What is natural vegetation?

Natural vegetation refers to plants that grow naturally without human intervention in a region. It depends on climate, soil, rainfall, and temperature and includes forests, grasslands, and shrubs.

What are the main types of forests in India?

The main types of forests in India are: Tropical Evergreen Forests – dense, found in heavy rainfall areas like the Western Ghats and Andaman Islands. Tropical Deciduous Forests – shed leaves seasonally, found in central and eastern India. Tropical Thorn Forests and Scrubs – dry areas with thorny plants, common in Rajasthan and Gujarat. Montane or Mountain Forests – found in the Himalayas, with coniferous trees at higher altitudes. Mangrove Forests – found along coasts and in deltas, like the Sundarbans.

Wildlife refers to all the animals living naturally in forests, grasslands, deserts, mountains, or water bodies. It includes mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects.

How is vegetation related to climate?

Vegetation depends heavily on rainfall, temperature, and soil. For example: High rainfall → dense evergreen forests Moderate rainfall → deciduous forests Low rainfall → thorn forests and grasslands

What are the major wildlife species in India?

India has a rich diversity of wildlife, including: Mammals: Tigers, lions, elephants, rhinoceroses Birds: Peacocks, vultures, kingfishers Reptiles: Crocodiles, snakes, turtles Aquatic animals: Dolphins, fish, turtles

NCERT Solutions Class 9 Social Science Geography Chapter 5 Natural Vegetation and Wildlife

NCERT Solutions Class 9 Social Science Geography – Chapter 5 Natural Vegetation and Wildlife help students learn about the different types of plants and animals found in India and the factors that influence their distribution. This chapter explains the major vegetation types like tropical rainforests, tropical deciduous forests, thorny bushes, mountain vegetation, and mangroves.

By going through these NCERT Solutions, students can clearly understand how climate, soil, and relief affect natural vegetation and why wildlife conservation is important.With these NCERT Solutions, students can prepare more effectively for exams and develop a better understanding of India’s rich biodiversity and the need to protect it.

2.0Important Concepts of Class 9 Social Science Geography Chapter 5 Natural Vegetation and Wildlife

NCERT Solutions Class 9 Geography Chapter 5 Natural Vegetation and Wildlife introduces students to the diverse types of natural vegetation found across India, their characteristics, and the rich wildlife supported by these ecosystems. The chapter also highlights the importance of conservation and sustainable management of forests and wildlife. The key concepts include:

Meaning and Importance of Natural Vegetation – Definition of natural vegetation and its role in maintaining ecological balance.

Factors Affecting Vegetation – Climate, soil, and topography as major factors determining the type of vegetation in different regions.

Types of Vegetation in India – Tropical evergreen forests, tropical deciduous forests (moist and dry), thorn forests and scrub, montane forests, and mangrove forests.

Wildlife in India – Variety of animal species found in different habitats, including protected species and endangered animals.

Forest Conservation – The need for preserving forests and wildlife due to threats like deforestation, habitat destruction, and poaching.

National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries – Examples like Jim Corbett National Park, Kaziranga, and Gir Wildlife Sanctuary, and their role in conservation.

Biodiversity and Ecological Importance – How diverse vegetation and wildlife contribute to a healthy environment and human wellbeing.

3.0NCERT Class 9 Social Science Geography Chapter 5: Detailed Solutions

Choose the right answer from the four alternatives given below:
(i) To which one of the following types of vegetation does rubber belong to?
(a) Tundra
(b) Himalayan
(c) Tidal
(d) Tropical Evergreen
Ans. (d) Tropical Evergreen

(ii) Cinchona trees are found in the areas of rainfall more than :
(a) 100 cm
(b) 70 cm
(c) 50 cm
(d) Less than 50 cm
Ans. More than 100 cm

(iii) In which of the following states is the Simlipal bioreserve located?
(a) Punjab
(b) Delhi
(c) Odisha
(d) West Bengal
Ans. (c) Odisha

(iv) Which one of the following bio-reserves of India is not included in the world network of bioreserve?
(a) Manas
(b) Gulf of Mannar
(c) Sundarbans
(d) Nanda Devi
Ans. (a) Manas

Answer the following questions briefly.
(i) What factors are responsible for the distribution of plants and animals in India?
Ans. The distribution of plant and animal life in India is determined by the following:
(a) Temperature along with humidity in the air, precipitation and the nature of the soil.
(b) Variation in sunlight due to variations in latitude, height above sea level, season and duration of the day in any specific region.
(c) Amount of rainfall.
(d) Soil conditions
(e) Relief - mountains, plateaus or plains.
(ii) What is a bio-reserve? Give two examples.
Ans. Bio-reserve is an ecosystem with plants and animals of unusual scientific and natural interest. There are 18 bioreserves in India. For example, Sundarban Bio-reserve in West Bengal and Nanda Devi Bio-reserve in Uttarakhand.
(iii) Name two animals having habitat in tropical and montane types of vegetation.
Ans. Tropical animals: Tiger, Elephant Montane animals: Snow Leopard, Spotted Deer

Distinguish between :
(i) Flora and Fauna
(ii) Tropical evergreen and deciduous forests
Ans.
(i) Fauna refers to species of animals found in an region. Flora denotes plants of particular region.
(ii) Tropical evergreen forests a bound in areas with rainfall exceeding 200 cm in a year. Trees reach heights up to 60 m in these forests. The vegetation is luxuriant. There is no definite time for the trees to shed leaves. A large number of species exist together in such forests. Important trees are ebony, mahogany, rosewood, rubber and cinchona. Deciduous forests are spread over the region where the rainfall ranges between annually. In dry summer, the trees shed their leaves for six to eight weeks. Commercially important wood is found in these forests. Important trees are teak, sal, shisham, etc.

Name different types of vegetation found in India and describe the vegetation of high altitudes.
Ans. The different types of vegetation found in India are :
Tropical rainforests, Tropical Deciduous forests, Thorn forests, Temperate forests, Alpine and Tundra vegetation.
Alpine vegetation is found at places over in height. The trees common to these are silver fir, junipers, pines and birches.
The trees get stunted as they reach the snow line. There are shrubs and scrubs that ultimately marge into Alpine grasslands. Tundra vegetation is limited to lichens and mosses.

Quite a few species of plants and animals are endangered. Why?
Ans. The main reason for extinction of certain species of plants is excessive commercialization. Plant species are endangered as more lands are being cleared for factories, housing colonies and roads. Pollution of air, water and soil adds to the danger to natural vegetation. Animal species are getting extinct due to hunting and poaching. Commercial exploitation of forestlands has also reduced space for animal habitats.

Why has India a rich heritage of flora and fauna?
Ans. India has a rich heritage of fauna and flora as geographically the country has a very wide range of physical, climatic and soil conditions. Our tradition of respecting all forms of life has also contributed to the preservation of plant and animal species over the centuries.

4.0Key Features and Benefits of Class 9 Social Science Geography Chapter 5 Natural Vegetation and Wildlife

In-Depth Coverage: Thorough solutions covering types of natural vegetation and wildlife and where they are found.

Simple and Understandable Language: Ideas are explained in easy-to-understand language, making it easier for students to comprehend.

Adherence to NCERT Syllabus: Solutions closely follow the NCERT textbook so they can be relevant for exams.

Structured Answers: Logical and organized answering makes it easier to understand and learn effectively.

Free and Easily Available: Available online for free, so quality study materials are accessible to every student.

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