NCERT Class 11 Geography: Chapter 5 – Natural Vegetation

NCERT Class 11 Geography: Chapter 5 – Natural Vegetation

Very Short Answer Type Questions

1. Define Natural Vegetation.

– Natural vegetation refers to the plant life that grows naturally in a region without human intervention. It includes forests, grasslands, and shrubs.

1. What are the three broad categories of natural vegetation?

– The three broad categories of natural vegetation are forests, grasslands, and shrubs.

1. Name the type of forest found in areas with more than 200 cm of annual rainfall.

– Tropical Evergreen Forests.

1. What is the major characteristic of the deciduous forests?

– Deciduous forests shed their leaves during the dry season to conserve water.

1. Mention one region in India where thorny bushes are found.

– Rajasthan.

Short Answer Type Questions

1. Explain the importance of natural vegetation.

– Natural vegetation plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance, supporting wildlife, preventing soil erosion, and influencing climate. It also provides resources like timber, fuel, fodder, and medicinal plants.

1. Differentiate between tropical evergreen forests and tropical deciduous forests.

– Tropical Evergreen Forests: Found in regions with over 200 cm of rainfall, these forests remain green throughout the year. They have dense canopies and a variety of tree species like mahogany, ebony, and rosewood.
– Tropical Deciduous Forests: Found in regions with 100-200 cm of rainfall, these forests shed their leaves during the dry season. Common trees include teak, sal, and sandalwood.

1. Describe the characteristics of mangrove forests.

– Mangrove forests are found in coastal areas, particularly in estuaries and deltas. They are adapted to saline conditions, have stilt roots for support in muddy soil, and are vital for protecting coastlines from erosion and storm surges. Notable species include the sundari tree in the Sundarbans.

1. What are montane forests? Where are they found in India?

– Montane forests are found in mountainous regions. In India, they are present in the Himalayas, Nilgiris, and Western Ghats. These forests vary with altitude, from tropical montane forests at lower elevations to temperate forests and alpine vegetation at higher altitudes.

Long Answer Type Questions

1. Discuss the distribution and characteristics of different types of forests in India.

– India has a diverse range of forests due to its varied climate and topography:
– Tropical Evergreen Forests: Found in Western Ghats, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Northeastern states. Characterized by dense canopies, diverse species, and year-round greenery.
– Tropical Deciduous Forests: Spread across the central and northern parts of India, including Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and parts of the Himalayas. These forests shed leaves in the dry season.
– Thorn Forests and Scrubs: Located in arid regions like Rajasthan and parts of Gujarat, characterized by sparse vegetation and thorny bushes.
– Montane Forests: Found in Himalayan regions, with varied vegetation from tropical montane at lower altitudes to alpine pastures at higher elevations.
– Mangrove Forests: Found in coastal areas like the Sundarbans and the delta regions of rivers. Adapted to saline and waterlogged conditions.

1. Explain how climate influences the natural vegetation of an area.

– Climate, including temperature, rainfall, and humidity, greatly influences natural vegetation:
– Tropical Wet Climate: Supports dense evergreen forests with high biodiversity.
– Monsoon Climate: Leads to deciduous forests that shed leaves in dry season.
– Arid and Semi-arid Climate: Supports thorny bushes and scrubs due to low rainfall.
– Temperate Climate: Leads to temperate forests with mixed vegetation.
– Alpine Climate: Supports alpine vegetation with grasses, mosses, and lichens in high-altitude regions.

1. Describe the adaptations of vegetation in desert and semi-desert regions.

– Vegetation in desert and semi-desert regions, like thorn forests and scrubs, has adaptations to survive harsh conditions:
– Water Storage: Cacti and succulents store water in their tissues.
– Reduced Leaves: Many plants have small or no leaves to reduce water loss (e.g., cacti).
– Deep Roots: To access deep underground water.
– Thick Cuticles: To minimize water loss through evaporation.
– Spines: To deter herbivores and reduce transpiration.

Map-based Questions

1. Identify and mark the following on the map of India:

– Tropical Evergreen Forests: Western Ghats, Northeastern states, Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
– Tropical Deciduous Forests: Central and Northern India (Madhya Pradesh, Odisha).
– Thorn Forests and Scrubs: Rajasthan, Gujarat.
– Montane Forests: Himalayan regions, Nilgiris.
– Mangrove Forests: Sundarbans, coastal regions of West Bengal and Odisha.

Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) Questions

1. Analyze the impact of human activities on natural vegetation in India.

– Deforestation for agriculture, urbanization, and industrialization has led to the loss of forest cover, affecting biodiversity and ecological balance.
– Overgrazing by livestock damages grasslands and leads to soil erosion.
– Pollution and climate change affect the health and distribution of natural vegetation.

1. Suggest measures to conserve natural vegetation.

– Implementing strict laws against deforestation and illegal logging.
– Promoting afforestation and reforestation programs.
– Encouraging sustainable agricultural and grazing practices.
– Raising awareness about the importance of conserving natural habitats.
– Protecting endangered species and ecosystems through the establishment of wildlife sanctuaries and national parks.

These questions cover a comprehensive understanding of natural vegetation as per the NCERT Class 11 Geography syllabus.