Chapter 5
EXERCISE
1. Choose the right answer from the four alternatives given below:
(i) To which one of the following types of vegetation does rubber belong to?
(a) Tundra (c) Himalayan
(b) Tidal (d) Tropical Evergreen
Ans: (d) Tropical Evergreen
(ii) Cinchona trees are found in the areas of rainfall more than
(a) 100 cm (c) 70 cm
(b) 50 cm (d) less than 50 cm
Ans: (a) 100 cm
(iii) In which of the following state is the Simlipal bio-reserve located?
(a) Punjab (b) Delhi
(c) Odisha (d) West Bengal
Ans: (c) Odisha.
(iv) Which one of the following bio-reserves of India is not included in the world network of bioreserve?
(a) Manas (c) Gulf of Mannar
(b) Nilgiri (d) Panna
Ans: (a) Manas
2. Answer the following questions briefly.
(i) What is a bio-reserve? Give two examples.
Ans: A biosphere reserve is a designated protected area that is internationally recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR). Biosphere reserves are established to promote sustainable development by conserving biodiversity, while also allowing for human activities that are compatible with conservation goals.
Each biosphere reserve is divided into three zones:
Core Area: This is the most strictly protected area of the biosphere reserve, where human activities are limited to those that are necessary for conservation. Core areas are often home to endangered species and fragile ecosystems.
Buffer Zone: This zone surrounds the core area and provides a transition zone between the protected area and human-dominated landscapes. Buffer zones are often used for sustainable agriculture, forestry, and recreation.
Transition Zone: This zone is the outermost area of the biosphere reserve and is where human activities are most compatible with conservation goals. Transition zones are often used for education, research, and sustainable development projects.
Biosphere reserves are important for a number of reasons. They help to conserve biodiversity, protect water resources, and promote sustainable land use practices. They also provide opportunities for education, research, and recreation.
Here are two examples of biosphere reserves in India:
Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve: This biosphere reserve is located in the Western Ghats mountain range and is home to a wide variety of plants and animals, including elephants, tigers, and lions.
(ii) Name two animals having habitat in tropical and montane type of vegetation.
Ans: Sure, here are two animals having habitats in tropical and montane type of vegetation:
1. Tiger (Panthera tigris): Tropical forests are the primary habitat of tigers, providing them with dense vegetation for cover, abundant prey, and water sources. Tigers are apex predators in these ecosystems, playing a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the food chain.
2. Mountain goat (Oreamnos americanus): Montane forests and alpine meadows are the preferred habitats of mountain goats. Their hooves are adapted to climbing rocky terrain, and their thick coats provide insulation from the cold mountain air. Mountain goats are herbivores, grazing on grasses, shrubs, and lichens.
3. Distinguish between
(i) Flora and Fauna
Ans:
(ii) Tropical Evergreen and Deciduous forests
4. Name different types of Vegetation found in India and describe the vegetation of high altitudes.
Ans: India's diverse climate and topography support a wide range of vegetation types, each adapted to the specific conditions of its habitat. Here's an overview of the major types of vegetation found in India:
Tropical Evergreen Forests: These forests are found in regions with abundant rainfall and warm temperatures, primarily in the Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands. They are characterized by a dense canopy of evergreen trees, a rich understory, and a high degree of biodiversity.
Tropical Deciduous Forests: These forests are found in regions with a distinct dry season, typically in the central and southern parts of India. They are characterized by a predominance of deciduous trees, which shed their leaves during the dry season to conserve water.
Tropical Thorn Forests and Scrubs: These forests and scrubs are found in arid and semi-arid regions with low rainfall, mostly in the northwestern and western parts of India. They are dominated by thorny trees and shrubs, adapted to survive in harsh conditions.
Mangrove Forests: These forests are found along the coastal regions of India, particularly in the Bay of Bengal and Andaman and Nicobar Islands. They are characterized by salt-tolerant trees and shrubs that thrive in intertidal zones and provide essential ecosystem services such as coastal protection and erosion control.
Montane Forests: These forests are found in high-altitude regions of the Himalayas, including the Western Himalayas, Eastern Himalayas, and the Nilgiri Hills. They are characterized by a variety of vegetation types depending on the altitude, including coniferous forests, temperate evergreen forests, and alpine meadows.
Vegetation of High Altitudes:
High-altitude vegetation is characterized by adaptations to the harsh conditions of cold temperatures, thin air, and strong winds. In the Himalayas, the vegetation zones can be broadly categorized as follows:
Subalpine Forests (2,000-3,000 meters): These forests are dominated by coniferous trees like pines, cedars, and firs, which are adapted to the colder climate.
Alpine Forests (3,000-4,000 meters): These forests are characterized by smaller trees and shrubs, such as rhododendrons, junipers, and willows.
Alpine Meadows (Above 4,000 meters): These meadows are dominated by grasses, herbs, and wildflowers, which thrive in the short growing season.
Alpine Scrub (Above 5,000 meters): This zone is characterized by low-growing plants and mosses, adapted to the extreme conditions of high altitudes.
5. Quite a few species of plants and animals are endangered in India. Why?
Ans: India's rich biodiversity is under threat due to a multitude of factors, including habitat loss, poaching, pollution, and climate change.
Habitat loss is the primary driver of species endangerment in India. As human populations expand and their activities intensify, natural habitats are being cleared for agriculture, infrastructure development, and urbanization. This fragmentation and destruction of habitats deprive species of the resources they need to survive, leading to population declines and increased vulnerability to extinction.
Poaching is another major threat to India's wildlife. The illegal hunting of wild animals for their body parts, such as tusks, horns, and fur, has decimated populations of iconic species like tigers, elephants, and rhinos. These animals are targeted for their commercial value in traditional medicine and luxury goods, creating a lucrative black market that fuels poaching activities.
Pollution is also taking a toll on India's biodiversity. Industrial effluents, agricultural runoff, and urban waste contaminate rivers, lakes, and other water bodies, harming aquatic life and disrupting ecosystems. Air pollution, caused by vehicular emissions and industrial activities, affects respiratory systems of both plants and animals, reducing their resilience and adaptability.
Climate change is an emerging threat to India's biodiversity. Rising temperatures and altered precipitation patterns are disrupting habitats and phenological cycles, making it difficult for species to adapt and survive. Extreme weather events, such as floods and droughts, are becoming more frequent and intense, exacerbating the stress on already vulnerable populations.
Addressing these threats requires a multi-pronged approach that includes:
Protecting and expanding natural habitats: This involves creating and managing protected areas, restoring degraded habitats, and promoting sustainable land-use practices.
Enforcing anti-poaching laws: Strengthening wildlife law enforcement, educating communities, and providing alternative livelihoods are crucial to combat poaching.
Reducing pollution: Implementing stricter environmental regulations, promoting sustainable production practices, and encouraging public awareness are essential to minimize pollution's impact on biodiversity.
Mitigating climate change: Reducing greenhouse gas emissions, adopting renewable energy sources, and developing climate-resilient ecosystems are necessary to address the long-term impacts of climate change on biodiversity.
By addressing these threats and implementing effective conservation measures, India can safeguard its rich biodiversity and ensure the survival of its endangered species for future generations.
6. Why has India a rich heritage of flora and fauna?
Ans: India is home to an incredible diversity of plant and animal life, with over 10% of the world's known species found within its borders. This rich biodiversity is due to a number of factors, including:
*Varied climate: India's climate ranges from the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas to the tropical rainforests of the Western Ghats, providing a wide range of habitats for different species.
*Diverse geography: India is home to a variety of landscapes, including mountains, deserts, forests, grasslands, and wetlands. This diversity of habitats supports a wide range of plant and animal species.
Map Skills
On an outline map of India, label the following.
(i) Areas of Evergreen Forests
(ii) Areas of Dry Deciduous Forests
(iii) Two national parks each in Northern, Southern, Eastern and Western parts of the Country.
Questions and Answer Type By: Himashree Bora.
