NCERT Solutions Class 9 Social Science Geography Contemporary India Chapter – 5 NATURAL VEGETATION AND WILDLIFE
Q. 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
(b) Tidal
(c) Himalayan
(d) Tropical Evergreen
Answer:-
The correct answer is (d) Tropical Evergreen 🌿🌳.
👌Additional Information:-
🔹 Rubber plants grow in regions with hot and humid climates that receive high rainfall throughout the year.
🔹 They are commonly found in tropical evergreen forests, which are dense and remain green all year round.
🔹 In India, rubber plantations are mainly found in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and the northeastern states.
📚 Fun Fact: Natural rubber is obtained from the latex of rubber trees and is widely used in making tires, shoes, and gloves! 🏭🚗
(ii) Cinchona trees are found in the areas of rainfall more than
(a) 100 cm
(b) 50 cm
(c) 70 cm
(d) less than 50 cm
Answer:-
The correct answer is (a) 100 cm 🌿🌧️.
👌Additional Information:-
🔹 Cinchona trees require a humid climate with high rainfall to grow successfully.
🔹 They thrive in regions with more than 100 cm of annual rainfall and are commonly found in tropical areas.
🔹 In India, Cinchona is primarily grown in the Western Ghats (Kerala, Karnataka), Assam, and West Bengal.
🔹 The bark of Cinchona trees is used to produce quinine, an important medicine for treating malaria.
📚 Fun Fact: Quinine extracted from Cinchona bark was the first effective treatment for malaria and is still used today! 🏥💊
(iii) In which of the following state is the Simlipal bio-reserve located?
(a) Punjab
(b) Delhi
(c) Odisha
(d) West Bengal
Answer:-
The correct answer is (c) Odisha 🌿🐅.
👌Additional Information:-
🔹 Simlipal Bio-Reserve is located in Mayurbhanj district, Odisha.
🔹 It is a tiger reserve and a part of the Simlipal National Park, famous for its biodiversity and dense forests. 🌳🐾
🔹 The reserve is home to tigers, elephants, leopards, and many rare medicinal plants.
🔹 It is also recognized under UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme.
📚 Fun Fact: Simlipal gets its name from the Simul (Silk Cotton) tree, which is found abundantly in the forest! 🌲✨
(iv) Which one of the following bio-reserves of India is not included in the world
network of bioreserve?
(a) Manas
(b) Nilgiri
(c) Gulf of Mannar
(d) Panna
Answer:-
The correct answer is (d) Panna 🌿🐾.
👌Additional Information:-
🔹 World Network of Biosphere Reserves is a global list recognized by UNESCO to conserve biodiversity.
🔹 Biosphere reserves like Manas, Nilgiri, and Gulf of Mannar are included in UNESCO’s World Network.
🔹 Panna Biosphere Reserve in Madhya Pradesh is not part of this list, though it is a significant tiger reserve and wildlife conservation area in India.
📚 Fun Fact: Panna National Park is known for its successful tiger conservation program, where tigers were reintroduced after their population declined! 🐅✨
Q. 2. Answer the following questions briefly.
(i) What is a bio-reserve? Give two examples.
(ii) Name two animals having habitat in tropical and montane type of vegetation.
Answer:-
🔹 (i) What is a Bio-Reserve? 🌿
- A bio-reserve (biosphere reserve) is a protected area created to conserve biodiversity and support sustainable development.
- These regions help protect wildlife, plants, and tribal communities while maintaining ecological balance.
- Examples:
1️⃣ Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala) 🏞️
2️⃣ Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve (West Bengal) 🌳🐅
🔹 (ii) Two Animals Found in Tropical & Montane Vegetation:
- Tropical Vegetation:
✔️ Elephant 🐘 (Found in rainforests like Western Ghats & Northeast India)
✔️ Tiger 🐅 (Lives in dense tropical forests like Sundarbans & Central India) - Montane Vegetation:
✔️ Snow Leopard ❄️🐆 (Found in high-altitude Himalayan forests)
✔️ Red Panda 🐾🌲 (Lives in temperate montane forests of Sikkim & Arunachal Pradesh)
Q. 3. Distinguish between
(i) Flora and Fauna
(ii) Tropical Evergreen and Deciduous forests
Answer:-
(i) Difference Between Flora and Fauna
| 🌱 Flora | 🐆 Fauna |
|---|---|
| Refers to plants found in a specific region. | Refers to animals living in a specific region. |
| Includes trees, shrubs, grasses, flowers, etc. | Includes mammals, birds, reptiles, insects, etc. |
| Example: Teak, Bamboo, Mangroves in India. | Example: Tiger, Elephant, Peacock in India. |
(ii) Difference Between Tropical Evergreen and Deciduous Forests
| 🌳 Tropical Evergreen Forests | 🍂 Deciduous Forests |
|---|---|
| Found in hot and humid regions with high rainfall (above 200 cm). | Found in areas with moderate rainfall (100–200 cm). |
| Trees do not shed leaves seasonally, remain green all year. | Trees shed leaves in dry seasons to conserve water. |
| Example: Rubber, Mahogany, Ebony trees. | Example: Sal, Teak, Neem trees. |
📚 Conclusion:
Flora and fauna represent plant and animal life in a region, while tropical evergreen and deciduous forests differ in rainfall, leaf-shedding, and vegetation type. 🌍✨
Q. 4. Name different types of Vegetation found in India and describe the vegetation of
high altitudes.
Answer:-
✨ Types of Vegetation in India & High Altitude Vegetation 🌿🌍
🌳 Types of Vegetation in India:
India has a diverse range of vegetation due to its varied climate and geography. The main types are:
1️⃣ Tropical Evergreen Forests 🌲
- Found in regions with heavy rainfall (above 200 cm).
- Trees do not shed leaves and remain green throughout the year.
- Example: Rubber, Mahogany, Ebony (Western Ghats, Northeast India).
2️⃣ Tropical Deciduous Forests 🍂
- Found in moderate rainfall areas (100–200 cm).
- Trees shed leaves in dry seasons to conserve water.
- Example: Sal, Teak, Neem (Central India, foothills of Himalayas).
3️⃣ Thorn & Desert Vegetation 🌵
- Found in arid and semi-arid regions with very low rainfall.
- Plants have deep roots, thick stems, and spines to conserve water.
- Example: Cactus, Khejri, Acacia (Rajasthan, Gujarat).
4️⃣ Mangrove Forests 🌊
- Found in coastal and tidal areas, where land meets the sea.
- Trees have stilt-like roots to survive in saline water.
- Example: Sundari Tree (Sundarbans, Andaman & Nicobar Islands).
5️⃣ Mountain & Alpine Vegetation 🏔️
- Found in high-altitude regions where temperatures are low.
- Trees are coniferous, adapted to withstand snow and cold.
- Example: Pine, Fir, Cedar (Himalayas, Nilgiris).
🌲 Vegetation of High Altitudes (Mountain & Alpine Forests):
🔹 Found in the Himalayas & other mountain regions above 3,000 meters.
🔹 Includes coniferous trees like Pine, Spruce, Fir, and Cedar which have needle-like leaves to retain moisture.
🔹 At higher altitudes, forests give way to Alpine Grasslands with short shrubs and hardy plants.
🔹 Above 4,500 meters, vegetation is almost absent due to extreme cold, and only mosses & lichens survive.
📚 Fun Fact: The Himalayan region has unique medicinal plants like Rhodiola (used for altitude sickness) and Dhoop (used in traditional healing)! 🌿✨
Q. 5. Quite a few species of plants and animals are endangered in India. Why?
Answer:-
✨ Reasons for Endangered Species in India 🌿🐅
India is home to rich biodiversity, but several species of plants and animals are endangered due to various threats.
🔹 Major Causes of Endangerment:
1️⃣ Deforestation & Habitat Loss 🌲🚜
- Large-scale cutting of forests for agriculture, urbanization, and industries reduces natural habitats.
- Animals like the Asiatic Lion & One-Horned Rhinoceros have limited territories due to habitat destruction.
2️⃣ Poaching & Illegal Trade 🏹💰
- Species like Tigers, Elephants, and Pangolins are hunted for their skin, ivory, and medicinal value.
- Illegal wildlife trade threatens rare species like Red Panda & Snow Leopard.
3️⃣ Climate Change & Pollution 🌦️🛢️
- Rising temperatures affect ecosystems, making survival difficult for marine life, Himalayan species, and coastal biodiversity.
- Water pollution impacts Gangetic Dolphins & aquatic plants in rivers.
4️⃣ Human-Wildlife Conflict 🚧🐘
- Expanding cities and agriculture push wildlife into human settlements, leading to conflicts & killings.
- Elephants and leopards often enter villages, causing destruction and risking their survival.
5️⃣ Invasive Species & Disease Spread 🦠🌱
- Introduction of non-native species affects local flora and fauna.
- Diseases threaten fragile species like Amphibians & Coral Reefs.
📚 Examples of Endangered Species in India:
✔️ Fauna: Bengal Tiger, Snow Leopard, Indian Pangolin, Gangetic Dolphin 🐅🐆
✔️ Flora: Red Sandalwood, Blue Vanda Orchid, Medicinal Plants 🌺🌿
💡 Solution:
To protect biodiversity, afforestation, wildlife conservation programs, legal protections, and sustainable development are essential! 🌍✨
Q. 6. Why has India a rich heritage of flora and fauna?
Answer:-
✨ India’s Rich Heritage of Flora & Fauna 🌿🐅
India is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, with a vast range of plants, animals, and ecosystems. This rich heritage is due to several factors:
🔹 Reasons for India’s Biodiversity:
1️⃣ Diverse Climate & Geography 🌍
- India has snow-covered Himalayas, deserts, rainforests, grasslands, and coastal areas, creating different habitats for wildlife.
- Varying temperatures and rainfall patterns support unique species in each region.
2️⃣ Varied Vegetation Zones 🌳
- India has Tropical Evergreen, Deciduous, Desert, Mangrove, and Alpine forests, each with distinct plant and animal life.
- Example: Mangroves in Sundarbans, Evergreen forests in Western Ghats, and Alpine vegetation in the Himalayas.
3️⃣ Monsoon Winds & Water Bodies 🌦️
- The Southwest Monsoon supports lush vegetation and diverse river systems like the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Godavari, sustaining aquatic life.
- Lakes, wetlands, and rivers provide homes for crocodiles, Gangetic dolphins, and water birds.
4️⃣ High Endemism (Unique Native Species) 🐾
- India is home to many species found nowhere else, such as the Lion-tailed Macaque (Western Ghats) and Nilgiri Tahr.
- The Himalayas and Andaman & Nicobar Islands have many rare endemic plants and animals.
5️⃣ Sacred & Cultural Protection 🛕🌿
- Many plants and animals are worshipped or considered sacred, leading to conservation efforts.
- Example: Peepal tree, Banyan tree, Cow, Elephants have religious importance.
6️⃣ Government Conservation Efforts 🌎
- India has 104 national parks, 566 wildlife sanctuaries, and 18 biosphere reserves to protect flora and fauna.
- Projects like Project Tiger, Project Elephant, and Wetland Conservation Programs ensure wildlife protection.
📚 Conclusion: India’s rich heritage of flora and fauna is a result of natural diversity, climate variations, cultural values, and conservation efforts. It is our responsibility to protect and preserve this biodiversity! 🌿✨