Learn about the geography chapter "Natural vegetation and wildlife" from Class 9, covering India's Forests, Wildlife, and Importance. Explore key concepts and important points for exams.
Natural Vegetation and Wildlife Class 9 Geography Chapter 5 NCERT Notes With Questions and Answers
Natural Vegetation
- Definition: Natural vegetation refers to plants that grow naturally without human intervention.
Categories:
1. Tropical Evergreen Forests:
- Found in regions with heavy rainfall.
- Dense, multi-layered, with a variety of species.
- Important trees: Ebony, Mahogany, Rosewood.
- Example regions: Western Ghats, Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
2. Tropical Deciduous Forests:
- Also called monsoon forests.
- Shed leaves in the dry season to conserve water.
- Further divided into moist and dry deciduous forests.
- Important trees: Teak, Sal, Bamboo.
- Example regions: Central India, Northern plains.
3. Thorn Forests and Scrubs:
- Found in arid and semi-arid regions.
- Trees and shrubs with thorns, adapted to conserve water.
- Important trees: Acacias, Palms, Cacti.
- Example regions: Rajasthan, Gujarat.
4. Montane Forests:
- Found in mountainous regions.
- Vegetation varies with altitude.
- Lower slopes: Deciduous trees.
- Higher altitudes: Conifers like Pine, Deodar, Fir.
- Example regions: Himalayan region.
5. Mangrove Forests:
- Found in coastal areas with saline water.
- Dense and provide habitat for diverse wildlife.
- Important trees: Sundari (Sundarbans).
- Example regions: Delta regions of Ganga, Mahanadi.
Wildlife
- Biodiversity: India has rich biodiversity due to varied climates and landscapes.
- Major Wildlife:
- Mammals: Bengal Tiger, Asiatic Lion, Elephants, Rhinoceros.
- Birds: Peacocks, Kingfishers, Indian Bustard.
- Reptiles*: Crocodiles, Gharials, various species of snakes.
- Marine Life: Turtles, various species of fish and corals in coastal areas.
Conservation Efforts
- National Parks and Sanctuaries:
- India has numerous protected areas to conserve wildlife and natural habitats.
- Examples: Jim Corbett National Park, Sundarbans National Park, Kaziranga National Park.
- Biosphere Reserves:
- Special areas aimed at conserving biodiversity, including flora, fauna, and local communities.
- Examples: Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve.
- Project Initiatives:
- Project Tiger: Launched in 1973 to protect Bengal Tigers.
- Project Elephant: Focuses on conserving elephants and their habitats.
Importance of Natural Vegetation and Wildlife
- Ecological Balance: Maintains balance in ecosystems.
- Climate Regulation: Forests help in controlling climate by absorbing carbon dioxide.
- Resource Provision: Source of timber, medicine, and other resources.
- Biodiversity: Supports diverse species, contributing to genetic diversity.
- Tourism: Wildlife and natural vegetation attract tourists, boosting local economies.
Human Impact and Conservation Needs
- Deforestation: Major threat due to agriculture, urbanization, and logging.
- Habitat Destruction: Leads to loss of biodiversity.
- Pollution: Affects wildlife habitats and health.
- Conservation Strategies:
- Enforcing laws and regulations to protect forests and wildlife.
- Promoting sustainable use of natural resources.
- Community participation in conservation efforts.
- Raising awareness about the importance of biodiversity.
These notes cover the fundamental concepts of natural vegetation and wildlife as per the Class 9 NCERT Geography syllabus.
Read More:
Chapter 1: India Size and location
Chapter 2: Physical features of India
Chapter 3: Drainage
Chapter 4: Climate
Chapter 5: Natural Vegetation and Wildlife
Chapter 6: Population
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - Natural Vegetation and Wildlife
1. What is natural vegetation?
Answer: Natural vegetation refers to the plant cover that grows in a specific region without any human interference or cultivation. It includes forests, grasslands, shrubs, and other forms of vegetation that have evolved over time in response to climate, soil, and other environmental factors.
2. How are forests classified based on their location and climate?
Answer: Forests are classified into various types based on their location and climate:
- Tropical Forests: Found near the equator in regions with high temperatures and rainfall throughout the year.
- Subtropical Forests: Occur in regions with warm temperatures and moderate rainfall, typically located between tropical and temperate zones.
- Temperate Forests: Found in regions with distinct seasons, including warm summers and cold winters, and moderate rainfall.
- Boreal Forests: Also known as taiga, these forests are located in high-latitude regions with cold temperatures and short growing seasons.
3. What are the factors that influence the distribution of natural vegetation?
Answer: Several factors influence the distribution of natural vegetation, including:
- Climate: Temperature, precipitation, and humidity are critical factors determining the types of vegetation that can thrive in a particular region.
- Topography: Factors such as altitude, slope, and aspect influence soil fertility, moisture levels, and exposure to sunlight, which in turn affect vegetation distribution.
- Soil: Soil characteristics such as texture, drainage, and nutrient content influence the types of plants that can grow in a specific area.
- Latitude: Distance from the equator affects temperature and sunlight intensity, which influence the types of vegetation found in different latitudinal zones.
- Human Activities: Deforestation, agriculture, urbanization, and other human interventions can significantly alter natural vegetation patterns.
4. What is wildlife?
Answer: Wildlife refers to all living organisms that inhabit natural habitats, including animals, birds, insects, and plants. It encompasses a wide range of species that play various roles in ecosystems and contribute to biodiversity.
5. Why is wildlife conservation important?
Answer: Wildlife conservation is essential for several reasons:
- Ecological Balance: Wildlife helps maintain the balance of ecosystems by regulating populations, controlling pests, and contributing to nutrient cycles.
- Biodiversity: Wildlife represents the richness and diversity of life on Earth, supporting ecosystem stability, resilience, and adaptation to environmental changes.
- Economic Value: Wildlife-based activities such as ecotourism, hunting, and fishing contribute to local economies and provide livelihoods for communities.
- Cultural Significance: Wildlife holds cultural and spiritual significance for many indigenous communities, shaping traditions, beliefs, and identities.
6. What are some conservation measures to protect natural vegetation and wildlife?
Answer: Several conservation measures can help protect natural vegetation and wildlife, including:
- Establishing protected areas such as national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves to conserve habitats and species.
- Adopting sustainable management practices such as afforestation, reforestation, and agroforestry to restore degraded ecosystems and mitigate habitat loss.
- Enacting laws and regulations to protect endangered species, regulate hunting and logging activities, and prevent habitat destruction.
- Raising public awareness through education, outreach programs, and community involvement to promote the importance of conserving natural resources.
7. What are the major threats to natural vegetation and wildlife?
Answer: Natural vegetation and wildlife face various threats, including:
- Habitat Loss: Deforestation, urbanization, agricultural expansion, and infrastructure development lead to the loss and fragmentation of natural habitats.
- Poaching and Illegal Trade: Illegal hunting, fishing, and trafficking of wildlife species threaten the survival of endangered animals and disrupt ecosystems.
- Climate Change: Global warming, altered precipitation patterns, and extreme weather events impact the distribution, behavior, and survival of plant and animal species.
- Pollution: Pollution from industrial activities, agriculture, and urban areas contaminates air, water, and soil, posing health risks to wildlife and ecosystems.
8. How can individuals contribute to the conservation of natural vegetation and wildlife?
Answer: Individuals can contribute to the conservation of natural vegetation and wildlife by:
- Supporting conservation organizations and initiatives through donations, volunteer work, and advocacy efforts.
- Practicing sustainable living habits such as reducing waste, conserving energy, and minimizing carbon footprint.
- Respecting wildlife habitats and ecosystems by avoiding littering, pollution, and disturbance to natural areas.
- Educating others about the importance of biodiversity conservation and promoting responsible stewardship of the environment.
These FAQs provide essential insights into the concepts of natural vegetation and wildlife, their conservation, and the challenges they face in the modern world.
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