Class 9 Geography Chapter 1 Question Answers - Contemporary India - I

Q1. Give a brief description of tropical evergreen forests.

Ans: Tropical evergreen forests thrive in regions with heavy rainfall, exceeding 200 cm annually, and are commonly referred to as rainforests. Key characteristics include:

• Found in warm, wet climates, supporting a rich variety of vegetation.
• Trees can grow very tall, reaching heights of up to 60 metres.
• The close proximity of trees creates a dense canopy.
• These forests have a multi-layered structure with various types of plants.
• They are home to many broad-leafed trees, including commercially important species like ebony, mahogany, rosewood, rubber, and cinchona.
• Trees do not shed their leaves simultaneously, resulting in an evergreen appearance throughout the year.

Q2. What are the characteristics of the trees of deciduous forests? (CBSE 2010)

Ans: Deciduous forests are characterised by the following features:

• Found in regions with 70 to 200 cm of rainfall and a distinct dry season.
• Also known as Monsoon Forests.
• Trees shed their leaves for about six to eight weeks during the dry summer.
• Branches are widespread, similar to neem and mango trees.
• Leaves are smaller than those in rainforests to reduce transpiration.
• Trees are generally shorter than evergreen trees.
• Valuable for their hardwood, with timber being commercially important.
• Forests are more open and less dense, with trees more spread out.

Based on water availability, deciduous forests are divided into:

• Moist deciduous (e.g., teak, sal, shisham, sandalwood)
• Dry deciduous (e.g., sal, peepal, neem, palas)

Q3. Write a short note on the flora and fauna of India. OR Why has India a rich heritage of flora and fauna ?

Ans: The terms flora and fauna refer to the plant and animal life of a specific region, respectively. India is known for its rich biodiversity, featuring:

• Approximately 47,000 plant species, ranking tenth globally and fourth in Asia.
• About 15,000 flowering plants that are endemic to India, making up 6% of the world's total.
• A variety of non-flowering plants, including ferns, algae, and fungi.
• Plants from all climatic regions, from tropical to tundra.

In terms of fauna, India is home to:

• Over 89,000 animal species, including around 2,000 bird species, which constitute 13% of the world's total.
• Approximately 2,546 fish species, accounting for nearly 12% of the global stock.
• 5 to 8% of the world's amphibians.
• The unique presence of both lions and tigers in the wild.

Key habitats include:

• The Gir Forest in Gujarat, home to the Asiatic lion.
• The forests of Madhya Pradesh, the Sundarbans in West Bengal, and the Himalayan region, where tigers thrive.
• Extreme cold regions in the Himalayas, housing hardy animals like the yak.

India's diverse ecosystems and rich heritage of flora and fauna are vital for maintaining ecological balance and supporting life.

Q4. Distinguish between extinct and endangered species.

Ans: Extinct species refer to those plants and animals that no longer exist anywhere on Earth. They cannot be found in any region, country, or continent. Examples include:

• The Asiatic cheetah and pink-headed duck are extinct in India.
• The dodo and dinosaurs are extinct globally.

Endangered species are those that are at risk of extinction. Their populations have significantly declined, and without intervention, their survival is uncertain. Examples in India include:

• Black buck
• Indian rhino
• Indian wild ass
• Sangai
• Indian tiger

Globally, the black panda is also considered endangered.

Q5. Give a brief description of temperate forests.

Ans: Temperate forests are located in regions with a cool climate. In India, they are primarily found in the northern mountainous areas. Key characteristics include:

• As altitude increases, temperature decreases, allowing for the growth of these forests.
• Wet temperate forests occur at elevations between 1,000 and 2,000 metres, where rainfall is high. Here, evergreen broad-leafed trees like oak and chestnut are predominant.
• At elevations of 1,500 to 3,000 metres, coniferous forests thrive, mainly on the southern slopes of the Himalayas and in high-altitude areas of northeast India.
• These coniferous trees are tall, straight, and have needle-shaped leaves, with seeds found in hard cones. Important species include pine, deodar, silver fir, spruce, and cedar.

At higher altitudes, typically above 3,600 metres, temperate forests transition into Alpine vegetation, featuring trees like silver fir and junipers, which become stunted near the snow-line.

These forests support diverse wildlife, including the Kashmir stag, snow leopard, and rare species like the red panda.

Q6. Discuss the type of vegetation found in a thorn forest. OR Describe any three features of thorn forests.

Ans: Thorn forests are typically found in regions with less than 70 cm of rainfall, particularly in northwestern India, including areas like Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh.

• Vegetation Type: These forests feature low, open forests with short, thorny trees and bushes, along with scrubs and grasses.
• Root System: Trees have long roots that reach deep into the soil to access groundwater.
• Leaf Adaptations: The leaves are thick and small to reduce evaporation, often evolving into spines and thorns.
• Plant Species: Common species include acacias, palms, euphorbias, khair, babul, and cacti, which have thick, succulent stems for water conservation.

Q7. What are dry deciduous forests? How do they differ from moist deciduous forests? OR Write three main characteristics of tropical deciduous forest ?

Ans: The tropical deciduous forests, also known as monsoon forests, are classified into two types based on water availability: dry deciduous and moist deciduous forests.

• Dry deciduous forests are found in regions receiving rainfall between 70 cm and 100 cm.
• Common trees include teak, sal, peepal, neem, and palas.
• These forests experience a longer dry period, leading to trees being bare for extended times.
• They are generally more open and less dense than moist deciduous forests and lack bamboo thickets.
• Significant areas have been cleared for cultivation and grazing.

In contrast, moist deciduous forests thrive in areas with rainfall between 100 cm and 200 cm.

• These forests have a denser canopy and include species like shisham, sandalwood, and various bamboos.
• The timber from moist forests is generally of better quality and in larger quantities.
• Both forest types support a variety of wildlife, including deer, elephants, and numerous bird species.

Q8. Distinguish between a tropical evergreen forest and a dry deciduous forest.

Ans: Tropical Evergreen Forests

• Found in regions with heavy rainfall, typically over 200 cm.
• Located in areas like the Western Ghats, Lakshadweep, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and parts of Assam and Tamil Nadu.
• Characterised by tall trees that can exceed 60 metres in height.
• These forests remain green all year, as trees do not shed leaves at a specific time.
• Common tree species include ebony, mahogany, rosewood, rubber, and cinchona.

Dry Deciduous Forests

• Found in areas with 70 cm to 100 cm of rainfall.
• Located in the Peninsular plateau and parts of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
• These forests have open spaces where trees like teak, sal, peepal, and neem grow.
• During the dry season, trees shed their leaves for about six to eight weeks.
• Common animals include lions, tigers, pigs, deer, and elephants.

Q9. Describe the main objectives of the Project Tiger and the Project Rhino and their effect on the wildlife in India. (Important)

Ans: The Project Tiger and Project Rhino are significant wildlife conservation initiatives in India aimed at protecting endangered species.

The main objectives of these projects include:

• Protecting endangered species from poaching, hunting, and illegal trade.
• Preserving natural habitats to allow these animals to breed and increase their populations.
• Monitoring the populations of tigers and rhinos through regular surveys.

These projects have been crucial in:

• Implementing bans on hunting and poaching.
• Raising awareness about the importance of conserving these species.

Overall, the initiatives have significantly contributed to the protection and recovery of the Indian tiger and one-horned rhino populations.

Q10. Describe the kind of vegetation and wildlife found in the Ganga-Brahmaputra delta.

Ans: The Ganga-Brahmaputra delta is rich in diverse vegetation and wildlife:

• Mangrove forests dominate the area, primarily featuring Sundari trees known for their durable timber.
• Other plants include palm, coconut, keora, and agar.
• The delta is home to the famous Royal Bengal tiger.
• Additionally, various species such as turtles, crocodiles, gharials, and snakes inhabit these forests.

Q11. What are the steps taken by the Government to protect flora and fauna in India? Write any three. [2011 (T-2)]

Ans: To protect the flora and fauna of India, the government has implemented several measures:

• Biosphere reserves: Eighteen biosphere reserves have been established, with twelve included in the global network.
• Conservation projects: Initiatives such as Project Tiger, Project Rhino, and Project Great Indian Bustard have been launched to support wildlife.
• Protected areas: The government has set up 106 national parks, 573 wildlife sanctuaries, and zoological gardens to safeguard natural heritage.

Q12. In which region are the thorny forests and scrubs found in India? Mention any two characteristics of such type of vegetation? [2011 (T-2)]

Ans: The thorny forests and scrubs in India are located in regions that receive less than 70 cm of rainfall. These areas are primarily in the North-Western part of the country, including the semi-arid regions of:

• Gujarat
• Rajasthan
• Madhya Pradesh
• Chhattisgarh
• Uttar Pradesh
• Haryana

The main plant species in these forests include acacias, palms, euphorbias, and cacti.

Two key characteristics of this type of vegetation are:

• Trees are scattered with long roots that reach deep into the soil to access moisture.
• The stems are succulent to store water, and the leaves are typically thick and small to reduce evaporation.

Q13. Explain the different biodiversity of India. [2011 (T-2)]

Ans: India is one of the twelve mega biodiversity countries in the world. It has:

• Approximately 47,000 plant species, ranking tenth globally and fourth in Asia.
• About 15,000 flowering plants, making up 6% of the world's total.
• A variety of non-flowering plants, including ferns, algae, and fungi.
• Approximately 90,000 animal species, including a rich variety of fish in both fresh and marine waters.
• About 2,000 bird species, constituting 13% of the world's total.
• 2,546 species of fish, accounting for nearly 12% of the global stock.
• Between 5% and 8% of the world's amphibians, reptiles, and mammals.

The Wildlife Protection Act was implemented in 1972, safeguarding India's unique species. Notably:

• India is the only country with both tigers and lions.
• The Indian lion's natural habitat is the Gir Forest in Gujarat.
• Tigers are found in the forests of Madhya Pradesh, the Sundarbans in West Bengal, and the Himalayas.
• The Himalayas host a range of animals adapted to extreme cold.

India's natural vegetation consists of various types, including:

• Tropical Evergreen Forests
• Tropical Deciduous Forests
• Tropical Thorn Forests and Scrubs
• Montane Forests
• Mangrove Forests

Medicinal plants are significant in India, with around 2,000 plants described in Ayurveda. Notable examples include:

• Sarpagandha: Used for blood pressure.
• Jamun: Juice aids digestion and controls diabetes.
• Neem: Known for its various health benefits.

Q14. Name the two sub-type of Tropical deciduous forests. State any two features of each type also. [2011 (T-2)]

Ans: The two sub-types of Tropical Deciduous Forests are:

• Moist Deciduous
• Dry Deciduous

Moist Deciduous Forests:

• Found in areas with rainfall between 200 cm and 100 cm.
• Characteristics include a thick cover of vegetation, with common species like bamboo and ferns.

Dry Deciduous Forests:

• Located in regions receiving 100 cm to 70 cm of rainfall.
• Features open areas with trees such as teak, sal, and neem.

Q15. Name the vegetation found at high altitude in our country and mention animals are found in this region. [2011 (T-2)]

Ans: At high altitudes, typically above 3,600 metres above sea level, the landscape transitions from temperate forests and grasslands to Alpine vegetation. The common trees in these areas include:

• Silver fir
• Junipers
• Pines
• Birches

As these trees approach the snow line, they become progressively stunted, eventually merging into Alpine grasslands. These grasslands are often used for grazing by nomadic tribes, such as the Gujjars and Bakarwals.

The common animals found in these regions include:

• Kashmir stag
• Spotted deer
• Wild sheep
• Jack rabbit
• Tibetan antelope
• Yak
• Snow leopard

Q16. How are forests useful to us? Give Examples. [2011 (T-2)] OR How are forests important for human beings? Explain.

Ans: Forests are essential to humans for various reasons:

• They provide food, fibre, fodder, timber, and fuel wood.
• Forests supply raw materials for industries and transportation.
• They are a renewable resource, especially important as domestic fuel in developing countries.
• Forests help the environment by:
  • Modifying local climate
  • Controlling soil erosion
  • Depositing humus in the soil
  • Regulating stream flows
• Minor forest products support the livelihoods of many forest dwellers.
• They serve as habitats for various wild animals and birds.
• Forests offer recreational opportunities and boost the tourism industry.