Natural Vegetation and Wildlife – Case-based Questions with Answers

CBSE Class 9 Geography — Chapter 5 Natural Vegetation & Wildlife — 20 Case-Based Q&A

Class: CBSE Class 9

Subject: Social Science — Geography

Chapter: 5 — Natural Vegetation & Wildlife

20 Case-Based Questions — Natural Vegetation & Wildlife (NCERT)

10 case passages each followed by 2 questions. Topic-wise, exam-focused case-based practice for CBSE Class 9.

CBSE Board Focus

Apply concepts to real-life scenarios
Interpret vegetation distribution and threats
Practice structured answers with examples

Content Bank — Topics

Case 1 — Farmer near Western Ghats Topic: Tropical Evergreen

A tea planter on the windward slopes of the Western Ghats notices dense evergreen cover, frequent heavy rains and rich understory vegetation supporting diverse wildlife.

1(a). Why does the windward slope of the Western Ghats support tropical evergreen forests?

Answer: Windward slopes receive heavy orographic rainfall as moisture-laden Arabian Sea winds rise and cool; high, consistent rainfall (>200 cm) and warm temperatures support evergreen species that do not shed leaves seasonally.

1(b). List two ecological benefits this evergreen cover provides to the local area.

Answer: (1) Watershed protection—reduces runoff and soil erosion; (2) Biodiversity habitat—supports endemic species and maintains ecological balance.

Case 2 — Village near central Indian forests Topic: Tropical Deciduous

A tribal community near sal and teak forests depends on timber and non-timber forest produce, and notices seasonal leaf fall affecting sunlight and ground crops.

2(a). Explain why sal and teak are common in these forests.

Answer: These areas have seasonal rainfall (100–200 cm) with a distinct dry season; sal and teak are adapted to monsoon climates—deciduous habit helps them conserve water in dry months.

2(b). How can sustainable practices help local livelihoods?

Answer: Practices like controlled logging, community forest management and agroforestry provide timber while ensuring regeneration, maintaining income and ecosystem services.

Case 3 — Pastoralists in arid zone Topic: Thorn Forests & Shrubs

Pastoral communities in Rajasthan rely on hardy shrubs and acacia species to graze cattle during dry seasons, but prolonged droughts reduce forage availability.

3(a). Why are thorny shrubs and xerophytic plants suited to this region?

Answer: Low and erratic rainfall and high evaporation favour xerophytes with adaptations like small leaves, deep roots and spines that reduce water loss and store moisture.

3(b). Suggest one measure to improve grazing sustainability.

Answer: Implement rotational grazing, water-harvesting structures and planting of native fodder species to prevent overgrazing and land degradation.

Case 4 — Hill station administration Topic: Montane Vegetation

Municipal officials observe forest clearances at mid-hills for tourism expansion and worry about landslides during heavy rains.

4(a). Explain why forest clearance on slopes increases landslide risk.

Answer: Tree roots bind soil and absorb water; clearing vegetation reduces soil cohesion and increases surface runoff during heavy rains, making slopes prone to landslides.

4(b). Recommend two sustainable tourism practices to reduce impact.

Answer: Limit construction on steep slopes, enforce building setbacks, promote eco-tourism, reforest degraded slopes and use controlled trails to minimise habitat disturbance.

Case 5 — Delta fishermen Topic: Mangroves

Fisherfolk in a delta report reduced fish catch and more frequent coastal erosion after mangrove clearing for shrimp farms.

5(a). How do mangroves support fisheries and protect the coast?

Answer: Mangroves are nurseries for juvenile fish and crustaceans, enhancing fisheries; their roots trap sediments and reduce wave energy, protecting against erosion and storm surges.

5(b). What policy measures can balance aquaculture and mangrove conservation?

Answer: Zoning to restrict shrimp farms in critical mangrove areas, incentivising sustainable aquaculture practices, and mangrove restoration projects involving local communities.

Case 6 — Forest fringe farmers Topic: Human Impact & Deforestation

Farmers near a reserve expand agriculture into forest edges, reducing habitat connectivity and noticing wildlife crop raids.

6(a). Explain habitat fragmentation and its likely effects on wildlife.

Answer: Fragmentation breaks continuous habitat into smaller patches, isolating populations, reducing genetic exchange and increasing human-wildlife encounters, raising conflict and poaching risks.

6(b). Suggest community-based solutions to reduce crop raids.

Answer: Use crop-guarding strategies, buffer crop zones (plant unpalatable crops), compensation schemes for losses and create wildlife corridors to reduce crossings through farms.

Case 7 — Conservation NGO in northeast India Topic: Wildlife Conservation

An NGO works in a biodiversity hotspot to protect rare orchids and hornbills by training locals as guides and patrolling against illegal logging.

7(a). How can ecotourism help conservation in such areas?

Answer: Ecotourism provides alternative livelihoods, raises awareness, generates income for local communities and creates incentives to protect habitats when benefits are shared locally.

7(b). Why is local participation essential in anti-logging patrols?

Answer: Local people have knowledge of the terrain, can monitor threats continuously, and their involvement ensures ownership, reducing incentives for illegal activities.

Case 8 — Climate change effects in alpine meadows Topic: Climate Change & Montane

Researchers note flowering seasons shifting earlier and reduced snow cover in alpine meadows, affecting grazing cycles and endemic species.

8(a). Explain possible impacts of warming on alpine vegetation.

Answer: Warming shifts vegetation zones upward, reducing alpine habitat area, disrupting phenology (flowering/fruiting), threatening cold-adapted endemics and altering grazing availability.

8(b). Name one adaptation strategy for pastoral communities.

Answer: Diversify livelihoods, adjust grazing calendars, use rotational grazing, and participate in community-based monitoring to respond to phenological changes.

Case 9 — Protected area buffer management Topic: Protected Areas & Biosphere Reserves

A biosphere reserve designates a buffer zone where regulated resource use is permitted, aiming to reduce pressure on the core area.

9(a). What is the role of a buffer zone in a biosphere reserve?

Answer: Buffer zones provide space for sustainable activities (grazing, selective resource use) that reduce human pressure on the core and help integrate conservation with community needs.

9(b). Give one example of a livelihood compatible with buffer zone objectives.

Answer: Non-timber forest produce collection under sustainable quotas, eco-tourism guiding, and traditional handicrafts informed by sustainable resource use.

Case 10 — Coastal town facing sea-level rise Topic: Mangroves & Climate Resilience

A coastal settlement experiences increased flooding and salinisation of fields; planners propose restoring mangroves along the shoreline.

10(a). How would mangrove restoration help the town adapt to sea-level rise?

Answer: Restored mangroves trap sediments and build up coastal elevation, dissipate wave energy reducing flood impact, and provide a buffer against storm surges while supporting fisheries.

10(b). What social measures should accompany ecological restoration?

Answer: Involve local communities in planting and management, provide alternate livelihoods (fisheries, ecotourism), and implement land-use planning to minimise exposure.