India- Climate, Vegetation and Wildlife Chapter Notes | Footprints Class 6: Book Solutions, Notes & Worksheets PDF Download

India's Varied Climate

India has a Tropical Monsoon climate, and various factors influence its weather. These factors include latitude, altitude, mountain ranges, distance from the sea, and seasonal winds. Latitude makes India part of the Earth's tropical and sub-tropical heat zones, and the Himalayas play a vital role in shaping wind patterns.

Cycle of Seasons

India experiences four seasons – summer, monsoon, retreating monsoon, and winter.

• Summer: From March to May, the Northern Hemisphere gets direct sunlight, making India warm. Temperatures rise, reaching over 40°C in some places. Coastal areas have cooler temperatures due to sea breezes.

• Monsoon: Starting in mid-June, monsoon winds bring heavy rains until September. There are two main branches – Arabian Sea branch and Bay of Bengal branch. Coastal areas receive more rain than interior regions.

• Retreating Monsoon: By the end of September, the Sun moves southward, and dry winds blow from land to sea, marking the retreating monsoon season.

• Winter: From late November to February, temperatures drop as the Sun is over the Tropic of Capricorn. Northern areas get extremely cold, while coastal regions enjoy moderate temperatures. The north-east monsoons bring winter rainfall to some areas.

Vegetation of India

India is home to five major types of natural vegetation.

• Tropical Evergreen Rainforests: Found in areas with heavy rainfall, such as the Western Ghats. Trees in these forests retain their leaves throughout the year.

• Mangrove or Tidal Forests: Grow in coastal regions where seawater mixes with fresh water. Sunderbans in West Bengal is the largest mangrove forest.

• Deciduous Monsoon Forests: Common in areas with annual rainfall between 100 and 200 cm. Trees shed leaves during the dry season and turn green during the monsoons.

• Thorn and Scrub or Dry Forests: Found in areas with rainfall lower than 100 cm. Thorn forests have vegetation adapted to water-saving, and they are mainly found in eastern and western parts of Rajasthan.

• Mountain Forests: Change with altitude – from tropical deciduous forests to coniferous trees, and finally, alpine grasses. The Himalayan areas have this type of vegetation.

Importance of Forests

Forests are crucial for maintaining ecological balance, providing habitat for wildlife, offering various forest products, preventing soil erosion, aiding in flood control, and contributing to a healthy environment.

Wildlife in India

India's diverse forests support a variety of animal and bird life. Tigers, elephants, lions, leopards, and numerous bird species inhabit different regions. However, human activities threaten many species, leading to extinction.

Conservation Efforts

The Indian government has established national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and tiger reserves to protect wildlife. Projects like Project Tiger and Project Rhino focus on endangered species. India has about 104 national parks, over 550 wildlife sanctuaries, and 51 tiger reserves. Wildlife Week in October aims to raise awareness about conservation.

Conclusion

Conclusion, India's climate, vegetation, and wildlife form a fascinating tapestry that is interconnected and vital for the well-being of our planet. Understanding and appreciating this diversity is crucial for our role in preserving and protecting the natural wonders that surround us.