A. 1. b. 2. c. 3. b. 4. a. 5. c.
B. 1. biosphere 2. ecosystem
- land
- temperature, moisture
- leaves, shed
- tropical, rainfall
- temperate 8. extinct
- man-made 10. Taiga
C. 1. T 2. T 3. F 4. T 5. T
D. 1. d. 2. e. 3. b. 4. a. 5. c.
E. 1. Which trees are found in temperate
forest?
Ans – The trees that are found in
temperate forests are evergreen
oaks, laurels and magnolia, pine
trees birch, beech, ash, elm and
maple. - Endangered species are those plants
and wildlife that are so small in
number that they face the risk of
becoming extinct. - Land is used by the humans in a
variety of ways. It is used for
making houses, for agriculture, for
making roads, for setting up
industries and for making pastures
for their animals to graze. - An ecosystem includes all of the
living things (plants, animals, and
organisms) in a given area,
interacting with each other, and also
with their non-living environments
(weather, earth, sun, soil, climate,
atmosphere). - National Parks have been found by
the governments with the objectives
to set aside areas to preserve the
natural environment, for the purpose
of recreation and public enjoyment
for historic and scientific interests.
F. 1. Types of Forests
Forests are different in different
parts of the world. There are three
main types of forests.
Tropical Forests: These are found
between 23°N and 23°S latitudes.
Some of the forests here are
evergreen while others are deciduous.
The tropical evergreen forests are
found where the annual rainfall is
very heavy and temperatures are
high throughout the year. The
tropical deciduous forests are
found in areas with lesser rainfall
and a hot climate. These forests are
commonly called monsoon forests.
Temperate Forests: These are
found in the mid-latitudes, between
30° and 50° latitudes both north and
south of the Equator. Here again,
you will find both evergreen and
deciduous forests. The temperate
evergreen forests are found in areas
with mild winters and abundant
rainfall throughout the year. These
are generally of two types—
broadleaf and needleleaf. The
temperate deciduous forests are
found in areas with wet summers
and cool frosty winters.
Taiga Forests: These forests are
found between 50° and 70° latitudes
in Eurasia and also in North
America, where they are referred to
as boreal forests. These are
evergreen coniferous forests with
cone-shaped trees that have straight
trunks and small narrow needle-like
leaves. common animals found
here. - Human beings can be held
responsible for the extinction of
various animals because they have
caused the destruction of their
habitat, pollution and have over
exploited certain species. - Steps taken by the conservationists
to protect wildlife and the plants are
as follows-
• Demarcating forests as protected
areas and preventing illegal logging.
• Using recycled paper to reduce
pressure on trees.
• Preventing wildlife poaching.
• Protecting endangered and threatened
species in reserves to allow breeding.
• Preventing hunting and smuggling of
rare birds and animals. - The various steps taken by the
Government of India to protect the
plant and the animal species are as
follows-
• National forestry action programme
• National wildlife action plan
• India also follows CITES and other
international l aws and agreements
on conservation
• ‘Van Mahotsav’ is an annual festival
celebrated in many parts of the
country to encourage planting of
trees
• Wildlife week that is observed in the
first week of October every year to
increase awareness about wildlife. - Forests are the natural habitat of
plants and wildlife. Humans are
dependent on forests for their food,
medicines, fuel, clothing and shelter.
Many people are dependent on the
forests for their livelihoods. Besides,
forests help prevent soil erosion,
help maintain the water cycle and
check global warming by using
carbon dioxide in photosynthesis
and renewing the oxygen supply in
the atmosphere. Wood from forests
is used to make paper, pencils and
furniture. Forests also help keep the
environment clean by muffling
noises, buffering strong winds and
taking in carbon monoxide. It is
important to conserve and preserve
forests and wildlife to allow
ecosystems to function.
G. 1. Tropical Forests–These are found
between 23°N and 23°S latitudes.
Some of the forests here are
evergreen while others are deciduous.
Temperate Grasslands–These are
found in the mid-latitudes, between
30° and 50° latitudes both north and
south of the Equator. - Biosphere Reserves –This is an
area set aside as a protected area for
the preservation of flora, fauna and
wildlife.
National parks This is a special
area set aside by the national
governments to preserve the natural
environment.
H. 1. Because these forests are open
forests with not very tall trees,
allowing sunlight to reach the lower
layers causing a good growth of
shrubs and bushes. - Because the rainfall in the taiga
region is sparse and so the leaves
are shaped in the form of needles to
minimize precipitation. - Because they are found in 30 degree
and 50 degree latitudes between
north and south of the Equator
where the winters are mild and there
is abundant rainfall throughout the
year.
DO AND LEARN
Assertion And Reasoning - c. 2. b.
Application/Competency Based Question
Many practices of the tribal
communities who live in the forests
were banned by the colonial
government as well as the current
government. However, they continue
to play an important role in the
conservation of the forests. How?
Ans – Tribal communities often have
traditional knowledge and practices
that are closely tied to sustainable use
and conservation of forests. Despite
bans imposed by colonial and current
governments, these communities
continue to play a crucial role in forest
conservation by practicing traditional
methods of resource management,
such as rotational farming, selective
harvesting, and indigenous fire
management techniques. Their deep
connection to the land and ecosystems
allows them to maintain biodiversity,
prevent forest degradation, and
sustainably use natural resources
without causing long-term harm, thus
contributing significantly to the overall
health and preservation of forests.
Hots - Natural vegetation is crucial because it
provides habitats for wildlife, supports
biodiversity, and stabilizes ecosystems.
It plays a vital role in regulating climate
by absorbing carbon dioxide and
releasing oxygen. Additionally, natural
vegetation helps in preventing soil
erosion and maintaining water cycles,
thus sustaining agricultural productivity.
Overall, it is essential for ecological
balance and human well-being. - Conservation of wildlife is essential to
preserve biodiversity, ensuring
ecosystems remain resilient to
environmental changes. Wildlife provides
ecological services like pollination, seed
dispersal, and nutrient cycling crucial for
agriculture and human survival.
Additionally, it supports industries like
eco-tourism, contributing to local
economies. Protecting wildlife also
safeguards cultural and spiritual values
associated with diverse species.
Picture Based Questions - Rhinoceros
- When a species goes extinct, it reduces
the overall biodiversity, which can
impact ecosystem resilience and the
ability to adapt to environmental
changes. It also diminishes the potential
for scientific research and discoveries,
as well as the cultural and aesthetic
value of diverse plant and animal life. - They’re important grazers, consuming
large amounts of vegetation, which
helps shape the African landscape. This
benefits other animals and keeps a
healthy balance within the ecosystem.
Local people also depend on the natural
resources within rhino habitat for food,
fuel and income. - The Ministry has also launched the
“National Conservation Strategy for the
Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros” with
the goal to repopulate Rhinoceros
population in those areas also which
used to hold the Rhinoceros earlier by
augmenting the existing conservation
efforts and strengthening them through
scientific methods.
WORKSHEET
A. 1. natural vegetation - Wildlife 3. ecosystems
- evergreen, deciduous
B. 1. T 2. T 3. T 4. T
C. 1. d 2. d 3. d 4. a
