WBBSE 10th Class Social Science Solutions Geography & Environment Chapter 5 India – Physical Environment

Short Answer Type Questions

TOPIC – 3

Water Resources of India

Long Answer Type Questions

1. The Ganga: The total length of river Ganga is 2525 km, of which 2017 km lies in India. This is the most important river of India. The course of the Ganga can be divided into three parts-
   1. Upper Course: The river Ganga rises from the Gomukh cave of the Gangotri glacier in the Garhwal Himalayas. Here the river is known as the river Bhagirathi. The river Alaknanda meets the river Bhagirathi at Devaprayag, and the combined flow is known as the river Ganga. The stretch of the river from its source upto Haridwar is known as its upper course.
   2. Middle course: The middle course of the river Ganga stretches from Haridwar to the Rajmahal hills. The right bank tributaries Yamuna and Son and the left bank tributaries Gomti, Ghaghara, Ramganga, Gandak, Kosi, etc. meet the river Ganga in this course and multiply both its load and volume of water. The most important tributary of the river Ganga is the river Yamuna.
      
   3. Lower course: The lower course of the river Ganga extends from south of Rajmahal hills to the mouth in the Bay of Bengal. The Ganga after entering West Bengal bifurcates into two branches near Dhulian of Murshidabad. One of the branches enter Bangladesh as Padma and later drains into the Bay of Bengal as the river Meghna. The other branch flows through West Bengal as the Bhagirathi-Hooghly river before meeting the Bay of Bengal. The right bank tributaries in this course are-Ajay, Damodar, Kangsabati and Rupnarayan. The left banks tributaries are- Jalangi, Mathabhanga, Churni, etc. The river Ganga together with the river Brahmaputra forms the largest delta in the world.
2. The Indus: The Indus is the longest and the most important river of north-western India. It stretches for 2900 km, of which 1114 km lies in India. It rises from the Senge Khabab glacier near the Manas Sarovar in the Greater Himalayas. It flows through Jammu and Kashmir and then turns southwards near Nanga Parbat, entering Pakistan. From there it flows southwards and meets the Arabian Sea (south-east of Karachi).
   The most important left bank tributaries of the river Indus are-Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas and Sutlej. These tributaries flow over Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Punjab. The right bank tributaries are- Shyok, Gilgit, Shigar, etc. The river Indus forms deep gorges near the Nanga Parbat massif. It forms a small delta at its month.
   
3. The Brahmaputra: The river Brahmaputra is the most important river of north-eastern India. It flows for 2900 km, of which 916 km lies in India. The river rises from the Chemayungdung glacier in Tibet. Here it flows as river Tsangpo over the Tibetan plateau for about 1500 km. Near the Namcha Barwa peak it takes a sharp turn towards the south-west and enters Arunachal Pradesh as river Dihang. The Dihang meets the rivers Dibang and Lohit near Sadiya in Assam. The combined flow of these three rivers flow as the river Brahmaputra westwards over Assam till Dhubri. From Dhubri it turns southwards and enters Bangladesh as the river Jamuna. It meets the river Padma near Goalondo and enters the Bay of Bengal. The course of the river Brahmaputra in Assam is highly braided, forming several islands. The island of Majuli near Jorhat in Assam is the largest riverine island in India. Some important right bank tributaries of the river Brahmaputra are- Subansiri, Kameng or Jiya Bharali, Manas and Sankosh. Some left bank tributaries of the river Brahmaputra are- Dhansiri, Kopili and Buri Dihing.
   

1. Agriculture: The rivers have deposited fertile alluvial soils and provide sufficient water for agriculture in the catchment areas.
2. Transport: Rivers help in inland transport of goods and passengers at cheap rates. This helps in trade and commerce within the places located along the river banks.
3. Pisciculture: Pisciculture is practiced in the rivers to produce huge quantities of fish. This is used to meet the protein demand of the people as well as for trade.
4. Hydroelectricity: The mountainous rivers are harnessed for generating hydroelectricity. Also, multi-purpose projects are built on large rivers for generating electricity, irrigation, pisciculture, flood control, tourism, etc.
5. Industrial growth: The demand of water in industries is met by the river water. In many cases, the produced goods are also traded through waterways within the country.
6. Drinking water: River water is purified and supplied as drinking water especially in urban areas.
7. Others: River sides are famous for tourism due to their scenic beauty. E.g.-Diamond Harbour, Taki, Ghatsila. They also play an important role in conservation of the aquatic ecosystems.

1. Uncertain monsoon rainfall: Indian agriculture is highly dependent on monsoon rainfall. About 67-72% of the total annual rainfall in India occurs during June-September. However, the onset and retreat of the monsoon winds is highly uncertain. This may lead to crop failure. Hence, irrigation is absolutely necessary.
2. Uneven distribution of rainfall: Rainfall is not evenly distributed all over the country. The north-eastern states receive more than 200 cm of rainfall, whereas the north- western states receive as low as 75 cm of rainfall on an average. Hence, irrigation is essential for agriculture in Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Gujarat and parts of Deccan plateau.
3. Dry winters: The winters are generally dry in India. Only a few regions in the north- western part and the Coromandel coast in the south-eastern coastal region receive some rainfall in winter. Hence, irrigation is necessary for cultivation of rabi crops like wheat, pulses, barley, oilseeds and boro rice.
4. Different water holding capacities of soils: Soils like laterite and red soil have en very low water holding capacity. Thus, irrigation is needed in order to conduct agriculture on those soils.
5. HYV seeds: The High Yielding Variety seeds are now increasingly used in the country to raise the yield of crops. However, they need huge amounts of water for best results. Hence, irrigation is necessary.
6. Agriculture round the year: Each agricultural plot is cultivated 3-4 times a year in order to increase total crop production in the country. This cannot be done unless irrigation water is available.

1. Management of slope: The steep slopes of mountainous regions are prone to heavy soil erosion. To control this, afforestation, weaving grass on open lands, building guard walls for controlling landslides or changing the path of the mountainous course of the rivers may be done. Bad practices of agriculture like Jhum cultivation must be stopped.
2. Afforestation along contour lines: Planting of trees along the contours in step farming help to reduce soil erosion, and increases recharge of underground water by percolation.
3. Check-dams across river: Small and low check-dams built across small rivers in the catchment area helps to conserve water locally and reduces soil erosion.
4. Flood control: In case of flood-prone rivers, several wetlands, ponds and canals may be dug and the silt of the rivers may be removed in order to increase the water holding capacity of the rivers. The excess water may flow into the canals and reservoirs dug for the purpose and help in controlling floods.
5. Multi-purpose river valley projects: Multi-purpose river valley projects are taken up in river catchment areas for the purpose of flood control, prevention of soil erosion, irrigation, navigation, generation of hydroelectric power, pisciculture, etc.

1. Snow-fed rivers: The rivers of northern India are snow-fed, and have water throughout the year. Thus, canals can be dug from the rivers to the agricultural fields to carry out cultivation throughout the year.
2. Vast plain land: The soft soils of the vast plains of North India allow easy construction of canals for irrigation.
3. High water table: The northern part of India receives heavy amounts of rainfall, which percolates down gradually through the soft alluvial soils and recharge underground water. Thus, the water table lies only a little below the surface of the land. This water can easily be utilised by digging wells and tube wells.
4. Rainfall: Sufficient rainfall during the rainy season fills up the rivers, canals, ponds, lakes, reservoirs and tanks. This water can be stored for use in the dry season.
5. Construction of dams: The rivers of south India flow through undulating terrain of the plateau. The rivers make waterfalls and are suitable for generating hydroelectric power. Thus, they are dammed at places and the water is stored in natural reservoirs in the plateau. This is used for irrigation and other purposes during the dry season.

1. Numerous rivers: India is a land of numerous rivers spread like a network over the country. Thus, canals can be easily drawn from these rivers to irrigate fields.
2. Snow-melt water: The rivers of North India are snowfed. They have water throughout the year. Thus, canals drawn from them are also perennial and are used to irrigate the agricultural fields throughout the year.
3. Landforms: The northern part of India is a vast plain land made up of soft alluvial soils. Thus, it is easy to draw canals from the rivers through the plains according to need.
4. Slope of land: The general slope of the land in India is from west to east. The canals can thus carry water easily from the rivers to the fields along the gently rolling plains.
5. Reservoirs: In southern India, the undulating topography provides natural depressions on land that can be used as reservoirs or tanks. Water is stored in these reservoirs in the rainy season..Canals can be dug from these reservoirs to meet the demand of water in the dry season.
6. Underground water: In many regions in India, the underground water level has gone down so low, that it is difficult to draw out water through the wells and tube wells. Thus, dependence on surface water has increased. Canals are the easiest way to divert river water to the fields. In India, presently about 26% of agricultural fields are irrigated by canals.

1. Deficiency of oxygen: Too much of irrigation tend to fill up the air spaces within the soil with water. This drives out the air from the soil. The roots of the plants fail to absorb sufficient oxygen from the soil. Hence, the growth of plants is hampered.
2. Disease of plants: Bacteria and germs tend to multiply fast in waterlogged soil. They attack the roots of the plants and result in their decay. Also, growth of fungus on the stems, leaves and fruits of the plants cause various plant diseases.
3. Toxic chemicals: Stagnation of water in the soil for a long time causes accumulation of toxic chemicals like hydrogen sulphide and volatile fatty acids.
4. Reduction of fertility: Agriculture is carried out in the fields throughout the year using irrigation and growing the same crop. This constantly reduces the fertility of the soil. After few years, the fertility may reduce to such an extent that the soil fails to grow any more crop at all.
5. Increase of salinity: Excessive irrigation causes the salts deposited in the lower layers of the soil to dissolve in the water and rise up to the top layers. This gradually makes the soil more saline.
6. Lowering of water table: Supply of irrigation water in one area may result in lowering of water table in the area from where the water has been drawn out through wells and tube wells.
7. Others: (1) Excessive irrigation may result in changes in the ecosystem and affect the environment. Excess irrigated water mixed with fertilisers and pesticides when drains into the nearby water body causes water pollution. (2) Chances of water-borne diseases may increase. (3) Arsenic pollution and contamination of water may occur.

1. Slope management: The high and steep slopes of the upper course of the rivers are prone to landslides and soil erosion. These slopes are taken care of by planting trees, covering the open soil with grasses, prohibiting jhum cultivation, building guard walls along the tree beds and even diverting the course of the rivers from where the slope is very steep and dangerous.
2. Flood control: The depth of ponds, canals, wetlands and even rivers is increased by digging out silt and mud. This increases the water holding capacity of the water bodies and helps to control flood.
3. Badlands: Formation of badlands may be controlled by building check dams at several places, which will stop the flow of rainwater as surface run off and control soil erosion.
4. Contour ploughing: Trees are planted along contour lines or particular heights, in order to prevent soil erosion. The forests thus created reduce the speed of the surface run off water and help in recharge of groundwater by percolation of rainwater.
5. Small dams: Small dams are constructed on the rivers to control soil erosion and conserve water locally.
6. Multi-purpose projects: Multi-purpose projects are undertaken for the purposes of flood control, generation of hydroelectric power, irrigation, pisciculture, navigation, controlling soil erosion, promotion of tourism and overall conservation of water.

1. Construction of reservoirs: Large reservoirs, tanks, ponds, etc. are constructed to hold rainwater and excess river water so that it can be used in the dry season. Accordingly, a pilot scheme was launched in 2005 to restore and augment storage capacity of water bodies. This scheme was approved in 26 districts across 15 states covering 1098 water bodies.
2. Check-dams: Large dams are expensive to build, and often displace large number of people living along the rivers or in the catchment area. Check-dams or smaller dams are less expensive and helpful in holding river water in lesser amounts. This is a successful method of flood control as well.
3. Collecting rainwater: India receives ample rain from the south-west monsoon winds. If this water can be held back properly, the crisis of water in the dry season can be met with. It is very essential to hold rainwater in West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odhisa, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka in order to recharge the reserves of the water resource. Tamil Nadu has excelled in this regard by harvesting rainwater on rooftops since 2001.
4. Proper use of surface water: The surface water stored in reservoirs, ponds and lakes are used for irrigation. Efforts can be made to increase the efficiency of using this water from 35-40% to 60%.

1. Implementation of rules and regulations: Implementation of rules and regulations will help to prevent unplanned use of groundwater, its misuse and wastage. This will help in conservation of groundwater.
2. Increase the level of water percolation: In places where the land surface is open, the rainwater passes by very fast and does not percolate underground to recharge the groundwater table. In such cases, pipelines and other arrangements may be made so that rainwater reaches deep down and the underground water table is recharged.
3. National policies: The ‘Swajaldhara’ project has been started in 2002 and the ‘Bharat Nirman’ project has been started in 2005-06 for distributing water in rural areas.

1. Gentle slope of the land: The slope of the land in Assam valley through which the river Brahmaputra flows, is very gentle. Hence, the river loses its speed and load carrying capacity. Thus, the heavy amounts of load brought down by the river and its tributaries from the upper course get deposited in the river bed in this region. This reduces the depth and water holding capacity of the river, and makes it flood-prone.
2. Heavy rainfall: The Assam valley receives heavy rainfall during the south-west monsoon season, which supplies huge quantities of water to the river Brahmaputra. Also, the snow melt water brought down from the upper course of the river (where it is known as Tsangpo, in Tibet) is added on. This increases the volume of water to such an extent that the river channel overflows. The result is severe flooding in the lower course of the river.

1. Short length of the rivers: The rivers flow for a short distance, and hence collect very little amount of eroded materials.
2. Speed: The rivers (E.g.-Narmada and Tapti) flow through steep slopes of rift valleys. Hence, the water flows in high speed and removes whatever eroded materials are collected. Hence, chances of formation of deltas at their mouths is less.
3. Less erosion: The rivers flow through a region made up of hard and resistant igneous and metamorphic rocks. Hence, rate of erosion is very less, which accounts for very less generation of silt.
4. Lesser number of tributaries: The west flowing rivers have lesser number of tributaries. Thus, total load or eroded materials collected by the rivers is very less.
5. Slope near the mouths of the rivers: The slope of the continental shelf near the mouths of the rivers is steep, which does not allow any deposition of silt. Hence, this repels the formation of a delta.

1. Main rivers: The rivers that have a total basin area of more than 20000 sq. km are known as main rivers. There are 12 such rivers namely the Ganga, Indus, Brahmaputra, Narmada, Tapti, Mahanadi, Godavari, Sabarmati, Krishna, Kaveri, Mahi, Brahmani, Subarnarekha and Pennar.
2. Medium rivers: About 46 rivers in India have a basin size of 2000-20000 sq. km. Such rivers are known as medium rivers. E.g.-Rivers Sharavathi Vaigai, Periyar, Palar and Baitarini.
3. Small rivers: More than 55 rivers in India have a basin smaller than 2000 sq. km. Such rivers are called small rivers. E.g.-Rivers Luni, Banas, Rachol and Damon Ganga.

1. Bhakra-Nangal Project: This is the largest multi-purpose river valley project in India, built on the river Sutlej in Himachal Pradesh and Punjab.
2. Hirakud Project: This has been built on the river Mahanadi in Odisha for irrigation and other purposes.
3. Mayurakshi Project: This project has been built on the river Mayurakshi, West Bengal. Dams and barrages have been built at Massanjore and Tilpara for supplying irrigation water to the nearby areas of Birbhum district.
4. Kosi Project: This project has been built on the river Kosi in Bihar.
5. Gandak Project: This project has been built on the river Gandak for providing irrigation to Nepal, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
6. Nagarjuna Sagar Project: This project on the river Krishna is an important multi-purpose project in Telangana.

1. Perennial rivers: The rivers of North India are both rain and snowfed and hence perennial in nature. The canals dug from these rivers are also perennial and provide water for irrigation throughout the year.
2. Plain land: The northern plains are gently sloping and have very few undulations. This makes it easier for digging canals.
3. Soft soils: The northern plains constitute of soft alluvial soils. This helps in digging canals for irrigation.
4. Multi-purpose projects: Many multi- purpose river valley projects have been undertaken in North India. Under those projects, many canals have been built.

1. Large area: Canals are drawn over long distances. Hence, large areas can be irrigated by them.
2. Flood control: The excessive water received from monsoon rains can be channelised with the help of the canals. This helps to control floods and puts the water to proper use.
3. Increase soil fertility: Canals carry sufficient amounts of silt brought down by the rivers, and spread them over the fields they irrigate. This helps to increase soil fertility of the region:
4. Recharge groundwater: Canals run on the surface and mostly carry river water. Thus, groundwater is not utilised, rather water percolates down from canals and helps to recharge groundwater.

1. Conservation of drinking water: The increasing population of the country poses high demand for drinking water. So, it is necessary to maintain the supply of drinking water through conservation of water.
2. Agriculture: Conservation of water is very important for providing irrigation water to the agricultural fields.
3. Industries: Water is needed in huge amounts in industries and for other economic activities. So, conservation of water is necessary.

Multiple Choice Type Questions [MCQ type]

Write the correct answer from the given alternatives

Very Short Answer Type Questions

Fill in the blanks with suitable words

Answer in one or two words

Very Short Answer Type Questions

Fill in the blanks with suitable words

Answer in one or two words

TOPIC – 5

Soils in India

Long Answer Type Questions

1. Discuss the various causes of soil erosion.

Ans. The causes of soil erosion can be broadly classified into two types-1. Natural causes 2. Man-made causes.

1. Natural causes:

1. Landform: The rate of soil erosion is greater in hilly regions than on plains due to the slope. The soil is not very deep and mature on hills and plateaus. Hence, it is easily washed down by rainwater or slips along the slope by the gravitational force.
2. Storm: Strong winds and storms may uproot big trees and make the soil loose and easily erodible. Also, open or exposed lands are prone to soil erosion by the action of wind.
3. Nature of rainfall: Rainfall is directly related to soil erosion. If the rainfall occurs with small drops and a short period, level of soil erosion is less. But if there is heavy rainfall with big drops for a long period of time, the level of soil erosion is greater. An open land is more prone to erosion by splashing of rainwater than a land covered with vegetation.
4. Wind: In deserts and arid regions where there is no or very less vegetation, the wind causes erosion over huge areas.
5. Flowing water: In hilly regions, the rainwater from higher altitudes come down along the slopes of hills in numerous thin streams. These streams cause erosion of the slopes as they flow down, e.g. gully erosion, rill erosion, ravine erosion, etc.

2. Man-made Causes:

1. Deforestation: Deforestation of land causes the soil to become loose and easily erodible. Thus, wind and rainwater causes soil erosion when the land is exposed after cutting down trees.
   
2. Unscientific methods of cultivation: Methods of shifting cultivation (e.g. Jhum) damage the soil and lead to high levels of erosion.
3. Overgrazing: Overgrazing of animals on the same fields remove the grass cover of the land. The soil is exposed to the natural forces and becomes prone to erosion.
   
4. Population: Increasing population is a cause of soil erosion. Increase in population leads to increase the construction of roads, railways, houses, drainage lines, deforestation, increased agricultural activities, etc. All these lead to soil erosion.
5. Unscientific mining: Unscientific mining activities may damage the top most layer of soil and cause erosion. the excavated mines are not filled up properly, the roofs may collapse and cause disasters. Thus, unscientific mining increases the level of soil erosion.
6. Conventional method of farming: Traditional systems of agriculture may also cause soil erosion. Excessive application of chemical fertilisers and pesticides, use of tractors and harvesters tend to loosen the soil. Over irrigation also makes the soil saline and infertile.
   
7. Landslide: Unauthorised construction, unplanned agriculture and deforestation tend to loosen the soil of mountain slopes and cause landslides. Falling of stones, pebbles, rocks and boulders along the hill slopes causes heavy soil erosion.
   

2. Discuss the effects of soil erosion in India.

Ans. The effects of soil erosion in India are as follows-

1. Decrease in the underground water level and soil humidity: The top soil is generally more porous and softer than the lower layers. It helps in absorption of rainwater and percolation in order to rechange the groundwater. If this layer is removed, the relatively harder and less porous layer is exposed, which allows less percolation of the water. Thus, the level of underground water falls and the soil tends to dry up.
2. Removal of fertile top soil: The essential minerals present in the top soil are removed due to erosion. This reduces the fertility of the soil and hence reduces its productivity.
3. Deposition of silt in rivers and canals: The eroded soil particles are washed away by surface runoff and is deposited in rivers, lakes, canals, ponds and other water bodies. This reduces the depth of the water bodies. It may also lead to flood.
4. Spreading of deserts: In arid and desert regions, the wind is the active agent of soil erosion. The wind blows away the top soil and the sand particles from desert regions and drop them elsewhere. This covers fertile lands with sand particles. Thus, fertility of the land is reduced and desert is extended. E.g. The area of the Thar desert is increasing by this way.
5. Floods and droughts: The deposition of eroded soil in rivers, lakes and other water bodies reduces their depth and cause floods in the rainy season. On the other hand, erosion of the fertile and fine textured top soil exposes the granular lower layers, which have less water holding capacities. Spread of sand particles make fertile lands infertile and unproductive, which may result in droughts.
6. Landslides: Deforestation or unscientific construction in hilly regions loosens the soil, which easily fall off along the slopes due to the gravitational forces. Thus landslides occur frequently, which increase soil erosion.
7. Hindrance in economic and cultural development: Soil erosion hampers agricultural production and affects the economy. Life of people become more and more difficult in regions which are severely prone to erosion, e.g. deserts, hilly regions, flood prone regions. Spread of deserts and reduction of productivity of land hampers cultural development of that place.

3. How can soil erosion be reduced and soil be conserved?

Ans. Prevention of erosion and conservation of soil is very important in order to retain the fertility and quality of soil. The steps that can be taken for conservation of soil are as follows-

1. Afforestation: The roots of plants help to hold the soil tightly and the canopy of leaves overhead help to prevent the rainwater from splashing directly on the soil. These help to prevent soil erosion. Thus, barren and open lands must be afforested in order to conserve the soil.
2. Contour Farming: In hilly regions, agriculture can be done by the method of contour farming. This helps to break the slope of the land by cutting down the slopes into flattened stretches or steps, so that the speed of running water can be reduced. This in turn helps to reduce soil erosion.
   
3. Gully Farming: In regions where gully erosion is predominant due to heavy rainfall, cultivation is done in narrow strips across the direction of flow of water. This reduces the speed of flowing water as well as reduces the level of erosion.
4. Prevention of Jhum Cultivation: In jhum cultivation and other methods of shifting cultivation, forested land is cleared for agriculture. After three or four years, this land is discarded when the fertility reduces and affects crop production. Once again another stretch of forested land is cleared and cultivated in the same way. This process is very harmful for the environment as biomass is destroyed considerably and soil is exposed for erosion. Therefore soil can be conserved if jhum cultivation or other shifting cultivation is prevented.
5. Step Farming: The hill slopes are cut into steps or stairs for practicing agriculture. The flat lands thus formed help in holding the running water. This helps in agriculture as well as reduces soil erosion.
   
6. Strip Farming: In hilly regions with steep slope, agriculture can be practised in narrow strips of land across the direction of the slope. This helps to hold the soil tightly and reduces erosion. Erosion preventive crops like pulses, soyabean, nuts, etc. can be grown. The vegetative cover helps to hold the rainwater and increases the humidity of the soil.

Short Explanatory Answer Type Questions

1. What do you understand by ‘Khadar and ‘Bhangar’?

Ans. Two types of alluvial soil are found in the Gangetic Plains of northern India. These are— khadar and bhangar.

1. Khadar: (1) The new alluvial soil found on the banks of the rivers is called Khadar. (2) Khadar is very fertile as the alluvium brought down by the rivers is renewed every year. (3) The soil is loamy and porous. (4) The soil is light brown in colour.
2. Bhangar: (1) The old alluvial soil is known as bhangar. (2) This lies higher up in the flood plains, on the river terraces at a distance from the rivers. (3) This soil is rich in calcium carbonate. (4) The soil is clayey and non porous. (5) This soil is dark in colour and is less fertile than the new alluvium.

2. Write a short note on laterite soil.

Ans. The word ‘laterite’ comes from the Latin word ‘later’, meaning ‘brick’.

Laterite soil regions in India: In India, laterite soil is found in the high temperature and heavy rainfall regions of Western Ghats, Nilgiri hills and Cardamom hills of the Peninsular plateau, Hilly regions of Odisha, the Chotanagpur plateau of Jharkhand, etc.

Characteristic features: 1. Due to heavy rainfall, the salts and other soluble minerals are washed down into the bottom layers from the surface of the soil. 2. The soil texture is coarse with big air spaces in between. Hence, it has very less water holding capacity. 3. This soil is less fertile and not very suitable for agriculture. 4. The upper layers of laterite soil become very hard like bricks when dry. 5. The soil is reddish or brownish in colour.

3. Mention the characteristic features ofblack soil.

OR, Where is black soil found in India? Discuss its characteristics.

OR, Write a short note on the black soil of India.

Ans. Black soil regions in India: 1. Maximum availability of black soil is seen in, the Deccan Trap region of Maharastra in the north-western part of the Deccan plateau. 2. Black soil is also found in Bharuch, Vadodara and Surat of Gujarat, western parts of Madhya Pradesh and northern parts of Karnataka.

Characteristic features: 1. Black soil is formed by the weathering of basalt. 2. This soil is also called Regur, derived from the telegu word ‘Regada’. 3. The soil is rich in iron oxides. The blackish colour comes from black crystallines schists and basic gneisses. 4. The soil is fine textured with high amount of clay and silt present in the soil. 5. Although the soil is deficient in nitrogen, the calcium, potassium, lime, aluminium and magnesium carbonate present in the soil makes it very fertile. 6. Water holding capacity of black soil is high. 7. Cotton grows best in this soil. Thus, the soil is also known as black cotton soil. 8. Others crops growing well in this soil are-sugarcane (Vidarbha, Marathwada), groundnuts (northern Karnataka), jowar, oranges (Nagpur), onion (Nasik), etc.

4. What are the effects of regur soil on agriculture?

Ans. The black soil is also known as ‘regur’, the term derived from the telegu word ‘Regada’. The soil is formed due to weathering of basalt of the Deccan plateau region. The soil is rich in iron, lime, magnesium, potassium and aluminium, which makes it very fertile. However, it is poor in phosphates, nitrogen and organic matter. The high water holding capacity due to fine soil particles is another important factor for the high fertility of the soil.Cotton grows best in black soil. Hence, the soil is also known as black, cotton soil. Other crops grown in this soil are sugarcane, groundnuts, tobacco, onion, orange, etc. The black soil or regur soil regions are one of the best agricultural regions in India.

5. Write a short note on the red soil region of India.

Ans. Red soil regions in India: Red soil is found in India in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, the plateau region of Maharashtra, Chotanagpur plateau of Jharkhand, hilly regions of north eastern India and the Meghalaya plateau.

Characteristic features: 1. Red soil is formed from the weathering of igneous and metamorphic rocks like granite and gneiss. 2. High amount of ferric compounds make the soil appear red in colour. 3. The water holding capacity of red soil is very low. 4. The soil is rich in potash. 5. The crops grown in this soil are- ragi, rice, tobacco, groundnuts, pulses and vegetables.

6. Where is ‘Jhum’ cultivation practiced in India, and how?

Ans. Jhum’ is a kind of shifting cultivation practised in India mostly by the tribal and native people. The areas where jhum cultivation can be seen in India are-the north-eastern states of India, especially in Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Tripura, Meghalaya and Nagaland.

Method of Jhum Cultivation: In jhum cultivation, first a portion of a forest on the hill slopes is chosen and burnt. The ash thus produced is mixed with soil and used as a fertiliser. Then the seeds of various crops are sown in the soil. The soil can produce sufficient crops for three to four years, after which the fertility starts decreasing. Hence, a new portion of the forest is chosen and burnt, and cultivated in the same way. Jhum cultivation results in massive destruction of forests and biomass, and causes destruction of ecosystems. This in turn results in environmental degradations.

7. Mention the causes of soil erosion in India and their possible solutions.

Ans. Soil erosion refers to the removal of the topmost layer of soil by various natural agents like wind, rainfall, rivers, etc. and man-made causes like deforestation, unscientific cultivation, overgrazing, etc.

Solution: Soil erosion can be prevented or controlled by the following actions-

1. Afforestation or planting more trees.

2. Prevention of shifting cultivation, e.g. Jhum.

3. Controlled grazing of animals.

4. Scientific and planned methods of agriculture.

8. How does unscientific mining, landslides and deforestation cause soil erosion?

Ans. Unscientific Mining: Mineral resources and ores of various kinds are excavated from mines by unscientific methods. This leaves the land exposed and prone to erosion. It may also lead to landslides if the mines are not filled up properly after excavation.

Landslides: The sudden fall of rocks and soil along the slope or topography due to man-made or natural reasons are known as landslides. The main causes of landslides are construction of roadways and railways in hilly regions, construction of dams and reservoirs on rivers, unscientific cultivation along hill slopes, etc. Heavy rainfall, earthquakes, unscientific construction of buildings in hilly regions increase the frequency and intensity of landslides.

Deforestation: The roots of the trees help to hold the soil tightly and prevent erosion. Cutting down of trees loosens this bond and the exposed soil becomes easily erodible by wind and surface runoff coming from rainfall.

9. Describe the regions facing problems of soil erosion in India.

Ans. Soil erosion is a common problem faced in India. The various regions of India facing soil erosion are-1. Himalayan region, Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats due to erosion by running water. 2. Rajasthan and Gujarat due to wind. 3. Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, parts of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh due to excessive grazing of animals on pastures. 4. Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Punjab due to excessive deforestation. 5. Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Darjeeling, Sikkim and other hilly regions due to landslides. 6. North-eastern states of India and parts of Odisha due to shifting cultivation.

10. Discuss the role of afforestation, step farming and strip farming in prevention of soil erosion.

Ans. Afforestation: The roots of the trees help to hold the soil tightly and the canopy of leaves overhead prevent the rainwater from directly falling on the soil. Both of these help to prevent soil erosion. Hence, open lands must be covered with vegetation to prevent the top layer of soil from being removed fast.

Step farming: The steep slope of land in hilly regions increases the speed of soil erosion. If the slope is cut into steps or stairs, the general slope of the land can be reduced and flat stretches of land can be created along the hills. This helps to reduce the speed of running water, thus reducing soil erosion. Hence, step farming is an important method of preventing soil erosion.

Strip farming: Gullies are formed in regions where soil is washed away by running water. Formation of gullies and washing away of soil can be reduced or prevented by planting fast growing trees in strips across the direction of flow of the running water. If the speed of the running water is reduced, its erosive capacity is also reduced.

11. How does grazing of animals cause soil erosion?

Ans. While grazing, the animals tend to pull out the roots of the grass and small plants that they eat. This loosens up the top soil. Also, the bonding of the soil is lost by continuous stepping of the animals with hooves on the ground. As a result, the top layer of soil is easily removed by running water.

12. How does jhum cultivation cause soil erosion?

Ans. In jhum cultivation, the forests are burnt, which removes the vegetative cover and exposes the soil. This exposed soil is prone to erosion by splashing of rainwater. Thus, jhum cultivation leads to soil erosion.

12. How does flowing water cause soil erosion?

Ans. The different types of soil erosion caused by running water are-

1. Sheet erosion: When rainwater splashes on the open ground, loosens the soil particles and washes them away like a sheet from the top, it is called sheet erosion.
2. Rill erosion: In sloping lands, the surface runoff creates thin and shallow channels on the ground while flowing downwards. These thin channels are called rills and the method of removal of soil by the water running through these rills is called rill erosion.
3. Gully erosion: When rill erosion continues for many years, the narrow channels Figure: Soil erosion caused by flowing water become wider and deeper. These come to be known as gullies and the method of erosion is called gully erosion.
   
4. Ravine erosion: The rills and gullies that have very steep sides are known as ravines. The process of formation of ravines is called ravine erosion. Such ravines are found in Garhbeta in Medinipur, West Bengal.

13. How does landform or topography influence soil erosion?

Ans. Soil erosion is higher in hilly regions and plateaus compared to plain lands. In plateaus and hills, the soil is not thick and deep due to slope. Thus, they are easily washed away by rainwater. The slope of the land speeds up the process of erosion, and the gravitational force enhances it.

14. How does increase in population influence soil erosion?

Ans. Increase in population leads to more construction of roadways, railways, houses, drainage systems, etc. All these lead to cutting down of natural vegetation and exposure of soil. Thus, increase in population leads to soil erosion.

15. What is contour ploughing?

Ans. Contour is an imaginary line that joins all places having same height above mean sea level. In hilly regions, if land is flattened by cutting down the slope into steps or stretches and cultivations is carried out on these steps along the contours, the method of cultivation is known as contour ploughing. This method of cultivation reduces soil erosion by reducing the speed of running water.

16. How does traditional method of agriculture cause soil erosion?

Ans. In traditional method of agriculture, chemical fertilisers and pesticides are used to make the soil fertile, without even judging the requirement of a particular component. Tractors and harvesters which are used in traditional method tend to loosen the soil and cause erosion. Increase in soil erosion results in destruction of soil fertility. Thus, traditional method of agriculture cause soil erosion.

Short Answer Type Questions

1. What is soil?

Ans. Soil is the thin layer present on the surface of the earth composed of disintegrated rocks and decayed organic matter. It sustains the vegetation cover and stores groundwater for the use of both plants and humans. The minerals present in the parent rocks, the texture of the grains, the structure of the soil, the porosity and the humus content decides the level of fertility of the soil. E.g. Alluvial soil, laterite soil, red soil, etc.

2. Name the major types of soils found in India.

Ans. Different types of soils are found in different parts of India due to differences in the type of parent rocks, topography vegetative cover and climatic conditions. The major types of soils found in India are-1. Alluvial soil 2. Black or Regur soil 3. Red soil 4. Laterite soil 5. Desert soil 6. Mountain soil.

3. Which soils of India are important for agriculture?

Ans. Agriculture is dependent on the type of soil found in a region. The soils that are the most suited for agriculture in India are-1. Alluvial soil 2. Black or regur soil 3. Red soil.

4. Classify alluvial soil according to texture.

Ans. Alluvial soil can be classified into three types according to the ratio of silt, sand and clay present in the soil. They are-1. Sandy soil (percentage of sand is high) 2. Loamy soil (percentage of sand, silt and clay is almost equal) 3. Clayey soil (percentage of clay is high).

5. Name some crops grown in alluvial soil.

Ans. Some crops grown in alluvial soil are-rice, wheat, jute, cotton, sugarcane, etc.

6. What is podzol soil?

Ans. The acidic soil rich in humus, found in the coniferous forest regions on the mountain slopes is known as podzol soil. Example-In India, podzol soil is found in the mountainous region of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir, where coniferous forests have grown.

7. Name some regions where black soil is found in India.

Ans. In India, black soil is found in the plateau regions of Maharashtra, Bharuch, Vadodara and Surat in Gujarat, western region of Madhya Pradesh, and northern region of Karnataka.

8. In which regions of India saline soil is found?

Ans. In India, saline soil is found in the coastal regions. Example-Sundarbans. It is also found in the arid and semi-arid regions of Rajasthan, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.

9. Where is laterite soil found in India?

Ans. Laterite soil is found in India in the Western Ghats, Nilgiri hills and Cardamom hills of the Deccan plateau, hilly region of Odisha and in Chotanagpur plateau.

10. What are ‘Bhur’ and ‘Regur’?

Ans. ‘Bhur’: Bhur is the slightly undulating highlands made up of very fine soil, lying in the upper doab region of the Ganga plains in western Uttar Pradesh. These plains are less fertile.

‘Regur’: The black coloured soil formed due to the weathering of basalt rocks in the Deccan plateau region is called regur. The term regur comes from the Telegu word ‘Regada’. This is a very fertile soil and best suited for the cultivation of cotton.

11. What is ‘Khadar’?

Ans. The new alluvial soil found in the flood plains of the Ganga in northern India, is known as ‘Khadar’. Fertility of khadar is. more than bhangar as the soil is replenished by the layer of fresh deposits of alluvium every year.

12. Why has black soil been formed in the Deccan Trap region?

Ans. The Deccan Trap is a region in the north western part of the Deccan plateau formed of lava deposits. The rocks found in this region are volcanic origin. E.g.-Basalt. The black soil has formed due to the weathering of this basalt.

13. Why is alluvial soil very fertile?

Ans. The alluvial soil is rich in plant nutrients such as potash and potassium. The ratio of sand, clay and loam present in the soil is almost equal. All these factors make the soil very fertile and most suited for agriculture.

14. Why does the regur soil appear black in colour?

Ans. Regur soil is formed from the weathering of the basalt that make up the surface of the Deccan plateau region. The black colour of the parent rock makes the regur soil black in colour. The black colour is also due to the presence of black crystalline schists and black gneisses.

15. Why does the laterite soil appear red in colour?

Ans. In regions receiving heavy rainfall, the soluble minerals present in the soil, e.g.- potassium, calcium and magnesium are washed downwards from the surface into the lower layers by rainwater.The iron and aluminium oxides remain in the upper layers of the soil. Thus, laterite soil present in these regions appears as red in colour.

16. Why is black soil or regur soil of India so fertile?

Ans. Although the black soil or regur soil lacks nitrogen, phosphate and organic matter, it is rich in calcium, lime, magnesium, potassium, etc. Besides this, it is also rich in clay and silt particles, which increases its water holding capacity. Thus, all these factors make the black soil or regur soil of India very fertile.

17. Why is the laterite soil called so?

Ans. The word ‘laterite’ comes from the Latin word ‘later’ meaning brick. As the soil. appears to be reddish like the colour of a brick, it is called laterite soil.

18. Name some crops grown in black soil.

Ans. Some crops grown in black soil are-cotton, groundnut, wheat, onion, oilseeds, tobacco, etc.

19. Name some crops grown in red soil.

Ans. Some crops grown in this soil are-maize, soyabean, groundnuts, coffee, millets, grapes, etc.

20. Mention two characteristics of soil found in th coastal areas.

Ans. The two characteristics of the soil found in coastal areas are-

1. The soil found in coastal regions is saline due to the influence of the sea.
2. The presence of sand particles in coastal soils is high. But in regions where the rivers meet the sea, the soil is more clayey than sandy.

21. Which crops grow well in mountain soil?

Ans. Mountain soil is suitable for various plantation crops. The crops grown in this soil are-tea, coffee, spices, wheat, barley, etc. Fruits like apples, oranges, cherries and different kinds of berries are grown in orchards in mountainous regions.

22. Name some crops grown in desert soil.

Ans. Desert soil is very dry and not suitable for agriculture. If irrigation facilities are provided, some crops like cotton, wheat, barley, pulses and millets can be grown in desert soil.

23. Mention some methods of reducing or controlling soil erosion.

Ans. The methods by which soil erosion can be reduced or controlled are-

1. Planting trees or afforestation.

2. Scientific methods of agriculture.

3. Prevention of jhum and other methods of shifting cultivation.

4. Controlled grazing of animals.

5. Contour farming and step farming along the mountain slopes in hilly regions.

6. Covering of open lands with vegetation covers.

7. Crop rotation, etc.

24. What are the various causes of soil erosion?

Ans. The various causes of soil erosion are- Natural causes: 1. Storms and strong winds 2. Rainfall, 3. Rivers, etc.

Man-made causes: 1. Deforestation, 2. Unscientific agricultural practices, 3. Overgrazing of animals, etc.

25. What do you understand by soil erosion?

Ans. The removal of topmost layer of soil by natural forces (e.g., wind, river, rainfall, etc.) or man-made causes (e.g., deforestation, unscientific agriculture, overgrazing, etc.) is known as soil erosion. Erosion of the top layer of soil reduces the fertility of the soil considerably.

26. Which regions of India are prone to soil erosion?

Ans. The regions of India that are prone to soil erosion are-Meghalaya, Nagaland and Manipur of north-eastern India, Chotanagpur plateau of Jharkhand, Eastern Ghats, Western Ghats, the desert in Rajasthan, parts of Punjab, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, etc.

Multiple Choice Type Questions [MCQ type]

Write the correct answer from the given alternatives

1. The old alluvium soil of the Northern Plains of India is called-

A. Bhangar

B. Khadar

C. Terai

D. Bhur

Ans. A

2. The most important soil for agriculture in India is-

A. Alluvial soil

B. Red soil

C. Black soil

D. Sandy soil

Ans. A

3. ‘Bhur’ is found in-

A. Desert

B. Plateau

C. Gangetic Plains

D. Deccan region

Ans. C

4. Laterite soil is found in-

A. Desert of Rajasthan

B. Chotanagpur plateau

C. Gangetic Plains

D. Himalayan mountains

Ans. B

5. Podzol soil is found in-

A. Coniferous forest region

B. Plateau region

C. Plains

D. Desert regions

Ans. A

6. Weathering of granite and gneiss give rise to-

A. Laterite soil

B. Black soil

C. Red soil

D. Alluvial soil

Ans. C

7. ……… soil is found at the mouth of the rivers-

A. Alluvial soil

B. Mountain soil

C. Saline alluvial soil

D. Red soil

Ans. C

8. Meghalaya plateau is mostly composed of-

A. Laterite soil

B. Alluvial soil

C. Desert soil

D. Black soil

Ans. A

9. The new alluvial soil of the Gangetic plains is known as-

A. Bhabar

B. Khadar

C. Terai

D. Bhangar

Ans. B

10. The water holding capacity of black soil is-

A. Very high

B. Very low

C. Medium

D. Low

Ans. A

11. The soil mixed with sand, pebbles, gravel and silt found in the foothill regions of the Himalayas is called-

A. Bhangar

B. Khadar

C. Terai

D. Bhabar

Ans. D

12. Sandy soil is good for cultivating-

A. Cucumber

B. Rice

C. Wheat

D. Tea

Ans. A

13. Water holding capacity of laterite soil is less because it is-

A. Sandy

B. Gravelly

C. Clayey

D. Highly porous

Ans. B

14. Mountain soil is-

A. Acidic

B. Alkaline

C. Saline

D. Highly alkaline

Ans. A

15. The soil found in the desert region of Rajasthan is called-

A. Alluvial soil

B. Red soil

C. Desert soil

D. Laterite soil

Ans. C

16. The desert soil is-

A. Alkaline

B. Acidic

C. Neutral pH

D. None of these

Ans. A

17. In West Bengal, laterite soil is found in the district of-

A. Darjeeling

B. Nadia

C. Purulia

D. Howrah

Ans. C

18. Desert soil is good for growing-

A. Millets

B. Rice

C. Wheat

D. Oilseeds

Ans. A

19. The soil research centre of India is located in-

A. Kolkata

B. Jaipur

C. Kochi

D. Dehradun

Ans. B

20. The main cause of gully erosion is-

A. Surface runoff

B. Wind

C. Ocean currents

D. Agriculture

Ans. A

21. A man-made cause of soil erosion in India is-

A. Weathering

B. Erosion by surface runoff

C. Unscientific agricultural practices

D. Wind

Ans. C

Very Short Answer Type Questions

Fill in the blanks with suitable words

1. ……… soil is found in the Northern Plains of India.

Ans. Alluvial

2. Desert soil lacks ……… content.

Ans. Humus

3. ………… soil is famous for cotton cultivation. 

Ans. Black/Regur

4. The new alluvial soil of northern India is called ………

Ans. Khadar

5. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) classifies Indian soil into ……… types.

Ans. Eight

6. ………. crops are grown in desert soil.

Ans. Millet

7. Mountain soil is ……….. in colour.

Ans. Grey

8. Bhangar soil has high concentrations calcium carbonate (lime) called ……….. 

Ans. Kankar

9. Soil of coastal regions is ………. in nature.

Ans. Saline

10. Alluvial soil is ……….. in humus and nitrogen.

Ans. Deficient

11. Black soil is formed due to weathering of ………..

Ans. Basalt

12. Weathering of granite and gneiss rocks forms ……….. soil.

Ans. Red

13. The red soil appears red due to presence of ………. 

Ans. Ferric oxide

14. Laterite soil is rich in iron and ……….

Ans. Aluminum oxide

15. ………… soil is found in Bankura and Birbhum districts of West Bengal.

Ans. Red

16. Desert soil has very low water holding capacity as it is highly ……….

Ans. Porous

17. Mountain soil is rich in ………..

Ans. Humus

18. The Deccan plateau is covered with ………… soil.

Ans. Black/Regur

19. Soil of the Sundarban region is ………. in nature.

Ans. Saline

20. The soils of mountain regions is ……….. than the soils of plains.

Ans. Immature

21. Soil erosion not only refers to removal of the top layer of soil, but also decrease of ……….

Ans. Fertility

22. Rill erosion is a form of ………. erosion.

Ans. Gully

23. One of the man-made causes of soil erosion is ………..

Ans. Deforestation

24. Jhum cultivation is practiced in the hilly region of ………… India.

Ans. North-eastern

Answer in one or two words

1. Name two states of India where laterite soil is found.

Ans. Meghalaya, Assam.

2. In which soil does tea grow well?

Ans. Mountain soil.

3. Which soil is deficient in humus, but is rich in potash, iron, calcium, and aluminum? .

Ans. Black soil or regur.

4. Which soil contains the least amount of humus?

Ans. Desert soil.

5. Which soil is best suited for cultivating rice?

Ans. Alluvial soil.

6. Name the source of the word ‘regur.

Ans. Telegu word ‘Regada’.

7. What is alluvial soil known as in Kashmir Valley?

Ans. Karewa.

8. Which kind of soils have a pH value less than 7?

Ans. Acidic soils.

9. Which is the most fertile soil of India?

Ans. Alluvial soil.

10. Which soil has equal ratio of clay and sand?

Ans. Loamy soil.

11. Which soil has high contents of sand?

Ans. Sandy soil.

12. Where is loess soil found in India?

Ans. Madhya Pradesh.

13. Which soil becomes very hard when dry?

Ans. Laterite soil.

14. What is the hard layer formed at the top of laterite soil called?

Ans. Duricrust.

15. What is the deposits new alluvium in the river basins of Punjab known as?

Ans. Bet.

16. Which minerals are present in high amount in pedalfer soils?

Ans. Aluminium and iron.

17. What is the sandy soil of the desert region known as?

Ans. Sierozem.

18. Which mineral is present in high amount in the pedocal soils?

Ans. Calcium carbonate.

19. What is the main cause of soil erosion in Rajasthan?

Ans. Wind.

20. How can soil be conserved in regions of gully erosion?

Ans. Cultivation or planting trees along the gullies.

Topic – 6

Natural Vegetation of India

Long Answer Type Questions

1. Why is conservation of forests necessary in India?

Ans. According to environmentalists, about 1/3rd of the land must be covered with forests or natural vegetation. The necessity of conservation of forests in India are as follows-

1. Maintain ecological balance: The levels of pollution and environmental degradation is increasing rapidly. It is essential to conserve forests in order to maintain the ecological balance.
2. Prevent global warming: The forest cover adds up lot of humidity to the atmosphere, which causes rainfall. This keeps the climate of forest regions moderate. However, deforestation and pollutants in the atmosphere increase the temperature of the atmosphere considerably. More trees must be planted and forests must be created to control this situation in order to reduce global warming.
3. Prevent drought and soil erosion: Lack of forests leads to lack of humidity and reduces the chances of rainfall. This induces occurrence of droughts. The soil left open and exposed due to deforestation is prone to high levels of erosion.
4. Prevent desertification: Regular droughts and continuous felling of trees may lead to the spread of deserts in the arid, semi-arid and their adjacent areas. Planting of trees and creation of forests help to prevent desertification.
5. Maintain supply of forest products: Forests provide valuable resources like wood, honey, medicinal plants, wax, etc. Hence, forests must be conserved in order to maintain the regular supply of these forest products.

2. Discuss the uses of forests in India.

Ans. The uses of forests in India are as follows-

1. Fuel and firewood: Most of the wood collected from forests is used as firewood and fuel for cooking.
2. Saw wood: The hard and strong timber is sawn in mills in order to make furnitures, doors, windows, houses, boats, ships, railway sleepers, train compartments, parts of buses and trucks, etc. Sports equipments like bats, wickets, bells, etc. are also manufactured from wood.
3. Other forest resources: The coniferous trees like pine yield resins. Forests also yield several medicinal plants, perfumed flowers, spices like cardamom, cinnamon, clove, bay leaves, etc., as well as several fruits and berries. About 275 million people in India are dependent on the forests. About 2% of the country’s national income is derived from forests.
4. Indirect uses: Forests help to prevent soil erosion, increase soil fertility and prevent the spread of deserts. They help to maintain the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. They help to reduce environmental pollution and maintain ecological balance. They also promote tourism and contribute to the economic development of the country.

3. How is the distribution of natural vegetation in India influenced by the climate?

Or, Discuss about the distribution of evergreen and deciduous monsoon forests in India.

Ans. The distribution of natural vegetation in India is influenced by the temperature, rainfall, humidity, wind direction, sunlight, etc. of the region. Depending on these factors, natural vegetation in India is classified into five types- 1. Tropical evergreen forests 2. Tropical deciduous forests 3. Tropical desert vegetation 4. Mountain forests and 5. Mangrove forests.

1. Tropical evergreen forests: (1) The tropical evergreen forests or rainforests grow in regions having average annual temperature of 27°C and annual rainfall of over 200cm. (2) The trees are 30-35 m tall and are highly branched at the top. The broad leaves create a canopy that prevents sunlight from reaching the forest floor. (3) Trees shed their leaves turn by turn, and so the forest never looks bare. (4) The timber is heavy, strong and hard. (5) Trees transpire a lot of water leading to too much of humidity and formation of clouds. (6) The forest floor is always moist and full of bushes, shrubs and weeds due to heavy rainfall.
2. Tropical deciduous forests: (1) These forests grow in regions where the annual rainfall is 100-150 cm. (2) Rainfall is seasonal, and the trees shed their leaves in the dry season. Hence, they are called deciduous trees. (3) The timber is hard and heavy. (4) Trees are of medium height and the forests are not as dense as evergreen forests.
3. Tropical desert vegetation: (1) This type of vegetation is found in regions receiving 50-75 cm annual rainfall. (2) The trees are short and bushy and scattered here and there. (3) The leaves are modified into thorns to reduce transpiration. (4) The roots are very deep so as to reach the deep underground watertable. (5) The stems are often modified into fleshy green parts which are protected with a waxy coating. (6) These plants are also known as xerophytes.
4. Mountain forests: (1) Different types of vegetation are seen on mountains at different altitudes. The foothills usually have evergreen forests upto about 1000m altitude. Deciduous and mixed forests are found at 1000-1500m altitudes. Coniferous forests are found at about 2000-4000m altitudes. Above this altitude, the Alpine vegetation is found. Beyond this level, the vegetative cover gradually disappears. (2) The wood of these trees are generally soft and used for construction of houses, furnitures, doors, windows, etc. (3) The leaves of coniferous trees are thin and needle shaped so that snow can slip down and do not cover up the tree. (4) The trees are usually very tall and have very thin and small branches.
5. Mangrove forests: (1) The mangrove forests are found in the delta regions of river Ganga, Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna and Kaveri. (2) The trees are short and have breathing roots, stilt roots to help them survive in the saline and wet soil of the coastal region. (3) The leaves are coated with a waxy material.

Short Explanatory Answer Type Questions

1. Discuss the influence of climate, relief and soil on the natural vegetation of a region.

Ans. The influence of climate, relief and soil on the natural vegetation of a region are as follows-1. Evergreen forests grow in regions which receive sufficient rainfall and have hot and humid climate throughout the year. 2. Deciduous forests grow in regions where the summers are hot and wet and the winters are cool and dry. 3. Thorny vegetation is seen in desert or arid regions. 4. Grasslands are found in regions of low rainfall. 5. Coniferous forests are found in the mountainous and cold regions. 6. Hydrophytes grow in wetlands. 7. Mangrove trees are found in the coastal regions where the soil is saline. 8. Podzol soil is suitable for coniferous trees to grow. 9. Grasslands grow best in chernozem soil. 10. Tropical deciduous forests grow best in red soil and lateritic soil.

2. Classify the natural vegetation of India

Ans. The natural vegetation of India can be classified into five regions, based on the temperature, rainfall and altitude of the region.

1. Evergreen forests: Example-Arjun, garjan, sishu, etc.

2. Tropical deciduous forests: Example- Sal, teak, mahua, etc.

3. Desert vegetation: Example-Cactus, babool, date palm, etc.

4. Mountainous forests: Example-Pine, fir, cedar, etc.

5. Mangrove forests: Example-Sundari, garan, gewa, etc.

3. Write a short note on the mangrove forests found in the coastal regions of India.

OR, What are the characteristics of mangrove trees?

Ans. The forests that grow in the lower deltaic region of rivers, where the soil is saline, are called mangrove forests. The Sundarbans located at the southern part of the Ganga delta is the largest mangrove forest of India as well as of the world. Mangroves are also found in the deltas of rivers Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri and the Andaman and Nicobar islands.

Characteristics: 1. Mangrove trees have breathing roots that help them to breathe from the atmosphere. 2. The trees have supporting roots called stilt root, buttress roots, etc.,that help them to stand erect in the soft, wet soil of the coastal region. 3. The constant influence of tides keep the soil of the mangrove forests wet and saline. 4. The trees are evergreen due to availability of water in the soil throughout the year. 5. The trunks of the trees are strong and hard to bear the climatic and soil conditions. 6. Viviparous germination is common in the mangrove forests i.e. the new plants germinate from buds of the trees, while they are still attached to the tree.

Species: Sundari, garan, gewa, hogla, golpata, etc. are common mangrove trees.

Use: 1. The timber of mangrove trees is very strong. They are used in making cartwheels, boats, ploughs, pillars of thatched houses, etc. 2. The forests are a source of products like honey, wax, medicines, etc.

4. Discuss about the coniferous forests in India.

Ans. Location: The coniferous forests in India are located in the snow covered or cold climatic regions. In the Eastern Himalayas, coniferous forests lie at an altitude of 2500-4000 m while in the Western Himalayas they are found at an altitude of 2000-3200m.

Characteristics: 1. The trees of coniferous forests are of medium height. 2. The trees are conical in shape with thin and small branches. 3. The leaves are needle shaped, that help the snow to roll down, thus not covering up the tree. 4. The trees yield soft wood.

Species: Pine, fir, spruce, birch, silver pine, laurel, etc., are common coniferous trees.

Use: The coniferous trees are a very important raw material for the paper industry. But they are less utilised in India, as they are difficult to be acquired from the rugged Himalayan region.

5. Classify the natural vegetation of the Himalayan region.

Ans. The type of natural vegetation found in the Himalayan-region keeps on changing with the increase in altitude. They can be classified as follows-

Type of vegetation	Regional distribution	Main species	Causes of formation
1. Evergreen forests	Foothills of Eastern Himalayas at an altitude of 1000-2000m.	Shishu, chaplas, garjan, etc.	Temperature around 30°C, rainfall above 200cm induce the formation of such forest.
2. Mixed forests	1000-2500m in Eastern Himalayas, 500-2000m in Western Himalayas.	Poplar, oak, maple, birch, laurel, etc.	Temperature reduces with rise in altitude. Hence, mixed forest of temperate evergreen and temperate deciduous trees are found.
3. Coniferous forests	2500-4000m in Eastern Himalayas, 2000-3000m in Western Himalayas.	Pine, fir, spruce, laurel, etc.	Snowfall and severe cold have caused modification in the trees. Trees with conical shape and thin needle shaped leaves have grown here.
4. Alpine forest	Above 3000 m upto 4500m in the Western Himalayas. Also found in Eastern Himalayas.	Juniper, larch, rhododen-dron, etc.	These trees grow in the spring season when the snow melts and the soil is exposed for a few months.

6. Why are mangrove forests found in delta regions?

Ans. The reasons for which mangrove forests are found in delta regions are-1. The soft saline soil makes it difficult for plants to breathe. Mangrove trees have separate breathing roots that help them to survive in the saline and wet soil. 2. The constant tidal effects make it difficult for the trees to stand erect in the soft soil. Mangrove trees have stilt and buttress roots that help them to stand erect. 3. The water-logged conditions may spoil or damage the seeds of plants and hamper germination. But the mangrove trees undergo viviparous germination, where new plants germinate from seeds and buds of the mother tree before they fall in the water or get damaged or float away.

7. Where wet evergreen forests are found in India? State its characteristics.

Ans. In India, wet evergreen forests are found in the western slope of Western Ghats, foothills of Eastern Himalayas, hilly regions of the north-east in the Garo, Khasi and Jaintia hills.

Characteristics: 1. Evergreen trees grow in India in regions having average annual temperature of 27°C and annual rainfall of above 200 cm. 2. The trees remain evergreen due to adequate water available from the heavy rainfall. 3. The hot and humid climate lead to fast and dense growth of the forest. 4. The trees are very tall and highly branched at the top. 5. The forest floor is covered with bushes, creepers and weeds, 6. Orchids and other symbiotic plants grow on the trunks of the large trees.

8. What do you understand by social forestry?

Ans. The afforestation of barren lands and deforested areas in order to bring about environmental, rural and social development is known as ‘Social forestry’. The term ‘Social forestry’ was first used in India in the year 1977 by the National Commission on Agriculture, Government of India.

Regions suitable for practising social forestry- 1. Broken banks of rivers and canals. 2. Barren lands along railway lines or highways. 3. Banks of ponds and lakes. 4. Barren lands beside mining areas. 5. Waste lands in the outskirts of towns and cities. 6. Vacant land behind schools, temples, mosques, etc.

Aim: 1. Using barren and fallow lands to increase the production of timber. 2. Maintaining the ecological balance of the environment. 3. Preventing soil erosion. 4. Increase in production of fruits and vegetables and other plants that are economically important. 5. Increase the supply of fuel wood and other forest products. 6. Create job opportunities for unskilled workers.

Species: Neem, eucalyptus, bamboo, babool, acacia, etc., are mainly grown on the barren and fallow lands.

9. Discuss the characteristic features of the tropical desert vegetation.

Ans. The trees that grow in the hot desert regions are called xerophytes. The characteristic features of tropical desert vegetation are-

Characteristics: 1. The xerophytes have very long roots that help to absorb water from deep underground. 2. The plants have modified leaves called thorns. 3. Some plants have small leaves, so that minimal moisture is lost from leaves’ surfaces. 4. The stems are modified into green fleshy structures that are covered with a layer of waxy material. 5. The stems of the plants are often hairy. 6. The plants lie far away from one another i.e., they are scattered here and there. 7. The flowers of these plants are of bright colours and emit strong smell in order to attract insects and animals to help in pollination.

10. Why do different types of forests lie in different parts of the Himalayan mountains?

Ans. Natural vegetation is dependent on the climatic conditions, soil and relief of a region. The causes of growth of different types of forests in different parts of the Himalayan mountains are as follows-

1. Altitude: The climatic conditions of the Himalayan region are different at different altitudes. With the rise in altitude, temperature reduces. Rainfall patterns also change. Hence, the type of vegetation goes on changing with increase in the altitude.
2. Rainfall and humidity: Rainfall is not evenly distributed along the mountainous region of the Himalayas. The south-west monsoon winds hit against the eastern Himalayas first and provide much more rainfall there compared to the western Himalayas. Thus, different types of trees are found at the same altitude in the Eastern and Western Himalayas.
3. Latitude: The Western Himalayas lie at a higher latitude than the Eastern Himalayas. Hence, the western region is colder than the eastern region and have different types of forests.

11. What are evergreen forests? Where are they found in India?

Ans. The forests where all the trees do not shed their leaves together in any particular season, are called evergreen forests. The forests appear green throughout the year because the trees shed their leaves turn by turn and do not make the forest bare at any time of the year. These forests grow in regions having rainfall above 200 cm. The soil always remains wet, and hence trees do not need to shed leaves in a season to prevent loss of water through transpiration. The trees found in these forests are shishu, garjan, rosewood, ironwood, etc.

Location: In India, evergreen forests are found in the Terai region at the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas, hilly regions of Assam, western slope of Western Ghats, Andaman and Nicobar island, southern slope of Garo, Khasi and Jaintia hills, etc.

12. Why are deciduous trees called so?

Ans. The trees that grow in regions where rainfall occurs in a particular season, are called deciduous trees. As water is not available in all seasons, the trees shed their leaves in the dry season in order to minimise transpiration and loss of water. Thus, they are called deciduous trees (trees that shed their leaves in dry seasons).

13. Write three characteristics of tropical evergreen forests. 

Ans. Three characteristics of tropical evergreen forests are-1. The tropical evergreen forests grow where average annual temperature is around 27°C and rainfall is more than 200 cm. 2. The trees grow as tall as 30-35m. They are heavily branched at the top and the leaves interweave to form a canopy. 3. The trees shed some amount of leaves throughout the year and also transpire huge amounts of water that help to form clouds and cause rainfall.

14. Why evergreen forests grow in Andaman and Nicobar islands and the western slope of Western Ghats?

Ans. Both the Andaman and Nicobar islands and the western slope of the Western Ghats receive an annual average rainfall over 200 cm, and average temperature is 25°-27°C. Hot and wet climate prevails in both the regions. Thus, evergreen forests are found in these regions.

15. Why are thorny bushes found in the eastern slope of the Western Ghats?

Ans. Although the western slope of the Western Ghats receives heavy rainfall but the eastern slope lies in the rainshadow area and receive only about 20-25 cm of annual rainfall. Thus, the natural vegetation found here is thorny, bushy and not at all dense.

16. Why are breathing roots seen in mangrove trees?

Ans. The mangrove trees grow in the wet saline soil of the delta regions. The soil of this region is. clayey and the pore spaces between the soil particles is very small. Thus, they always remain clogged with water due to the influence of tides. Very little air is present in the soil, which is insufficient for the trees to survive. Thus, modified roots called breathing roots develop in mangrove trees, which help the trees to breathe directly from the atmosphere and survive.

17. What is the importance of natural vegetation in the environment?

Ans. Natural vegetation is important for the environment because of the following reasons- 1. Natural vegetation helps to maintain a balance between the oxygen and carbon dioxide present in the atmosphere. 2. The vegetative cover helps to control soil erosion. 3. The natural vegetation influences the climate of the region to a great extent. Level of humidity, possibility of rainfall and the temperature of the region is influenced by the vegetative cover. 4. Vegetative cover helps to prevent desertification. 5. Natural vegetation helps to maintain the ecological balance of the environment. 6. We get products like wood, honey, wax, medicines, etc., from the forests. 7. The diversity of species of plants as well as animals are maintained by forests.

18. Mention the factors that have posed a threat to the forest cover of India.

Ans. The total forest and tree cover in India is about 24.16% of the total land surface. Thus, it is necessary to conserve forests. The factors posing a threat to the forest cover of India are-

1. Illegal felling of trees, exploitation of forest resources and poaching of animals: In India, every year huge number of trees are cut illegally. Also, poaching of wild animals have reduced their numbers considerably.
2. Conversion of forest lands into agricultural plots: Due to the rapid increase in population and high demand for food grains, the forests are being cut off and converted to agricultural plots. Thus, forest cover is gradually reducing.
3. Forest fires and pest attacks: Large tracts of vegetal cover are destroyed every year due to forest fires and pest attacks on the trees. The Forest Department of India has not found an effective solution to this problem.

19. Why has the timber industry not developed much in India?

Ans. Although India has forest covers in many regions, the timber industry is not yet developed here due to the following reasons-

1. Dense forest: The predominant type of forest found in India is tropical deciduous forests. These forests are very dense and difficult to exploit. Choosing trees of a particular species is also difficult. Hence, yield of timber is quite low.
2. Hard wood: The major portion of the forests in India are evergreen and tropical deciduous forests. These forests yield hard wood, which is difficult to cut and too heavy to be brought out of the forests. Amount of coniferous forests is very less in India. Thus, economic exploitation of soft wood for various purposes is very low.
3. Number of species: In the tropical deciduous forests various species of trees grow together. So, it is difficult to identify any one species of trees and cut them down and carry them out of the forest.
4. Humid climate: The climate of India mostly remains hot and wet. Such climate is not suitable for cutting down trees. The forest floor mostly remains wet and covered with weeds, which makes the felling and dragging of trees out of the forests quite difficult.
5. Lack of facilities: Lack of proper transportation facilities, technology for scientific exploitation and infrastructure of trade and commerce intensifies the above-mentioned problems.

20. How should forests be conserved in India?

Ans. In the year 2013, the total vegetative cover of the Indian landmass was about 24.16% of the total land surface. However it is necessary to have at least 33% of forest cover over the total land surface. So, conservation of forests is very necessary in India. The steps taken up for conservation of forests in India are-

1. Prevention of uncontrolled and unscientific deforestation: Uncontrolled and unnecessary felling of trees must be stopped. Felling of trees must be done keeping in mind the ecological balance of the environment.
2. Prevention of felling of immature trees: It must be made sure that immature trees are not cut off. This reduces the longevity of the trees. Only old and mature trees should be felled.
3. Substitute of firewood: In India, deforestation is carried out mainly for the collection of firewood. Use of substitute fuels like biogas, dungcake, solar energy, electric oven, etc., will reduce the use of firewood. Thus, felling of trees can be reduced.
4. Controlling forest fires: A huge amount of forests are destroyed every year due to forest fires. Preventive measures must be taken to control forest fires, so that forests do not get destroyed in this manner.
5. Preventing uncontrolled grazing of animals: Forests and grasslands may get permanently destroyed due to uncontrolled grazing of animals. The animals may damage or eat away the newly planted saplings, thus destroying forests indirectly.
6. Afforestation and reforestation: The regions where forests have been felled can be reforested and new forests can be created. Afforestation of fallow and barren land with the help of irrigation, advanced farming techniques and organic fertilisers help to increase total forest cover.
7. Human participation: Man is responsible directly or indirectly for deforestation and felling of trees. Thus, it is very essential to change his outlook and act responsibly. The ‘Joint Forest Management’ programme has been adopted in order to keep an eye on the forest development programmes.
8. Treating the diseased plants: The trees of a forest may be attacked by pests and harmful bacteria. This may decay the trees reduce their longevity. Thus, the diseased trees must be treated in time.
9. Awareness programmes: The people of India must be made aware about the idea of afforestation. 5th June is celebrated annually as the World Environment Day. Van Mahotsav and other programmes have been adopted with the aim of increasing the vegetative cover of India.

21. Mention the steps taken for forest conservation in India.

Ans. Forests are an important natural resource. However they are being destroyed and damaged by reckless, unplanned and unscientific use. It is necessary to stop this destruction in order to prevent environmental degradation. The steps taken for conservation of forests in India are-

1. Planting of trees: Every year during the rainy season, huge number of saplings are planted under various programmes of ‘Van Mahotsav’.
2. Forest Conservation Act: Several rules and regulations have been made for conservation of forests and the Forest Conservation Act has been implemented since 1980.
3. Pesticides: Pesticides are used at regular intervals to save the forests from pest attacks and decay of plants.
4. Preventing deforestation: Many steps have been taken to prevent unnecessary deforestation and felling of immature trees.
5. Animal grazing: Grazing of animals has been prohibited in reserved forests and protected forests.
6. Research centres: The Forest Research Institute has been established at Dehradun to conduct various researches regarding betterment of forests.
7. Social and agricultural forestry: These programmes have been taken up to convert fallow and barren lands into forest lands.
8. Prohibiting jhum cultivation: Practices like jhum cultivation that severely destroy forests, have been prohibited.

22. Write the uses of deciduous and mangrove forests in India.

Ans. Uses of deciduous forests: The deciduous trees are found most abundantly in India. The timber is strong and hard. They are used for making furniture, doors, windows, agricultural equipments, railway sleepers, etc.

Uses of mangrove forests: The mangrove forests are found in the coastal regions of India near the river mouths. Sundarban is the largest mangrove forest in India. Sundari trees are used. for making boats. Golpata and hogla leaves are used for thatching huts. Garan and gewa trees are useful in tanning leather. Gewa is used for making matchsticks. Other than timber, the mangrove forests supply a huge quantity of honey, wax and firewood.

Short Answer Type Questions

1. What do you mean by natural vegetation?

Ans. The vegetation growing naturally in a region under the influence of temperature, rainfall, humidity, soil type, terrain prevalent in that region and without any human interference is called natural vegetation. The naturally growing vegetation is responsible for creating forests and grasslands.

2. Where are evergreen trees found in India?

Ans. Evergren trees are found in those regions of India where annual rainfall is above 200 cm. E.g.-Terai region of Eastern Himalayas, hilly regions of Assam, western slope of the Western Ghats, Andaman and Nicobar islands, etc.

3. Where are wet deciduous forests found in India?

Ans. The wet deciduous forests are found in India in the plains of Assam, plateau region of Jharkhand, eastern part of Gangetic plains, plateau and plain region of West Bengal, plateau and coastal region of Odisha, parts of the Deccan plateau except the rainshadow area of the eastern slope of Western Ghats. The wet deciduous forests are also known as monsoon forests.

4. Name some evergreen trees and mention their uses.

Ans. Some evergreen trees are-Shishu, garjan, rubber, ironwood, etc.

Uses: The evergreen trees are very tall and produce very hard timber. So, they are used in making railway sleepers, furnitures and also in constructional works.

5. Name a region in India where there is a high concentration of evergreen trees. What kind of climate prevails there?

Ans. A high concentration of evergreen trees is found in the western slope of the Western Ghats. The climate prevailing there is tropical monsoon climate.

6. Where are temperate deciduous forests found in India?

Ans. The temperate deciduous forests are found in the eastern Himalayas at an altitude of 1000-2500 m and in the Western Himalayas at an altitude of 500-2000 m. Some of the main trees found in these forests are-oak, maple, cedar, walnut, etc.

7. In which region of India are coniferous trees found?

Ans. In India, coniferous trees are found in the Eastern Himalayas at an altitude of 2500-4000 m and in the Western Himalayas at an altitude of 2000-3200m.

8. Name some deciduous trees and mention their uses.

Ans. Some common deciduous trees are-sal, teak, shimul, jarul, mahua, mango, banyan, peepal, neem, etc.

Uses: 1. The timber of these trees is used for making furnitures, doors, windows and vehicle parts. 2. The branches and twigs are used as firewood in rural areas. 3. Lac insects are cultured on palash and mahua trees for obtaining lac.

9. Name the plants which are found in the desert region of India.

Ans. The plants which are found in the desert region of India are-cactus, babool, thorny bushes, date palms and some grass.

10. What is Alpine vegetation?

Ans. The vegetation found above 4000m in the Eastern Himalayas and 3200m in the Western Himalayas is known as Alpine vegetation. These plants have low height and their forest is not dense. Such plants are common in the Alpine région of Europe. Hence they are popularly known as Alpine vegetation. Example-Juniper, rhododen-dron, larch, some bushes and grass.

11. Name two regions in India where mangrove forest is found.

Ans. Mangrove forests in India are found in the Sundarbans lying in the southern part of the Ganga delta and the Bhitarkanika forest of Odisha.

12. What do you mean by mangrove vegetation?

OR, What kind of forest is found in the saline soil of the delta region?

Ans. The special type of vegetation growing in the saline soil of the delta regions is called mangrove vegetation. The trees of the mangrove vegetation have breathing roots that help them to survive in the saline and soft moist soil. Some important species of mangrove vegetation are-Sundari, garan, gewa, hetal, etc. The Sundarbans of the southern part of the Ganga delta is the largest mangrove forest in India. Bhitarkanika forest of Odisha is the second largest mangrove forest.

13. Where mangrove forests are found in India?

Ans. Mangrove forest are found in India in the delta regions of Ganga, Mahanadi, Godavari, Kaveri and Krishna rivers. The Sundarbans located at the southern part of the Ganga delta is the largest mangrove forest of India. Bhitarkanika forest in the delta of river Mahanadi in Odisha is the second largest mangrove forest of India.

14. Where wet temperate forests are found in India?

Ans. Wet temperate forests are found in the hilly regions of central and southern India at an altitude of 1500 m. Cinchona, elm, birch and laurel are common species of trees found in these forests.

15. Name the places in India where the forest research institutes are present.

Ans. The main Forest Research Institute of India is located at Dehradun in Uttarakhand. The other institutes are located at Jodhpur in Rajasthan, Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh, Bengaluru in Karnataka, Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu, etc.

16. What do you mean by agroforestry?

Ans. The practice of planting trees on or around the agricultural fields on fallow or barren lands to create forests is called agroforestry. The trees are planted and maintained by the farmers in order to obtain wood, fruits, medicines, biotic fertilisers, etc.

17. Why are the people of India encouraged to practice afforestation?

Ans. The people of India are encouraged to practice afforestation because-

1. Forests help in causing rainfall.
2. Forests help to maintain the ecological balance of the environment. Felling of trees in huge numbers may cause problems like floods, droughts, soil erosion, etc.
3. The minimum amount of forest cover needed on a land surface to maintain ecological balance is about 33%. India has a forest cover of only 24.16%. Hence, afforestation is necessary. Otherwise, the country will gradually turn into a desert.
4. Forests provide us with various useful products like timber, firewood, medicinal plants, lac, honey, etc.

18. How does Jhum cultivation destroy forest cover?

Ans. In Jhum cultivation, the forest land is burnt and cleared for agricultural purposes. Agriculture is carried out for 3-4 years on the plot, after which the fertility of the soil reduces considerably. The plot fails to produce the expected amount of crops. Hence, a new forest is cut off and land is. cleared for agriculture. This way Jhum cultivation destroys the forest cover.

Multiple Choice Type Questions [MCQ type]

Write the correct answer from the given alternatives

1. Which of the following is an evergreen tree?

A. Garan

B. Teak

C. Kendu

D. Ironwood

Ans. D

2. Which type of vegetation is found in the Chotanagpur plateau?

A. Deciduous

B. Evergreen

C. Coniferous

D. Mangrove

Ans. A

3. Maximum forest area is found in the state of-

A. West Bengal

B. Madhya Pradesh

C. Sikkim

D. Assam

Ans. B

4. Mangrove forests are seen in-

A. Delta regions

B. Deserts

C. Mountains

D. Plains

Ans. A

5. Which type of vegetation is mostly found in India?

A. Evergreen

B. Mangrove

C. Deciduous

D. Coniferous

Ans. C

6. A common species of desert vegetation is-

A. Rhododendron

B. Cactus

C. Shishu

D. Mango

Ans. B

7. Which type of vegetation is found in the rainshadow area of the Western Ghats?

A. Bushes and grass

B. Coniferous

C. Mangrove

D. Evergreen

Ans. A

8. Which of the following national parks lies in the southern region of West Bengal?

A. Jaldapara

B. Kanha

C. Kaziranga

D. Sundarban

Ans. D

9. A tree commonly found in the Indian desert is-

A. Shishu

B. Cactus

C. Poplar

D. Mahogany

Ans. B

10. Mangrove forests grow in-

A. Black soil

B. Saline soil

C. Laterite soil

D. Alluvial soil

Ans. B

11. The soil of evergreen forests always remains-

A. Dry

B. Moist

C. Sandy

D. Saline

Ans. B

12. Tall and conical trees are found in-

A. Sundarban

B. Deserts

C. Mountainous regions

D. Plateau regions

Ans. C

13. Natural vegetation is mostly influenced by-

A. Landform

B. Soil

C. Climate

D. Man

Ans. C

14. The largest mangrove forest of India lies in the-

A. Gangetic delta

B. Mahanadi delta

C. Godavari delta

D. Krishna delta

Ans. A

15. The vegetation found at the foothills of the Himalayas is-

A. Deciduous

B. Evergreen

C. Thorny bushes

D. Coniferous

Ans. B

16. The forests found over an altitude of 3000-4000 m in the Himalayan range are-

A. Mixed forests

B. Deciduous forests

C. Alpine forests

D. Coniferous forests

Ans. C

17. An important mangrove forest of India is-

A. Gorumara

B. Jaldapara

C. Bhitarkanika

D. Gir

Ans. C

18. Presently, the total forest cover of India is about-

A. 6.40 lakh sq. km.

B. 6.98 lakh sq. km.

C. 640 lakh sq. km.

D. 2.60 lakh sq. km.

Ans. B

19. The predominant type of vegetation found in West Bengal is-

A. Evergreen

B. Coniferous

C. Wet Deciduous

D. Mangrove

Ans. C

20. Xerophytic trees are mostly found in-

A. Deserts

B. Himalayan mountains

C. Deccan plateau

D. Coastal areas

Ans. A

Very Short Answer Type Questions

If the statement is true, write ‘T’ and if false, write ‘F’ against the following

1. ‘Babool’ is a xerophytic plant.

Ans. T

2. Wood is the main source of fuel used in India for cooking.

Ans. T

3. The eastern slope of the Western Ghats is covered with evergreen forests.

Ans. F

4. The deciduous forests of India are also known as monsoon forests.

Ans. T

5. The mangrove forest in the Ganga-Brahmaputra delta region is called Sundarban.

Ans. T

6. Thorny bushes are found in desert regions.

Ans. T

7. Mango, banyan, peepal, etc., are wet deciduous trees.

Ans. T

8. The second largest mangrove forest of India is Bhitarkanika.

Ans. T

9. Rosewood and ironwood are evergreen trees.

Ans. T

10. The evergreen trees grow far from one another in the forest.

Ans. F

Fill in the blanks with suitable words

1. Lac comes from ………. that feed on the Indian plum and Kusum trees.

Ans. Lac insects

2. Silkworms are cultured on ………. trees.

Ans. Mulberry

3. The western slope of Westen Ghats have ……….. forests.

Ans. Evergreen

4. The Sundarbans have been named after the ………. trees.

Ans. Sundari

5. Breathing roots are found in the trees of ………. forests in India.

Ans. Mangrove

6. The thorny plants of the desert region are called ……….

Ans. Xerophytes

7. Vegetation growing in a region depending on the climatic characteristics and landform of the region is called ……..

Ans. Natural vegetation

8. Coniferous trees grow best in ……… regions.

Ans. Mountainous

9. Sabai grass grows in ……….. forests.

Ans. Dry deciduous

10. The mangrove vegetation in West Bengal is popularly known as ………

Ans. Sundarbans

11. The largest mangrove forest of India is in the ……….

Ans. Sundarbans

12. The tropical deciduous forests of India are also known as ……….

Ans. Monsoon forests

13. Pine and fir are examples of ………. trees.

Ans. Coniferous

14. ……….. type of vegetation is found in the rainshadow area of India.

Ans. Savannah

15. Forest is a ……….. resource.

Ans. Renewable

16. Dates and palms are trees of ………… vegetation.

Ans. Desert

17. The Dooars region of West Bengal comprises of ……….. forests.

Ans. Tropical evergreen

18. The tropical evergreen trees can be as tall as ………. metre.

Ans. 60

19. The ……….. forests of India are maximum utilised economically.

Ans. Tropical deciduous

20. About 80% of the Indian landmass was covered with forests in ………. B.C.

Ans. 3000

21. The only floating forest of India is ………… in Manipur.

Ans. Keibul Lamjao National Park

Answer in one or two words

1. What percentage of vegetative cover is needed to designate a place as a forest?

Ans. 5% per hectare.

2. Who was the first to classify the forests of India?

Ans. H. G. Champion in 1936.

3. Which type of forest is found in Andaman and Nicobar islands?

Ans. Tropical evergreen forest.

4. Which kind of tree is the rubber tree?

Ans. Tropical evergreen tree.

5. Which type of forests grow in regions receiving rainfall higher than 200 cm?

Ans. Evergreen forests.

6. Which type of trees exhibit well-defined annual growth rings?

Ans. Tropical deciduous trees.

7. Mention one characteristic feature of desert vegetation.

Ans. The plants are thorny.

8. Which type of vegetation does cactus belong to?

Ans. Desert vegetation.

9. Which type of forest is commonly seen in the Himalayas at an altitude of 1000-3000 m?

Ans. Temperate broadleaf and mixed forest.

10. What is the imaginary line beyond which vegetation does not grow called?

Ans. Tree line.

11. Which trees have breathing roots?

Ans. Mangrove trees.

12. Which is the largest mangrove forest in India?

Ans. Sundarbans.

13. What percent of land is occupied by India among the total land surface of the world?

Ans. About 1%.

14. What percent of land is occupied by forests in India?

Ans. 24.16%.

15. What population of India is forest dependent?

Ans. About 275 million people.

16. What share of national revenue of India comes from forests?

Ans. About 2%.

17. How much area of the land surface of India was covered with forests in 3000 B.C.?

Ans. About 80%.

18. Name the type of vegetation found in arid and semi-arid regions.

Ans. Xerophytic vegetation.

19. At what altitude are Alpine forests found in the Himalayas?

Ans. Above 4000 m.

20. Name an evergreen forest region of India.

Ans. Western slope of Western Ghats.

21. Name a xerophytic tree.

Ans. Babool.

22. Which forests in India are economically utilised the.most?

Ans. Tropical deciduous forests.

23. Which trees are used to manufacture matchsticks?

Ans. Coniferous trees.

24. Mention an indirect use of forests.

Ans. Prevention of soil erosion.

25. The Forest Research Institute of India is located in which city?

Ans. Dehradun.

26. What is agriculture and forestry known as?

Ans. Agroforestry.

27. Mention two direct uses of forests.

Ans. Manufacturing furniture and as raw material for paper industry.

28. Name the forest situated at the mouth of river Kaveri in Tamil Nadu.

Ans. Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary.

29. When was the first National Forest Policy of India adopted?

Ans. 1952.

30. In which forest of India lion is found?

Ans. Gir Forest in Gujarat.