5. Natural Vegetation and Wildlife

5. Natural Vegetation and Wildlife

  • 5

    Natural Vegetation And Wildlife

    India is a biodiversity hotspot with a rich variety of natural vegetation and wildlife, categorized into different types of forests.

  • 5.1

    Types Of Vegetation

    This section discusses various types of natural vegetation in India, highlighting their characteristics and the biodiversity associated with them.

  • 5.1.1

    Tropical Evergreen Forests

    Tropical evergreen forests are dense, lush environments found primarily in India, characterized by high rainfall and rich biodiversity.

  • 5.1.2

    Tropical Deciduous Forests

    Tropical Deciduous Forests are widespread in India and are characterized by trees that shed their leaves during the dry summer months.

  • 5.1.3

    Thorn Forests And Scrubs

    Thorn forests and scrubs are characterized by thorny trees and minimal vegetation, primarily found in semi-arid regions of India.

  • 5.1.4

    Montane Forests

    Montane forests are found in mountainous regions, characterized by a change in vegetation with altitude, from wet temperate forests to alpine vegetation.

  • 5.1.5

    Mangrove Forests

    Mangrove forests are coastal ecosystems that thrive in tidal areas, characterized by unique plant varieties and rich biodiversity.

  • 5.2

    Wildlife

    India, a mega biodiversity hotspot, is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including numerous species of trees, animals, and medicinal plants.

  • 5.2.1

    Medicinal Plants

    India has a rich diversity of medicinal plants and herbs, many of which are used in traditional medicine.

  • 5.2.2

    Migratory Birds

    This section discusses the significance of migratory birds in India, highlighting their habitats and the challenges they face during their seasonal journeys.

  • 5.3

    Exercise

    This section covers the natural vegetation and wildlife found in India, detailing various types of forests and their significance to biodiversity.

    • Key Summary

    India's rich biodiversity encompasses a vast range of flora and fauna, having about 47,000 plant species and 90,000 animal species. The chapter categorizes natural vegetation into types such as Tropical Evergreen, Deciduous, Thorn Forests, Montane, and Mangrove forests, and emphasizes the importance of conservation due to threats like habitat destruction and pollution.

    Key Takeaways

    • India is one of the twelve mega-biodiversity countries in the world.
    • Natural vegetation is classified into various types, including Tropical Evergreen and Deciduous forests.
    • Approximately 1,300 plant species are endangered in India due to human activities.

    Key Concepts

    • Biodiversity: The variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat, often considered to be important and desirable.
    • Natural Vegetation: Plant communities that grow naturally without human interference, consisting of native plants of a region.
    • Endemic Species: Species that are native to a particular area and not found naturally anywhere else.
    • Conservation: The sustainable management of natural resources to prevent exploitation and maintain biodiversity.