Natural Vegetation and Wildlife: Class 9 Study Guide
Plants and animals grow where the climate suits them. India's variety of climate gives it a rich variety of life.
India's natural vegetation depends on temperature, rainfall and soil. It ranges from rainforests of the north-east and Western Ghats to thorn bushes of the desert and mangroves of the coast.
India has about 8 per cent of the world's species, although it covers about 2.4 per cent of the land area.
Types of natural vegetation
| Type | Rainfall and features | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Tropical evergreen | Heavy rain; dense, green all year | Ebony, mahogany |
| Tropical deciduous (monsoon) | Moderate rain; trees shed leaves in the dry season | Teak, sal |
| Thorn forests and scrubs | Little rain; deep roots and small leaves | Acacia, cacti |
| Mountain forests | Change with height | Pine, deodar, fir |
| Mangroves | Coastal tidal areas | Sundari trees |
Wildlife and protection
India is home to the tiger, Asian elephant, Asiatic lion, one-horned rhinoceros and many birds. Habitats are shrinking, so there are national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and biosphere reserves. Projects such as Project Tiger, started in 1973, protect species. The Gir forest in Gujarat is the home of the Asiatic lion.
Keep forests and wetlands.
Enforce wildlife laws.
Restore forest cover.
Worked examples and common mistakes
Example: Where do mangrove forests grow? In tidal coastal areas such as the Sundarbans. Example: Which vegetation type sheds its leaves in the dry season? Tropical deciduous forest. Common mistakes: mixing up national parks and sanctuaries, and thinking all of India's forests are evergreen.
Check your understanding: model answers
1. Teak or sal. 2. In the Gir forest in Gujarat. 3. Protect habitats, stop poaching and plant trees.
✨ Key Takeaways
- Vegetation depends on rainfall, temperature and soil.
- India has evergreen, deciduous, thorn, mountain and mangrove vegetation.
- Parks, sanctuaries and reserves protect wildlife.
- Habitat loss is the main threat.
💬 Questions for Discussion & Reflection
- Name one tree of the tropical deciduous forest.
- Where does the Asiatic lion live?
- How can we protect wildlife?