Which of the following forest types covers the largest area inIndia?a)...
Justification: FAO has provided the relevant statistics, where largest
Tropical moist deciduous is followed by tropical dry deciduous. So,
deciduous forests cover the largest forest area in India, more than 60%!
Tropical wet evergreen forests follow and then semi-evergreen forests.
Q Source: Improvisation: Page 59: NCERT 6th Geography: The Earth Our
Habitat
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Which of the following forest types covers the largest area inIndia?a)...
Tropical Moist Deciduous Forest covers the largest area in India.
The forest cover in India is classified into various types based on factors like climate, topography, and vegetation. These forest types vary in their ecological characteristics and are distributed across different regions of the country. Among these forest types, the Tropical Moist Deciduous Forest covers the largest area in India.
Here is a detailed explanation of why the Tropical Moist Deciduous Forest is the largest forest type in India:
1. Definition of Tropical Moist Deciduous Forest:
- Tropical Moist Deciduous Forest is a type of forest found in regions with a tropical climate.
- These forests experience high rainfall and have distinct wet and dry seasons.
- The vegetation in this forest type comprises a mix of deciduous trees, which shed their leaves during the dry season, and evergreen trees that retain their leaves throughout the year.
2. Area covered by Tropical Moist Deciduous Forest:
- The Tropical Moist Deciduous Forest is spread across various parts of India, predominantly in the central and eastern regions.
- This forest type covers a significant area in states like Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Maharashtra, and parts of Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Bihar.
- The presence of fertile alluvial soil, suitable temperature, and abundant rainfall in these regions favors the growth of deciduous trees.
3. Reasons for the large coverage:
- The Tropical Moist Deciduous Forest covers the largest area in India due to several factors.
- Firstly, the climate in these regions is characterized by a distinct wet and dry season, which provides favorable conditions for the growth of deciduous trees.
- Secondly, the geographical location of these regions, which includes the central plains and eastern ghats, contributes to the availability of fertile soil and moisture.
- Thirdly, the human population in these areas has traditionally depended on these forests for various livelihood activities like agriculture, timber, and non-timber forest products.
4. Importance of Tropical Moist Deciduous Forest:
- The Tropical Moist Deciduous Forest is ecologically significant as it supports a diverse range of flora and fauna.
- These forests act as habitats for several wildlife species, including tigers, elephants, deer, and various bird species.
- They also help in maintaining the water cycle, preventing soil erosion, and providing valuable ecosystem services.
- Additionally, these forests have cultural and economic importance for local communities, who rely on forest resources for their sustenance.
In conclusion, the Tropical Moist Deciduous Forest covers the largest area in India due to favorable climatic conditions, geographical factors, and the dependence of local communities on these forests. This forest type plays a crucial role in supporting biodiversity, ecological balance, and the livelihoods of people in the regions where it is found.
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