Natural Vegetation and Wildlife – Short Answer Type Questions
Class: CBSE Class 9
Subject: Social Science — Geography
Chapter: 5 — Natural Vegetation & Wildlife
50 Short Answer Questions — Natural Vegetation & Wildlife (NCERT)
Topic-wise short answer questions and clear, exam-focused answers for CBSE Class 9 Chapter 5. Strictly aligned to NCERT syllabus for effective revision.
CBSE Board Focus
- Concise, pointwise answers
- Clear examples and distribution notes
- Map and conservation pointers
Content Bank — Topics Covered
Concepts | Tropical Evergreen | Tropical Deciduous | Thorn Forests & Shrubs | Montane Vegetation | Mangroves | Wildlife & Conservation
Concepts & Basics (Q1–Q6)
Q1. What is natural vegetation?
Plants that grow naturally in an area without human intervention, shaped by climate, soil and relief.
Q2. Name two main factors that control vegetation.
Climate (rainfall & temperature) and soil; altitude and human activity also influence vegetation.
Q3. Define 'flora' and 'fauna'.
Flora = plant life of a region; Fauna = animal life of a region.
Q4. What is vegetation zonation?
Change in vegetation types over space (horizontal) or with altitude (vertical), due to changing climate and soils.
Q5. How does human activity affect natural vegetation?
Deforestation, agriculture, urbanisation and logging reduce forest cover and change vegetation patterns.
Q6. Why is vegetation important for environment?
It prevents soil erosion, supports biodiversity, regulates climate and maintains water cycles.
Tropical Evergreen Forests (Q7–Q12)
Q7. What climate supports tropical evergreen forests?
Warm temperatures and very high rainfall (over 200 cm) throughout the year.
Q8. Give two Indian regions where evergreen forests are found.
Western Ghats (windward slopes) and northeastern hills; also Andaman & Nicobar islands.
Q9. List one structural feature of evergreen forests.
Multi-layered canopy with tall trees, dense understorey, climbers and epiphytes.
Q10. Why are evergreen forests evergreen?
Trees do not shed leaves seasonally because moisture is available year-round.
Q11. Name one economic product from these forests.
Medicinal plants, minor forest produce and some timber species.
Q12. Why do evergreen forests have high biodiversity?
Stable warm, wet climate and layered habitats provide niches for many species.
Tropical Deciduous Forests (Q13–Q20)
Q13. What is another common name for tropical deciduous forests?
Monsoon forests.
Q14. Why do trees shed leaves in deciduous forests?
To conserve water during the dry season.
Q15. Name two important trees of deciduous forests.
Teak and Sal.
Q16. Where are moist deciduous forests found?
Areas with rainfall around 100–200 cm (e.g., eastern India, parts of central India).
Q17. Where are dry deciduous forests found?
Regions with lower rainfall (75–100 cm), like parts of the Deccan and central India.
Q18. Give one economic use of deciduous forests.
Timber production, fuelwood and supporting forest-based livelihoods.
Q19. How do deciduous forests help soil conservation?
Leaf litter adds organic matter and roots bind soil, reducing erosion.
Q20. Name an animal commonly found in deciduous forests.
Deer, elephant and various bird species.
Thorn Forests & Shrubs (Q21–Q26)
Q21. In which climate do thorn forests occur?
Arid and semi-arid climates with low rainfall.
Q22. Name a xerophytic adaptation in thorny plants.
Small leaves, thick cuticle, deep roots and spines to reduce water loss.
Q23. Where are thorn forests common in India?
Rajasthan, parts of Gujarat and the Deccan plateau margins.
Q24. Give an example of a thorn forest species.
Acacia species (e.g., babul).
Q25. Are thorn forests used for grazing?
Yes — they provide hardy fodder for livestock in dry regions.
Q26. How do thorn forests prevent desertification?
Their root systems stabilise soil and some plants reduce wind erosion, helping control desert spread.
Montane & Alpine Vegetation (Q27–Q32)
Q27. What is montane vegetation?
Vegetation of mountainous regions showing vertical zonation with altitude.
Q28. Name two tree types in Himalayan montane forests.
Deodar and pine (conifers) at higher elevations; broadleaf species at lower elevations.
Q29. What type of vegetation is found at the highest alpine elevations?
Alpine meadows with grasses, herbs and low shrubs (above tree line).
Q30. How does altitude affect temperature?
Temperature decreases with altitude (approx. 6.5°C per 1000 m), causing cooler climates at higher levels.
Q31. Give one role of montane forests in water supply.
They protect watersheds and help regulate river flow by storing moisture in vegetation and soil.
Q32. Mention one tourist value of montane regions.
Scenic beauty, trekking and wildlife tourism (hill stations attract visitors).
Mangrove Forests (Q33–Q38)
Q33. Where do mangrove forests grow?
In tidal estuaries and muddy coasts where saline and fresh water mix (e.g., Sundarbans).
Q34. What are pneumatophores?
Special breathing roots of mangroves that rise above mud to absorb oxygen.
Q35. What is vivipary in mangroves?
Seedlings germinate while still attached to the parent tree, helping survival in tidal zones.
Q36. Name one major mangrove region in India.
The Sundarbans in the Ganges–Brahmaputra delta.
Q37. How do mangroves protect the coast?
They reduce wave energy, prevent erosion and act as buffers during storms and cyclones.
Q38. Name an animal associated with mangrove ecosystems.
Bengal tiger (Sundarbans), various fish and crustaceans use mangroves as nursery grounds.
Wildlife & Conservation (Q39–Q50)
Q39. Define wildlife.
All undomesticated animals living naturally in their habitats.
Q40. Name two flagship species of India.
Tiger and Asian elephant.
Q41. What is poaching?
Illegal hunting or capturing of wild animals for trade or trophies.
Q42. Give one example of a national park in India.
Jim Corbett National Park (Uttarakhand).
Q43. What is 'Project Tiger'?
A government programme to conserve tigers through protected areas and anti-poaching measures.
Q44. Why is habitat fragmentation harmful?
It isolates populations, reduces gene flow and increases human-wildlife conflicts.
Q45. What is a biosphere reserve?
An area combining conservation with sustainable use, protecting biodiversity and local livelihoods (e.g., Nilgiri).
Q46. Mention one law protecting wildlife in India.
The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
Q47. How can local communities help conservation?
Participating in Joint Forest Management, sustainable harvesting and alternative livelihoods to reduce forest pressure.
Q48. What is ex-situ conservation?
Conservation outside natural habitat (e.g., zoos, botanical gardens, seed banks).
Q49. Name one measure to reduce human-animal conflict.
Creating buffer zones, compensation schemes for crop/livestock loss and community awareness programmes.
Q50. How can students contribute to wildlife conservation?
By raising awareness, planting native trees, avoiding products from illegal trade and supporting conservation NGOs.