These are called the monsoon forests of India and harbourhardwood tree...
Learning: Long dry season of summer leads these forests to shed their
leaves in order to prevent evaporation.
Tropical deciduous forests are grown in the areas with annual rainfall of
70-200 cm. Sandal wood, Shisam, Mahua, Sal, Teak and Bamboo are
important species of trees. They are famous for their economic
importance. They supply timber for use in various activities.
Moist deciduous and the dry deciduous forests are two major categories
of these forests.
• The moist deciduous forests are found in Shiwalik foothills,
Bhabar, Tarai, Chhota Nagpur Plateau, the North-eastern Deccan
Plateau and North-south strip to the east of the Western Ghats.
• The dry deciduous forests are grown in the Central India where
rainfall is comparatively less.
Q Source: Revision questions: Test 1-2 Syllabus
These are called the monsoon forests of India and harbourhardwood tree...
Tropical Deciduous Forests
Tropical deciduous forests, also known as monsoon forests, are the correct answer for the type of forests that are found in India and harbor hardwood tree species like Sal, Teak, and Shisham. Let's understand why this option is the correct answer.
Characteristics of Tropical Deciduous Forests:
1. Climate: Tropical deciduous forests are typically found in regions with a monsoon climate, where there is a distinct wet and dry season. In India, these forests are mainly found in the northern and central parts of the country, which experience a well-defined monsoon season.
2. Vegetation: These forests are characterized by a mix of broadleaf and hardwood trees. The dominant tree species in these forests are Sal (Shorea robusta), Teak (Tectona grandis), and Shisham (Dalbergia sissoo). Sal is a commercially valuable tree that provides timber, while Teak is known for its durability and is widely used in furniture-making.
3. Leaf Shedding: The term "deciduous" refers to the characteristic of shedding leaves during the dry season. In tropical deciduous forests, the trees shed their leaves to conserve water during the dry period. This adaptation helps the trees survive the prolonged period of drought.
4. Biodiversity: These forests are known for their rich biodiversity. Besides the dominant tree species, there is a variety of shrubs, grasses, and smaller plants that thrive in these forests. The diverse vegetation provides habitat for a wide range of animals, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and insects.
5. Human Impact: Tropical deciduous forests have been significantly impacted by human activities such as deforestation, logging, and conversion of land for agriculture. These forests are often cleared for timber extraction and to make way for agriculture, leading to habitat loss and fragmentation.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the monsoon forests of India, which harbor hardwood tree species like Sal, Teak, and Shisham, are categorized as tropical deciduous forests. These forests are characterized by a distinct wet and dry season, broadleaf and hardwood trees, leaf shedding during the dry period, rich biodiversity, and human impact through deforestation and agriculture.
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