CBSE Class 9 Geography Notes Chapter 5 Natural Vegetation and Wildlife

Natural Vegetation And Wildlife Class 9 Notes are based on CBSE Class 9 Geography Chapter 5. This chapter focuses on India’s rich biodiversity. Natural vegetation refers to plants that grow naturally without human interference, while wildlife includes animals, birds, and insects living in their natural habitats.

This chapter explains the types of natural vegetation in India, such as tropical evergreen forests, deciduous forests, thorn forests, mountain vegetation, and mangrove forests.

The Class 9 notes Natural Vegetation And Wildlife also highlight the importance of wildlife conservation and the threats faced by forests and animals. This chapter is included in CBSE Class 9 Geography syllabus.

What is Natural Vegetation and Wildlife?

This section introduces natural vegetation and wildlife in India. Natural vegetation grows without human interference. Wildlife includes all animal species.

These notes outline the diverse flora and fauna of India. Understanding these concepts is important for comprehending India's natural environment as questions based on this appear in the exam. Students should understand the CBSE Class 9 exam pattern to prepare accordingly for the exams.

Natural Vegetation And Wildlife Class 9 Notes

This section details India's diverse plant and animal life, important for understanding CBSE Class 9 Geography Notes Chapter 5. It covers natural vegetation definitions and influencing factors. 

Virgin Vegetation, Flora, and Fauna

India is globally recognized for its vast biodiversity. This country holds the 12th rank among mega biodiversity nations.

• Virgin Vegetation: Plant communities growing naturally without human help.

• Flora: Refers to plants found in a specific region or period.

• Fauna: Refers to animal species found in a specific region or period.
  Understanding these elements is key to studying natural vegetation and wildlife notes.

Factors Affecting Flora and Fauna Diversity

Several environmental factors influence the variety of plants and animals across India.

Relief

The physical features of land play a major role.

• Land: Fertile plains mainly support agriculture. Rough, uneven terrains feature grasslands and woodlands. These areas provide shelter to a wide range of wildlife.

• Soil: Different types of soil encourage varied vegetation. Sandy desert soils grow cacti. Wet, deltaic soils support mangroves. Hill slopes commonly feature conical trees.

Climate

Climatic conditions directly impact plant and animal life.

• Temperature: Temperature largely determines vegetation type and growth. A fall in temperature can affect plant development.

• Photoperiod (Sunlight): The duration of sunlight varies by location and season. Longer sunlight periods promote faster tree growth.

• Precipitation (Rainfall): Areas with high rainfall have dense vegetation. Regions with less rainfall exhibit sparser plant life.

Types of Vegetation in India

India boasts five major types of natural vegetation. Each type has distinct features.

Tropical Evergreen Forests

These forests are dense and green throughout the year.

• Found in Western Ghats, Northeast India, Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

• Receive over 200 cm of rainfall. Have a short dry season.

• Trees grow very tall, often exceeding 60 meters.

• Feature a multilayered structure with trees, shrubs, and creepers.

• Important trees include ebony, mahogany, and rosewood.

• Common animals are elephants, monkeys, and lemurs.

Tropical Deciduous Forests

Also known as Monsoon Forests, these are widespread in India.

• Rainfall ranges from 70 cm to 200 cm.

• Trees shed their leaves for 6 to 8 weeks in the dry summer.

• Animals found here include lions, tigers, pigs, and deer.

• Moist Deciduous: Receive 100-200 cm rainfall. Dominated by teak. Other trees include bamboo, sal, sandalwood.

• Dry Deciduous: Receive 70-100 cm rainfall. Features open stretches with teak, sal, peepal, and neem. This type is critical for class 9 geography chapter 5 notes.

Thorn Forests and Scrubs

These dry regions support specific plant adaptations.

• Found in semi-arid parts of Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Haryana.

• Vegetation includes thorny trees and bushes.

• Trees have long roots that penetrate deep for moisture.

• Stems are succulent, leaves are thick and small for water conservation.

• Main plants are acacias, palms, and cacti.

• Animals include rats, foxes, wolves, and camels.

Montane Forests

These forests are found in mountainous terrain, varying with altitude.

• Wet temperate forests occur between 1000 and 2000 meters.

• Above 3600 meters, temperate forests transition to Alpine vegetation.

• Alpine grasslands serve as grazing grounds.

• Higher altitudes feature mosses and lichens, forming tundra vegetation.

• Animals include Kashmir stag, snow leopard, yak, and wild sheep.

Mangrove Forests

These unique forests thrive in tidal coastal areas.

• Found where coasts are influenced by tides. Mud and silt accumulate.

• Dense mangroves have roots submerged underwater.

• Sundari trees are common in the Ganga-Brahmaputra delta. They provide hard timber.

• The Royal Bengal Tiger is a famous animal in these forests.

Wildlife in India

India's Class 9 Natural Vegetation and Wildlife Notes emphasize its rich fauna.

• Elephants are prevalent in the hot, wet forests of Assam, Karnataka, and Kerala.

• One-horned rhinoceroses inhabit Assam and West Bengal.

• The Rann of Kachchh is home to wild donkeys. The Thar Desert hosts camels.

• The Gir Forest in Gujarat is the natural habitat of the Indian lion.

• Tigers are found in Madhya Pradesh, the Sundarbans of West Bengal, and the Himalayan region.

• High altitudes of Ladakh support yak, Tibetan antelope, and snow leopard.

• Turtles, crocodiles, and gharials live in rivers, lakes, and coastal areas.

• Birds like peacocks, pheasants, and cranes inhabit forests and wetlands.

Threats to Flora and Fauna

Every species plays an important role in ecosystems. Many are now endangered.

• Commercial hunting is a significant threat.

• Pollution from chemical and industrial waste harms habitats.

• Rapid deforestation for agriculture and housing destroys natural cover.

• Around 1300 plant species are endangered, and 20 are extinct.

Government Initiatives for Conservation

The Indian government has implemented several measures to protect the country's natural vegetation and wildlife class 9 notes.

• Biosphere Reserves: 18 reserves established; 10 are part of the world network.

• Assistance: Financial and technical aid provided to botanical gardens since 1992.

• Projects: Key projects include Project Tiger, Project Rhino, and Project Great Indian Bustard.

• Protected Areas: 103 National Parks, 535 Wildlife Sanctuaries, and Zoological gardens are set up.