Class 9 Social Science (Contemporary India) Chapter 5 Natural Vegetation And Wildlife

Key Concept: Mangrove Forests, Royal Bengal Tiger

b) Royal Bengal Tiger

[Solution Description]

The Royal Bengal Tiger is identified as the famous animal inhabiting the mangrove forests of the Ganga-Brahmaputra delta. This is a well-known fact about the region’s wildlife.

Key Concept: Mangrove Forests, Roots Submerged

b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is NOT the correct explanation of Assertion.

[Solution Description]

Mangrove forests thrive in coastal areas influenced by tides, where mud and silt accumulate. This environment is essential for their growth. The assertion correctly states that mangrove forests are found in such areas. The reason explains that the roots of mangrove trees are submerged in water to absorb nutrients from the muddy soil. This is also true, as mangroves have specialized root systems adapted to these conditions. However, while both statements are true, the reason does not fully explain why mangroves are found in areas with tidal influence and mud accumulation. It only explains the root adaptation, not the habitat preference. Therefore, the reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion.

Key Concept: Alpine Vegetation, Nomadic Tribes

c) Gujjars

[Solution Description]

The Alpine grasslands above 3600 metres are used extensively for grazing by nomadic tribes. Among these tribes, the Gujjars and Bakarwals are particularly well-known for this practice.

Key Concept: Vegetation Distribution, Rainfall

c) Kerala

[Solution Description] Thorn forests are found in regions with less than 70 cm of rainfall. States like Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh are known for their arid and semi-arid conditions, making them suitable for thorn forests. However, Kerala receives significantly higher rainfall (over 200 cm annually), making it unsuitable for thorn forests.

Key Concept: Conservation Efforts

c) It is the last remaining habitat of the Asiatic lion.

[Solution Description]

The Gir Forest is particularly significant because it is the last remaining habitat of the Asiatic lion, making it a critical area for the conservation of this species.

Key Concept: Wildlife

b) Elephants

[Solution Description]

As per the syllabus, elephants are the most majestic animals among mammals and are found in the hot wet forests of Assam, Karnataka, and Kerala. Hence, the correct answer is elephants.

Key Concept: Yak

c) Yak

[Solution Description]

The yak is a shaggy horned wild ox that survives in extreme cold conditions and is found in the high altitudes of Ladakh. It weighs around one tonne.

Key Concept: Geographical Distribution

c) Assam and West Bengal

[Solution Description]

According to the syllabus, the one-horned rhinoceros is found in Assam and West Bengal. These states have the swampy and marshy lands that are ideal for their habitat.

Key Concept: Tropical Evergreen Forests, Commercial Trees

d) Teak

[Solution Description]

While ebony, mahogany, and rosewood are commonly found in Tropical Evergreen Forests, teak is typically found in deciduous forests rather than evergreen forests.

Key Concept: Sarpagandha – Geographic Origin

b) India

[Solution Description]

According to the syllabus, Sarpagandha is found only in India. This makes it a unique medicinal plant native to this region.

Key Concept: Flowering Plants

c) 6%

[Solution Description]

The syllabus mentions that India has about 15,000 flowering plants, which account for 6% of the world’s total number of flowering plants. This percentage is directly given in the syllabus.

Key Concept: Flamingos

b) Salty mud for nesting

[Solution Description]

Flamingos are attracted to the Rann of Kachchh due to the availability of salty mud, which they use to build nest mounds and raise their young ones. Their brilliant pink plumage is another distinctive feature.

Key Concept: Medicinal Applications, Disease Treatment

b) Arjun

[Solution Description]

Arjun is the correct answer because it is specifically mentioned that the fresh juice of its leaves is a cure for earache and is also used to regulate blood pressure. None of the other plants listed have these dual applications.

Key Concept: Flora and Fauna

c) Native species unique to a specific region

[Solution Description]

Endemic species refer to plants or animals that are native to a specific region and are not naturally found anywhere else in the world. In the context of India, endemic species are those that are purely Indian and have not been introduced from outside.

Key Concept: Montane Forests, Flora and Fauna

d) Kashmir stag

[Solution Description] Common animals found in montane forests include the Kashmir stag, spotted deer, wild sheep, jack rabbit, Tibetan antelope, yak, snow leopard, squirrels, Shaggy horn wild ibex, bear, and rare red panda. Among these, the Kashmir stag is a notable species.

Key Concept: Montane Forests, Alpine Vegetation

d) Oak

[Solution Description] The Alpine vegetation zone includes trees like silver fir, junipers, pines, and birches. However, oak trees are characteristic of the wet temperate forests found at lower altitudes (1000-2000 metres).

Key Concept: Biodiversity and Endemic Species

b) Species native to a specific region or country

[Solution Description]

Endemic species are those that are native to a specific region or country and have not been introduced from elsewhere. In the context of India, endemic species refer to plants and animals that are purely Indian and have not been brought in from outside.

Key Concept: Migratory Birds

c) Siberian Crane

[Solution Description] The Siberian Crane is a migratory bird that travels to India during the winter season. It is often observed in the Rann of Kachchh, where it finds a suitable habitat for the colder months.

Key Concept: Concept: Sarpagandha

b) Sarpagandha

[Solution Description]

Sarpagandha is a medicinal plant known for its use in treating blood pressure. It is indigenous to India.

Key Concept: Mangrove forests, Geographical distribution

d) Indus

[Solution Description]

Mangrove vegetation is specifically mentioned in the deltas of the Ganga, Mahanadi, Krishna, Godavari, and Kaveri rivers. Any delta not listed in the syllabus, such as the Indus River delta, would be the correct answer.

Key Concept: Tropical Evergreen Forests, Flora, Economic Importance

c) Teak

[Solution Description]

Commercially important trees in Tropical Evergreen Forests include ebony, mahogany, rosewood, rubber, and cinchona. Teak, however, is predominantly found in deciduous forests rather than evergreen forests.

Key Concept: Montane Forests

b) Deodar

[Solution Description] Temperate forests in the Himalayas, at altitudes between 1500 and 3000 metres, are dominated by coniferous trees such as pine, deodar, silver fir, spruce, and cedar. Among these, deodar is a prominent tree species found in this region.

Key Concept: Acacias, Palms, Euphorbias, Cacti

c) Banyan

[Solution Description] The thorn forests of India are characterized by plant species like Acacias, Palms, Euphorbias, and Cacti, which are adapted to arid conditions. Banyan trees, however, are not typical of this vegetation type as they require more water.

Key Concept: Endangered Species, Wildlife Protection Act

b) The Wildlife Protection Act established national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves to protect endangered species.

[Solution Description]

The Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 was implemented to safeguard endangered species and their habitats. This act led to the establishment of national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves. It also initiated projects like Project Tiger and Project Rhino to protect specific endangered species and restore ecological balance.

Key Concept: Elephant Habitats

b) Assam, Karnataka, Kerala

[Solution Description]

Elephants in India are primarily found in the hot wet forests of Assam, Karnataka, and Kerala. These regions provide the ideal habitat for elephants due to their dense forests and availability of water resources.

Key Concept: Turtles

c) Rivers, lakes, and coastal areas

[Solution Description]

Turtles are commonly found in rivers, lakes, and coastal areas in India. These aquatic environments provide suitable conditions for their survival and reproduction.

Key Concept: Jamun, Medicinal Properties

d) Ripe fruit

[Solution Description] The juice from the ripe fruit of the Jamun plant is used to prepare vinegar, which has digestive and carminative properties. This vinegar aids in digestion and helps relieve gas.

Key Concept: Unique Feature of Indian Wildlife

c) It is the only country with both tigers and lions

[Solution Description]

India is the only country in the world that has both tigers and lions in the wild. This is explicitly stated in the syllabus.

Key Concept: Temperate Coniferous Forests

b) 1500-3000 metres

[Solution Description]

The temperate coniferous forests in India are found between the altitudes of 1500 and 3000 metres.

Key Concept: Arjun, Blood Pressure Regulation

c) It dilates blood vessels and reduces oxidative stress.

[Solution Description]

Arjun contains bioactive compounds that help in dilating blood vessels, which reduces peripheral resistance and lowers blood pressure. It also has antioxidant properties that prevent oxidative stress, a contributing factor to hypertension.

Key Concept: Conservation of Medicinal Plants

b) 52

[Solution Description]

The World Conservation Union’s Red List has identified 352 medicinal plants that are under threat. Among these, 52 are classified as critically threatened, highlighting the urgent need for conservation efforts.

Key Concept: Leopards

a) Deciduous forests

[Solution Description]

Leopards are members of the cat family and are known to inhabit various environments, including forests, grasslands, and even urban areas. In India, they are commonly found in deciduous forests, rocky hills, and regions with dense vegetation.

Key Concept: Migratory Birds, Wetlands

b) Siberian Crane

[Solution Description] The Siberian Crane is a well-known migratory bird that visits the wetlands of India, including the Rann of Kachchh, during the winter season.

Key Concept: Wildlife Conservation

d) Project Lion

[Solution Description]

The Gir Forest is the last remaining habitat of the Asiatic lion. To protect this species, specific conservation projects have been introduced, focusing on their preservation and habitat management.

Key Concept: Tropical Evergreen Forests, Commercial Importance

d) Teak

[Solution Description]

Tropical evergreen forests in India are home to several commercially important trees such as ebony, mahogany, rosewood, rubber, and cinchona. Teak, however, is more commonly associated with deciduous forests rather than tropical evergreen forests.

Key Concept: Importance of Medicinal Plants

c) 500

[Solution Description]

The syllabus mentions that at least 500 medicinal plants are in regular use in India for treating various ailments. This highlights the rich biodiversity and traditional knowledge of medicinal plants in the country.

Key Concept: Biodiversity, Plant Species Ranking

c) Tenth globally and fourth in Asia

[Solution Description] According to the syllabus, India occupies the tenth place globally and fourth in Asia in plant diversity. This is based on the number of plant species present in India, which is approximately 47,000.

Key Concept: Thorn Forests, Geographical Distribution

c) Kerala

[Solution Description]

Thorn forests and scrubs are found in semi-arid regions of India, including Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana. Kerala, being a tropical state with high rainfall, does not support the growth of thorn forests and scrubs.

Key Concept: Virgin Vegetation

b) Virgin vegetation

[Solution Description]

The syllabus explicitly states that natural vegetation, which has grown naturally without human aid and remains undisturbed, is termed as virgin vegetation. Thus, the correct answer is virgin vegetation.

Key Concept: Tiger Habitat

c) West Bengal

[Solution Description]

The Sundarbans, a mangrove forest region, is located in West Bengal and is famous for its Royal Bengal Tiger population.

Key Concept: Mangrove Forests, Thorn Forests and Scrubs

b) Roots of the plants are submerged under water.

[Solution Description]

Mangrove Forests are tidal forests found in coastal areas influenced by tides, such as the deltas of the Ganga, Mahanadi, Krishna, Godavari, and Kaveri rivers. The roots of the plants are submerged under water, and they are characterized by durable hard timber provided by trees like sundari. In contrast, Thorn Forests and Scrubs are found in arid and semi-arid regions with less than 70 cm of rainfall. These forests consist of scattered thorny trees and bushes with long roots penetrating deep into the soil to conserve moisture.

Key Concept: Natural Vegetation

c) Natural vegetation grows without human aid

[Solution Description]

Natural vegetation refers to plant communities that have grown naturally without human intervention and remain undisturbed for a long time. Cultivated crops, on the other hand, are planted and managed by humans for agricultural purposes. Thus, natural vegetation is self-sustaining, while cultivated crops depend on human activities.

Key Concept: Concept: Virgin Vegetation

c) Naturally grown undisturbed plant community

[Solution Description]

Virgin vegetation refers to a plant community that has grown naturally without any human intervention and has remained undisturbed by humans for a long time. It is also known as natural vegetation. Cultivated crops, fruits, and orchards are not considered part of virgin vegetation.

Key Concept: Dry Deciduous Forests

b) 70 cm to 100 cm

[Solution Description]

Dry deciduous forests are found in areas with rainfall between 70 cm and 100 cm, as mentioned in the syllabus.

Key Concept: Endemic Species

c) Endemic species

[Solution Description]

Virgin vegetation that is purely Indian is referred to as endemic or indigenous species. These plants are native to India and have not been introduced from outside the country.

Key Concept: Thorn Forests, Animal Species

b) Fox

[Solution Description] The thorn forests of India are home to animals adapted to arid conditions, such as foxes, wolves, and camels. Elephants, on the other hand, are not typically found in these forests, as they require more water and are usually found in dense forests or grasslands.

Key Concept: Tropical Deciduous Forests, Dry Deciduous Forests

b) Rainfall between 100 cm and 70 cm; Peninsular plateau

[Solution Description]

Dry deciduous forests are found in areas receiving rainfall between 100 cm and 70 cm. These forests are located in the rainier parts of the Peninsular plateau and the plains of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Unlike moist deciduous forests, which are found in the eastern regions of India, dry deciduous forests are more widespread in the central and northern parts of the country.

Key Concept: Migratory Birds

a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.

[Solution Description]

The assertion states that the Rann of Kachchh is a popular destination for migratory birds like the Siberian Crane during winter. This is true as the syllabus mentions that some wetlands of India, including the Rann of Kachchh, are popular with migratory birds. The reason explains that the Rann of Kachchh provides a unique ecosystem where the desert merges with the sea, offering ideal nesting conditions for migratory birds. This is also true and directly supports the assertion, making the reason the correct explanation of the assertion.

Key Concept: Kachnar – Health Benefits, Digestive Problems

c) Buds and Roots

[Solution Description]

The syllabus mentions that the buds and roots of the Kachnar plant are good for digestive problems. Therefore, these parts are traditionally used to address digestive issues.

Key Concept: Montane Forests

b) 1000 to 2000 metres

[Solution Description]

Wet temperate forests are found between a height of 1000 and 2000 metres in the Himalayas, as mentioned in the syllabus.

Between 1500 and 3000 metres, temperate forests containing coniferous trees are found.

Therefore, the correct altitude range for wet temperate forests is 1000 to 2000 metres.