study.

Q.9 Why are the evergreen forests found on Western slopes of the Western Ghats ? Give two reasons.

Answer:
1. The western slopes receive heavy rainfall from the south-west monsoon winds, which blow from the Arabian Sea and strike the slopes.
2. The high temperature and humidity throughout the year support the growth of tall evergreen trees.

Teacher's Note:
a) Rainfall of 200 cm or more supports evergreen forests.
b) The eastern slopes of the Western Ghats, which lie in the rain shadow, have deciduous forests instead.

Q.10 Explain the fauna of Himalayan regions.

Answer:
1. In the montane forests, the common animals are the Kashmir stag, spotted deer, wild sheep, jack rabbits, squirrels, bear and red panda.
2. In the alpine grasslands, the common animals are the Tibetan antelope, the yak, the shaggy-horned wild ibex and the snow leopard.
3. The Himalayan region also has sheep and goats with thick hair, and the bharal (blue sheep) and kiang in Ladakh.

Teacher's Note:
a) The animals are adapted to cold climates, with thick hair or horns.
b) The nomadic tribes such as the Gujjars and Bakarwals graze their animals in these areas.

Q.11 Mention some characteristics of mangrove tidal forests.

Answer:
1. They are found in coastal areas where mud and silt have accumulated.
2. They are dense forests, and the roots of the plants are submerged under water.
3. They are found in the deltas of the Ganga, Mahanadi, Godavari and Kaveri.

Teacher's Note:
a) The Sundarbans is the largest mangrove forest in India.
b) Mangrove forests protect the coast from erosion and storms.

Q.12 Write short notes on the tropical rain forests.

Answer:
1. These forests are found in areas with an annual rainfall of 200 cm or more, and high temperature.
2. The trees are evergreen, reach a height of 60 metres and above, and yield hardwood.
3. They are found in the rainy parts of the Western Ghats, Assam, West Bengal, Lakshadweep, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Orissa.
4. Ebony, mahogany, rosewood and shisham are important trees.
5. A large number of species grow together, which makes commercial use of any one variety difficult.

Teacher's Note:
a) Rain forests are the densest and most diverse forests in India.
b) Mixed species growth is the main difficulty in commercial forestry.

Q.13 Mention any four features of thorn forests.

Answer:
1. These forests are found in areas with less than 70 cm of rainfall annually.
2. They are found in the north-western parts of India, including the semi-arid areas of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana.
3. The trees are short, stunted and scattered, and have thorns.
4. Acacia (babul), date palm, euphorbias and cactus grow here, along with shrubs and grasses.

Teacher's Note:
a) The thorns and small leaves help the plants save water.
b) Goats, camels, wild asses and wolves are common animals of these forests.

Q.14 Write any three objectives of biosphere reserves.

Answer:
1. To conserve the flora and fauna and the genetic diversity of an area.
2. To provide areas for research, monitoring and education about the natural environment.
3. To allow the sustainable use of natural resources by the local people.

Teacher's Note:
a) Biosphere reserves protect the whole ecosystem, not only a single species.
b) They are included in a world network of biosphere reserves.

Q.15 What is meant by vegetation ? How much natural is the ‘Natural vegetation’ of India today ?

Answer:
1. Vegetation is the plant community of a region.
2. Natural vegetation is the vegetation which grows without human aid. Today, only a small part of India's natural vegetation remains in its original form, because large areas have been cleared for agriculture, settlements and industries.

Teacher's Note:
a) Deforestation is the main reason for the loss of natural vegetation.
b) Protected forests and national parks help preserve the remaining natural vegetation.

C. LONG ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS

Q.1 How are forests useful to man ?

Answer:
1. Forests are renewable resources, which enhance the quality of the environment.
2. They provide timber, fuel, fodder, medicines and other products, and support a variety of industries.
3. They modify the local climate, control wind force and temperature, and cause rainfall.
4. They control soil erosion, regulate stream flow and provide humus to the soil.
5. They provide livelihood to many communities and offer scenic views for recreation.
6. They provide shelter to wild life.

Teacher's Note:
a) Forests protect the soil and water resources of an area.
b) Forests support both the economy and the environment.
c) Careful use of forests keeps them available for future generations.

Q.2 Why has India a rich heritage of flora and fauna ?

Answer:
1. India has varied land forms, such as the Himalayas, the plains, the plateau and the coasts, which give different habitats.
2. Different types of soil support different vegetation, from mangroves to dry thorn forests.
3. Temperature changes with altitude, from tropical to alpine, which supports different plants and animals.
4. Rainfall varies from more than 200 cm in the Western Ghats to less than 70 cm in the north-west, which gives dense and sparse vegetation.
5. India has about 47,000 plant species and about 89,000 animal species, which makes it one of the twelve mega biodiversity countries.

Teacher's Note:
a) The combination of land, soil, temperature, sunlight and precipitation creates the rich diversity.
b) This diversity is a national heritage that needs protection.

Q.3 Give a brief account of the wild life in India.

Answer:
1. India has more than 89,000 species of animals, 1,200 species of birds and 2,500 species of fish.
2. Elephants are found in Assam, Karnataka and Kerala, and the one-horned rhinoceros in Assam and West Bengal.
3. Wild asses and camels are found in the Rann of Kachchh and the Thar desert.
4. Lions are found in the Gir forest in Gujarat, and tigers in Madhya Pradesh, the Sundarbans and the Himalayan region.
5. The Himalayan region has the yak, the Tibetan antelope, the bharal, the wild sheep and the kiang.
6. Turtles, crocodiles and gharials are found in rivers, lakes and coastal areas, and many species of birds are found in forests and wetlands.

Teacher's Note:
a) India is the only country that has both tigers and lions in the wild.
b) Wild life needs protection from hunting, habitat loss and pollution.

D. MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS

Q.1 Dachigam wild life sanctuary is in ..............
(A) Jammu and Kashmir
(B) Punjab
(C) Haryana
(D) Assam

Answer: (A) Jammu and Kashmir

1. Dachigam wild life sanctuary is near Srinagar, in Jammu and Kashmir.
2. Hence, the correct option is (A).

Teacher's Note:
a) Dachigam is known for the Kashmir stag (hangul).
b) Punjab, Haryana and Assam are not in the Himalayan region of Kashmir.

Q.2 Name the national bird of India ..........
(A) Great Indian Bustard
(B) Peacock
(C) Monal
(D) Falcon

Answer: (B) Peacock

1. The peacock is the national bird of India.
2. Hence, the correct option is (B).

Teacher's Note:
a) The Great Indian Bustard is a protected bird under a separate project.
b) The monal is a Himalayan bird and the falcon is a bird of prey.

Q.3 Name the national animal of India -
(A) Tiger
(B) Lion
(C) Leopard
(D) Rhinoceros

Answer: (A) Tiger

1. The tiger is the national animal of India.
2. Hence, the correct option is (A).

Teacher's Note:
a) The lion is not the national animal of India; the Asiatic lion of the Gir forest is a protected species.
b) The tiger is found in many forests, including the Sundarbans.

Q.4 .............. type of vegetation is found in the region having more than 200 cm of rainfall.
(A) Evergreen Forest
(B) Tidal
(C) Thorn Forest
(D) Dry deciduous

Answer: (A) Evergreen Forest

1. Evergreen forests (tropical rain forests) are found where the rainfall is 200 cm or more.
2. Hence, the correct option is (A).

Teacher's Note:
a) Thorn forests are found where the rainfall is less than 70 cm.
b) Dry deciduous forests get 70 cm to 100 cm of rainfall.

Q.5 What was the first form of life that existed on the earth ?
(A) Plant
(B) Animal
(C) Human beings
(D) All the above

Answer: (A) Plant

1. The first forms of life on Earth were simple, single-celled organisms, similar to the early algae and bacteria.
2. Among the options, plants are the closest to these early forms of life, so the correct option is (A).

Teacher's Note:
a) Animals and human beings appeared much later in the history of life.
b) Early single-celled algae are regarded as plant-like forms.

Q.6 Name an important tree of moist decidous forest -
(A) Sal
(B) Teak
(C) Pine
(D) Silver fer

Answer: (A) Sal

1. Sal is an important tree of moist deciduous forests, along with shisham and sandalwood.
2. Teak is a tree of dry deciduous forests, so option (B) is not the answer for moist deciduous forests.
3. Hence, the correct option is (A).

Teacher's Note:
a) The printed key shows option (B) Teak; the correct answer is (A) Sal, because teak is the main tree of dry deciduous forests.
b) Pine and silver fir are trees of the temperate and montane forests.

Q.7 Sunderban forest get its name from the -
(A) Sundari trees
(B) Teak
(C) Sal
(D) Pine

Answer: (A) Sundari trees

1. The Sundarbans, in the Ganga delta, is named after the Sundari trees which grow there.
2. Hence, the correct option is (A).

Teacher's Note:
a) Sundari is a mangrove tree.
b) The Sundarbans is a biosphere reserve and a home of the Royal Bengal tiger.

Q.8 How many species of birds are known ?
(A) 1800
(B) 1500
(C) 1000
(D) 1200

Answer: (D) 1200

1. The notes state that India has 1,200 species of birds, which is 13% of the world total.
2. Hence, the correct option is (D).

Teacher's Note:
a) Birds are found in forests as well as in wetlands.
b) Keep the figures 1,200 birds, 2,500 fish and 89,000 animals in mind for exams.

Q.9 How many species of plants are there ?
(A) 40,000
(B) 42000
(C) 47000
(D) 50,000

Answer: (C) 47000

1. India has about 47,000 plant species.
2. Hence, the correct option is (C).

Teacher's Note:
a) India ranks tenth in the world and fourth in Asia in plant diversity.
b) About 15,000 of these are flowering plants.

Q.10 Which natural vegetation is most predominant in India -
(A) Tropical deciduous
(B) Tropical Rain
(C) Tropical thorn
(D) None of these

Answer: (A) Tropical deciduous

1. Tropical deciduous forests cover the largest area of India among the natural vegetation types.
2. Hence, the correct option is (A).

Teacher's Note:
a) Tropical rain forests are found in much smaller areas.
b) Many tropical deciduous forests have been cleared for cultivation.

Q.11 How many species of animals does India possess ?
(A) 70,000
(B) 80.000
(C) 75000
(D) 89000

Answer: (D) 89000

1. The notes state that India has more than 89,000 species of animals.
2. Hence, the correct option is (D).

Teacher's Note:
a) The option printed as "80.000" is a typing error for 80,000, which is not the correct figure.
b) The 13% share of the world total mentioned in the notes refers to birds, not to all animals.

Q.12 What is India rank in the world in plant diversity ?
(A) 7
(B) 9
(C) 10
(D) 12

Answer: (C) 10

1. India occupies the tenth place in the world in plant diversity.
2. Hence, the correct option is (C).

Teacher's Note:
a) India is also fourth in Asia in plant diversity.
b) India is one of the twelve mega biodiversity countries.

Q.13 How many tiger reserves are there at present ?
(A) 10
(B) 17
(C) 20
(D) 24

Answer: (B) 17

1. The answer is taken from the figure given in the textbook of this period, which is 17 tiger reserves.
2. Hence, the correct option is (B).

Teacher's Note:
a) The number of tiger reserves has grown a great deal since then, and India now has more than 50 tiger reserves.
b) Check the latest figure from the National Tiger Conservation Authority for current exams.

Q.14 Where are wild asses are found in India ?
(A) Rajasthan
(B) Punjab
(C) Haryana
(D) Uttar Pradesh

Answer: (A) Rajasthan

1. Wild asses are found in the arid areas of the Rann of Kachchh and the Thar desert.
2. The Thar desert lies in Rajasthan, so the correct option is (A).

Teacher's Note:
a) The wild ass is an animal of the arid and semi-arid regions.
b) Camels and wolves are also found in the Thar desert region.

Q.15 How many species of fish are known ?
(A) 2000
(B) 2500
(C) 1500
(D) 3000

Answer: (B) 2500

1. The notes state that there are 2,500 species of fish in India, which accounts for 12% of the world stock.
2. Hence, the correct option is (B).

Teacher's Note:
a) Fish are found in fresh water as well as marine waters.
b) Fish provide nutritious food for many people.