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DAV CLASS 8 | Chapter 3 | Natural Resources: Vegetation and Wildlife Solutions
Something to Know
A. Tick (✓) the correct option.
1. Which term is used for the plant community which grows without human interference?
Ans. (b) natural vegetation
2. Which vegetation grows in hot and humid regions of the world?
Ans. (b) Tropical Deciduous Forests
3. The most common trees of Tropical Deciduous Forests are—
Ans. (b) sal and teak
4. Trees of Mediterranean Forests have —
Ans. (c) spiny and waxy leaves
5. The area under forests is depleting due to—
Ans. (b) human interference
Ans. 1. (b), 2. (b), 3. (b), 4. (c), 5. (b)
B. Fill in the blanks.
1. The assemblage of plant species in an environment is known as natural vegetation.
2. Temperature and rainfall are two important factors for the plant growth.
3. Humus helps to maintain fertility of the soil.
4. Hardwood trees have broad leaves to permit transpiration of surplus moisture.
5. Teak is the commercially important tree of the monsoon forests.
Ans. 1. natural vegetation 2. Temperature, rainfall 3. fertility 4. transpiration, 5. monsoon
C. Write a technical term or an appropriate word for each of the following statements.
1. The forests which do not shed all their leaves at the same time. —->Tropical Deciduous Forests
2. In this forest, summers are dry and moderate rain falls in winter. —–> Mediterranean Forests
3. Conical shaped trees are common in these forests. —–> Temperate Softwood Forests
4. The act or process of creating new forests by planting saplings. —-> Afforestation
5. The Temperate Softwood Forests found in the southern slopes of Himalayas. —-> Mountain Forests
Ans. 1. Tropical Deciduous Forests 2. Mediterranean Forests 3. Temperate Software Forests 4. Afforestation 5. Mountain Forests
D. Answer the following questions in brief.
1. Why are the Tropical Rain Forests known as evergreen forests?
Ans 1. All the trees of these forests do not shed their leaves at the same time. Hence, the forests always appear green. That is why, such forests are known as evergreen forests.
2. Why do the Tropical Deciduous Forests shed their leaves during the summer season? Name two such trees.
Ans 2. The Tropical Deciduous Forests shed their leaves during the summer season to conserve moisture. Trees—Sal, Teak
3. Write any three characteristic features of the trees found in Mediterranean Forests.
Ans 3. The features of these forests are:
(i) Trees of these forests are widely scattered and have spiny, waxy, small and leathery textured leaves.
(ii) They have long roots and thick bark. As a result of this, trees are able to retain moisture in the dry summer season.
(iii) The important trees of these forests are corcle, olive and citrus fruit trees.
(iv) The animals commonly found in these forests are golden jackal, mouflon, bezoar goat, aardwolf and Mediterranean gecko.
4. Distinguish between a national park and a wildlife sanctuary.
Ans 4. National Park: A national park is a well-defined area for the protection of wildlife. Visitors can only visit the park. No one has a right to use any forest products. Collection of firewood, timber from any part of the forest is totally prohibited.
Wildlife Sanctuary: It is a declared protected area in which limited human activities are permitted. Hunting of animals and cutting of trees are banned.
5. Suggest any three important measures for the protection of forests.
Ans 5. Forests are very important for the survival of life on the earth. Hence, their conservation must be given top priority. Following measures can be taken in this regard:
(i) Afforestation or large scale plantation of trees should be encouraged.
(ii) ‘Each one plant one’ policy should be adopted.
(iii) Efficient utilisation of forests products and usage of substitutes of wood.
(iv) Enforcement of a number of laws/ guidelines to protect and prohibit deforestation.
(v) Discouraging shifting cultivation which causes forest loss. (any three)
E. Answer the following questions.
1. What is meant by natural vegetation? How do temperature and rainfall affect its distribution? Explain with examples.
Ans 1. The assemblage of plant species in an environment is known as natural vegetation. Temperature and rainfall are two important factors for the growth of plants. In the areas where rainfall is heavy, the forests are thick and dense. As the rainfall decreases, the size and concentration of trees also reduce. Shrubs and short trees are common in the areas of low rainfall or in desert areas. In cold regions, the growing season is very short. Therefore, plants occur in scattered patches in the form of mosses and lichens.
2. Highlight any five points of distinction between Tropical Deciduous Forests and Coniferous Forests.
Ans 2.
| Tropical Deciduous Forests | Coniferous Forests |
| (i) These forests are commonly found in India, Myanmar, South China, East Brazil and central parts of America. | (i) These forests are common in the higher latitude of the northern hemisphere and high mountains in Europe, Asia, North Canada and USA. |
| (ii) These forests are also called monsoon forests. | (ii) These forests are also called mountain forests. |
| (iii) Trees of these forests shed their leaves during the dry season to conserve moisture. | (iii) Trees of these forests do not shed their thick needle-shaped leaves. |
| (iv) Trees are medium in height 30-40 metres. | (iv) Trees of these forests are tall and conical in shape. |
| (v) Common trees are sal, teak, sandalwood, bamboo and shisham. | (v) Common trees are pine, fur, spruce, cedar, deodar and walnut. |
3. ‘Forests are essential for maintaining an ecological balance.’ Justify the statement with suitable arguments.
Ans 3. Animals, such as birds, fishes and animals, make forests as their natural habitat. It is the most important part of the natural ecosystem. Wildlife varies from place to place due to climatic variations. For example, in India, there is a rich variety of birds and animals. The blackbuck, peacock, lion and Bengal tiger are found in India. Australia is famous for koala bears, emu and kookaburra. Wildlife is very essential to maintain the ecological balance on the earth’s surface. Wildlife is important for its aesthetic values and ecological balance. The beauty of wild animals boosts tourism and creates jobs for the people. Animals’ behaviour changes at the time of natural disasters like tsunamis and earthquakes. If this information can be harnessed for imparting an early warning system, then life of lots of people can be saved. Dead and decaying plants and animals also produce humus, which is helpful to maintain the fertility of the soil.
4. Explain the importance of wildlife.
Ans 4. (i) All forms of wildlife are an integral part of our ecosystem. They help in maintaining the ecological balance on the earth’s surface.
(ii) Dead and decaying plants and animals produce humus, which is helpful to maintain the fertility of the soil.
(iii) Birds like vultures are scavengers and they help in cleansing the environment.
5. How are human beings responsible for the depletion of vegetation and wildlife?
Ans 5. (i) In various parts of the world, wild animals are hunted for various purposes like meat, skin, horns, etc. This disturbs the ecological balance of the environment.
(ii) Rapid rise in population has placed huge demands on various uses of the land to meet human needs like agriculture, habitations, industries, roads, etc. It has led to deforestation on a large scale. Deforestation has also led to the loss of natural habitats, plants and animals.
(iii) Pollution results in climate change and global warming which in turn cause damage to forest resources on account of localisation and tolerance to heat intensity. It also poses a serious threat to wildlife.