NCERT Solutions for Class 9 Geography Chapter 5 Natural Vegetation and Wildlife
NCERT Solutions for Class 9 Geography Chapter 5 covers Factors Affecting Vegetation, Types of Vegetation in India, Wildlife Diversity, and Conservation Measures.
Overview of Topics & Subtopics (Click to Jump)
1. Factors Affecting Vegetation (Relief & Climate)
Short Note:
• Virgin Vegetation: Plant community that has grown naturally without human aid and left undisturbed for a long time (also called Flora).
• Relief Factors: Land (determines agriculture vs forests) and Soil (different soil types support different vegetation, e.g., sandy soil supports cacti, mangrove swamps in deltaic soil).
• Climate Factors: Temperature, Photoperiod (Sunlight), and Precipitation (Rainfall) directly dictate tree height, density, and species distribution.
2. Major Vegetation Types in India
Short Note:
• Tropical Evergreen Forests: Heavy rainfall (>200 cm); dense canopy; evergreen trees like Rosewood, Ebony, Mahogany.
• Tropical Deciduous Forests: Most widespread in India (70-200 cm rainfall); shed leaves in dry summer; divided into Moist (Teak, Sal) and Dry Deciduous.
• Tropical Thorn Forests & Scrubs: Low rainfall (<70 cm); thorny bushes and cacti (Acacia, Euphorbia); long roots and thick leaves.
• Montane Forests: Successive vegetation belts with altitude in Himalayas (Wet temperate, Temperate, Alpine vegetation like Pine, Deodar, Silver fir).
• Mangrove Forests: Found in coastal delta regions influenced by tides; famous tree is Sundari in the Ganga-Brahmaputra delta (Sundarbans).
3. Wildlife Diversity & Conservation Initiatives
Short Note:
• Rich Fauna: India hosts over 90,000 animal species, 2,000+ bird species, and thousands of fish and reptile varieties.
• Key Habitats: Elephants in hot wet forests of Assam & Kerala; One-horned Rhinos in Assam & West Bengal; Asiatic Lions in Gir Forest (Gujarat); Tigers in Sundarbans and Madhya Pradesh.
• Conservation Efforts: Setting up 18 Biosphere Reserves (e.g., Nilgiri, Sundarbans), Project Tiger, Project Rhino, and establishment of National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries.
Intext & Conceptual Questions
| Tropical Evergreen Forests | Tropical Deciduous Forests |
|---|---|
| Found in regions with over 200 cm annual rainfall. | Found in regions receiving between 70 cm and 200 cm rainfall. |
| Trees do not shed leaves at the same time; look green year-round. | Trees shed their leaves for 6 to 8 weeks in dry summer. |
| Important trees: Ebony, Mahogany, Rosewood, Rubber. | Important trees: Teak, Sal, Sheesham, Sandalwood. |
1. 1,000 to 2,000m: Wet temperate forests with broad-leafed trees like Oak and Chestnut.
2. 1,500 to 3,000m: Temperate coniferous forests with Pine, Deodar, Silver Fir, and Cedar.
3. Above 3,600m: Alpine vegetation consisting of Silver fir, Junipers, Pines, and Birches giving way to Alpine grasslands.
Textbook Chapter End Exercise Questions
(a) Tundra (b) Tidal (c) Himalayan (d) Tropical Evergreen
Answer: (d) Tropical Evergreen
(ii) Cinchona trees are found in the areas of rainfall more than:
(a) 100 cm (b) 50 cm (c) 70 cm (d) 20 cm
Answer: (a) 100 cm
(iii) In which of the following states is the Simlipal bio-reserve located?
(a) Punjab (b) Odisha (c) Delhi (d) West Bengal
Answer: (b) Odisha
(iv) Which one of the following bio-reserves of India is not included in the world network of bio-reserves?
(a) Manas (b) Gulf of Mannar (c) Nilgiri (d) Nanda Devi
Answer: (a) Manas
1. Poaching & Hunting: Illegal hunting for commercial purposes (fur, ivory, horns, bones).
2. Habitat Destruction: Deforestation for agricultural expansion, urbanization, and industrialization.
3. Environmental Pollution: Chemical pollutants, industrial waste, and acid rain disrupting ecosystems.
4. Alien Species Introduction: Encroachment by non-native invasive plant and animal species.
1. Biosphere Reserves: Set up 18 Biosphere Reserves across the country to protect natural habitats.
2. Conservation Projects: Launched targeted species projects like Project Tiger, Project Rhino, and Project Great Indian Bustard.
3. Protected Areas Network: Established 103+ National Parks, 535+ Wildlife Sanctuaries, and Zoological gardens.
4. Legal Protection: Enacted the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, making poaching and illegal wildlife trade strictly punishable.
Read More & Chapter Resources
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