Access the latest NCERT Solutions for Class 9 Geography Chapter-5: Natural Vegetation and Wildlife, updated for 2024-2025. Solution is designed to help students tackle difficult questions with ease. The content is written in simple, easy-to-understand language.
Exercise
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
Ans. (d) Tropical Evergreen
(ii) Cinchona trees are found in the areas of rainfall more than
(a) 100 cm
(b) 70 cm
(c) 50 cm
(d) less than 50 cm
Ans. (b) 70 cm
(iii) In which of the following states is the Simlipal bioreserve 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
(b) Gulf of Mannar
(c) Nilgiri
(d) Panna
Ans. (b) Gulf of Mannar
Answer the following questions briefly:
(i) What is a bioreserve? Give two examples.
- A bioreserve is a protected area reserved for the conservation of the biodiversity of flora, fauna, and other wildlife in their natural habitat. It also allows for research and education. Examples include:
- Sunderbans Bioreserve
- Nilgiri Bioreserve
(ii) Name two animals having habitat in tropical and montane types of vegetation.
- Tropical vegetation: Elephant, Deer
- Montane vegetation: Snow Leopard, Yak
Distinguish between:
(i) Flora and Fauna
- Flora refers to the plant life in a particular region or period.
- Fauna refers to the animal life in a particular region or period.
(ii) Tropical Evergreen and Deciduous Forests
- Tropical Evergreen Forests are found in areas with more than 200 cm of rainfall, remain green throughout the year, and have dense, multilayered vegetation. Trees like ebony and rubber are common.
- Tropical Deciduous Forests are found in areas with 70 to 200 cm of rainfall, and trees shed their leaves in dry seasons. Teak and sal are common.
4. Name different types of vegetation found in India and describe the vegetation of high altitudes.
- The main types of vegetation found in India are:
- Tropical Evergreen Forests
- Tropical Deciduous Forests
- Tropical Thorn Forests and Scrubs
- Montane Forests
- Mangrove Forests
- Vegetation of High Altitudes:
In high altitude regions (above 3600 meters), the natural vegetation includesAlpine forests. Common trees include silver fir, junipers, and pines. As we move higher, these forests merge into alpine grasslands, which are used for grazing by nomadic tribes like theGujjars andBakarwals.
5. Quite a few species of plants and animals are endangered in India. Why?
Many species of plants and animals are endangered in India due to:
- Habitat destruction from deforestation and urbanization.
- Hunting and poaching for commercial purposes.
- Pollution from industrial and chemical waste.
- Introduction of alien species that disturb the local ecosystem.
- Climate change affecting natural habitats.
6. Why does India have a rich heritage of flora and fauna?
India has a rich heritage of flora and fauna due to:
- Its Vast geographical range with different climate zones, from tropical to alpine, creating diverse habitats.
- The Presence of mountains, forests, rivers, deserts, and coastal regions, supporting various ecosystems.
- The country’s biodiversity conservation efforts, including the establishment of bio reserves, wildlife sanctuaries, and national parks.
Other Important Short answer Type Questions
Here are important short answer type questions with answers based on Chapter 5 of the NCERT Class 9 Geography book “Natural Vegetation and Wildlife,” relevant to previous years’ NCERT 9th class exams and UPSC.
1.What is virgin vegetation?
Answer:
Virgin vegetation refers to plant communities that grow naturally without human intervention and remain undisturbed for long periods. Such vegetation is considered untouched by human activities.
2.What is the difference between flora and fauna?
Answer:
- Flora refers to the plants of a particular region or period.
- Fauna refers to the animal species of a particular region or period.
3.Name the different types of vegetation found in India.
Answer:
The main types of vegetation found in India are:
1. Tropical Evergreen Forests
2. Tropical Deciduous Forests
3. Tropical Thorn Forests and Scrubs
4. Montane Forests
5. Mangrove Forests
4.What are tropical evergreen forests and where are they found in India?
Answer:
Tropical evergreen forests are dense forests found in areas with heavy rainfall (more than 200 cm) and a short dry season. They remain green throughout the year. These forests are found in the Western Ghats, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Assam, and along the Tamil Nadu coast.
5.What is meant by montane vegetation?
Answer:
Montane vegetation refers to the type of vegetation that occurs in mountainous regions, where the temperature decreases with altitude. This leads to a variety of forest types, including wet temperate forests, coniferous forests, and alpine grasslands.
6.Why are thorn forests found in northwestern India?
Answer:
Thorn forests are found in northwestern India due to low rainfall (less than 70 cm). These areas are semiarid, and plants such as acacias, cacti, and euphorbias dominate the vegetation, which is adapted to survive in dry conditions.
7.Which regions in India have mangrove forests?
Answer:
Mangrove forests are found in the coastal areas influenced by tides. In India, these forests are mainly located in the deltas of the Ganga, Mahanadi, Krishna, Godavari, and Kaveri rivers. The GangaBrahmaputra delta, known as the Sundarbans, is a prominent region with mangrove vegetation.
8.Name two animals found in tropical evergreen forests.
Answer:
Two animals commonly found in tropical evergreen forests are elephants and one horned rhinoceros.
9.What is the significance of medicinal plants in India?
Answer:
India has a rich tradition of using medicinal plants for treating various diseases. Some commonly used medicinal plants include:
- Neem: Known for its antibiotic and antibacterial properties.
- Tulsi: Used to cure cough and cold.
10.Why is biodiversity important for human survival?
Answer:
Biodiversity is essential for maintaining ecological balance, providing food, medicine, raw materials, and supporting ecosystem services such as pollination, water purification, and climate regulation.
11.What steps has the Indian government taken to protect wildlife?
Answer:
The Indian government has implemented several steps to protect wildlife, including:
- Establishing 18 biosphere reserves, 106 national parks, and 573 wildlife sanctuaries.
- Launching projects like Project Tiger, Project Rhino, and Project Great Indian Bustard to conserve endangered species.
12.What is the difference between tropical evergreen forests and tropical deciduous forests?
Answer:
- Tropical Evergreen Forests: These forests remain green throughout the year and are found in areas with heavy rainfall (more than 200 cm).
- Tropical Deciduous Forests: Also known as monsoon forests, these forests shed their leaves during the dry season and are found in regions receiving rainfall between 200 cm and 70 cm.
13.Which animals are commonly found in the thorn forests of India?
Answer:
Common animals found in thorn forests include rats, foxes, wild asses, camels, and lions.
14.What role do biosphere reserves play in India?
Answer:
Biosphere reserves protect the biodiversity of flora and fauna in their natural habitats. They promote conservation while allowing sustainable development and research activities.
15.How do mangrove forests help the environment?
Answer:
Mangrove forests play a crucial role in protecting coastal areas from erosion, storm surges, and flooding. They also serve as important breeding grounds for marine life and support biodiversity.
16.What are the key features of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972?
Answer:
The Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 provides legal protection to wildlife in India by establishing protected areas, banning hunting, and regulating the trade of wildlife products.
17.What are the main threats to India’s natural vegetation and wildlife?
Answer:
The main threats to natural vegetation and wildlife in India include deforestation, habitat destruction, pollution, poaching, and climate change.
18.What are the two main types of tropical deciduous forests in India?
Answer:
The two main types of tropical deciduous forests in India are:
1.Moist Deciduous Forests: Found in areas with rainfall between 200 cm and 100 cm.
2.Dry Deciduous Forests: Found in regions receiving rainfall between 100 cm and 70 cm.
19.What are some endangered species found in India?
Answer:
Some endangered species in India include the Bengal tiger, Asiatic lion, one horned rhinoceros, snow leopard, and the gharial.
20.Which Indian forests are home to the Royal Bengal Tiger?
Answer:
The Royal Bengal Tiger is found in the Sundarbans of West Bengal and in the forests of Madhya Pradesh and the Himalayan region.
MCQs: Natural Vegetation and Wildlife
Here are 20 multiple choice questions (MCQs) based on Chapter 5 of the NCERT Class 9 Geography book “Natural Vegetation and Wildlife,” aligned with previous years’ NCERT 9th class exams and UPSC.
1. What is meant by natural vegetation?
(a) Cultivated crops
(b) Man Made forests
(c) Plants that grow naturally without human aid
(d) Gardens and orchards
2. India is one of the _____ mega biodiversity countries in the world.
(a) 10
(b) 12
(c) 15
(d) 20
3. What are species of plants that are purely Indian and found nowhere else called?
(a) Exotic species
(b) Endemic species
(c) Invasive species
(d) Native species
4. Tropical evergreen forests are found in regions receiving more than:
(a) 50 cm of rainfall
(b) 100 cm of rainfall
(c) 150 cm of rainfall
(d) 200 cm of rainfall
5. Which tree species is commonly found in tropical evergreen forests?
(a) Teak
(b) Neem
(c) Ebony
(d) Sal
6. Which forests are also known as monsoon forests?
(a) Tropical Evergreen Forests
(b) Tropical Deciduous Forests
(c) Montane Forests
(d) Mangrove Forests
7. Tropical deciduous forests shed their leaves in:
(a) Winter
(b) Monsoon
(c) Dry summer
(d) Spring
8. Where are montane forests found?
(a) Coastal areas
(b) Deserts
(c) Mountainous areas
(d) Plains
9. Which type of forest is found in areas with less than 70 cm of rainfall?
(a) Montane Forests
(b) Tropical Thorn Forests
(c) Mangrove Forests
(d) Tropical Evergreen Forests
10. In which region are mangrove forests predominantly found?
(a) Western Ghats
(b) Himalayan region
(c) River deltas
(d) Thar Desert
11. Which tree is commonly found in mangrove forests in the GangaBrahmaputra delta?
(a) Teak
(b) Sundari
(c) Sal
(d) Rosewood
12. The Sundarbans, a region of dense mangrove forests, is home to which famous animal?
(a) Indian Lion
(b) Royal Bengal Tiger
(c) Asiatic Elephant
(d) Snow Leopard
13. Which of the following species is found in the swampy and marshy lands of Assam and West Bengal?
(a) Wild Ass
(b) Yak
(c) One Horned Rhinoceros
(d) Red Panda
14. Which of the following regions is home to the Asiatic Lion?
(a) Western Ghats
(b) Gir Forest
(c) Sundarbans
(d) Nilgiri Hills
15. Which type of vegetation is found at the highest altitude in India?
(a) Tropical Deciduous Forests
(b) Alpine Vegetation
(c) Mangrove Forests
(d) Tropical Thorn Forests
16. Which one of the following is a critically endangered medicinal plant in India?
(a) Neem
(b) Tulsi
(c) Sarpagandha
(d) Babool
17. The Wildlife Protection Act was implemented in which year?
(a) 1952
(b) 1972
(c) 1992
(d) 2002
18. Which one of the following species is found in the high altitude region of Ladakh?
(a) Camel
(b) Tibetan Antelope
(c) Indian Bison
(d) Nilgai
19. Which of the following is a famous migratory bird that visits India during winters?
(a) Flamingo
(b) Peafowl
(c) Siberian Crane
(d) Parrot
20. Which national park is the last remaining habitat of the Asiatic Lion?
(a) Jim Corbett National Park
(b) Sundarbans National Park
(c) Gir National Park
(d) Kaziranga National Park
Answers:
1. (c) Plants that grow naturally without human aid
2. (b) 12
3. (b) Endemic species
4. (d) 200 cm of rainfall
5. (c) Ebony
6. (b) Tropical Deciduous Forests
7. (c) Dry summer
8. (c) Mountainous areas
9. (b) Tropical Thorn Forests
10. (c) River deltas
11. (b) Sundari
12. (b) Royal Bengal Tiger
13. (c) One Horned Rhinoceros
14. (b) Gir Forest
15. (b) Alpine Vegetation
16. (c) Sarpagandha
17. (b) 1972
18. (b) Tibetan Antelope
19. (c) Siberian Crane
20. (c) Gir National Park
Other Chapter
| Chapter 1: INDIA – SIZE AND LOCATION | Chapter 2:- PHYSICAL FEATURES OF INDIA |
| Chapter 3:- DRAINAGE | Chapter 4:- CLIMATE |
| Chapter 6:- POPULATION |
