Class 9 Geography Chapter 5 Natural Vegetation and Wildlife – NCERT Solutions


Chapter 5 – Natural Vegetation and Wild Life

Exercise Solutions


Ques 1:-Choose the right answer from the four alternatives given below:-

(i) To which one of the following types of vegetation does rubber belong to?

Ans:- (a) Tundra (b) Himalayan
(c) Tidal (d) Tropical Evergreen


(ii) Cinchona trees are found in the areas of rainfall more than

Ans:- (a) 100 cm (b) 70 cm
(c) 50 cm (d) less than 50 cm


(iii) In which of the following state is the Simlipal bio-reserve located?

Ans:- (a) Punjab (b) Delhi
(c) Odisha (d) West Bengal


(iv) Which one of the following bio-reserves of India is not included in the world network of bioreserve?

Ans:- (a) Manas (b) Gulf of Mannar
(c) Nilgiri (d) Panna


Ques 2:- Answer the following questions briefly.

(i) What is a bio-reserve? Give two examples.

Ans:- Bio-reserves are the large areas where vegetation, wildlife and the environment are conserved to preserve the biological diversity.

In totality there are 18 bio- reserves in India.

E.g. :- Sundarbans Bio-reserve in West Bengal and
Nanda Devi Bio-reserve in Uttaranchal.


(ii) Name two animals having habitat in tropical and montane type of vegetation.

Tropical vegetation :

• Elephant
• Monkey

Montane vegetation :

• Yak
• Snow leopard


Ques 3:- Distinguish between:-

(i) Flora and Fauna

Basis Flora Fauna
Meaning Plant life of a particular region Animal life of a particular region
Includes Trees, shrubs, grasses and plants Animals, birds, reptiles and insects
Examples Teak, sal, pine Tiger, elephant, deer

(ii) Tropical evergreen and deciduous forests

Difference Between Tropical Evergreen Forests and Tropical Deciduous Forests are :-

Basis Tropical Evergreen Forests Tropical Deciduous Forests
Also called Rain Forest. Monsoon Forest.
Rainfall More than 200 cm annually Between 70 cm and 200 cm
Shedding of Leaves Trees do not shed leaves at the same time Trees shed leaves in the dry season
Density Very dense forests Less dense compared to evergreen forests
Common Trees Ebony, Mahogany, Rosewood Teak, Sal, Peepal
Main Regions in India Western Ghats, Andaman & Nicobar Islands Central India, Eastern India, Northern Plains

Ques 4 :- Name different types of vegetation found in India and describe the vegetation of high altitudes .

Ans: - Types of Natural Vegetation Found in India

Tropical Evergreen Forests

Tropical Deciduous Forests

Tropical Thorn Forests and Scrubs

Montane Forests

Mangrove Forests

The characteristics of vegetation in high altitudes are as follows:

* In high altitude areas, the type of vegetation changes with increase in height and decrease in temperature.

Up to about 1,000 metres, tropical deciduous forests are found.

Between 1,000 and 2,000 metres, temperate forests grow with trees like oak and chestnut.

Between 2,000 and 3,000 metres, coniferous forests are found such as pine, deodar, fir and spruce.

Above 3,600 metres, vegetation becomes sparse and consists of alpine grasses, shrubs and mosses.

At very high altitudes, regions remain snow-covered and have almost no vegetation.


Ques 5:- Quite a few species of plants and animals are endangered in India. Why?

Ans: - Few species of plants and animals are endangered in India because of:-

Deforestation for agriculture, industries, roads and settlements destroys natural habitats.

Pollution of air, water and soil harms plants and wildlife.

Rapid urbanisation and industrialisation disturb ecosystems.

Climate change affects rainfall, temperature and natural habitats.

Overgrazing by cattle reduces forest cover and plant diversity.

Due to these factors, many species are unable to survive and their population keeps decreasing, making them endangered.


Ques 6:- Why has India a rich heritage of flora and fauna?

Ans: - India has a rich heritage of flora and fauna due to following reasons:-

Different relief features :-India has mountains, plains, plateaus, deserts and coastal regions. These varied landforms provide different natural habitats for a wide variety of plants and animals.

Different soil types :- India has alluvial, black, red, laterite and desert soils. Each type of soil supports the growth of different kinds of vegetation.

Variation in the climatic conditions :- Differences in temperature, humidity and rainfall from north to south and east to west support diverse types of flora and fauna.

Monsoon type of climate :- India receives monsoon rainfall ranging from about 20 cm to 300 cm, unevenly distributed throughout the year, which supports a large variety of plant and animal life.

Variation in sunlight: Differences in latitude and altitude cause variation in the duration and intensity of sunlight, influencing the growth of different types of vegetation.


Map Skills

On an outline map of India, label the following.

(i) Areas of Evergreen Forests

(ii) Areas of Dry Deciduous Forests

(iii) Two national parks each in Northern, Southern, Eastern and Western parts of the Country

Ans :-


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Ques 1: What is natural vegetation?

Natural vegetation refers to plant life that grows naturally without human interference and depends on climate, soil and relief.

Ques 2: What is a bio-reserve?

A bio-reserve is a protected area created to conserve plants, animals and their natural habitats.

Ques 3: Give two examples of bio-reserves in India.

Two examples of bio-reserves in India are the Sundarbans Bio-reserve and the Nilgiri Bio-reserve.

Ques 4: Name two animals found in tropical vegetation.

Elephant and monkey are commonly found in tropical vegetation.

Ques 5: Name two animals found in montane vegetation.

Yak and snow leopard are found in montane vegetation.

Ques 6: What are mangrove forests?

Mangrove forests are tidal forests found in coastal areas and river deltas and consist of salt-tolerant trees.

Ques 7: What is montane vegetation?

Montane vegetation is found in mountainous regions and changes with height due to decrease in temperature.



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