Chapter 3 .Natural Resources:Vegitation and Wildlife
Chapter 2:Natural-Resources-land-Soil-and-Water
DAV Class 8 SST Chapter 6 – Natural Resources, Minerals & Energy | DAVSolutions
A. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. Which term is used for the plant community which grows without human interference?
(a) plantation
(b) natural vegetation ✔
(c) agriculture
(d) gardening
2. Which vegetation grows in hot and humid regions of the world?
(a) Tropical Evergreen Forests ✔
(b) Tropical Deciduous Forests
(c) Mediterranean Forests
(d) Temperate Softwood Forests
3. The most common trees of Tropical Deciduous Forests are—
(a) ebony and mahogany
(b) sal and teak ✔
(c) cork and olive
(d) oak and chestnut
4. Trees of Mediterranean Forests have—
(a) broad leaves
(b) needle shaped leaves
(c) spiny and waxy leaves ✔
(d) small size leaves
5. The area under forests is depleting due to—
(a) natural calamity
(b) human interference ✔
(c) climatic change
(d) water shortage
B. Fill in the blanks
- The assemblage of plant species in an environment is known as vegetation.
- Temperature and rainfall are two important factors for plant growth.
- Humus helps to maintain fertility of the soil.
- Hardwood trees have broad leaves to permit evaporation of surplus moisture.
- Teak is the commercially important tree of the tropical deciduous forests.
C. Write a technical term
- The forests which do not shed all their leaves at the same time → Evergreen forests
- In this forest, summers are dry and moderate rain falls in winter → Mediterranean forests
- Conical shaped trees are common in these forests → Coniferous forests
- The act or process of creating new forests by planting saplings → Afforestation
- The Temperate Softwood Forests found in the southern slopes of Himalayas → Coniferous forests
D. Answer the following questions in brief
1. Why are Tropical Rain Forests known as evergreen forests?
Tropical rain forests are called evergreen forests because the trees do not shed all their leaves at the same time. Instead, leaves fall and grow throughout the year. Due to heavy rainfall and warm climate, the forests remain green all year round.
2. Why do Tropical Deciduous Forests shed their leaves during summer season? Name two such trees.
Tropical deciduous forests shed their leaves during the summer season to conserve water. During dry periods, water availability becomes low, so trees drop their leaves to reduce loss of moisture through transpiration.
Examples of such trees are sal and teak.
3. Write any three characteristic features of trees found in Mediterranean Forests.
- Trees have small, thick and waxy leaves to reduce water loss.
- Many plants have spiny leaves to protect themselves from animals.
- Trees are usually widely spaced and adapted to dry summers.
4. Distinguish between a national park and a wildlife sanctuary.
| National Park | Wildlife Sanctuary |
|---|---|
| Strict protection of plants and animals | Protection mainly for animals |
| No human activities allowed | Limited human activities allowed |
| Boundaries are fixed by law | Boundaries are less strict |
| No grazing or private activities | Grazing may be allowed in some cases |
5. Suggest any three important measures for the protection of forests.
- Afforestation and reforestation (planting more trees)
- Controlling deforestation and illegal cutting
- Creating awareness among people about conservation
E. Answer the following questions
1. What is meant by natural vegetation? How do temperature and rainfall affect its distribution?
Natural vegetation refers to plants that grow naturally without human interference.
Effect of temperature and rainfall:
- Areas with high rainfall and temperature have dense forests (like tropical evergreen forests).
- Areas with moderate rainfall have deciduous forests.
- Regions with low rainfall have grasslands or sparse vegetation.
For example, the Amazon region has dense forests due to heavy rainfall, while deserts have very little vegetation due to lack of water.
2. Distinguish between Tropical Deciduous Forests and Coniferous Forests
| Tropical Deciduous Forests | Coniferous Forests |
|---|---|
| Found in warm regions | Found in cold regions |
| Trees shed leaves seasonally | Trees are evergreen |
| Broad leaves | Needle-shaped leaves |
| Examples: sal, teak | Examples: pine, fir |
| Moderate rainfall | Low temperature areas |
3. ‘Forests are essential for maintaining an ecological balance.’ Justify the statement.
Forests help maintain ecological balance by:
- Absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen
- Maintaining climate and rainfall patterns
- Preventing soil erosion
- Providing habitat to wildlife
- Maintaining biodiversity
Thus, forests are very important for the survival of life on Earth.
4. Explain the importance of wildlife.
Wildlife is important because:
- It helps maintain ecological balance
- Animals are part of the food chain
- Many species are useful for medicine and research
- It promotes tourism and economy
- Helps in maintaining biodiversity
5. How are human beings responsible for the depletion of vegetation and wildlife?
Humans are responsible due to:
- Deforestation for agriculture and industries
- Urbanization and construction
- Hunting and poaching of animals
- Pollution and forest fires
- Overuse of natural resources
These activities destroy natural habitats and reduce biodiversity.