WBBSE Solutions For Class 6 Geography Chapter 10 Our Country India Topic E Natural Vegetation Of India

WBBSE Chapter 10 Our Country India Topic E Natural Vegetation Of India Long Answer Type Questions

Question 1. There is much diversity in natural vegetation in different places in India. Why is it so? Or, Why are there variations among the natural vegetation of different regions in India?
Answer:

Given:

There is much diversity in natural vegetation in different places in India.

Based on rainfall, altitude and temperature of different regions, variations are found among natural vegetation of different regions.

For example- Evergreen forests are found in regions (Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the western slopes of the Western Ghats, etc.)

that receive more than 200 cm of annual rainfall whereas deciduous forests are found in regions that receive 100-200 cm of annual rainfall and no rainfall in winter.

Thorny bushes and shrubs are found in the regions (Rajasthan, Gujarat) which receive an annual rainfall of less than 50 cm. Variations in rainfall and temperature are found with the rise in altitude.

As a result, deciduous forests are found at an altitude of 1,000-2,000 metres, coniferous forests are found at an altitude of 2,000-4,000 metres and alpine grasslands grow at an altitude more than 4,000 metres above sea level. Mangroves are found in coastal saline soils.

Question 2. Classify the different types of natural vegetation found in India.
Answer:

The various types of natural vegetation found in India are-

WBBSE Class 6 Natural Vegetation Notes

Question 3. Forests are our friends’-Explain. Or, Why should we conserve forests?
Answer:

We regard forests as our friends because-

Trees absorb harmful carbon dioxide and release purified oxygen in the air which is essential for life on Earth.

Plants help in causing rainfall by increasing the amount of water vapour in the atmosphere through transpiration. Plants prevent soil erosion.

The roots bind the soil very firmly and prevent it from being washed away. Trees provide resources such as honey, wax, gum, resin, fruits, flowers and wood.

Forests are home to diverse organisms and plants. Forest wood is used as a raw material for paper, rayon and other handicraft industries. Forests prevent the extension of deserts, increase the fertility of the soil and also help to maintain the ecological balance.

Question 4. Write the steps you would take to save forests.
Answer:

The steps you would take to save forests:

If we do not save forests, the ecological balance of our earth will be disturbed and this will affect our survival. We can take the following steps to save the forests-

Afforestation and restriction of the felling of trees:

Planting trees in bare lands near rivers, ponds, railway tracks, roads, bare land around our houses, playgrounds and other places where plants can be grown. Only mature trees should be felled and cutting of immature trees should be prohibited.

Resisting deforestation: It is advisable to cut as few trees as possible.

Restricted grazing: Grazing has negative effects on vegetation. Grazing should be on specific grasslands. There should be bans on grazing in forests.

Appointment of forest rangers: There should be rangers in forests to protect forest resources and wildlife.

Increasing awareness: Natural vegetation is important to us. Everyone should be aware of the need for the conservation of trees and forest resources from childhood. Special measures should be taken to create awareness about the preservation of greenery.

Question 5. Discuss the various medicinal plants.
Answer:

The various medicinal plants are as follows-

Types of Natural Vegetation in India

Question 6. How do certain plants remain evergreen throughout the year? Or, Why do leaves remain green throughout the year?
Answer:

Certain plants remain evergreen throughout the year because they grow in areas with heavy rainfall.

The annual rainfall ranges between 200 cm and above, so the soil of that area always remains moist and the supply of water for the plants remains constant.

The annual average temperature ranges between 25°C-35°C. Thus, the plants thrive in conditions with adequate temperature and rainfall.

Also, instead of a particular season, these plants lose their leaves throughout the year, and so, retain an evergreen appearance throughout the year.

Question 7. List a few reasons for the destruction of forests.
Answer:

The following are a few reasons for the destruction of forests—

1. Forests are destroyed due to the illegal felling of trees for fuel wood or for the paper industry.
2. The expense of agricultural land is another reason for deforestation.
3. Forests are also destroyed for jhum cultivation and excessive cattle grazing.
4. A natural cause of the destruction of forests is forest fires.

Question 8. Discuss the various steps taken for forest conservation.
Answer:

Forests play a vital role in maintaining the ecological balance of a region and that of the entire world.

Forests are also important for the economic development of a country.

So, the following steps are taken for conservation of the forest resources—

1. Plantation of trees: Measures are being taken to increase the number of plants by planting trees in different places like schools, riversides, and temples and then, protecting them from grazing animals.

2. Implementation of law: The government is implementing various laws to resist deforestation and strict monitoring of entry into and exit from forests is done to restrict the activity of wood-smugglers.

3. Others: It is possible to conserve forests by protecting old forestlands, planting trees on barren wastelands, tackling forest fires resisting the attack of disease-spreading organisms, and giving importance to social and agriculture afforestation.

Important Definitions Related to Natural Vegetation

Question 9. Greenery is gradually being lost. State why.
Answer:

Loss of greenery means loss of trees.

Reasons for the loss of greenery are—

1. Unscientific deforestation.
2. Smuggling of priceless products of the forests.
3. The increasing population puts pressure on land, thus causing the destruction of forests.
4. Deforestation for accumulation of industrial raw materials.
5. Miles and miles of forests are scorched and destroyed because of forest fires.
6. Forests are being destroyed because of nuclear bombing.

Question 10. What is natural vegetation? What are the optimum conditions of temperature and rainfall needed for the growth of natural vegetation?
Answer:

Natural vegetation:

The vegetation which grows naturally and sustains in a region without any human interference is known as natural

A minimum temperature of 16°C is required for the growth of natural vegetation. The desirable rate of growth of a plant occurs in temperatures ranging from 28°C-30°C. The amount of rainfall is different in different climatic zones.

The amount of annual rainfall is more than 200 cm in equatorial regions and in desert areas, the annual rainfall is less than 25 cm. A minimum of 50 cm of rainfall annually is required for the growth of natural vegetation.

Question 11. Evergreen vegetation is found in equatorial climates. Give a reason why.
Answer:

Evergreen vegetation is found in equatorial climates:

The climate of equatorial regions is warm and humid. Rainfall and temperature are the two main factors responsible for the growth of a plant.

The temperature of the equatorial region always remains high (25°C-35°C), and this region also receives heavy rainfall (150-200 cm annually).

Soil always remains moist due to heavy rainfall and there is the presence of sufficient humidity. Plants remain evergreen in this region because of the sufficient amount of water, temperature and humidity.

Question 12. What do you get from natural vegetation?
Answer:

The benefits of natural vegetation are as follows—

Natural vegetation absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and releases oxygen into the atmosphere during photosynthesis. Oxygen is important for the survival of all animal species in the world.

Vegetation cover adds moisture to the atmosphere, which helps to cause rainfall, and checks floods and droughts. It also provides shade during hot summers.

It provides food and fuel wood.

It provides raw materials to the wood industry and paper industries. 0 It reduces soil erosion and renders habitat to birds and animals.

Question 13. What is forest conservation?
Answer:

Forest conservation:

Forest conservation means the protection of forests as well as using forest resources in a sustainable way so that they will remain available for future generations.

While forest products are important to foster economic development, we must remember that forests play a vital role in maintaining the ecological balance of the region and the entire world.

So, proper forest conservation that takes care of both aspects is very important today.

WBBSE Chapter 10 Our Country India Topic E Natural Vegetation Of India Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1. Write the features of the vegetation of Tropical evergreen forests.
Answer:

The following features are found in the vegetation of Tropical evergreen forests—

1. The trees remain green throughout the year.
2. They are very tall and often play the role of host to climbers on their trunks and branches.
3. They yield very hard and heavy wood. O The roots of the trees are very thick.

Short Questions on Natural Vegetation

Question 2. Write the features of the vegetation of Tropical deciduous forests.
Answer:

The features of Tropical deciduous forests are—

1. The plants lose their leaves in the dry season (winter).
2. The plants attain a height of 30-50 metres.
3. The plants do not grow very close to each other.
4. The trunks are very soft and are used as raw materials for lumbering.

Question 3. Deciduous vegetation is found in seasonal climatic regions. Give a reason why.
Answer:

Deciduous vegetation is found in seasonal climatic regions.

Seasonal climatic regions receive rainfall only in the rainy season, there is no rainfall in winter. Plants of this region shed their leaves in the dry season to prevent transpiration.

For these reasons, deciduous trees grow in seasonal climatic regions. Sal, Teak, and Pipal are some examples of deciduous trees.

Question 4. What are the features of vegetation found in hot desert regions?
Answer:

Generally, thorny bushes and shrubs are found in desert regions.

Their features are—

1. The leaves are modified into thorns and in some cases, the leaves are very small so as to prevent transpiration from the surface of the leaves.
2. The stems are covered with a waxy coating.
3. The roots grow deep into the soil to collect water.

Practice Questions on Forest Types in India

Question 5. The leaves of the plants found in desert regions are modified into spines or thorns. Why?
Answer:

The leaves of the plants found in desert regions are modified into spines or thorns.

The amount of rainfall is very low in desert areas (average 25-50cm). But the temperature is very high (about 35°C-40°C).

The moisture content of the soil is very low in this dry-hot climate because of which roots are very long and grow deep into the soil in order to collect water.

To prevent the loss of water, leaves become very small and are often modified into spines or thorns. This is the main adaptive feature of desert plants.

Question 6. Discuss the features of conifers.
Answer:

The features of conifers are—

1. Conifers are cone-shaped tall trees.
2. The leaves are needle-shaped which prevents the accumulation of snow on them.
3. The stems of the trees yield softwood.

Question 7. What type of climate is required for the growth of evergreen and coniferous vegetation?
Answer:

Minimum temperatures of 25°C-35°C/ more than 200cm annual rainfall and 60%-75% humidity are required for the growth of evergreen vegetation.

Coniferous vegetation grows in temperate regions. These regions receive about 50-100 cm of annual rainfall and may receive snowfall in winter. The average annual temperature is around 15°C.

Question 8. Differentiate between evergreen and deciduous vegetation.
Answer:

The differences between evergreen and deciduous vegetation are as follows—

Question 9. Differentiate between coastal vegetation and desert vegetation.
Answer:

The differences between coastal vegetation and desert vegetation are as follows—

Conceptual Questions on Conservation of Forests in India

Question 10. Write the differences between evergreen and coniferous vegetation.
Answer:

The differences between evergreen and coniferous vegetation are as follows—

Question 11. Write the differences between stilt root and breathing root.
Answer:

The difference between stilt root and breathing root are as follows—

Question 12. What do you think are the ill effects of cutting down trees?
Answer:

A few ill effects of cutting down trees or deforestation on the environment are—

1. Increase in the amount of carbon dioxide in the environment and decrease in the amount of oxygen.
2. Increase in the rate of soil erosion.

Question 13. Name the types found In India.
Answer:

There are five major types of natural vegetation in India.

They are—

1. Tropical evergreen vegetation,
2. Tropical deciduous vegetation,
3. Thorny bushes and shrubs,
4. Coastal mangrove or saline vegetation and
5. Temperate montane vegetation.

Question 14. What is evergreen vegetation?
Answer:

Evergreen Vegetation:

The trees that retain fresh green leaves throughout the year because of the availability of adequate rainfall (200 cm every year on an average) and suitable temperature (yearly average of 25°C-35°C) are categorised as evergreen vegetation.

Rubber, Mahogany, Rosewood, and Ebony are some examples of evergreen vegetation.

Question 15. Where are Tropical evergreen forests found in India?
Answer:

Tropical evergreen forests found in India:

Tropical evergreen forests are found in the southern regions of India—

Notably the western slope of the Western Ghats and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. These forests are also found in the state of northeastern regions and the Dooars region of West Bengal.

Question 16. What is deciduous vegetation?
Answer:

Deciduous vegetation:

Trees which lose their leaves in a particular season, mainly in dry winters to prevent further loss of water are categorised as deciduous vegetation. Sal, Teak, Sandal, and Banyan are some examples of deciduous vegetation.

Question 17. Where are tropical deciduous Forests found in India?
Answer:

Tropical deciduous Forests found in India:

Generally, Tropical deciduous forests are found in the regions of the Gangetic Plains such as the states of West Bengal, Assam, and Bihar. They are also found in the Peninsular Plateau region and foothills of the Himalayan regions.

Question 18. What do you mean by Thorny bushes and shrubs?
Answer:

Thorny bushes and shrubs:

In some plants, the leaves are modified into spines or thorns and the stem is modified to form a special fleshy leaf-like structure that retains water.

This happens in areas with water scarcity and these plants are categorised as thorny bushes and shrubs. Cacti, Acacia, and Date Palm are some examples of Thorny bushes and shrubs.

Real-Life Scenarios Involving Vegetation and Ecosystems

Question 19. What do you mean by Coastal mangrove forest or saline vegetation?
Answer:

Coastal mangrove forest or saline vegetation:

Coastal mangrove forest or saline vegetation is a type of natural vegetation that grows in saline coastal areas.

Stilt roots and breathing roots are the main features of saline vegetation. Sundari, Goran, Hetal, and Screw pines (Keya) are some examples of coastal mangrove or saline vegetation.

Question 20. Name the locations of Mangrove forests in India.
Answer:

The locations of Mangrove forests in India:

Mangrove forests are found in regions adjacent to Sundarbans in West Bengal, Chilika Lake in Odisha, Kolleru Lake and Pulicat Lake in Andhra Pradesh.

Mangroves are also found in regions adjacent to the Gulf of Khambat and Rann of Kutch in Gujarat.

Question 21. Why do stilt roots develop in saline vegetation?
Answer:

Stilt roots develop in saline vegetation:

Saline vegetation is found in places having saline sedimentary soils. The high and low tides are very frequent in these regions along the coast, and the sea waves hit the plant roots at regular intervals.

The vegetation of these regions has thus, evolved to produce adventitious roots from lateral branches in order to provide them extra support and anchoring in the soft and unstable soil. These roots are known as stilt roots.

Question 22. Why are breathing roots found in saline vegetation?
Answer:

Breathing roots found in saline vegetation:

Saline vegetation like the mangroves grow in areas which are affected by tides on a regular basis. The roots remain immersed in water and thus respiration becomes difficult.

Also, saline vegetation grows on saline soil. Saline soil contains an insufficient amount of oxygen.

In order to obtain oxygen from the atmosphere for gaseous exchange, the roots of saline vegetation emerge above the soil. These roots are known as breathing roots or pneumatophores.

Question 23. What is meant by Temperate montane forests?
Answer:

Temperate montane forests:

The natural vegetation that grows at places with an altitude of more than 1500 metres, an average annual temperature of 15°C or less and an annual average rainfall of 50-100 cm is categorised as Temperate montane forests or Coniferous vegetation.

Question 24. Name the locations of Temperate montane forests in India.
Answer:

The locations of Temperate montane forests in India:

Temperate montane forests are found in the Himalayan mountain regions of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand in northern India.

In eastern India, they are found in Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim and Darjeeling. They are also found in Nilgiri and Annamalai Hills in southern India.

Question 25. Why do leaves fall during specific seasons?
Answer:

Leaves fall during specific seasons:

Generally, trees lose their leaves in the dry season (winter) to reduce the loss of moisture from the surface of leaves.

In the dry season, the water available to plants and trees from rainfall is already low, thus to prevent further loss of moisture, the trees shed their leaves.

Question 26. Why are the leaves of the coniferous trees needle-shaped?
Answer:

The leaves of the coniferous trees needle-shaped:

Conifers mainly grow in regions of high altitude with snowfall.

The leaves of conifers are needle-shaped. As needle-shaped leaves are narrow and have a very small surface area, the snow cannot remain on the leaves. Thus, needle-shaped leaves of conifers protect the plant from snow damage.

Examples of Vegetation Zones in India

Question 27. What is Ayurveda?
Answer:

Ayurveda:

In India, since ancient times, medicinal plants have been used to treat and heal diseases. The medical method that has developed from it is known as Ayurveda.

WBBSE Chapter 10 Our Country India Topic E Natural Vegetation Of India Fill In The Blanks

Question 1. India has a variety of almost _____________plants.
Answer: 5000

Question 2. The plant life of India can be classified into _____________ groups.
Answer: 5

Question 3. The vegetation of the Andaman Islands of India is primarily of _____________ type.
Answer: Evergreen

Question 4. The vegetation of Rajasthan can be classified as_____________
Answer: Thorny Bushes

Question 5. Peepal tree belongs to the_____________ family.
Answer: Deciduous

Question 6. _____________type of vegetation can be found in the Himalayan foothills.
Answer: Tropical Deciduous

Question 7. The Sunderbans acquired their name from _____________ tree.
Answer: Sundari

Question 8. The Forest Research Institute,_____________ Dehradun was established in the year
Answer: 1906

Question 9. _____________is the natural occurrence of fire in Forests.
Answer: Forest fire

Question 10. _____________ type of vegetation grows in cold climates and places with an altitude of more than 1500 metres.
Answer: Coniferous

Question 11. Plants take in from the_____________ atmosphere.
Answer: Carbon Dioxide

Question 12. Tidal forests are also known as _____________ forests.
Answer: Mangrove

Question 13. Among the Union Territories,_____________ shows the highest spread of forest cover.
Answer: Andaman And Nicobar

Question 14. The shape of the leaves is formed like ____________to prevent accumulation of snow on the leaves in the mountainous regions.
Answer: Needle

WBBSE Chapter 10 Our Country India Topic E Natural Vegetation Of India Write True Or False

Question 1. Viviparous germination occurs in the Sandalwood tree.
Answer: False

Question 2. Jarul is a deciduous tree.
Answer: True

Question 3. Cedar and Poplar are thorny shrubs.
Answer: False

Question 4. The important features of the Mangrove forests are breathing roots and stilt roots.
Answer: True

Question 5. Forestation for recreation is known as ‘Social Forestry’.
Answer: False

Question 6. Jhum cultivation is a reason for the destruction of forest lands.
Answer: True

Question 7. Forests use 02 and release C02.
Answer: False

Question 8. The paper industry uses timber from forests.
Answer: True

Question 9. Conifers are cone-shaped trees, standing upright.
Answer: True

Question 10. Oak and Pine are deciduous trees.
Answer: False

Question 1. When is the International Day of Forests?
Answer: 21 March.

Question 2. When is World Environment Day?
Answer: 5 June.

Question 3. Which pigment is responsible for the green colour of leaves?
Answer: Chlorophyll.

Question 4. Which part of a plant becomes modified as thorns or spines in thorny plants?
Answer: The leaf.

Question 5. Which kind of trees yields very hard and heavy wood?
Answer: Evergreen trees.

Question 6. Which kind of trees yields softwood?
Answer: Coniferous trees.

Question 7. Which tree’s timber does the paper industry use as raw material?
Answer: Conifers.

Question 8. Which wood is best for making furniture?
Answer: Teak wood.

Question 9. What is the name of the grassland formed by tall grasses found in dry deciduous forests?
Answer: Savannah.

Question 10. Which is the dominant kind of vegetation in our country?
Answer: Tropical deciduous.

Question 11. Where is Cinchona found in West Bengal?
Answer: Mongpu in Darjeeling district.

Question 12. Which day is celebrated as the ‘Sundarban Divas’?
Answer: 21 August.

Question 13. What ratio of forest to land area is needed to maintain environmental balance?
Answer: 33: 67.

Question 14. In which year did the Forest Conservation Act come into force in India?
Answer: 1980.

Question 15. What is the use of Oak bark?
Answer: Used for leather tanning.

Question 16. Which tree’s bark is used to make the wooden stoppers of bottles?
Answer: Cork tree.

Question 17. What is the maximum height attained by the conifers?
Answer: 80-85 metres.

Question 18. In which region of India are Tropical grasslands found?
Answer: Deccan Plateau.

Question 19. Mention a natural cause for the destruction of forests.
Answer: Forest fire.

Question 20. Are those crops cultivated by the farmers or the plants in our garden pots natural vegetation?
Answer: No.

Question 21. What are the thorns of thorny bushes?
Answer: Leaves modified to spines or thorns.

WBBSE Chapter 10 Our Country India Topic E Natural Vegetation Of India Match The Columns

Question 1.

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