18th State of Forest Report 2023

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Questions and Answers

How do the different strata (layers) in evergreen forests contribute to the overall biodiversity observed in these ecosystems?

Different strata provide diverse habitats and niches for various species, supporting a wide range of life forms from the forest floor to the canopy.

Explain how the characteristic of evergreen forests, specifically their ability to remain green year-round, impacts the local climate and water cycle compared to deciduous forests.

Evergreen forests maintain a constant level of transpiration, which helps in continuous cloud formation and rainfall, stabilizing local temperatures and humidity levels throughout the year.

Describe the relationship between rainfall patterns and the distribution of moist and dry deciduous forests in India.

Moist deciduous forests are found in regions receiving rainfall between 100-200 cm, while dry deciduous forests are found in regions with 70-100 cm of rainfall, indicating a direct correlation between water availability and forest type.

What adaptations do plant species in thorn forests exhibit to survive in regions with low rainfall?

Plants in thorn forests have thorns (modified leaves) to reduce water loss and long roots to access water deep underground. Signup and view all the answers

Explain how the cone shape of coniferous trees is an adaptation to the environment in areas with high snowfall.

The cone shape prevents snow accumulation on the branches, reducing the risk of breakage and allowing the trees to withstand heavy snowfall. Signup and view all the answers

How does the decrease in temperature with increasing altitude in mountainous regions affect the natural vegetation, leading to a succession of different forest types?

As temperature decreases with altitude, vegetation changes from deciduous forests at the foothills to wet temperate forests, then coniferous forests, and finally alpine vegetation at higher altitudes. Signup and view all the answers

What are 'Sholas,' and where are they typically found in Southern India? What makes them unique?

Sholas are temperate grasslands/forests found in the Nilgiris, Anaimalai, and Palani hills of the Western Ghats; their uniqueness lies in their adaptation to high altitudes and specific microclimates. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the significance of pneumatophores (living roots) in mangrove forests.

Pneumatophores are specialized aerial roots that enable mangrove trees to obtain oxygen in the waterlogged and anaerobic soils of coastal areas. Signup and view all the answers

Describe how the Indian Forest Policy of 1952 and its revision in 1988 have aimed to balance environmental stability with ecological balance.

The policies aimed to maintain 33% of India's geographical area under forest cover while also preserving and restoring ecological balance through sustainable practices. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the importance of social forestry in the context of environmental, social, and rural development.

Social forestry involves managing and protecting forests, and afforesting barren lands to aid environmental conservation, improve social well-being, and boost rural economies. Signup and view all the answers

How does the type of grass in tropical grasslands compare to that in temperate grasslands, and what implications does this have for grazing animals?

Tropical grasslands have tall, non-nutritious elephant grass, while temperate grasslands have short and nutritious grasses; this affects which animals can graze effectively. Signup and view all the answers

What is shifting cultivation, and why is it considered detrimental to the environment?

Shifting cultivation is a practice of slash and burn agriculture; it is harmful because it leads to deforestation and reduces soil productivity. Signup and view all the answers

How are the grasslands of 'Pampas' in Argentina unique compared to other grasslands, such as 'Prairies'?

Pampas grasslands are known for 'Alpha Alpha' grass, which is a nutrient-rich grass, while Prairies are primarily known as wheat granaries. Signup and view all the answers

What factors contribute to Africa being known as the 'Big Game country' in Savannah grasslands?

Africa is known as the 'Big Game country' due to the extreme poaching of animals in Savannah grasslands. Signup and view all the answers

Explain how temperature differences account for evergreen forests in the mid-latitudinal coastal areas compared to deciduous forests that are dominant in easterly regions of mid-latitudinal areas.

Mid-latitudinal coastal areas often experience milder, more consistent temperatures due to oceanic influence, supporting evergreen forests, while inland areas experience greater temperature extremes, favoring deciduous forests. Signup and view all the answers

Describe how a plant such as Strangler Fig can contribute to the biodiversity seen in Evergreen forests.

Growing on other trees, Strangler Figs provide shelter and food that in turn supports diverse animal life. When the trees fall, these add new nutrients to the soil which benefits other plant life. Signup and view all the answers

How does the practice of 'Controlled Burning' benefit grassland ecosystems?

The burning of dead grass recycles nutrients, stimulates new growth, and prevents the build-up of flammable that could result in more dangerous wildfires. Signup and view all the answers

Discuss how the presence and location of mountains can impact rainfall patterns and forest distribution.

Mountains cause orographic lift, leading to increased rainfall on the windward side and rain shadows on the leeward side, which affects the distribution of moist and dry forests. Signup and view all the answers

Mangrove forests have a unique adaptation to a saline environment. Please describe how they are able to filter out the excess salt.

Some species of the mangrove tree can secrete salt through their leaves, effectively getting the water it needs while filtering out the salt. Signup and view all the answers

What is a monsoon forest and what characteristics define them?

Monsoon forests, most widespread in India, are also deciduous forests and known for adapting to seasonal rainfall patterns where they shed leaves during the dry season conserving water before growing them back during the wet monsoon season. Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Evergreen Forests

Layered forests due to different stratas present.

Deciduous Forests

Forests that receive rainfall between 200 cm and 70 cm and are most widespread in India