Keywords To Remember
Natural Vegetation
Definition: Plant life that grows naturally in an area without human interference.
Wildlife
Definition: Undomesticated animals and birds that live in natural environments like forests, mountains, and deserts.
Forest
Definition: A large area covered chiefly with trees and undergrowth.
Tropical Evergreen Forests
Definition: Forests found in regions with heavy rainfall and a hot climate throughout the year. These forests remain green all year round.
Tropical Deciduous Forests
Definition: Forests found in monsoon regions that shed their leaves during the dry season to conserve water.
Mediterranean Forests
Definition: Forests found in regions with dry summers and mild, wet winters; trees have special features to conserve moisture.
Temperate Softwood Forests (Coniferous Forests)
Definition: Forests in cold regions with cone-shaped trees and needle-like leaves that remain green year-round.
Afforestation
Definition: Planting of trees on a large scale to create forests or increase forest cover.
Deforestation
Definition: The large-scale removal of forest cover, often due to human activities like logging and agriculture.
Biodiversity
Definition: The variety of different species of plants, animals, and microorganisms in a particular environment.
Habitat
Definition: The natural environment where a plant or animal lives.
Poaching
Definition: Illegal hunting or capturing of wild animals.
National Park
Definition: A protected area created for the conservation of wildlife where no commercial exploitation is allowed.
Wildlife Sanctuary
Definition: A protected area where limited human activity is allowed, and wildlife is protected.
Transpiration
Definition: The process by which moisture is carried from roots to small pores on the underside of leaves, where it changes to vapor and is released into the atmosphere.
Monsoon
Definition: A seasonal wind in South and Southeast Asia, bringing heavy rains.
Ecological Balance
Definition: A stable state of ecosystems where all living organisms and the environment are in harmony.
Evergreen
Definition: A plant that retains green leaves throughout the year.
Deciduous
Definition: A plant that sheds its leaves annually during a particular season.
Conservation
Definition: The protection and management of natural resources to prevent exploitation, destruction, or neglect.
Project Tiger
Definition: An initiative launched in India in 1973 to conserve and protect the tiger population.
Humus
Definition: Organic component of soil formed by the decomposition of leaves and other plant material, rich in nutrients.
Transpiration
Definition: Loss of water from plants through tiny pores on leaves, helping in cooling and water regulation.
Something to Know
Tick (✔️) the correct option.
- Which term is used for the plant community which grows without human interference?
(a) plantation
(b) natural vegetation
(c) agriculture
(d) gardening
Answer – (b) natural vegetation
- Which vegetation-grows in hot and humid regions of the world?
(a) Tropical Evergreen Forests
(b) Tropical Deciduous Forests
(c) Mediterranean Forests
(d) Temperate Softwood Forests
Answer – (a) Tropical Evergreen Forests
- The most common trees of Tropical Deciduous Forests are—
(a) ebony and mahogany
(b) sal and teak
(c) cork and olive
(d) oak and chestnut
Answer – (b) sal and teak
- Trees of Mediterranean Forests are have—
(a) broad leaves
(b)needle shaped leaves
(c) spiny and waxy leaves
(d) small size leaves
Answer – (c) spiny and waxy leaves
- The area under forests is depleting due to—
(a) natural calamity
(b) human interference
(c) climatic change
(d) water shortage
Answer – (b) human interference
B. Fill in the blanks.
- The assemblage of plant species in an environment is known as __________.
Answer – natural vegetation
- __________and __________are two important factors for the plant growth.
Answer – Temperature and rainfall
- Humus helps to maintain __________of the soil.
Answer – fertility
- Hardwood trees have broad leaves to permit __________of surplus moisture.
Answer – transpiration
- Teak is the commercially important tree of the __________forests.
Answer – Tropical Deciduous
C.Write a technical term or an appropriate word for each of the following statements.
- The forests which do not shed all their leaves at the same time.
Answer – Tropical Evergreen Forests
- In this forest, summers are dry and moderate rain falls in winter.
Answer – Mediterranean Forests
- Conical shaped trees are common in these forests.
Answer – Temperate Softwood Forests (or Coniferous Forests)
- The act or process of creating new forests by planting saplings.
Answer – Afforestation
- The Temperate Softwood Forests found in the southern slopes of Himalayas.
Answer – Mountain Forests
D. Answer the following questions in brief.
- Why are the Tropical Rain Forests known as evergreen forests?
Answer – Tropical Rain Forests are known as evergreen forests because the trees do not shed all their leaves at the same time, making the forests appear green throughout the year.
- Why do the Tropical Deciduous Forests shed their leaves during the summer season? Name two such trees.
Answer – Tropical Deciduous Forests shed their leaves in summer to conserve moisture during the dry season. Two such trees are Sal and Teak.
- Write any three characteristic features of the trees found in the Mediterranean Forests.
Answer – They have spiny, waxy, and small leathery leaves.
The trees have long roots and thick bark.
These adaptations help the trees to retain moisture during dry summers.
- Distinguish between a national park and a wildlife sanctuary.
Answer – n a national park, no human activity like collecting firewood or forest products is allowed.
In a wildlife sanctuary, limited human activities like collecting firewood or herbs for research or education are permitted.
- Suggest any three important measures for the protection of forests.
Answer – Afforestation or large-scale plantation of trees.
Ban on deforestation and enforcement of strict laws.
Promoting efficient use of forest products and use of alternatives to wood.
E. Answer the following questions.
- What is meant by natural vegetation? How do temperature and rainfall affect its distribution? Explain with examples.
Answer – Natural vegetation refers to the plant community that grows in an area without any direct or deliberate interference by humans. It includes forests, grasses, and shrubs.
Temperature and rainfall play a vital role in determining the type and distribution of natural vegetation:
In regions with high rainfall and warm temperature, such as the Western Ghats and North-Eastern India, Tropical Evergreen Forests thrive.
Areas with moderate rainfall (100–200 cm), such as Central India and parts of Myanmar, support Tropical Deciduous Forests.
Cold and dry regions, such as the Himalayas and Northern Europe, support Coniferous or Temperate Softwood Forests, which are adapted to snowfall and shorter growing seasons.
- Highlight any five points of distinction between Tropical Deciduous Forests and Coniferous Forests.
Answer –
Tropical Deciduous Forests | Coniferous Forests (Temperate Softwood Forests) |
Found in tropical regions with summer rainfall. | Found in cold regions and high altitudes. |
Trees shed leaves in dry season. | Trees do not shed leaves; appear evergreen. |
Trees have broad, medium-sized leaves. | Trees have needle-shaped leaves. |
Common trees: teak, sal, bamboo. | Common trees: pine, fir, deodar. |
Animals: tiger, lion, elephant. | Animals: snow leopard, deer, golden eagle. |
- ‘Forests are essential for maintaining an ecological balance.’ Justify the statement with suitable arguments.
Answer – Forests play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance due to the following reasons:
They absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, supporting life.
Forests act as natural habitats for wildlife.
Tree roots bind the soil and prevent soil erosion and floods.
Forests help in maintaining the water cycle and cause rainfall.
They regulate temperature and keep the climate cool.
Thus, forests are the “lungs of the Earth” and critical for survival.
- Explain the importance of wildlife.
Answer – Wildlife is an essential component of natural ecosystems. Its importance includes:
Maintains ecological balance by regulating food chains.
Supports biodiversity, which is crucial for environmental stability.
Enhances natural beauty, supporting tourism and employment.
Acts as natural indicators for disaster prediction (e.g., behavioral changes before earthquakes).
Dead and decaying animals contribute to soil fertility through humus.
- How are human beings responsible for the depletion of vegetation and wildlife?
Answer – Humans are largely responsible for the decline in vegetation and wildlife due to:
Deforestation for agriculture, industries, and settlements.
Poaching and hunting of wild animals for commercial gains.
Urbanization leading to habitat destruction.
Pollution and climate change caused by human activities.
Overexploitation of forest resources and shifting cultivation.
These actions disrupt ecosystems and lead to the extinction of many species.
Value Based Question
Chipko Movement
The Chipko Movement was based on the Gandhian philosophy of non-violence and aimed at the protection and conservation of forests from destruction. This agitation inspired the women. They hugged the trees and said if the trees were to be cut, they would have to first kill the women embracing them.
Women were the worst affected by this deforestation as it was causing water shortage, Ian s , of firewood and fodder. They believed in traditional relationship of forest and humans. For them fight for survival.
- Why is the Chipko Movement called a fight for survival?
Answer – The Chipko Movement is called a fight for survival because it aimed at protecting forests, which were essential for the daily lives of the local communities—especially women. Forests provided them with water, firewood, fodder, and food, and their destruction threatened their livelihood, culture, and environment. The women who participated were fighting not just for trees, but for their basic needs and future existence.
- Mention any three lessons which all of us learn from this movement.
Answer – Conservation is everyone’s responsibility – Even common people, especially women, can play a powerful role in protecting nature.
Non-violent resistance is effective – Peaceful protest can bring about real change.
Forests are life-givers – We must understand and respect the deep connection between nature and human survival.
(Map Skill)
On an outline political map of the world, mark and name the following- fa) Yellowstone National Park in USA
(b) Bandhavgarh National Park of India
(c) Kaziranga National Park of India
(d) Ecrins National Park of France
(e) Charles Darwin National Park of Australia
Answer – Locations to be Marked:
(a) Yellowstone National Park – USA
📍 Located in the western part of the United States, primarily in the state of Wyoming, with parts extending into Montana and Idaho.
(b) Bandhavgarh National Park – India
📍 Located in the state of Madhya Pradesh, central India.
(c) Kaziranga National Park – India
📍 Located in the state of Assam, in northeastern India.
(d) Ecrins National Park – France
📍 Located in the southeastern part of France, in the Alps mountain region.
(e) Charles Darwin National Park – Australia
📍 Located in the Northern Territory, near the city of Darwin, in northern Australia.
Something To Do
- Prepare a tabular chart on National Parks of India, giving information under the following columns:
Answer –
Name of the National Park | Location (State) | Bird/Animal which is Protected |
Jim Corbett National Park | Uttarakhand | Bengal Tiger |
Kaziranga National Park | Assam | One-horned Rhinoceros |
Gir National Park | Gujarat | Asiatic Lion |
Ranthambore National Park | Rajasthan | Tiger |
Keoladeo Ghana National Park | Rajasthan | Siberian Crane (bird) |
Sundarbans National Park | West Bengal | Royal Bengal Tiger |
Bandhavgarh National Park | Madhya Pradesh | White Tiger, Leopard |
Periyar National Park | Kerala | Elephant |
Hemis National Park | Ladakh | Snow Leopard |
Kanha National Park | Madhya Pradesh | Swamp Deer (Barasingha) |
- Paste pictures of trees/plants having medicinal value in your scrapbook. Which of these plants have you grown in your school or plan to grow?
Answer – You can collect or print and paste pictures of these commonly known medicinal plants:
Tulsi (Holy Basil) – Used for coughs and colds
Neem – Used for skin problems and antiseptics
Aloe Vera – Used for burns and skin care
Ashwagandha – Used as a tonic and to relieve stress
Turmeric (Haldi) – Used as antiseptic and in immunity boosting
Giloy – Used to improve immunity
I have grown Tulsi and Aloe Vera in our school garden. I also plan to grow neem in a pot at home.
- Collect some specimen of leaves from the neighbourhood and classify them on the basis of their texture, size and broadness. Paste them in your scrapbook.
Answer –
Leaf Type | Texture | Size | Broadness |
Mango | Smooth | Large | Broad |
Neem | Rough | Medium | Narrow |
Peepal | Smooth & glossy | Large | Broad |
Grass | Smooth | Small | Very narrow |
Hibiscus | Rough | Medium | Broad |
Tulsi | Slightly rough | Small | Oval and narrow |
Additional Questions and Answers – 01
Fill in the Blanks (with Answers)
- __________ is the process of cutting down forests for human use.
Answer: Deforestation
- Tropical Evergreen Forests receive more than __________ cm of rainfall annually.
Answer: 200
- The __________ tree is commonly found in the Mediterranean Forests.
Answer: Olive
- Forests help to maintain the __________ cycle.
Answer: water
- The root system of trees helps in preventing __________.
Answer: soil erosion
- Natural vegetation grows without __________.
Answer: human interference
- Trees with needle-shaped leaves are found in __________ forests.
Answer: Coniferous
- The __________ Act was passed in 1972 to protect wildlife in India.
Answer: Wildlife Protection
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Which of the following is a softwood tree?
(a) Sal
(b) Teak
(c) Pine
(d) Mahogany
Answer: (c) Pine
- Which forest is also known as the Monsoon Forest? (a) Tropical Evergreen
(b) Tropical Deciduous
(c) Temperate Softwood
(d) Mediterranean
Answer: (b) Tropical Deciduous
- Which of these animals is found in the coniferous forests? (a) Elephant
(b) Snow leopard
(c) Lion
(d) Kangaroo
Answer: (b) Snow leopard
- Which tree is not found in Tropical Evergreen Forests? (a) Rosewood
(b) Rubber
(c) Cork
(d) Ebony
Answer: (c) Cork
- Which forest is found in high mountainous areas of Himalayas? (a) Tropical Deciduous
(b) Tropical Evergreen
(c) Mountain Forests
(d) Mediterranean Forests
Answer: (c) Mountain Forests
True/False
- Coniferous forests are found in tropical regions.
False
- Wildlife maintains the ecological balance of the environment.
True
- Tropical Evergreen Forests shed their leaves during dry season.
False
- Eucalyptus is commonly found in Australia.
True
- Forests help in reducing the global temperature.
True
Competency-Based Questions (with Answers)
- Question: An area receives more than 200 cm of rainfall and has high temperatures year-round. Predict the type of natural vegetation found there.
Answer: Tropical Evergreen Forests are found in such areas due to heavy rainfall and a hot climate.
- Question: A region has a cold climate with snowfall in winter. What type of forests will you expect to find there?
Answer: Temperate Softwood or Coniferous Forests, with trees like pine and spruce.
- Question: Why is afforestation considered a key solution to forest depletion?
Answer: Afforestation helps increase forest cover, prevent soil erosion, and restore ecological balance.
High Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) Questions
- Question: Why do you think Mediterranean trees have small, spiny and waxy leaves?
Answer: These features help reduce water loss and retain moisture during dry summers, adapting them to the Mediterranean climate.
- Question: How can the behaviour of wild animals help during natural disasters?
Answer: Changes in animal behaviour can act as early warning signs for disasters like earthquakes or tsunamis, helping save human lives.
Short Answer Questions
- What are softwood forests also known as?
Answer: Coniferous Forests
- What are two uses of forests for humans?
Answer: Forests provide oxygen and raw materials like wood and medicines.
- Name any two trees found in the Tropical Evergreen Forests.
Answer: Mahogany and rosewood
Long Answer Questions
- Question: Explain the main characteristics and significance of Coniferous Forests.
Answer: Coniferous forests are found in cold regions and are made up of cone-shaped, needle-leaved evergreen trees. These forests receive snow and their trees are adapted to survive harsh winters. Important trees include pine, cedar, and fir. They are commercially valuable for timber and pulp. The forests also support unique wildlife like snow leopards and antelopes.
- Question: List and explain any five steps taken by the Indian government to protect forests and wildlife.
Answer: Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
Project Tiger, 1973
Establishment of National Parks and Sanctuaries
Afforestation and awareness campaigns
Ban on hunting, poaching, and deforestation
Additional Questions and Answer – 02
Fill in the Blanks
- The assemblage of plant species in an environment is known as natural vegetation.
- Temperature and rainfall are the two most important factors for plant growth.
- Tropical Evergreen Forests are also called Tropical Rain Forests because they receive heavy rainfall.
- Trees in Tropical Deciduous Forests shed their leaves during the dry season to conserve moisture.
- Coniferous Forests are also known as Temperate Softwood Forests.
- The olive tree is commonly found in Mediterranean forests.
- Deforestation leads to ecological imbalances and soil erosion.
- The Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 in India prohibits hunting and trade of wildlife.
- Jim Corbett National Park is a famous tiger reserve in India.
- Manas Wildlife Sanctuary is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in India.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Which forests are also called Monsoon Forests?
- a) Tropical Evergreen Forests
- b) Tropical Deciduous Forests
- c) Mediterranean Forests
- d) Coniferous Forests
- Which of the following trees is found in Tropical Evergreen Forests?
- a) Pine
- b) Mahogany
- c) Olive
- d) Chestnut
- What is the shape of trees in Coniferous Forests?
- a) Broad leaves
- b) Conical
- c) Small and leathery
- d) Needle-shaped
- Which animal is commonly found in Mediterranean Forests?
- a) Tiger
- b) Barbary macaque
- c) Elephant
- d) Deer
- Which of the following is NOT a measure to protect forests?
- a) Afforestation
- b) Banning hunting
- c) Encouraging shifting cultivation
- d) Using wood substitutes
- Which project was launched in India to conserve tigers?
- a) Project Elephant
- b) Project Tiger
- c) Project Rhino
- d) Project Lion
- What type of leaves do Mediterranean trees have?
- a) Broad and flat
- b) Small and leathery
- c) Needle-shaped
- d) None of these
- Which of the following is a hardwood tree?
- a) Pine
- b) Teak
- c) Cedar
- d) Fur
- Where are Temperate Softwood Forests commonly found?
- a) Near the equator
- b) In higher latitudes of the northern hemisphere
- c) In deserts
- d) Along coastal regions
- What is the main reason for deforestation?
- a) Afforestation
- b) Urbanisation and illegal logging
- c) Wildlife conservation
- d) Government policies
True/False Questions
- Tropical Evergreen Forests shed all their leaves at the same time. (False)
- The Deodar tree is found in Temperate Softwood Forests. (True)
- Mediterranean Forests receive rainfall only in summer. (False)
- Wildlife sanctuaries allow unlimited human activities. (False)
- Project Tiger was launched in 1973. (True)
- Deforestation helps in maintaining ecological balance. (False)
- The blackbuck is a common animal in Indian wildlife. (True)
- National Parks permit the collection of timber. (False)
- The Great Bustard is found in Mediterranean Forests. (True)
- Roots of trees help in preventing soil erosion. (True)
Competency-Based Questions
- Explain how climate affects the distribution of forests.
Answer: Forests vary based on temperature and rainfall. Heavy rainfall supports dense Tropical Evergreen Forests, while moderate rainfall leads to Deciduous Forests. Cold regions have Coniferous Forests with conical trees to shed snow.
- Why are Tropical Evergreen Forests called “Evergreen”?
Answer: Trees in these forests do not shed leaves simultaneously, so they remain green throughout the year.
- How do Mediterranean trees adapt to dry summers?
Answer: They have small, leathery leaves, long roots, and thick bark to retain moisture.
- What are the economic benefits of Coniferous Forests?
Answer: They provide wood for pulp, plywood, and paper industries.
How does deforestation impact wildlife?
Answer: It destroys habitats, leading to extinction and ecological imbalance.
High Order Thinking Skill HOTS Questions
- Compare Tropical Evergreen and Deciduous Forests.
Answer: Evergreen Forests have year-round rainfall, dense growth, and no leaf shedding, while Deciduous Forests have seasonal rainfall, moderate density, and shed leaves in dry seasons.
- Why are National Parks stricter than Wildlife Sanctuaries?
Answer: National Parks prohibit all human interference, while Sanctuaries allow limited activities like research.
- How can wildlife behavior help in natural disaster prediction?
Answer: Animals sense disasters early; studying their behavior can provide early warnings.
- What would happen if all forests disappeared?
Answer: Loss of biodiversity, climate change, soil erosion, and disruption of the water cycle.
- Why is the Mediterranean climate suitable for olive trees?
Answer: Mild winters with moderate rainfall and dry summers help olive trees thrive.
Short Answer Questions
- Name two animals found in Tropical Deciduous Forests.
Answer: Lion, tiger, elephant.
- What are the main features of Coniferous trees?
Answer: Tall, conical shape, needle-like leaves, evergreen.
- What is the importance of forests?
Answer: Provide oxygen, prevent soil erosion, support wildlife, regulate climate.
- Name two wildlife conservation projects in India.
Answer: Project Tiger, Wildlife Protection Act.
- Why do Mediterranean trees have thick bark?
Answer: To retain moisture during dry summers.
Long Answer Questions
- Describe the different types of forests and their characteristics.
Answer: Discuss Tropical Evergreen, Deciduous, Mediterranean, and Coniferous Forests with climate, trees, and animals.
- Explain the steps taken by the government to protect forests and wildlife.
Answer: Afforestation, banning hunting, setting up National Parks, Project Tiger, etc.
- How does deforestation affect the environment? Suggest solutions.
Answer: Causes soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, climate change; solutions include afforestation, strict laws, awareness.
- Compare National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries.
Answer: National Parks have stricter rules, no human activity; Sanctuaries allow limited research and resource use.
- Why is wildlife conservation important?
Answer: Maintains ecological balance, supports tourism, preserves biodiversity, and aids scientific research.