WBBSE Solutions For Class 10 Geography Chapter 5 India-Physical Environment Topic 6 Natural Vegetation Of India

Chapter 5 India-Physical Environment Topic 6 Natural Vegetation Of India Long Answer Type Questions

Question 1. Classify the natural vegetation of India. OR, Discuss the distribution and characteristics of any two types of natural vegetation region of India.
Answer:

Natural vegetation of India is broadly classified into five categories—

Type of vegetation	Distribution	Characteristics	Species	Uses
Tropical evergreen forest	Andaman and Nicobar islands, the western slope of the Western Ghats, hilly regions of the north-east, Dooars region of West Bengal.	1.  Trees do not shed their leaves together due to the presence of sufficient moisture in the air. 2.  Trees grow close to each other. 3.  The forest soil remains moist throughout the year. 4. The thick canopy of leaves prevents sunlight from reaching the forest floor. 5. The trees are very tall and branched. 6. The trunks are very strong and the leaves are broad.	Garjan, mahogany, rosewood, ironwood, rubber, etc.	The trees of these forests are not used much for economic purposes. The hard timber is used to make railway sleepers, and also in construction works.
Tropical deciduous forest	Plains of Assam, plains and plateaus of West Bengal, Chota-Nagpur plateau, Odisha, foothills of Himalayas, Bihar, eastern slope of Western Ghats, Uttar Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.	1. The trees shed their leaves together in the dry winter season. 2. The trees of the same species exist together in the forests. 3. The forests are less dense than evergreen forests. 4.  The timber is hard and economically valuable. 5. The trees are not too long and are heavily branched at the top. 6. The annual growth rings can be prominently seen in the trees. 7. Collecting timber from these forests is the most viable.	Sal, teak, mahua, mango, jackfruit, banyan, peepal, Palash, etc.	The timber is used for making types of furniture, doors, windows, boats, ships, bridges, and other constructional works. The thin branches and twigs are used for firewood and fuel.
Tropical desert vegetation	Rajasthan, Kachchh and Kathiawar are peninsular of Gujarat, a rain shadow area of the Deccan plateau.	1. The vegetation is very sparsely spread. 2. The leaves are modified into thorns due to a lack of water. 3. The roots are very long so as to absorb water from deep underground. 4. The plants are thorny and bushy. 5. Some plants have fleshy stems covered with a waxy material.	Cactus, acacia, babool, date palm, etc.	There is no economic use for these plants, except that they are used as fuel.
Mountain forest	1. Central and South India-Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats, Nilgiri, Vindhya, Satpura, Mahadeo and Mahakal ranges. 2. Himalayan region-The eastern region has more forest cover than the western region.	The trees are evergreen and found at an altitude of 1000-1500m. Above it, there are wet temperate forests.	Magnolia, laurel, elm, cinchona, etc.	Used for building houses, making furniture, firewood, medicines, etc.
		2. In Eastern Himalayas, evergreen trees grow up to an altitude of 2000m. The forest is mostly of mixed type from 1000-2500 m. Coniferous forests are seen from 2500-4000m. Beyond this, Alpine vegetation is found. 1. Pine forests are found in Western Himalayas at 1000-2000 m.	Deodar, oak, maple, birch, fir, spruce, willow, etc.	Pulp for making paper, matchstick, cardboard, boats, houses, furniture, etc.
Mangrove forest	Delta regions of the rivers Ganga, Mahanadi, 3odavari, (Krishna, and Kaveri.	1. The trees are low in height. 2. The leaves are thick. 3. They have breathing roots. 4. The leaves are covered with a waxy coating.	Sundari, garan, gewa, hetal, hogla, etc.	Sundari trees are used to make boats. Hogla and Kolkata are used for thatching huts. These forests also yield products like wax, honey, firewood, etc.

 

Read and Learn Also WBBSE Solutions for Class 10 Geography and Environment

 

Question 2.  Why is the conservation of forests necessary in India?
Answer:

According to environmentalists, about l/3rd of the land must be covered with forests or natural vegetation.

The necessity of conservation of forests in India is as follows—

1. Maintain ecological balance: The levels of pollution and environmental degradation are increasing rapidly. It is essential to conserve forests in order to maintain the ecological balance.

2. Prevent global warming: The forest cover adds up a lot of humidity to the atmosphere, which causes rainfall. This keeps the climate of forest regions moderate. However, deforestation and pollutants in the atmosphere increase the temperature of the atmosphere considerably. More trees must be planted and forests must be created to control this situation in order to reduce global warming.

3. Prevent drought and soil erosion: Lack of forests leads to a lack of humidity and reduces the chances of rainfall. This induces the occurrence of droughts. The soil left open and exposed due to deforestation is prone to high levels of erosion.

4. Prevent desertification: Regular droughts and continuous felling of trees may lead to the spread of deserts in arid, semi-arid and adjacent areas. Planting trees and creating forests help to prevent desertification.

5. Maintain a supply of forest products: Forests provide valuable resources like wood, honey, medicinal plants, wax, etc. Hence, forests must be conserved in order to maintain the regular supply of these forest products.

Question 3. Discuss the uses of forests in India.
Answer:

The uses of forests in India are as follows—

1. Fuel and firewood: Most of the wood collected from forests is used as firewood and fuel for cooking.

2. Saw wood: The hard and strong timber is sawn in mills in order to make furniture, doors, windows, houses, boats, ships, railway sleepers, train compartments, parts of buses and trucks, etc. Sports equipment like bats, wickets, bells, etc. are also manufactured from wood.

3. Other forest resources: Coniferous trees like pine yield resins. Forests also yield several medicinal plants, perfumed flowers, spices like cardamom, cinnamon, clove, bay leaves, etc., as well as several fruits and berries. About 275 million people in India are dependent on forests. About 2% of the country’s national income is derived from forests.

4. Indirect uses: Forests help to prevent soil erosion, increase soil fertility and prevent the spread of deserts. They help to maintain the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. They help to reduce environmental pollution and maintain ecological balance. They also promote tourism and contribute to the economic development of the country.

Question 4. How is the distribution of natural vegetation in India influenced by the climate? Or, Discuss the distribution of evergreen and deciduous monsoon forests in India.

Answer: The distribution of natural vegetation in India is influenced by the temperature, rainfall, humidity, wind direction, sunlight, etc. of the region.

Depending on these factors, natural vegetation in India is classified into five types—

1. Tropical evergreen forests
2. Tropical deciduous forests
3. Tropical desert vegetation
4. Mountain forests and
5. Mangrove forests.

1. Tropical evergreen forests:

1. The tropical evergreen forests or rainforests grow in regions having an average annual temperature of 27 C and annual rainfall of over 200cm.
2. The trees are 30-35 m tall and are highly branched at the top. The broad leaves create a canopy that prevents sunlight from reaching the forest floor.
3. Trees shed their leaves turn by turn, so the forest never looks bare.
4. The timber is heavy, strong and hard.
5. Trees transpire a lot of water leading to too much humidity and the formation of clouds
6. The forest floor is always moist and full of bushes, shrubs and weeds due to heavy rainfall.

2. Tropical deciduous forests:

1. These forests grow in regions where the annual rainfall is 100-150 cm.
2. Rainfall is seasonal, and the trees shed their leaves in the dry season. Hence, they are called deciduous trees.
3. The timber is hard and heavy.
4. Trees are of medium height and the forests are not as dense as evergreen forests.

3. Tropical desert vegetation:

1. This type of vegetation is found in regions receiving 50-75 cm annual rainfall.
2. The trees are short and bushy and scattered here and there.
3. The leaves are modified into thorns to reduce transpiration.
4. The roots are very deep so as to reach the deep underground water table.
5. The stems are often modified into fleshy green parts which are protected with a waxy coating.
6. These plants are also known as xerophytes.

4. Mountain forests:

1. Different types of vegetation are seen on mountains at different altitudes. The foothills usually have evergreen forests up to about 1000m altitude. Deciduous and mixed forests are found at 1000-1500m altitudes.
2. Coniferous forests are found at about 2000-4000m altitudes. Above this altitude, Alpine vegetation is found. Beyond this level, the vegetative cover gradually disappears
3. The wood of these trees is generally soft and used for the construction of houses, furniture, doors, windows, etc.
4. The leaves of coniferous trees are thin and needle-shaped so that snow can slip down and not cover up the tree.
5. The trees are usually very tall and have very thin and small branches.

5. Mangrove forests:

1. The mangrove forests are found in the delta regions of rivers Ganga, Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna and Kaveri.
2. The trees are short and have breathing roots, and stilt roots to help them survive in the saline and wet soil of the coastal region.
3. The leaves are coated with a waxy material.

 

Chapter 5 India-Physical Environment Topic 6 Natural Vegetation Of India Short Explanatory Anser Type Questions

Question 1. Discuss the influence of climate, relief and soil on the natural vegetation of a region.
Answer:

The influence of climate, relief and soil on the natural vegetation of a region are as follows—

1. Evergreen forests grow in regions which receive sufficient rainfall and have hot and humid climates throughout the year.
2. Deciduous forests grow in regions where the summers are hot and wet and the winters are
   cool and dry.
3. Thorny vegetation is seen in desert or arid regions.
4. Grasslands are found in regions of low rainfall.
5. Coniferous forests are found in mountainous and cold regions.
6. Hydrophytes grow in wetlands.
7. Mangrove trees are found in the coastal regions where the soil is saline.
8. Podzol soil is suitable for coniferous trees to grow.
9. Grasslands grow best in chernozem soil.
10. Tropical deciduous forests grow best in red soil and lateritic soil.

Question 2. Classify the natural vegetation of India
Answer:

The natural vegetation of India can be classified into five regions, based on the temperature, rainfall and altitude of the region.

1. Evergreen forests: Example—Arjun, garjan, sishu, etc.
2. Tropical deciduous forests: Example- Sal, teak, mahua, etc.
3. Desert vegetation: Example—Cactus, babool, date palm, etc.
4.  Mountainous forests: Example— Pine, fir, cedar, etc.
5. Mangrove forests: Example—Sundari, Garan, news, etc.

Question 3. Write a short note on the mangrove forests found in the coastal regions of India. OR, What are the characteristics of mangrove trees?
Answer:

The mangrove forests found in the coastal regions of India

The forests that grow in the lower deltaic region of rivers, where the soil is saline, are called mangrove forests. The Sundarbans located in the southern part of the Ganga delta is the largest mangrove forest in India as well as in the world.

Mangroves are also found in the deltas of rivers Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri and the Andaman and Nicobar islands.

Characteristics:

1. Mangrove trees have breathing roots that help them to breathe from the atmosphere.
2. The trees have supporting roots called stilt roots, buttress roots, etc., that help them to stand erect in the soft, wet soil of the coastal region.
3. The constant influence of tides keeps the soil of the mangrove forests wet and saline.
4. The trees are evergreen due to the availability of water in the soil throughout the year
5. The trunks of the trees are strong and hard to bear the climatic and soil conditions.
6.  Viviparous germination is common in mangrove forests i.e. the new plants germinate from the buds of the trees, while they are still attached to the tree.

 

Species: Sundari, Garan, gewa, holla, Kolkata, etc. are common mangrove trees.

Use:

1. The timber of mangrove trees is very strong. They are used in making cartwheels, boats, ploughs, pillars of thatched houses, etc.
2. The forests are a source of products like honey, wax, medicines, etc.

Question 4. Discuss the coniferous forests in India.
Answer:

The coniferous forests in India

Location: The coniferous forests in India are located in snow-covered or cold climatic regions. In the Eastern Himalayas, coniferous forests lie at an altitude of 2500-4000 m while in the Western Himalayas, they are found at an altitude of 2000-3200m.

Characteristics:

1. The trees of coniferous forests are of medium height.
2. The trees are conical in shape with thin and small branches.
3. The leaves are needle-shaped, which helps the snow roll down, thus not covering up the tree.
4. The trees yield softwood.

Species: Pine, fir, spruce, birch, silver pine, laurel, etc., are common coniferous trees.

Use: The coniferous trees are a very important raw material for the paper industry. But they are less utilised in India, as they are difficult to be acquired from the rugged Himalayan region.

Question 5. Classify the natural vegetation of the Himalayan region.
Answer:

The type of natural vegetation found in the Himalayan region keeps on changing with the increase in altitude.

They can be classified as follows-

 

Type of vegetation	Regional distribution	Main species	Causes of formation
1. Evergreen forests	Foothills of Eastern Himalayas at an altitude of 1000-2000m.	Shishu, chaplas, garjan, etc.	Temperatures around 30°C and rainfall above 200cm induce the formation of such forests.
2. Mixed forests	1000-2500m in Eastern Himalayas, 500-2000m in Western Himalayas.	Poplar, oak, maple, birch, laurel, etc.	Temperature reduces with the rise in altitude. Hence, mixed forests of temperate evergreen and temperate deciduous trees are found.
3. Coniferous forests	2500-4000m in Eastern Himalayas, 2000-3000m in Western Himalayas.	Pine, fir, spruce, laurel, etc.	Snowfall and severe cold have caused modifications in the trees. Trees with conical shapes and thin needle-shaped leaves have grown here.
4. Alpine forest	Above 3000 m up to 4500m in the Western Himalayas. Also found in Eastern Himalayas.	Juniper, larch, rhododendron, etc.	These trees grow in the spring season when the snow melts and the soil is exposed for a few months.

 

Question 6. Why are mangrove forests found in delta regions?
Answer:

The reasons for which mangrove forests are found in delta regions are—

1. The soft saline soil makes it difficult for plants to breathe. Mangrove trees have separate breathing roots that help them to survive in saline and wet soil.

2. The constant tidal effects make it difficult for the trees to stand erect in the soft soil. Mangrove trees have stilt and buttress roots that help them to stand erect.

3. The water-logged conditions may spoil or damage the seeds of plants and hamper germination. But the mangrove trees undergo viviparous germination, where new plants germinate from seeds and buds of the mother tree before they fall in the water or get damaged or float away.

Question 7. Where wet evergreen forests are found in India? State its characteristics.
Answer:

In India, wet evergreen forests are found in the western slope of the Western Ghats, the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas, and hilly regions of the northeast in the Garo, Khasi and Jaintia hills.

Characteristics:

1. Evergreen trees grow in India in regions having an average annual temperature of 27°C and annual rainfall of above 200 cm.
2. The trees remain evergreen due to adequate water available from the heavy rainfall.
3. The hot and humid climate leads to the fast and dense growth of the forest.
4. The trees are very tall and highly branched at the top.
5.  The forest floor is covered with bushes, creepers and weeds. 6. Orchids and other symbiotic plants grow on the trunks of large trees.

Question 8. What do you understand by social forestry?
Answer:

Social forestry

The afforestation of barren lands and deforested areas in order to bring about environmental, rural and social development is known as ‘Social forestry’.

The term ‘Social forestry’ was first used in India in the year 1977 by the National Commission on Agriculture, Government of India.

Regions are suitable for practising social forestry—

1. Broken banks of rivers and canals.
2. Barren lands along railway lines or highways.
3. Banks of ponds and lakes.
4. Barren lands beside mining areas.
5. Wastelands in the outskirts of towns and cities.
6. Vacant land behind schools, temples, mosques, etc.

Aim:

1. Using barren and fallow lands to increase the production of timber.
2. Maintaining the ecological balance of the environment.
3. Prevent soil erosion.
4. Increase in production of fruits and vegetables and other plants that are economically important.
5. Increase the supply of fuel wood and other forest products.
6. Create job opportunities for unskilled workers.

Species:

Neem, eucalyptus, bamboo, babool, acacia, etc., are mainly grown on barren and fallow lands.

Question 9. Discuss the characteristic features of the tropical desert vegetation.
Answer:

The trees that grow in hot desert regions are called xerophytes.

The characteristic features of tropical desert vegetation are—

Characteristics:

1. The xerophytes have very long roots that help to absorb water from deep underground.
2. The plants have modified leaves called thorns.
3. Some plants have small leaves, so minimal moisture is lost from the leaf’s surfaces.
4. The stems are modified into green fleshy structures that are covered with a layer of waxy material.
5. The stems of the plants are often hairy.
6. The plants lie far away from one another i.e., they are scattered here and there.
7. The flowers of these plants are of bright colours and emit a strong smell in order to attract insects and animals to help in pollination.

Question 10. Why do different types of forests lie in different parts of the Himalayan mountains?
Answer:

Natural vegetation is dependent on the climatic conditions, soil and relief of a region.

The causes of the growth of different types of forests in different parts of the Himalayan mountains are as follows—

1. Altitude: The climatic conditions of the Himalayan region are different at different altitudes. With the rise in altitude, the temperature reduces. Rainfall patterns also change. Hence, the type of vegetation goes on changing with the increase in altitude.

2. Rainfall and humidity: Rainfall is not evenly distributed along the mountainous region of the Himalayas. The southwest monsoon winds hit the eastern Himalayas first and provide much more rainfall there compared to the western Himalayas. Thus, different types of trees are found at the same altitude in the Eastern and Western Himalayas.

3. Latitude: The Western Himalayas lie at a higher latitude than the Eastern Himalayas. Hence, the western region is colder than the eastern region and has different types of forests.

Question 12. What are evergreen forests? Where are they found in India?
Answer:

Evergreen forests

The forests where all the trees do not shed their leaves together in any particular season, are called evergreen forests. The forests appear green throughout the year because the trees shed their leaves turn by turn and do not make the forest bare at any time of the year. These forests grow in regions having rainfall above 200 cm.

The soil always remains wet, and hence trees do not need to shed leaves in a season to prevent loss of water through transpiration. The trees found in these forests are Shishu, garden, rosewood, ironwood, etc.

Location: In India, evergreen forests are found in the Terai region at the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas, hilly regions of Assam, the western slope of Western Ghats, Andaman and Nicobar island, the southern slope of Garo, Khasi and Jaintia hills, etc.

Question 13. Why are deciduous trees called so?
Answer:

The trees that grow in regions where rainfall occurs in a particular season, are called deciduous trees. As water is not available in all seasons, the trees shed their leaves in the dry season in order to minimise transpiration and loss of water. Thus, they are called deciduous trees (trees that shed their leaves in dry seasons).

Question 14. Write three characteristics of tropical evergreen forests.
Answer:

Three characteristics of tropical evergreen forests are—

1. The tropical evergreen forests grow where the average annual temperature is around 27°C and rainfall is more than 200 cm.
2. The trees grow as tall as 30-35m. They are heavily branched at the top and the leaves interweave to form a canopy.
3. The trees shed some amount of leaves throughout the year and also transpire huge amounts of water that help to form clouds and cause rainfall.

Question 15. Why do evergreen forests grow in the Andaman and Nicobar islands and the western slope of the Western Ghats?
Answer:

Both the Andaman and Nicobar islands and the western slope of the Western Ghats receive an annual average rainfall of over 200 cm, and the average temperature is 25°-27°C. Hot and wet climate prevails in both regions. Thus, evergreen forests are found in these regions.

Question 16. Why are thorny bushes found on the eastern slope of the Western Ghats?
Answer:

Although the western slope of the Western Ghats receives heavy rainfall the eastern slope lies in the rainshadow area and receives only about 20-25 cm of annual rainfall. Thus, the natural vegetation found here is thorny, bushy and not at all dense.

Question 17. Why are breathing roots seen in mangrove trees?
Answer:

The mangrove trees grow in the wet saline soil of the delta regions. The soil of this region is clayey and the pore spaces between the soil particles are very small.

Thus, they always remain clogged with water due to the influence of tides. Very little air is present in the soil, which is insufficient for the trees to survive. Thus, modified roots called breathing roots to develop in mangrove trees, which help the trees to breathe directly from the atmosphere and survive.

Question 18. What is the importance of natural vegetation in the environment?
Answer:

Natural vegetation is important for the environment because of the following reasons—

1. Natural vegetation helps to maintain a balance between the oxygen and carbon dioxide present in the atmosphere.
2. The vegetative cover helps to control soil erosion.
3. The natural vegetation influences the climate of the region to a great extent. The level of humidity, the possibility of rainfall and the temperature of the region is influenced by the vegetative cover.
4. The vegetative cover helps to prevent desertification.
5. Natural vegetation helps to maintain the ecological balance of the environment.
6. We get products like wood, honey, wax, medicines, etc., from the forests.
7. The diversity of species of plants as well as animals is maintained by forests.

Question 18. Mention the factors that have posed a threat to the forest cover of India.
Answer:

The total forest and tree cover in India is about 24.16% of the total land surface. Thus, it is necessary to conserve forests.

The factors posing a threat to the forest cover of India are—

1. Illegal felling of trees, exploitation of forest resources and poaching of animals: In India, every year huge number of trees are cut illegally. Also, the poaching of wild animals has reduced their numbers considerably.

2. Conversion of forest lands into agricultural plots: Due to the rapid increase in population and high demand for food grains, the forests are being cut off and converted to agricultural plots. Thus, forest cover is gradually reducing.

3. Forest fires and pest attacks: Large tracts of vegetal cover are destroyed every year due to forest fires and pest attacks on the trees. The Forest Department of India has not found an effective solution to this problem.

Question 19. Why has the timber industry not developed much in India?
Answer:

Although India has forest covers in many regions, the timber industry is not yet developed here due to the following reasons—

1. Dense forest: The predominant type of forest found in India is tropical deciduous forests. These forests are very dense and difficult to exploit. Choosing trees of a particular species is also difficult. Hence, the yield of timber is quite low.

2. Hardwood: The major portion of the forests in India are evergreen and tropical deciduous forests. These forests yield hardwood, which is difficult to cut and too heavy to be brought out of the forests. The amount of coniferous forests is very less in India. Thus, the economic exploitation of softwood for various purposes is very low.

3. Number of species: In tropical deciduous forests various species of trees grow together. So, it is difficult to identify any one species of tree and cut them down and carry them out of the forest.

4. Humid climate: The climate of India mostly remains hot and wet. Such a climate is not suitable for cutting down trees. The forest floor mostly remains wet and covered with weeds, which makes the felling and dragging of trees out of the forests quite difficult.

5. Lack of facilities: Lack of proper transportation facilities, technology for scientific exploitation and infrastructure of trade and commerce intensifies the above-mentioned problems.

Question 20. How should forests be conserved in India?
Answer:

In the year 2013, the total vegetative cover of the Indian landmass was about 24.16% of the total land surface. However, it is necessary to have at least 33% of forest cover over the total land surface. So, the conservation of forests is very necessary for India.

The steps taken up for the conservation of forests in India are—

1. Prevention of uncontrolled and unscientific deforestation: Uncontrolled and unnecessary felling of trees must be stopped. Felling of trees must be done keeping in mind the ecological balance of the environment.

2. Prevention of felling of immature trees: It must be made sure that immature trees are not cut off. This reduces the longevity of the trees. Only old and mature trees should be felled.

3. Substitute of firewood: In India, deforestation is carried out mainly for the collection of firewood. The use of substitute fuels like biogas, dung cake, solar energy, electric oven, etc., will reduce the use of firewood. Thus, the felling of trees can be reduced.

4. Controlling forest fires: A huge amount of forests are destroyed every year due to forest fires. Preventive measures must be taken to control forest fires so that forests do not get destroyed in this manner.

5. Preventing uncontrolled grazing of animals: Forests and grasslands may get permanently destroyed due to uncontrolled grazing of animals. The animals may damage or eat away the newly planted saplings, thus destroying forests indirectly.

6. Afforestation and reforestation: The regions where forests have been felled can be reforested and new forests can be created. Afforestation of fallow and barren land with the help of irrigation, advanced farming techniques and organic fertilisers helps to increase total forest cover.

7. Human participation: Man is responsible directly or indirectly for deforestation and the felling of trees. Thus, it is very essential to change his outlook and act responsibly. The ‘Joint Forest Management’ programme has been adopted; in order to keep an eye on the forest development programmes.

8. Treating diseased plants: The trees of a forest may be attacked by pests and harmful bacteria. This may decay the trees or reduce their longevity. Thus, the diseased trees must be treated in time.

9. Awareness programmes: The people of India must be made aware of the idea of afforestation. 5th June is celebrated annually as World Environment Day. Van Mahotsav and other programmes have been adopted with the aim of increasing the vegetative cover of India.

Question 21. Mention the steps taken for forest conservation in India,
Answer:

Forests are an important natural resource. However, they are being destroyed and damaged by reckless, unplanned and unscientific use. It is necessary to stop this destruction in order to prevent environmental degradation.

The steps taken for the conservation of forests in India are—

1. Planting of trees: Every year during the rainy season, a huge number of saplings are planted under various programmes of ‘Van Mahotsav’.
2. Forest Conservation Act: Several rules and regulations have been made for the conservation of forests and the Forest Conservation Act has been implemented since 1980.
3. Pesticides: Pesticides are used at regular intervals to save the forests from pest attacks and the decay of plants.
4. Preventing deforestation: Many steps have been taken to prevent unnecessary deforestation and the felling of immature trees.
5. Animal grazing: The grazing of animals has been prohibited in reserved forests and protected forests.
6. Research centres: The Forest Research Institute has been established at Dehradun to conduct various research regarding the betterment of forests.
7. Social and agricultural forestry: These programmes have been taken up to convert fallow and barren lands into forest lands.
8. Prohibiting jhum cultivation: Practices like jhum cultivation that severely destroy forests, have been prohibited.

 

Chapter 5 India-Physical Environment Topic 6 Natural Vegetation Of India Short Answer Type Questions

 

Question 1. What do you mean by natural vegetation?
Answer:

Natural vegetation

The vegetation growing naturally in a region under the influence of temperature, rainfall, humidity, soil type, and terrain prevalent in that region and without any human interference is called natural vegetation. The naturally growing vegetation is responsible for creating forests and grasslands.

Question 2. Where are evergreen trees found in India?
Answer:

Evergreen trees are found in those regions of India where annual rainfall is above 200 cm. E.g.—the Terai region of the Eastern Himalayas, hilly regions of Assam, the western slope of the Western Ghats, Andaman and Nicobar islands, etc.

Question 3. Where are wet deciduous forests found in India?
Answer:

The wet deciduous forests are found in India in the plains of Assam, the plateau region of Jharkhand, the eastern part of
Gangetic plains, plateau and plain region of West Bengal, plateau and coastal region of Odisha, parts of the Deccan plateau except the rainshadow area of the eastern slope of Western Ghats. The wet deciduous forests are also known as monsoon forests.

Question 4. Name some evergreen trees and mention their uses.
Answer:

Some evergreen trees are Shishu, Marjan, rubber, ironwood, etc.

Uses: The evergreen trees are very tall and produce very hard timber. So, they are used in making railway sleepers, furniture and also in construction works.

Question 5. Name a region in India where there is a high concentration of evergreen trees. What kind of climate prevails there?
Answer:

A high concentration of evergreen trees is found on the western slope of the Western Ghats. The climate prevailing there is a tropical monsoon climate.

Question 6. Where are temperate deciduous forests found in India?
Answer:

The temperate deciduous forests are found in the eastern Himalayas at an altitude of 1000-2500 m and in the Western Himalayas at an altitude of 500-2000 m. Some of the main trees found in these forests are—oak, maple, cedar, walnut, etc.

Question 7. In which region of India are coniferous trees found?
Answer:

In India, coniferous trees are found in the Eastern Himalayas at an altitude of 25004000m and in the Western Himalayas at an altitude of 2000-3200m.

Question 8. Name some deciduous trees and mention their uses.
Answer:

Some common deciduous trees are—sal, teak, simul, jarul, mahua, mango, banyan, peepal, neem, etc.

Uses:

1. The timber of these trees is used for making types of furniture, doors, windows and vehicle parts.
2. The branches and twigs are used as firewood in rural areas.
3. Lac insects are cultured on Palash and mahua trees for obtaining lac.

Question 9. Name the plants which are found in the desert region of India.
Answer:

The plants which are found in the desert region of India are—cacti, babool, thorny bushes, date palms and some grass.

Question 10. What is Alpine vegetation?
Answer:

Alpine vegetation

The vegetation found above 4000m in the Eastern Himalayas and 3200m in the Western Himalayas is known as Alpine vegetation. These plants have low height and their forest is not dense. Such plants are common in the Alpine region of Europe. Hence they are popularly known as Alpine vegetation. Examples—Juniper, hidden dragon, larch, some bushes and grass.

Question 11. Name two regions in India where mangrove forest is found.
Answer:

Mangrove forests in India are found in the Sundarbans lying in the southern part of the Ganga delta and the Bhitarkanika forest of Odisha.

Question 12. What do you mean by mangrove vegetation? OR, What kind of forest is found in the saline soil of the delta region?
Answer:

Mangrove vegetation

The special type of vegetation growing in the saline soil of the delta regions is called mangrove vegetation. The trees of the mangrove vegetation have breathing roots that help them to survive in the saline and soft moist soil. Some important species of mangrove vegetation are—Sundari, Garan, gewa, Hetal, etc.

The Sundarbans of the southern part of the Ganga delta is the largest mangrove forest in India. The Bhitarkanika forest of Odisha is the second-largest mangrove forest.

Question 13. Where mangrove forests are found in India?
Answer:

Mangrove forests are found in India in the delta regions of the Ganga, Mahanadi, Godavari, Kaveri and Krishna rivers. The Sundarbans located in the southern part of the Ganga delta is the largest mangrove forest in India.

Bhitarkanika forest in the delta of river Mahanadi in Odisha is the second largest mangrove forest in India.

Question 14. Where wet temperate forests are found in India?
Answer:

Wet temperate forests are found in the hilly regions of central and southern India at an altitude of 1500 m. Cinchona, elm, birch and laurel are common species of trees found in these forests.

Question 15. Name the places in India where forest research institutes are present.
Answer:

The main Forest Research Institute of India is located at Dehradun in Uttarakhand. The other institutes are located at Jodhpur in Rajasthan, Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh, Bengaluru in Karnataka, Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu, etc.

Question 16. What do you mean by agroforestry?
Answer:

Agroforestry

The practice of planting trees on or around agricultural fields on fallow or barren lands to create forests is called agroforestry. The trees are planted and maintained by the farmers in order to obtain wood, fruits, medicines, biotic fertilisers, etc.

Question 17. Why are the people of India encouraged to practice afforestation?
Answer:

The people of India are encouraged to practice afforestation because—

1. Forests help in causing rainfall.
2. Forests help to maintain the ecological balance of the environment. Felling trees in huge numbers may cause problems like floods, droughts, soil erosion, etc.
3. The minimum amount of forest cover needed on a land surface to maintain ecological balance is about 33%. India has a forest cover of only 24.16%. Hence, afforestation is necessary. Otherwise, the country will gradually turn into a desert.
4. Forests provide us with various useful products like timber, firewood, medicinal plants, lac, honey, etc.

Question 18. How does Jhum cultivation destroy forest cover?
Answer:

In Jhum cultivation, the forest land is burnt and cleared for agricultural purposes. Agriculture is carried out for 3-4 years on the plot, after which the fertility of the soil reduces considerably.

The plot fails to produce the expected amount of crops. Hence, a new forest is cut off and land is cleared for agriculture. This way Jhum cultivation destroys the forest cover.

Chapter 5 India Physical Environment Topic 6 Natural Vegetation Of India Multiple Choice Type Questions

Write the correct answer from the given, alternatives

Question 1. Which of the following is an evergreen tree?

1. Garan
2. Teak
3. Kendu
4. Ironwood

Answer: 4. Ironwood

Question 2. Which type of vegetation is found in the Chotanagpur plateau?

1. Deciduous
2. Evergreen
3. Coniferous
4. Mangrove

Answer: 1. Deciduous

Question 3. Maximum forest area is found in the state of—

1. West Bengal
2. Madhya Pradesh
3. Sikkim
4. Assam

Answer: 2. Madhya Pradesh

Question 4. Mangrove forests are seen in—

1. Delta regions
2. Deserts
3. Mountains
4. Plains

Answer: 1. Delta regions

Question 5. Which type of vegetation is mostly found in India?

1. Evergreen
2. Mangrove
3. Deciduous
4. Coniferous

Answer: 3. Deciduous

Question 6. A common species of desert vegetation is—

1. Rhododendron
2. Cactus
3. Shishu
4. Mango

Answer: 2. Cactus

Question 7. Which type of vegetation is found in the rainshadow area of the Western Ghats?

1. Bushes and grass
2. Coniferous
3. Mangrove
4. Evergreen

Answer: 1. Bushes and grass

Question 8. Which of the following national parks lies in the southern region of West Bengal?

1. Jaldapara
2. Kanha
3. Kaziranga
4. Sundarban

Answer: 4. Sundarban

Question 9. A tree commonly found in the Indian desert is—

1. Shishu
2. Cactus
3. Popular
4. Mahogany

Answer: 2. Cactus

Question 10. Mangrove forests grow in—

1. Black soil
2. CD Saline soil
3. Laterite soil
4. Alluvial soil

Answer: 2. CD Saline soil

Question 11. The soil of evergreen forests always remains—

1. Dry
2. Moist
3. Sandy
4. Saline

Answer: 2. Moist

Question 12. Tall and conical trees are found in—

1. Sundarban
2. Deserts
3. Mountainous regions
4. Plateau regions

Answer: 3. Mountainous regions

Question 13. Natural vegetation is mostly influenced by—

1. Landform
2. Soil
3. Climate
4. Man

Answer: 3. Climate

Question 14. The largest mangrove forest in India lies in the—

1. Gangetic delta
2. Mahanadi delta
3. Godavari delta
4. Krishna delta

Answer: 1. Gangetic delta

Question 15. The vegetation found at the foothills of the Himalayas is—

1. Deciduous
2. Evergreen
3. Thorny bushes
4. Coniferous

Answer: 2. Evergreen

Question 16. The forests found over an altitude of 3000 4000m in the Himalayan range are—

1. Mixed forests
2. Deciduous forests
3. Alpine forests
4. Coniferous forests

Answer: 3. Alpine forests

Question 17. An important mangrove forest of India is—

1. Gorumara
2. Jaldapara
3. Bhitarkanika
4. Gir

Answer: 3. Bhitarkanika

Question 18. Presently, the total forest cover of India is about—

1. 6.40 lakh sq. km.
2. 6.98 lakh sq. km.
3. 640 lakh sq. km.
4. 2.60 lakh sq. km.

Answer: 2. 6.98 lacks sq. km.

Question 19. The predominant type of vegetation found in West Bengal is—

1. Evergreen
2. Coniferous
3. Wet Deciduous
4. Mangrove

Answer: 3. Wet Deciduous

Question 20. Xerophytic trees are mostly found in—

1. Deserts
2. Himalayan mountains
3. Deccan plateau
4. Coastal areas

Answer: 1. Deserts

Question 21. Sandalwood grows in—

1. Evergreen forests
2. Coniferous forests
3. Deciduous forests
4. Mangrove forests

Answer: 3. Deciduous forests

Question 22. The Forest Research Institute of India is located in—

1. Dehradun
2. Kolkata
3. Delhi
4. Cuttack

Answer: 1. Dehradun

Question 23. The term ‘Social forestry’ was first used in—

1. 1976
2. 1970
3. 1990
4. 2011

Answer: 1. 1976

Question 24. The friction of dry leaves and branches of trees in forests causes—

1. Rainfall
2. Forest fires
3. Landslides
4. Soil erosion

Answer: 2. Forest fires

Question 25. It is necessary to have at least forest cover on land.

1. 23%
2. 28%
3. 33%
4. 38%

Answer: 3. 33%

Question 26. Growing trees along with agricultural crops in barren or fallow lands is known as—

1. Social forestry
2. Agroforestry
3. Agriculture
4. Economic forestry

Answer: 2. Agroforestry

 

Chapter 5 India Physical Environment Topic 6 Natural Vegetation Of India If The Statement Is True.

Write True And If False Write False Against The Following

Question 1. ‘Babool’ is a xerophytic plant.
Answer: True

Question 2. Wood is the main source of fuel used in India for cooking.
Answer: True

Question 3. The eastern slope of the Western Ghats is covered with evergreen forests.
Answer: False

Question 4. The deciduous forests of India are also known as monsoon forests.
Answer: True

Question 5. The mangrove forest in the Ganga- Brahmaputra delta region is called Sundarban.
Answer: True

Question 6. Thorny bushes are found in desert regions.
Answer: True

Question 7. Mango, banyan, peepal, etc., are wet deciduous trees.
Answer: True

Question 8. The second largest mangrove forest of India is Bhitarkanika.
Answer: True

Question 9. Rosewood and ironwood are evergreen trees.
Answer: True

Question 10. The evergreen trees grow far from one another in the forest.
Answer: False

Question 11. Cactus and other thorny plants are seen in eastern Rajasthan.
Answer: False

Question 12. The deciduous trees shed their leaves in the rainy season.
Answer: True

Question 13. The tidal effects of the sea make the mangrove forests evergreen.
Answer: True

Question 14. Coniferous forests grow at the foothills of the Himalayas.
Answer: False

Question 15. Breathing roots are seen in desert vegetation.
Answer: False

Question 16. The soil in the desert region remains moist throughout the year.
Answer: False

Question 17. Evergreen forests grow in regions receiving an average annual rainfall of above 200 cm.
Answer: True

Question 18. The eastern Himalayas have more forest cover than the Western Himalayas.
Answer: True

Question 19. Evergreen trees are present in Shillong in Meghalaya.
Answer: False

Question 20. Rhododendron is an Alpine vegetation.
Answer: True

Question 21. Sundari is a coniferous tree.
Answer: False

Question 22. The natural vegetation of desert regions is called xerophytic vegetation.
Answer: True

Question 23. Forests help to control desertification.
Answer: True

Question 24. Lac is collected from teak trees.
Answer: False

Question 25. ‘Kash’ is a grass type of vegetation.
Answer: True

Question 26. The largest coniferous forest in India is found in Madhya Pradesh.
Answer: False

Question 27. The coniferous forests are found at a higher altitude than Alpine forests.
Answer: False

Question 28. Lush green bushes are found in desert regions.
Answer: False

Question 29. Deforestation helps to conserve forests.
Answer: False

Question 30. Trees and agricultural crops are grown together in agroforestry.
Answer: True

Question 31. The Forest Conservation Act was implemented in India in the year 1980.
Answer: True

Question 32. Forest fires may start due to friction between dry leaves and branches.
Answer: True

Question 33. Forests can be protected by practising social forestry.
Answer: True

Question 34. The use of sawn timber and wood is highest in India.
Answer: True

Question 35. ‘Van Mahotsav’ is celebrated all, over the world on 5th June.
Answer: False

Question 36. Forests do not encourage the growth of tourism.
Answer: False

Question 37. Agroforestry is another form of social forestry.
Answer: True

Question 38. The development of vegetative cover on barren and fallow lands help to reduce soil erosion.
Answer: True

Question 39. Tropical Evergreen forests are found in the states of Bihar and Chhattisgarh.
Answer: False

 

Chapter 5 Indian-Physical Environment Topic 6 Natural Vegetation Of India Fill In The Blanks With Suitable Words

Question 1. ______ Lac comes from that feed on the Indian plum and Kusum trees.
Answer: Lac in insects

Question 2. Silkworms are cultured on ______ trees.
Answer: Mulberry

Question 3. The western slope of Westen Ghats has ______ forests.
Answer: Evergreen

Question 4. The Sundarbans have been named after the ______ trees.
Answer: Sundari

Question 5. Breathing roots are found in the trees of ______ forests in India.
Answer: Mangrove

Question 6. The thorny plants of the desert region are called ______
Answer: Xerogrove

Question 7. Vegetation growing in a region depending on the climatic characteristics and landform of the region is called ______
Answer: Natural vegetation

Question 8. Coniferous trees grow best in ______ regions.
Answer: Mountainous

Question 9. Sabai grass grows in ______ forests.
Answer: Dry deciduous

Question 10. The mangrove vegetation in West Bengal is popularly known as ______
Answer: Sundarbans

Question 11. The largest mangrove forest in India is in the ______
Answer: Sundarbans

Question 12. The tropical deciduous forests of India are also known as ______
Answer: Monsoon Forests

Question 13. Pine and fir are examples of ______ trees.
Answer: Coniferous

Question 14. ______ type of vegetation is found in the rainshadow area of India.
Answer: Savannah

Question 15. Forest is a ______ resource.
Answer: Renewable

Question 16. Dates and palms are trees of ______ vegetation.
Answer: Desert

Question 17. The Dooars region of West Bengal comprises ______ forests.
Answer: Tropical evergreen

Question 18. The tropical evergreen trees can be as tall as ______ metre.
Answer: 60

Question 19. The ______ forests of India are maximum utilised economically.
Answer: Tropical deciduous

Question 20. About 80% of the Indian landmass was covered with forests in ______ B.C.
Answer: 3000

Question 21. The only floating forest in India is ______ in Manipur.
Answer: keibul lamjao National park

Chapter 5 Indian-Physical Environment Topic 6 Natural Vegetation Of India Answer In One Or Two Words

Question 1. What percentage of vegetative cover is needed to designate a place as a forest?
Answer: 5% per hectare.

Question 2. Who was the first to classify the forests of India?
Answer: k H. G. Champion in 1936.

Question 3. Which type of forest is found in Andaman and Nicobar islands?
Answer: Tropical evergreen forest.

Question 4. Which kind of tree is the rubber tree?
Answer: Tropical evergreen tree.

Question 5. Which type of forests grows in regions receiving rainfall higher than 200 cm?
Answer: Evergreen forests.

Question 6. Which type of trees exhibits well-defined annual growth rings?
Answer: Tropical deciduous trees.

Question 7. Mention one characteristic feature of desert vegetation.
Answer: The plants are thorny.

Question 8. Which type of vegetation does cactus belong to?
Answer: Desert vegetation.

Question 9. Which type of forest is commonly seen in the Himalayas at an altitude of 1000-3000 m?
Answer: Temperate broadleaf and mixed forest.

Question 10. What is the imaginary line beyond which vegetation does not grow called?
Answer: Treeline.

Question 11. Which trees have breathing roots?
Answer: Mangrove trees.

Question 12. Which is the largest mangrove forest in India?
Answer: Sundarbans.

Question 13. What per cent of land is occupied by India among the total land surface of the world?
Answer: About 1%.

Question 14. What per cent of land is occupied by forests in India?
Answer: 24.16%.

Question 15. What population of India is forest-dependent?
Answer: About 275 million people.

Question 16. What share of the national revenue of India comes from forests?
Answer: About 2%.

Question 17. How much area of the land surface of India was covered with forests in 3000 B.C.?
Answer: About 80%.

Question 18. Name the type of vegetation found in arid and semi-arid regions.
Answer: Xerophytic vegetation.

Question 19. At what altitude are Alpine forests found in the Himalayas?
Answer: Above 4000 m.

Question 20. Name an evergreen forest region of India.
Answer: Western slope of Western Ghats.

Question 21. Name a xerophytic tree.
Answer: Babool.

Question 22. Which forests in India are economically utilised the most?
Answer: Tropical deciduous forests.

Question 23. Which trees are used to manufacture matchsticks?
Answer: Coniferous trees.

Question 24. Mention an indirect use of forests.
Answer: Prevention of soil erosion.

Question 25. The Forest Research Institute of India is located in which city?
Answer: Dehradun.

Question 26. What are agriculture and forestry known as?
Answer: Agroforestry.

Question 27. Mention two direct uses of forests.
Answer: Manufacturing furniture and as raw material for the paper industry.

Question 28. Name the forest situated at the mouth of river Kaveri in Tamil Nadu.
Answer: Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary.

Question 29. When was the first National Forest Policy of India adopted?
Answer: 1952.

Question 30. which forest of Indian lions is found?
Answer: Gir Forest in Gujarat.

Chapter 5 Indian-Physical Environment Topic 6 Natural Vegetation Of India Match The Left Column With The Right Column

1.

Left column	Right column
1.  Tropical evergreen forest	A. Roots grow deep into the ground in search of water
2. Tropical wet Deciduous forests	B. Breathing roots
3. Desert vegetation	C. The trees are conical in shape
4. Coniferous forest	D. Dense Forest
5. Mangrove forest	E. Shed their leaves in dry seasons

Answer: 1-D,2-E,3-A,4-C,5-B

2.

Left column	Right column
1. Sundari	A. Example of coniferous tree
2. Babool	B. Example of wet deciduous tree
3. Teak	C. Grows in the semi-arid region
4. Bamboo	D. Example mangrove tree
5. Pine	E. Example of an evergreen tree

Answer: 1-D,2-C,3-B,4-E,5-A