Natural Vegetation and Wildlife in India

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Questions and Answers

What factors determine the classification of forests into moist and dry deciduous varieties?

The classification is based on the availability of water and the amount of rainfall received, specifically rainfall between 200 and 100 cm for moist forests and 100 cm to 70 cm for dry forests.

Name two commercially important trees found in moist deciduous forests.

Teak and mahogany are two commercially important trees found in moist deciduous forests.

Describe the typical height and appearance of trees in moist deciduous forests.

Trees in moist deciduous forests can reach heights of up to 60 meters and maintain a green appearance throughout the year due to the absence of a definite leaf-shedding time.

List three animal species commonly found in the moist deciduous forests.

Common animal species include elephants, monkeys, and one-horned rhinoceroses. Signup and view all the answers

What regions in India primarily host dry deciduous forests?

Dry deciduous forests are primarily found in the rainier parts of the Peninsular plateau and the plains of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Signup and view all the answers

Which animal species are typically associated with dry deciduous forests?

Animals such as lions, tigers, and deer are typically found in dry deciduous forests. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of having a multilayered structure in moist deciduous forests?

The multilayered structure supports a rich biodiversity, offering habitat for various species of trees, shrubs, and animals. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary use of Sarpagandha in medicinal practices?

Sarpagandha is primarily used to treat blood pressure. Signup and view all the answers

Which plant's juice is utilized for its carminative and diuretic properties?

The juice from Jamun fruit is used for its carminative and diuretic properties. Signup and view all the answers

What medicinal benefit does Arjun provide?

Arjun helps in regulating blood pressure and cures earache. Signup and view all the answers

What are the medical uses of Babool leaves and gum?

Babool leaves cure eye sores, while its gum is used as a tonic. Signup and view all the answers

What are the key properties of Neem?

Neem has high antibiotic and antibacterial properties. Signup and view all the answers

How is Tulsi used in medicine?

Tulsi is used to cure cough and cold. Signup and view all the answers

What conditions is Kachnar known to treat?

Kachnar is used to cure asthma and ulcers. Signup and view all the answers

How many medicinal plants are considered critically threatened according to the World Conservation Union's Red List?

There are 52 critically threatened medicinal plants. Signup and view all the answers

Identify the regions where elephants are found in India.

Elephants are found in hot wet forests of Assam, Karnataka, and Kerala. Signup and view all the answers

Name the habitat for wild ass and camels in India.

Wild ass are found in the arid Rann of Kachchh and camels in the Thar Desert. Signup and view all the answers

What causes the change in natural vegetation as altitude increases in mountainous areas?

The decrease in temperature with increasing altitude causes changes in natural vegetation. Signup and view all the answers

Name three common animals found in Montane forests.

Kashmir stag, snow leopard, and wild sheep are common animals in Montane forests. Signup and view all the answers

What type of forests are found between 1000 and 2000 metres in mountainous regions?

Wet temperate forests are found between 1000 and 2000 metres. Signup and view all the answers

What characteristics define mangrove forests?

Mangrove forests are characterized by evergreen broad-leaf trees with roots submerged under water. Signup and view all the answers

Which animal is famously associated with mangrove forests?

The Royal Bengal Tiger is famously associated with mangrove forests. Signup and view all the answers

What types of vegetation are found in the Ganga-Brahmaputra delta?

Sundari trees, along with palm, coconut, and keora, are found in the Ganga-Brahmaputra delta. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for different types of forests in India?

The primary reason is the variation in rainfall, which influences the types of trees and vegetation that can thrive in each region. Signup and view all the answers

What would happen to the ecosystem if plants and animals were to disappear?

The ecosystem would collapse, leading to the inability of human beings to survive. Signup and view all the answers

Which types of trees are commonly found in thorn forests and scrubs?

Common trees include acacias, euphorbias, cacti, and various thorny species. Signup and view all the answers

Why is biodiversity essential for the environment?

Biodiversity is essential as it ensures ecosystem stability and the availability of resources. Signup and view all the answers

How does altitude affect forest types in India?

At higher elevations, typical forest types transition from temperate forests to Alpine vegetation, with trees becoming stunted near the snow-line. Signup and view all the answers

What role do mud and silt play in mangrove forests?

Mud and silt accumulate on coasts influenced by tides, supporting mangrove growth. Signup and view all the answers

What kind of vegetation is expected in regions with rainfall between 200 cm and 70 cm?

These regions are expected to have tropical deciduous forests. Signup and view all the answers

Which animals could typically be found in thorn forests?

Common animals include rats, mice, rabbits, foxes, and camels. Signup and view all the answers

List two factors that contribute to the diversity of plant and animal life in specified forests.

Climate conditions and altitude variations contribute to the diversity of life. Signup and view all the answers

What adaptations do plants in thorn forests possess to survive in arid conditions?

These plants have long roots to reach deep moisture and thick, small leaves to minimize evaporation. Signup and view all the answers

Identify some of the important coniferous trees found in high-altitude areas of India.

Important coniferous trees include pine, deodar, silver fir, spruce, and cedar. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of forest cover maps in understanding vegetation distribution?

Forest cover maps help identify regions with varying vegetation types and the factors influencing their distribution. Signup and view all the answers

What types of vegetation take over as one moves to even higher altitudes beyond 3,600 meters?

Temperate forests and grasslands give way to Alpine vegetation at higher altitudes. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern highlighted regarding wildlife in Ladakh's extreme cold?

The primary concern is the survival and conservation of various endangered species, including the yak, Tibetan antelope, and snow-leopard, due to ecosystem disturbances caused by human exploitation. Signup and view all the answers

Name two benefits that yaks and other animals provide to the ecosystem and humans.

Yaks and other animals provide draught power and transportation for humans, as well as meat and eggs for nutrition. Signup and view all the answers

What role do insects play in the ecosystem according to the information provided?

Insects help in the pollination of crops and fruit trees, which is essential for agriculture and sustaining food supplies. Signup and view all the answers

How many plant species are reported as endangered, and what impact does this have?

About 1,300 plant species are endangered, leading to disturbances in the ecosystem and loss of biodiversity. Signup and view all the answers

What are some steps that can be taken to protect endangered species?

Steps include creating wildlife reserves, enforcing strict protection laws, and raising public awareness about conservation. Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

What are tropical rainforests characterized by?

Tropical rainforests are found in areas with high rainfall, typically over 200 cm, and a short dry season. They're characterized by tall trees (up to 60 meters), lush vegetation, and a multilayered canopy. They are evergreen, meaning trees don't shed leaves at a specific time, keeping the forests green all year round.

Where are tropical rainforests found in India?

Tropical rainforests are found in the Western Ghats, Lakshadweep, Andaman and Nicobar islands, upper parts of Assam and the Tamil Nadu coast.

What animals inhabit the tropical rainforests of India?

Tropical rainforests are home to diverse wildlife, including elephants, monkeys, lemurs, deer, and one-horned rhinoceroses (found in Assam and West Bengal). They also support a variety of birds, bats, sloths, scorpions, and snails.

What are tropical deciduous forests?

Tropical deciduous forests are the most widespread type of forest in India. They are found in areas with rainfall between 100 cm and 70 cm, with a distinct dry season. These forests are characterized by trees shedding their leaves during the dry season, and consist of commercially important species like teak, sal, and sandalwood.