Question 1(a)

What is meant by natural vegetation?

Answer
Natural vegetation refers to the plant community which has grown naturally without any human assistance and has
not been disturbed over a long time, so as to allow its individual species to adjust themselves fully to the climate and
soil conditions.

Question 1(b)
Give two points of difference between vegetation and forests.
Answer

Vegetation Forests

Vegetation refers to the assemblage Forest refers to a large tract of land

of plant species living in association covered with trees and accompanying
with each other in a given undergrowth of shrubs, herbs and
environmental set-up. sustaining thousands of life forms.

Vegetation includes only plant

Forests sustain both plant and animals.
species.

Question 1(c)
(i) Name one area where tropical rain forests are found.
(ii) Mention two main characteristics of tropical rain forests.
Answer
(i) Tropical rain forests are found on the western slopes of the Western Ghats.
(ii) Two main characteristics of tropical rain forests are-

1. Trees reach great heights of more than 60 m.

2. Since this region remains warm and wet throughout the year, it has a luxuriant vegetation of all kinds-
trees, shrubs and creepers which give it a multi-layered structure.

Question 1(d)
Give a geographical reason for each of the following:
(i) The Western Ghats are covered with thick evergreen forests while the Eastern Ghats are coven by deciduous
forests.
(ii) Tropical evergreen forests have tall trees and appear green all the year round.
(iii) Deciduous forests are commercially most exploited.
Answer
(i) Evergreen forests are found in areas of high temperature, having high annual rainfall. Western Ghats receive
more than 200 cms. of annual rainfall with an average annual temperature between 25°C and 27°C. Similarly,
deciduous forests are found in areas with moderate rainfall and the eastern ghats receive annual rainfall between
100 cm and 200 cm with mean annual temperature range of 24°C and 27°C. Hence, the Western Ghats are covered
with thick evergreen forests while the Eastern Ghats are coven by deciduous forests.
(ii) Tropical evergreen forests have tall trees as this region remains warm and wet throughout the year. Since the
trees do not have a fixed time to shed their leaves, to flower or for fruition, the forest appears green all the year
round.
(iii) Deciduous forests are commercially most exploited because besides providing valuable timber, they provide
various other valuable products, like sandalwood, which are in great demand in India and abroad.

Question 2(a)
Give two points of difference between Tropical Evergreen and Tropical Deciduous Forests.
Answer

Tropical Evergreen Forests Tropical Deciduous Forests

Tropical Evergreen forests are found Tropical Deciduous Forests are found in
in areas which receive more than 200 areas which receive annual rainfall
cms. of annual rainfall. between 100 cm and 200 cm.

Tress in deciduous forests shed their

Trees in tropical evergreen forests do
leaves from six to eight weeks during
not shed their leaves.
spring and early summer.

Question 2(b)
What are the climatic conditions under which Tropical Evergreen Forests develop?
Answer
The climatic conditions under which Tropical Evergreen Forests develop are-

1. Annual rainfall of more than 200 cm

2. Average annual temperature between 25°C and 27°C
3. Average annual humidity exceeds 77 percent

Question 2(c)
(i) What are the characteristic features of deciduous forests?
(ii) Name the two types of deciduous forests.
Answer
(i) The characteristic features of deciduous forests are-

1. The trees in these forests shed their leaves from six to eight weeks during spring and early summer.
2. A particular species can be found over a large area.
3. They are commercially most exploited.

(ii) The two types of deciduous forests are-

1. Moist Deciduous Forests

2. Dry Deciduous Forests

Question 2(d)
Give a geographical reason for each of the following:
(i) Tropical Evergreen Forests are difficult to exploit for commercial purposes.
(ii) Delta area of river Ganga is called Sunderbans.
(iii) Forests are grown in and around the cities having Iron and Steel Industries, and Thermal Power Plants.
Answer
(i) Tropical Evergreen Forests are difficult to exploit for commercial purposes because of the tangled mass of canes,
palms, bamboos, ferns and climbers along with the lack of means of transport.
(ii) Delta area of river Ganga is called Sunderbans because the forests in this area have sundari trees.
(iii) Forests are grown in and around the cities having Iron and Steel Industries, and Thermal Power Plants because
the level of pollution is much higher in areas where industries are located and forests prevent pollution and act as a
barrier for the dust and purify the air.

Question 3(a)
Mention the areas where Tropical Desert Vegetation thrives.
Answer
Tropical Desert Vegetation thrives in south-western Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, central and eastern Rajasthan,
Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, parts of Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.

Question 3(b)
Under what climatic conditions do Littoral forests develop?
Answer
These forests thrive in areas where temperature remains between 26°C to 29°C and the rainfall is not more than
200 cm.

Question 3(c)
(i) State two characteristic features of tropical desert vegetation. Name two typical trees found here.
(ii) Why tropical deserts have stunted trees.
Answer
(i) Two characteristic features of tropical desert vegetation are-

1. These forests have Xerophytic vegetation. Due to paucity of rainfall, the trees are stunted with large
patches of coarse grasses.
2. Plants remain leafless for most part of the year and look like scrub vegetation.

Two typical trees found here are babool and date palm.
(ii) Tropical deserts have stunted trees due to paucity of rainfall.

Question 3(d)
Give a geographical reason for each of the following:
(i) The forest area has greatly depleted in India.
(ii) The Tropical Evergreen forests are found on the western slope of the Western Ghats.
(iii) Acacia has long roots.
Answer
(i) The forest area has greatly depleted in India as forests have been cleared for the purpose of cultivation. Timber
has become an important commercial resource. Rapid industrialization, urbanisation and expansion of cities has
also led to the destruction of forest cover in the country.
(ii) The Tropical Evergreen forests are found on the western slope of the Western Ghats because evergreen forests
are found in areas of high temperature and high annual rainfall. Western Ghats receive more than 200 cms. of
annual rainfall with an average annual temperature between 25°C and 27°C.
(iii) Acacia has long roots so that the roots can reach deep, ground water resources and therefore, survive drought
like conditions.

Question 4(a)
What are 'Tidal forests'? Name two typical trees found there.
Answer
Tidal forests are one of the most specialised tropical natural vegetation types. India has a variety of wetlands
habitats. These lands are between terrestrial and aquatic system where the water table is usually at or near the
surface of land.
Two typical trees found here are Keora and Amur.

Question 4(b)
Name the type of forests found in the western part of the Western Ghats. Give two reasons why these forests are so
named.
Answer
Tropical Evergreen forests are found in the western part of the Western Ghats. They are named so because they
remain green throughout the year as they do not have any particular season to shed their leaves and also because
they grow in the regions receiving annual rainfall of more than 200 cm.

Question 4(c)
Describe the methods of protecting forests under the following heads:
(i) Afforestation.
(ii) Using alternative sources of energy.
Answer
(i) Afforestation means planting trees on lands which are not previously covered with forest vegetation.
(ii) To conserve forests, we can use non-conventional or renewable sources of energy like solar energy, tidal
energy, hydel energy etc.

Question 4(d)
Give a geographical reason for each of the following:
(i) Forests constitute an important natural resource.
(ii) Agro forestry is not vulnerable to population stress.
(iii) Tidal forests have profuse growth with tangle of climbers.
Answer
(i) Forests constitute an important natural resource because trees provide us with products such as fruits, leaves,
roots and tubers of plants. Wood is used for making furniture and as a source of energy. Wood and bamboo pulp is
used to make paper. Forests also provide fibers, essential oils, edible plants etc.
(ii) Agro forestry is not vulnerable to population stress as agro forestry co-ordinates with the local population and
reduces the pressure of population on traditional forestry.
(iii) Tidal forests have profuse growth with tangle of climbers to survive in soft and shifting mud.

Question 5(a)
What is social forestry?
Answer
Social forestry refers to the management and protection of orests and afforestation on barren lands with the
purpose of helping in the environmental, social and rural development.

Question 5(b)
Give two points of difference between agro-forestry and traditional forestry.
Answer

Agro-forestry Traditional forestry

Agro forestry provides a combined Traditional forestry only provides the

produce of forest and agricultural crops. produce of forest products.

It is not vulnerable to population stress. It is vulnerable to population stress.

Question 5(c)
Mention any three methods for the conservation and development of forests in India.
Answer
Three methods for the conservation and development of forests in India are-

1. Increasing the area under forests

2. Afforestation around industrial units
3. Using alternative sources of energy

Question 5(d)
State three objectives of agro-forestry.
Answer
Three objectives of agro-forestry are-

1. To reduce pressure on natural forests for obtaining timber as well as non-timber forest produce.
2. To check soil erosion and to maintain the natural fertility of the soil.
3. To maintain ecological balance along with proper utilisation of farm resources.

Question 6(a)
Why does the vegetation in the Himalayas vary with altitude?
Answer
The vegetation in the Himalayas vary with altitude because in the mountain regions, temperature decreases with
altitude.

Question 6(b)
Why does Tropical Evergreen forests appear dark inside the forests.
Answer
Tropical Evergreen forests appear dark inside the forests because of the dense canopy of trees which do not allow
enough sunlight to reach the ground.
Question 6(c)
Explain how is man responsible for the reduction of forest cover in India.
Answer
The felling of the trees for the purpose of obtaining timber is an important cause of reduced forest cover in India.
Rapid industrialization, urbanisation and expansion of cities has also led to the destruction of forest cover in the
country.

Question 6(d)
Give a geographical reason for each of the following:
(i) Nilgiri region has variety of vegetation type.
(ii) Sundari trees are used for boat making and construction purposes.
(iii) Littoral forest is also called tidal forest.
Answer
(i) In mountain regions, temperature decreases with increase in altitude. This has a corresponding effect on the
natural vegetation of the mountain region. Thus, vegetation in lower regions of Nilgiri is sub tropical and vegetation
in upper regions of Nilgiri is temperate.
(ii) Sundari trees are used for boat making and construction purposes because these trees provide hard durable
timber.
(iii) Littoral forest is also called tidal forest because they are found in tidal zone, an area that is above water at low
tide and under water at high tide.

Question 7(a)
Name two areas where Tropical deciduous vegetation is found.
Answer
Tropical deciduous vegetation is found in north-eastern part of the peninsula and along the foothills of the
Himalayas.

Question 7(b)
Why do the Coniferous trees of mountain forests have conical shape?
Answer
Since coniferous trees are found in cold regions, they are well adapted to the cold climate. Their leaves are conical
in shape so that the snow slides off easily from the branches without causing any damage to them.

Question 7(c)
What is meant by 'farm forestry'? State two of its advantages for farmers.
Answer
Farm forestry is the practice of growing trees on the farm land to produce saleable products like timber, tannin,
charcoal, etc. and to provide shade and shelter for stock and crops.
Two advantages of farm forestry are-

1. It increases farm income.

2. It supports community development.

Question 7(d)
Give a geographical reason for each of the following:
(i) Littoral forest vegetation has breathing roots.
(ii) Forests are often compared to human lungs.
(iii) Van Mahotsav is celebrated in our country every year.
Answer
(i) Littoral forest vegetation has breathing roots because these root enable the plants to breathe during the
waterlogged conditions which occur when high tide comes.
(ii) Forests are compared to human lungs as the trees which make up a forest act as the compartment of lungs
which help in inhalation and exhalation of the air. But in lungs, Oxygen is taken in and Carbon dioxide is given out
whereas in trees carbon dioxide is inhaled and oxygen is exhaled.
(iii) Van Mahotsav is celebrated in our country every year to create awareness about the importance of trees and
encourage community participation in planting trees.

Question 1.
What do you mean by the term ‘Natural Vegetation’?
Answer:
‘Natural Vegetation’ refers to the plant cover that has not been disturbed over alongtime, so asto allowits individual speciesto
adjustthemselvesfuUytotheclimate and soil conditions. Grasses, shrubs and trees, which grow on their own without any interference,
constitute the natural vegetation of an area.

Question 2.
State the relation between climate and natural vegetation of a place.
Answer:
Distribution of NaturalVegetationiscloselyrelatedtoClimate from various examples.
Dense evergreen forests are found in the areas of very high rainfall, and thorny desert vegetation in the areas of very scanty rainfall.
Examples:

 OntheslopesoftheHimalayasandthehillsofthePeninsulaabove the height of 915m, the fall in the temperature affects the
types of vegetation, and its growth and change it from tropical to subtropical temperature and alpine vegetation.
 The southern slopes in the Himalayan region have a thick vegetation cover as compared to the northern slopes due to
longer duration of sunlight.
 The Western slopes of the Western Ghats are covered with thick forests due to more rainfall.

Question 3.
How important are trees to man?
Answer:
The importance of trees to man are followings:

 They provide raw material to many industries, e.g. paper.

 They are the store house of timber for house-making and furniture, fuel, fruits, herbs, honey, bamboo, canes and fibres.
 They are source of income to the government.
 Many other products like bees wax, materials for dyeing and tanning, oil and lac are gifts of trees.
 It help in maintaining ecological balance.
 It help to absorb much of the sun’s insolation also cause rain.

Question 4.
What is the percentage of forest cover on land in India?
Answer:
The Forest cover in India is only 21.02 percent.

Question 5.
Why is there Shrinkage of forest cover in India ? What precautions can be taken to reduce this shrinkage ?
Answer:
The main reasons for the shrinkage of forest areas in India is mainly due to growth in population which leads to increased demands
for agriculture or land establishment of industries and townships. Shrinkage of forest cover in India are due to following reasons:

 Overgrazing:
Overgrazing by cattle, sheep and goats in hilly and mountainous areas damages the forest cover.
 ShiftingCultivation:
Jhooming or shifting cultivation by tribals in hilly areas causes extensive damage of forest.
 Urbanization and industrialization:
Increasing urbanization and industrialization is also an important cause of degradation in forest area.
 Human activities like mining,quarrying and building has resulted in deforestation at large scale.

Precautions :

 Afforestation-planting trees.
 Planting trees along the roads, railway lines, rivers and canal banks.
 DevelopmentofGreenbeltsintheUrbanAreas.
 Shifting cultivationor ‘slashand burn’ type of agriculture should be gradually banned.

Question 6.
Name a few important forest products.
Answer:
Forests are the storehouse of timber, fuel, fruits, herbs, honey, bamboo, canes and fibres.

Question 7.
What are the factors that influence the natural vegetation of a place ?
Answer:
Following are the factors which influence the Natural vegetation of a place:

 Temperature
 Sunlight
 Precipitation
 Soil
 Relief

Question 8.
What are the characteristics features of Tropical Evergreen forest? Name some important trees of these forests.
Answer:
These forests have mainly evergreen species of varying density and height, usually associated with wetness. The tree trunks are
supported by a number of stilt like roots which are submerged under water and profuse growth with tangle of climbers.

The important trees found in these forests are keora, amur, bhara, rhizophora, screw pines, canes and palms, sundari, agar, etc.

Question 9.
Name the economically most important vegetation belt of India? Justify your answer.
Answer:
The economically most important vegetation belt of India is Tropical Monsoon Forests/Monsoon Forests/Deciduous Monsoon
Forests.

Question 10.
Mention one area where Deciduous Monsoon forests are found. Give one reason stating why they are found there.
Answer:
Deciduous Monsoon forests are found in the Western Ghats, Surrounding the belt of Evergreen forests, both on : Eastern and
western slopes. Second belt of deciduous forest run along the Shivalik range and Chotanagpur plateau.
The Deciduous Monsoon forest are found in the areas of average temperature of about 24°C to 27°C. These forests occur in the
areas of average rainfall between 150 to 200 cms.

Question 11.
Name the most important trees of Monsoon forests. Give one use of each.
Answer:
Teak and Sandalwood are the most valuable trees of Monsoon forests.
Uses of Teak –

 Teak provides wood for shipbuilding.

 House construction and costly furniture.

Uses of Sandalwood –

 Trees provides wood for handicrafts.

 Oil for soaps and perfumes.

Question 12.
What are the main features of the Mountain forests? In which parts of India are these forests found?
Answer:
The main features of the Mountain forests are:

 Climate –
These forests are found in the areas of average temperature less than 20°C or cool areas at an altitude of 1500 m to 3300
m.
 Rainfall –
They occur in the areas getting rainfall between 150 to 250 cm.

Or

 Mountain forests consist of mixed deciduous and coniferous forests.

 They occur in the transition zone of mixed forests and coniferous forests.

Found –
In the north, they occur in the temperature zone of the Himalayas from Kashmir to Assam at varying altitude.
In the south, they are found in Nilgiri and Annumalai Hills at an elevation between 1000 to 1500 m.

Question 13.
Under what climatic conditions do the desert and semidesert vegetation grow?
Answer:
Desert and semi-desert vegetation is found in the area of average temperature of 25°C to 27°C and with a rainfall of less than 25cm:

Question 14.
What are the characteristics of the Mangrove forests?
Answer:
Characteristics of the Mangrove forests :

 Mangrove vegetation is characterized by breathing roots or phenmatophores which act as respiratory organs.
 It stilt like roots remain submerged under water but can be seen at low tide. This tangled mass of root helps the plant to
survive in the shifting mud of coastal region.
 These forests are very dense.

Question 15.
By what other names do you associate Mangrove forests?
Answer:
The Mangrove Forests are known as to Tidal forests/ Littoral forests (littoral meaning on-shore).

Question 16.
What do you mean by the terms ‘afforestation’ hnd ‘deforestation’ ?
Answer:

 Afforestation-
Afforestation is the process of planting large numbers of trees on land which has few or no trees on it.
 Deforestation :
Indiscriminate cutting down of trees is called deforestation.

Question 17.
Give two characteristic features of Tropical Evergreen forest that make it difficult to exploit.
Answer:
Tropical Evergreen Forests are difficult to exploit because:

 They are very dense hence impenetrable.

 Transport is not possible.
 Trees do not grew in pure strands.

Question 18.
Why are the Deciduous Monsoon forests found on the eastern part of South India ?
Answer:
Deciduous Monsoon Forests are found on the eastern part of South India as it receives rain of 150 to 200 cms, with a hot dry season
from March to the end of May, they shed their leaves, hence are deciduous.

Question 19.
Name two states in India where thorn and scrub forests are found along with two examples of trees found here.
Answer:
Two states where thorn and scrub forests can be noticed in – drier parts of Punjab, Gujarat, Rajasthan dry parts of Karnataka, Andhra
Pradesh Telangana.
Examples are – Khair, Babul and Ber.

Question 20.
Name the type of vegetation found in saline environment under tidal influence and name the most important tree associated with
the above type of vegetation.
Answer:
The tidal forests occur in and around the delta regions, estuaries and creeks and are prone to tidal influence. They are found in areas
flooded by tides, these types of trees can survive in fresh and brackish water.
Sundari is very important in this areas. Sunderban delta has been named after it.

Question 21.
What characteristics of Sundari tree make it suitable for boat building ?
Answer:
The most important features of Sundari trees are:
The wood is hard, strong and durable, and hence make it suitable for boat building.

Question 22.
Why are the forests grown in and around steel cities ?
Answer:
The level of pollution is much higher in the cities having Iron and Steel Plants, pollution generated is more than the cities not having
these plants. This is because during the manufacture of steel, air emissions from the manufacturing plants emit particulate matter,
sulphur oxides, nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons and hydrogen fluoride which pollute die air.
Besides, these steel plants emit significant dust levels of about 20 kilograms per metric ton of steel. To prevent pollution, trees are
planted around the cities having Iron and Steel cities. The trees act as a barrier for the dust and purify the air.

Question 23.
Name two states where Deodar trees are grown. How is this wood useful ?
Answer:
It is found in Himachal Pradesh and Kashmir.
Use :
It is used for railway sleepers and house construction.

Question 24.
Name the type of vegetation found along the coastal strip of Ganga delta.
Answer:
Mangrove forests/sunderbans forests/tidal forests/Littoral forests found along the costal strip of Ganga delta.

Question 25.
State the total forest cover of the total geographic area of India.
Answer:
The Forest Cover of the total geographic area of India is about only 21.02 percent as against the world average of about 35%.

Question 26.
Give geographical reasons –
(a) Tropical Evergreen Forests are called Evergreen.
Answer:
Tropical Evergreen Forests are called Evergreen forests as they remain green throughout the year. This is because they shed their
leaves at different times of the year.

(b) Tropical Evergreen forests are called rainforests.

Answer:
They are found in the areas of heavy rainfall, they are also
known as ‘rainforests’.

(c) Mangrove forests or vegetation are stilled and look like tangled mass of roots to survive in coastal region.
Answer:
Because its stilt like roots remain submerged under water but can be seen at low tide. This tangled mass of roots helps the plant to
survive in the shifting mud of coastal region.

Question 27.
Answer in one word –
(a) The tidal forests occur in and around the ……………..
Answer:
The tidal forests occur in and around the steel industries.

(b) Its fruit is used for tanning leather and for dyeing purpose.
Answer:
Myrobalan.

(c) These forests shed their leaves for 6-8 weeks during spring.
Answer:
Deciduous Monsoon Forests or Tropical Deciduous Forests.

Question 28.
Differentiate between social forestry and agroforestry.
Answer:
Social-Forestry –
It refers to the management and protection of forests and afforestation on barren lands with the purpose of helping the
environmental, social and rural development.
Agroforestry –
It is an integrated approach of using the interactive benefits from combining trees and shrubs with crops. It combines agricultural
and forestry technologies to create more diverse, productive and profitable land use system.
A narrow definition of agroforestry is “trees on farms”.