NATURAL VEGETATION AND WILDLIFE- Notes

NATURAL VEGETATION AND WILDLIFE- Notes

Observe the images shown in figure 5.1 and discuss on the basis of the following points.

➤ Can you tell the names of the plants/trees shown in the image?

➤ Where have you seen these plants before?

➤ Name the fauna shown in the image.

➤ Where have you see them before?

You might have recognized the species shown above and discussed them, because there is similarity between them and many Indian species. But these species are found in Brazil. Look for their names. Now we will study about the variety of flora found in Brazil.

In figure 5.2, rainfall, flora and fauna of Brazil have been shown in the cross profile along with physiography. The change occurring in the above elements while going from north to south is clearly seen here. Discuss about this in the class and write a note about it. 

Brazil Vegetation:

In Brazil, rainfall varies due to physiography. In most parts of the equatorial region, it rains throughout the year. As one moves away from the equator, the number of rainy days as well as amount of rainfall reduces. This affects the life cycle of the vegetation too.

Evergreen forests are found in the area where it rains throughout the year. In regions which receive rainfall only during certain seasons, the density of the vegetation reduces. Instead of forests, various types of grasses, short shrubs, thorny vegetation, etc. are found.

Brazil has the largest number of vegetation species in the world. This includes evergreen vegetation, semi-evergreen, arid, etc. One finds trees like Pau Brasil, rubber, mahogany, rosewood and a variety of orchids.

Because of the evergreen rainforests in Brazil, there is a large amount of oxygen that is released in the environment. This helps to reduce carbon dioxide levels. Therefore, these rainforests are rightly called the "lungs of the world'.

INDIA VEGETATION:

Answer the following questions on the basis of figure 5.3

➤ Which forests are found in western snow--capped regions?

➤ On which coast do you mainly find the coastal vegetation?

Which type of forests occupy maximum area in India? Why?

Hat Desert

➤ Where do you find thorny and shrub vegetation and why?

Geographical explanation:

Following types of forests are found in India.

In regions which receive more than 2000 mm of rainfall on an average along with abundant sunlight, evergreen forests are found. The leaves of the trees in these forests are broad and green. The trees have hardwood, heavy and durable. E.g mahogany,

rosewood, rubber, etc. Also, there are various types of creepers found here. Highest biodiversity is found in these forests.

In regions receiving rainfall between 1000 mm to 2000 mm in India, deciduous forests are found. In dry seasons, trees shed their leaves so that water is not lost due to evaporation. For e.g., teak, bamboo, banyan, peepal, etc are the trees found in these forests.

Regions that receive less than 500 mm of rainfall and experience dry summers for a long period in India, thorny and shrub-type vegetation is found. The leaves are small in size for e.g. catechu, acacia, khejadi, and varieties of cactus like aloe vera and agave.

In swampy areas, estuaries and lagoons near coastal areas having saline soils and moist climate, coastal type of vegetation is found. They are called mangroves or Sunderbans in India. The wood of these trees is oily, light and durable.

In Indian Himalayas, three types of forests are found according to the altitude. In areas located at the highest altitude, seasonally flowering trees are found. In regions with medium altitude, coniferous trees like pine, deodar fir and at foothills mixed forests are found. This includes both coniferous and deciduous type of forests. Here, the proportion of sal trees is higher.

Brazil Wildlife:

On the basis of figure 5.4 answer the following questions:

➤ Name the species shown on the map. Condor, Anaconda, Golden lion tamarin, macaw, etc..

➤ In which regions are these animals found? Why are their habitats found in these forests?

➤ Classify the forest regions with reference to their extent.

Geographical explanation

A greater diversity in wildlife is found in Brazil than any other country in the world. In the swampy areas of the Pantanal, huge anacondas are found. In Brazil, guinea pigs, crocodiles,

India-Wildlife:

Show the following animals in outline map of India in fig 5.5 with the help of signs and symbols according to their habitats.

Answer the following questions.

India is also a Mega-diverse country in

terms of wildlife. There are many species of wildlife in India. Elephants are found in hot and humid forests. One-horned rhinoceroses are found in swampy and marshy lands of Assam. Wild ass and camels are found in arid lands. Snow leopards and yaks are found in the snow-capped regions of Himalayas. Indian Bisons, deer, antelopes and monkeys are found in the Peninsular region. India is the only country in the world where both tigers and lions are found.

Rivers, estuaries and coastal areas are homes of many turtles, crocodiles and gavials (gharial). The forests and wetlands are the shelters of variety of birds like Peacocks, Indian bustard, Kingfishers, pheasants, ducks, parakeets, cranes and pigeons. All these species make it a land of unique habitat of wildlife.