Natural Vegetation and Wildlife in India
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Questions and Answers

What is meant by 'virgin vegetation' in the context of natural vegetation?

Virgin vegetation refers to plant communities that have grown naturally without human intervention and have remained undisturbed for a long time.

How does the diversity of plant species in India compare globally?

India has about 47,000 plant species, ranking tenth in the world and fourth in Asia for plant diversity.

What are the two categories of plants based on their origin in India?

The two categories are endemic or indigenous species, which are purely Indian, and exotic plants, which have come from outside India.

What is the difference between flora and fauna?

<p>Flora refers to the plants of a particular region or period, while fauna refers to the species of animals in that region.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Name two types of forests mentioned that are found in India.

<p>Tropical Evergreen Forests and Tropical Deciduous Forests.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the world's total flowering plants is represented by India's 15,000 flowering plants?

<p>The 15,000 flowering plants account for 6 percent of the world's total flowering plants.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the ecological significance of mangrove forests?

<p>Mangrove forests play a crucial role in coastal protection, biodiversity, and providing habitat for various species.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main concern highlighted in the content regarding wildlife?

<p>The main concern is the excessive exploitation of plant and animal resources, which has led to disturbances in the ecosystem and endangered species.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Identify two endangered animal species mentioned in the text.

<p>The snow leopard and the rare red panda are mentioned as endangered species.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do insects play in the ecosystem according to the passage?

<p>Insects help in the pollination of crops and fruit trees, which is vital for food production.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Name one step that the Indian government has taken to protect endangered species.

<p>The establishment of eighteen bio-reserves is one step taken to protect endangered species.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How can individuals contribute to the protection of endangered animals and birds?

<p>Individuals can contribute by raising awareness, supporting conservation organizations, and engaging in sustainable practices.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which medicinal plant found only in India is commonly used to treat high blood pressure?

<p>Sarpagandha</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary use of the seed powder of Jamun?

<p>Controlling diabetes</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is the fresh juice of Arjun leaves utilized in traditional medicine?

<p>To cure earache and regulate blood pressure</p> Signup and view all the answers

What medicinal property is associated with Neem?

<p>Antibiotic and antibacterial properties</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which medicinal plant is specifically noted for curing cough and cold?

<p>Tulsi</p> Signup and view all the answers

Name a medicinal plant used to cure asthma and digestive problems.

<p>Kachnar</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the conservation status of 52 out of the 352 medicinal plants listed by the World Conservation Union?

<p>Critically threatened</p> Signup and view all the answers

What plants are commonly used to treat eye sores according to traditional practices?

<p>Babool leaves</p> Signup and view all the answers

Identify one main habitat of elephants in India.

<p>Hot wet forests of Assam, Karnataka, and Kerala</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which animals inhabit the swampy and marshy lands of Assam and West Bengal?

<p>One-horned rhinoceroses</p> Signup and view all the answers

What unique feature distinguishes Indian wildlife in terms of large carnivores?

<p>India is the only country that has both tigers and lions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which forest serves as the natural habitat for the Indian lion?

<p>The Gir forest in Gujarat.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many species of birds are estimated to be found in India?

<p>Approximately 2,000 species of birds.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which types of animals are found in the rivers, lakes, and coastal areas of India?

<p>Turtles, crocodiles, and gharials.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the world's total animal species can be found in India?

<p>India has approximately 13% of the world's total animal species.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What legislative act was implemented in India to protect wildlife?

<p>The Wildlife Protection Act was implemented in 1972.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which mammals are mentioned in the text as significant members of the cat family in India?

<p>Leopards are significant members of the cat family in India.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the Himalayan region concerning wildlife?

<p>The Himalayan region is home to a diverse range of species, including tigers.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do edible plants play according to the context?

<p>Edible plants indicate a bio-diverse environment from which crops have been selected.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Name two types of deer mentioned in the text that inhabit India.

<p>Four-horned antelope and gazel.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes moist deciduous forests from dry deciduous forests in terms of rainfall?

<p>Moist deciduous forests are found in areas receiving more than 200 cm of rainfall, while dry deciduous forests exist in regions having rainfall between 100 cm and 70 cm.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which tree species is identified as the most dominant in tropical deciduous forests?

<p>Teak is identified as the most dominant species in tropical deciduous forests.</p> Signup and view all the answers

List some commercially important species found in moist deciduous forests.

<p>Some commercially important species in moist deciduous forests include ebony, mahogany, rosewood, rubber, and cinchona.</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which geographic areas are moist deciduous forests primarily located in India?

<p>Moist deciduous forests are primarily found in the northeastern states, foothills of the Himalayas, Jharkhand, West Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and eastern slopes of the Western Ghats.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a notable feature of the vegetation structure in moist deciduous forests?

<p>The vegetation in moist deciduous forests has a multilayered structure with trees, shrubs, and creepers.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Identify the common animals that inhabit moist deciduous forests.

<p>Common animals found in moist deciduous forests include elephant, monkey, lemur, deer, and one-horned rhinoceroses.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the tree shedding process differ in tropical deciduous forests compared to other forest types?

<p>In tropical deciduous forests, there is no definite time for trees to shed their leaves, allowing them to remain green year-round.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What types of animals can be found in dry deciduous forests, and how are their populations affected?

<p>Dry deciduous forests are home to animals like lion, tiger, pig, deer, and elephant, but their populations are affected by habitat clearing for cultivation and grazing.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What types of environmental conditions are required for the growth of moist deciduous forests?

<p>Moist deciduous forests thrive in warm, wet conditions with consistent rainfall exceeding 200 cm and a short dry season.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Endangered Species

The state of a species being at risk of extinction.

Wildlife Reserves

Specific areas where plants, animals, and their habitats are protected.

Bio-reserves

Areas with rich biodiversity and unique ecosystems, protected for research and conservation.

Ecosystem

The interconnectedness of living organisms and their environment, where each species plays a crucial role.

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Conservation

The act of preserving and protecting natural resources, including plants, animals, and their habitats.

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What is Natural Vegetation?

Natural vegetation refers to plant communities that have grown naturally, without human intervention, and have remained undisturbed for extended periods. This untouched, original vegetation is called virgin vegetation.

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What are endemic or indigenous species?

Plants that are native to a particular region and have evolved there naturally are called endemic or indigenous species.

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What are exotic plants?

Plants that have been introduced to a region from another part of the world are called exotic plants.

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What are Tropical Evergreen Forests?

Tropical evergreen forests are found in areas with heavy rainfall throughout the year. They have tall, dense, and evergreen trees with a multi-layered canopy.

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What are Tropical Deciduous Forests?

Tropical deciduous forests experience seasonal rainfall, with a distinct dry season. The trees in this forest type shed their leaves during the dry season.

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What are Tropical Thorn Forests and Scrubs?

Tropical thorn forests and scrubs are found in areas with dry climates and have thorny trees and shrubs.

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What are Montane Forests?

Montane forests occur in mountainous regions and experience varying temperatures and rainfall based on altitude. The vegetation changes with the altitude.

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Sarpagandha

A medicinal plant known for its anti-hypertensive properties, found only in India.

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Jamun

A fruit whose juice is used to make vinegar with digestive properties. Its seed powder helps manage diabetes.

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Arjun

The fresh juice of its leaves is a remedy for earaches. It also contributes to regulating blood pressure.

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Babool

A plant whose leaves are used for eye sores. Its gum acts as a tonic.

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Neem

A plant with potent antibacterial and antibiotic properties.

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Tulsi

A plant used for treating cough and cold.

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Kachnar

A plant that offers relief from asthma and ulcers. Its buds and roots are beneficial for digestive problems.

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Elephants

The largest land mammal, known for its majestic presence. Found in hot, wet forests of Assam, Karnataka, and Kerala.

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One-horned Rhinoceros

A mammal with a single horn, found in swampy and marshy lands of Assam and West Bengal.

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Wild Ass

A wild ass residing in the arid regions of the Rann of Kachchh and the Thar Desert.

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Wildlife Protection Act

The process of protecting wild animals and their habitats through laws and regulations.

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Natural Vegetation

A type of vegetation that grows in a specific region, characterized by its plants and animals.

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Flora

The variety of plant species that grow in a specific region.

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Wildlife Sanctuary

A large area of land set aside for the protection of wildlife, preventing human interference.

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Tiger

A type of large, powerful predator found in India, often found in forests and grasslands.

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Gharial

A specific type of crocodile found in India, known for its distinctive snout.

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Gir Forest

A forest in Gujarat, India, home to the Indian lion.

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Bio-diverse Environment

The concept of using the variety of plants and animals in a region to create a sustainable food system.

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Animal of Prey

A type of animal that is hunted by other animals for food.

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Moist Deciduous Forests

These forests are found in areas receiving rainfall between 200 and 100 cm, mostly in the eastern part of India and along the foothills of the Himalayas. They are characterized by tall trees and lush vegetation.

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Dry Deciduous Forests

Dominated by teak trees and found in areas receiving rainfall between 100 cm and 70 cm. These forests are commonly found in the Peninsular plateau and plains of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.

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Deciduous Forest

A type of forest that sheds its leaves during the dry season.

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Tropical Deciduous Forests

The most prevalent type of forest in India, characterized by the shedding of leaves during the dry season.

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Evergreen Forests

These forests are found in areas with a short dry season and receive more than 200 cm of rainfall. They are characterized by tall trees, lush vegetation and a multilayered structure.

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Tropical Evergreen Forests

A type of evergreen forest found in India, characterized by tall trees and lush vegetation. They are found in specific regions like the Western Ghats and the islands of Lakshadweep, Andaman, and Nicobar.

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Multilayered Structure

A type of forest characterized by a distinct layer of trees, undergrowth and climbers. This creates a multi-level structure within the forest.

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Luxuriant Vegetation

A forest found in areas with over 200 cm of rainfall and a short dry season, characterized by a diverse range of trees, shrubs, and creepers.

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Study Notes

Natural Vegetation and Wildlife

  • India is one of 12 mega biodiversity countries globally, ranking tenth worldwide and fourth in Asia for plant diversity.
  • India has about 47,000 plant species, including 15,000 flowering plant species (6% of the global total).
  • The country also encompasses approximately 90,000 animal species, alongside diverse fish populations in both freshwater and marine environments.
  • Natural vegetation refers to naturally occurring plant communities undisturbed by humans for a long time, a concept also referred to as virgin vegetation.
  • Cultivated crops and orchards are not considered natural vegetation.
  • Endemic or indigenous plant species are native to India, while exotic plants are introduced from other regions.
  • Flora refers to plants of a specific region or time period, correlating to fauna for animal species.

Types of Vegetation

  • Tropical Evergreen Forests: These forests are concentrated in areas of high rainfall, exceeding 200 cm annually, in the Western Ghats, Lakshadweep, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, parts of Assam, and Tamil Nadu coast. They exhibit tall trees reaching 60m or more.
  • Tropical Deciduous Forests: These forests are the most extensive in India, encompassing regions with between 200 to 70cm of rainfall. They display significant variations in structure, from moist (200-100cm rainfall) to dry (100-70cm rainfall), with typical trees like teak, sal, shisham, and others prevalent.
  • Tropical Thorn Forests and Scrubs: These are prominent in areas receiving less than 70 cm of rainfall, featuring thorny trees.
  • Montane Forests: At higher elevations, characterized by a decrease in temperature, these forests exhibit a range of vegetation types. Wet temperate forests (1000-2000m) are dominated by evergreen broadleaf trees (oaks and chestnuts).
  • Mangrove Forests: These forests thrive in coastal areas influenced by tides, where mud and silt accumulate, and are characterized by mangrove trees with roots submerged underwater.

Medicinal Plants

  • India has a rich tradition of medicinal plants.
  • Various species like Sarpagandha, Jamun, Arjun, Babool, Neem, Tulsi, and Kachnar are commonly used in traditional medicine for diverse medicinal utilities.

Wildlife

  • India boasts a diverse array of wildlife.
  • Elephants, rhinoceros, Asiatic lions, tigers, and various species of deer, monkeys, and other animals inhabit various forest and ecosystem types.

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Description

Explore the rich diversity of India's natural vegetation and wildlife with this quiz. Learn about India’s plant species, animal species, and the significance of natural vs. cultivated vegetation. Test your knowledge on the various types of vegetation found across the country.

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