Natural Vegetation and Wildlife in India

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Questions and Answers

To which one of the following types of vegetation does rubber belong to?

Himalayan

Tundra

Tidal

Tropical Evergreen (correct)

Cinchona trees are found in the areas of rainfall more than

70 cm

less than 50 cm

50 cm

100 cm (correct)

In which of the following state is the Simlipal bio-reserve located?

Delhi

Odisha (correct)

West Bengal

Punjab

Which one of the following bio-reserves of India is not included in the world network of bioreserve?

Panna (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is a bio-reserve?

A biosphere reserve is a protected area that is managed for the conservation of biodiversity and ecosystems. It aims to protect and conserve flora, fauna, and the natural environment. Signup and view all the answers

Name two animals having habitat in tropical and montane type of vegetation.

Two animals that inhabit both tropical and montane environments are the Tiger and the Leopard. Signup and view all the answers

Distinguish between Flora and Fauna.

Flora refers to the plant life of a region, whereas fauna refers to the animal life of a region. Signup and view all the answers

Distinguish between Tropical Evergreen and Deciduous forests.

Tropical Evergreen Forests are found in areas with high rainfall and do not shed their leaves during any season, making them appear evergreen year-round. Tropical Deciduous Forests, on the other hand, shed their leaves during the dry season, typically between 6 and 8 weeks. Signup and view all the answers

Name different types of Vegetation found in India and describe the vegetation of high altitudes.

India has a diverse range of vegetation types, including Tropical Evergreen Forests, Tropical Deciduous Forests, Tropical Thorn Forests and Scrubs, Montane Forests, and Mangrove Forests. In high altitudes, as seen in the Himalayas, the vegetation shifts from temperate forests with oaks and chestnuts to coniferous forests with pine, deodar, silver fir, spruce, and cedar. At even higher altitudes, above 3600 meters, Alpine vegetation with silver fir, junipers, pines, and birches takes over. Signup and view all the answers

Quite a few species of plants and animals are endangered in India. Why?

Many plants and animals are endangered in India due to human activities such as habitat loss, poaching, pollution, and climate change. Signup and view all the answers

Why has India a rich heritage of Flora and Fauna?

India's rich heritage of flora and fauna is due to its diverse geographical features, ranging from the Himalayas to the plains and coasts, creating a variety of habitats that support a wide array of species. Signup and view all the answers

The Gir Forest is the last remaining habitat of which animal?

Lion (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the Wildlife Protection Act implemented in India?

The Wildlife Protection Act was implemented in 1972 in India. Signup and view all the answers

India is the only country in the world that has both tigers and lions.

True (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the natural habitat of the Indian lion?

The natural habitat of the Indian lion is the Gir Forest in Gujarat. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Natural Vegetation and Wildlife in India

India is one of the 12 mega biodiversity countries in the world, with about 47,000 plant species. It ranks 10th globally and 4th in Asia for plant diversity.
There are approximately 15,000 flowering plants in India, which is 6% of the global total.
India also has a large variety of non-flowering plants, including ferns, algae, and fungi, as well as approximately 90,000 animal species.
Natural vegetation refers to plant communities that have grown naturally without human intervention for a long time.
Virgin vegetation is a naturally occurring plant community undisturbed by human activity. Cultivated crops and orchards are not considered virgin vegetation.
Endemic species are plants/animals found only in India, while exotic species are from outside the country.
Flora refers to plants of a particular region, and fauna refers to animals.

Types of Vegetation

Tropical Evergreen Forests: Found in regions with heavy rainfall (over 200cm), like Western Ghats and parts of Assam. These forests have a multilayered structure with trees reaching great heights (60m+).
Tropical Deciduous Forests: Known as monsoon forests, spread across regions receiving 200-70cm of rainfall. Trees shed leaves during dry periods (6-8 weeks). These forests are further divided into moist and dry deciduous types, depending on rainfall amounts.
Tropical Thorn Forests and Scrubs: Located in areas with less than 70cm of rainfall. Characterized by thorny trees and shrubs.
Montane Forests: Found in mountainous regions. Vegetation types vary with altitude, ranging from tropical to alpine types at higher elevations.
Mangrove Forests: Found in coastal regions influenced by tides. Mangroves are plants adapted to salt-water conditions.

Medicinal Plants

India is known for its medicinal plants, with many used in traditional Ayurveda practices.
Several species are endangered and/or critically threatened.

Wildlife

India has a rich variety of animal species, roughly 90,000.
A variety of mammals, birds, fish are part of the wildlife.
Several species are endangered, due to hunting, habitat loss, and other human activities.
Important wildlife reserves and sanctuaries are located across the country.
Examples of important animal species include tigers, elephants, rhinoceroses.

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Description

Explore the rich biodiversity of India, one of the world's 12 mega biodiversity countries. This quiz covers various aspects of India's flora and fauna, including endemic and exotic species, types of vegetation, and the importance of virgin vegetation. Test your knowledge on the unique ecological features that make India's natural heritage remarkable.