Human-Environment Interactions: Tropics & Subtropics

Human Environment Interactions: The Tropical and Subtropical Regions

• Explores human interaction with the environment, specifically in tropical and subtropical zones.
• Examines human adaptation, resource utilization, and environmental impact.
• Focuses on the Amazon Basin (tropical) and the Ganga-Brahmaputra Basin (subtropical) as case studies.
• Aims to understand the interplay of environmental factors and human activities in these regions.

Introduction

• Begins with a narrative about Renuka and her uncle's wildlife photographs.
• Showcases diverse cultures, clothing, and lifestyles.
• Highlights the connection between people and their environment.
• Illustrates how different populations adapt to their surroundings.

Life in the Amazon Basin - Location

• The Amazon River flows through the equatorial region, marked by year-round hot and humid conditions.
• The equatorial zone lies within 10 degrees latitude of the Equator.
• The Amazon River originates in the western mountains and flows into the Atlantic Ocean to the east.
• The Amazon River is the world's largest in terms of water volume.
• The Amazon Basin encompasses parts of Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, and Venezuela.
• High solar energy leads to significant evaporation, cloud formation, and heavy rainfall.
• Abundant water contributes to constant moisture and humidity.

Climate of the Amazon Basin

• The Amazon Basin's climate is consistently hot and humid.
• Days and nights exhibit similar levels of heat and humidity.
• Rainfall occurs almost daily, often with sunny mornings followed by afternoon showers.
• Temperatures remain high, with high humidity during the day and slightly reduced temperatures but elevated humidity at night.

Rainforests of the Amazon Basin

• Heavy rainfall sustains dense rainforests.
• Forests have a dense canopy that limits sunlight reaching the ground.
• Only vegetation tolerant of shade thrives there.
• Orchids and bromeliads exist as plant parasites.
• Wildlife includes toucans, monkeys, sloths, and anteaters.
• The area is home to various reptiles and amphibians.
• The Amazon River is inhabited by fish species like piranhas and anacondas.

People of the Rainforest

• Traditionally, people hunted, fished, and gathered forest resources.
• Slash-and-burn agriculture was practiced in small forest clearings.
• Crops included tapioca, pineapple, and sweet potato.
• Hunting was often the responsibility of women.
• Menioc/cassava is a staple food.
• Queen ants, eggs, and cacao are also consumed.
• Dwellings included thatched houses resembling beehives, as well as large, apartment-style houses called "Maloca".
• Recent development, such as the Trans-Amazon highway, has brought significant changes.
• The Amazon Rainforest supports the world's oxygen supply.
• Construction results in displacement and deforestation, threatening biodiversity.

Life in the Ganga-Brahmaputra Basin: Geographic Features

• The Ganga-Brahmaputra Basin is a subtropical region.
• Tributaries of the Ganga, such as the Ghaghra, Son, Chambal, Gandak, and Kosi, drain into this basin.
• Tributaries of the Brahmaputra also contribute to draining the basin.
• The basin's landforms include plains, mountains, and oxbow lakes.
• The Ganga-Brahmaputra basin has a monsoon climate with concentrated rainfall during the monsoon season.

Life in the Ganga-Brahmaputra Basin: Economy and Agriculture

• The plains offer fertile land suitable for agriculture.
• Major cultivated crops include paddy, wheat, maize, sorghum, gram, and millets.
• Cash crops like sugarcane and jute are also grown.
• Banana and tea plantations are common in certain areas.
• Silkworms are reared in Bihar and Assam for silk production.

Life in the Ganga-Brahmaputra Basin: Vegetation and Wildlife

• Vegetation varies with altitude.
• Tropical deciduous trees like teak, sal, and peepal grow in the plains.
• Bamboo groves are common in the Brahmaputra plain.
• Mangrove forests are found in the delta area.
• Coniferous trees like pine, deodar, and fir are located in the higher altitudes of Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh.
• Diverse wildlife includes elephants, tigers, deer, and monkeys.
• One-horned rhinoceroses inhabit the Brahmaputra Plain.
• Bengal tigers, crocodiles, and alligators are found in the delta region.
• Rivers contain varieties of fish, including rohu, catla, and hilsa.

Life in the Ganga-Brahmaputra Basin: Human Activities

• Transportation is well-developed, with important waterways.
• The region attracts tourists due to its natural beauty and religious sites.
• High population density leads to pollution concerns.
• Initiatives like the Namami Ganga Programme aim to clean the Ganga River.
• Cities like Allahabad, Kanpur, Varanasi, Lucknow, Patna, and Kolkata are located on the banks of the Ganga river.

Interesting Facts

• The Amazon River was named after the Amazon warriors of the ancient Roman Empire.
• Terrace farming creates flat surfaces on steep slopes for cultivation.
• Bromeliads store water in their leaves, used by animals like frogs.
• Freshwater dolphins (Susu) in the Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers indicate a healthy river.
• The Swachh Bharat Mission was launched on October 2nd, 2014, for sanitation and cleanliness.
• The Nami Ganga Program was launched to save the Ganga River.
• Slash-and-burn agriculture involves cutting and burning forests to create land for agricultural activities.

Explores human interaction with tropical and subtropical environments, focusing on adaptation, resource use, and environmental impacts. Case studies include the Amazon and Ganga-Brahmaputra Basins. Illustrates people adapting to diverse cultures, clothing, and lifestyles.