Natural Vegetation and Wildlife – Very Short Answer Type Questions
Class: CBSE Class 9
Subject: Social Science — Geography
Chapter: 5 — Natural Vegetation & Wildlife
50 Very Short Answer Questions — Natural Vegetation & Wildlife (NCERT)
Topic-wise very short questions with clear answers for quick revision and exam practice, strictly aligned to NCERT Class 9 — Chapter 5.
CBSE Board Focus
- Quick recall of facts and definitions
- Short explanations of vegetation types and distribution
- Wildlife basics and conservation terms
Content Bank:
Concept | Tropical Evergreen | Tropical Deciduous | Thorn & Shrub | Montane | Mangrove | Wildlife & Conservation
Concepts & Basics (Q1–Q6)
Q1.
What is natural vegetation?
Plant life growing naturally in an area without human interference.
Q2.
Name the main factors that determine natural vegetation.
Climate (rainfall & temperature), soil, altitude, relief and human activity.
Q3.
What is meant by 'flora'?
The plant life of a particular region or period.
Q4.
What does 'fauna' refer to?
The animal life of a particular region or period.
Q5.
Define 'biome' in one line.
A large ecological area with distinct plant and animal communities adapted to its climate.
Q6.
Why is vegetation important for soils?
Vegetation prevents soil erosion, adds organic matter and maintains soil fertility.
Tropical Evergreen Forests (Q7–Q13)
Q7.
What rainfall level supports tropical evergreen forests?
Very high rainfall — generally above 200 cm annually.
Q8.
Name two regions in India where tropical evergreen forests occur.
Western Ghats (windward slopes) and parts of Northeastern India; also Andaman & Nicobar islands.
Q9.
Are trees in evergreen forests deciduous?
No — evergreen trees retain leaves year-round and do not shed seasonally.
Q10.
Give an example of typical vegetation structure in evergreen forests.
Multi-layered canopy with tall trees, understorey shrubs, lianas and epiphytes.
Q11.
Why do evergreen forests have high biodiversity?
Stable warm, wet climate and layered habitats support many plant and animal species.
Q12.
Name one economic product from evergreen forests.
Medicinal plants and some timber species; also fruits and oils.
Q13.
Do evergreen forests grow in temperate climates?
No — tropical evergreen forests are found in warm, high-rainfall tropics, not temperate zones.
Tropical Deciduous Forests (Q14–Q21)
Q14.
What is another name for tropical deciduous forests?
Monsoon forests.
Q15.
Why do trees in deciduous forests shed leaves?
To conserve water during the dry season.
Q16.
Name two important trees found in deciduous forests.
Teak and Sal.
Q17.
Where are moist deciduous forests commonly found?
In areas with moderate to high rainfall (100–200 cm), such as eastern India and parts of central India.
Q18.
Where are dry deciduous forests found?
In regions with lower rainfall (75–100 cm) like parts of central India and Deccan plateau.
Q19.
Do deciduous forests support wildlife?
Yes — they support many animals including deer, elephants and various birds.
Q20.
What human use is common for deciduous forests?
Source of timber, fuelwood, and pasture for livestock.
Thorn Forests & Shrubs (Q22–Q28)
Q22.
In which climate do thorn forests occur?
Arid and semi-arid climates with low rainfall.
Q23.
Name a characteristic adaptation of plants in thorn forests.
Xerophytic features like thick stems, small leaves, and deep roots.
Q24.
Where in India are thorn forests most common?
In Rajasthan and parts of Gujarat and the Deccan plateau margins.
Q25.
Are thorn forests useful for grazing?
Yes — they provide hardy fodder for livestock in dry regions.
Q26.
Give one example of a plant in thorn forests.
Acacia species.
Q27.
Do thorn forests have dense tree cover?
No — they are sparse with scattered shrubs and bushes.
Q28.
Why are thorn forests important ecologically?
They prevent desertification and support adapted wildlife and pastoral livelihoods.
Montane & Alpine Vegetation (Q29–Q34)
Q29.
What is 'montane vegetation'?
Vegetation found in mountainous regions that changes with altitude (vertical zonation).
Q30.
Which trees are common at higher elevations in the Himalayas?
Conifers like pine, deodar and fir.
Q31.
What vegetation is found at the highest alpine elevations?
Alpine meadows and shrubs (grasses and low herbaceous plants).
Q32.
Does vegetation change with altitude?
Yes — there is vertical zonation from broadleaf to coniferous to alpine vegetation as altitude increases.
Q33.
Name one ecological role of montane forests.
They protect watersheds and regulate river flows by storing water in soils and vegetation.
Q34.
Are montane forests important for tourism?
Yes — they attract tourists for scenery, trekking and wildlife watching.
Mangrove Forests (Q35–Q40)
Q35.
What special roots do mangrove trees have?
Pneumatophores (breathing roots) that stick out of mud for oxygen exchange.
Q36.
Where are the largest mangrove forests in India located?
The Sundarbans in the Ganges-Brahmaputra delta.
Q37.
Why are mangroves important for coasts?
They protect coasts from erosion and storm surges and act as fish nurseries.
Q38.
Name one plant adaptation in mangroves.
Vivipary — seedlings germinate while still attached to parent plant.
Q39.
Do mangroves store carbon effectively?
Yes — they are significant carbon sinks and help mitigate climate change.
Q40.
Mention one animal associated with mangrove ecosystems.
Bengal tiger (in Sundarbans) and various fish and crustaceans.
Wildlife & Conservation (Q41–Q50)
Q41.
What is 'wildlife'?
All undomesticated animals living naturally in an area.
Q42.
Name two flagship species of India.
Tiger and Asian elephant.
Q43.
What is 'poaching'?
Illegal hunting or capturing of wild animals, often for trade.
Q44.
What is a 'national park'?
A protected area where wildlife and habitat are conserved and human activities are restricted.
Q45.
Name one famous national park in India for tigers.
Jim Corbett National Park.
Q46.
What is 'Project Tiger'?
A government initiative to conserve tigers by protecting habitats and reducing poaching.
Q47.
Give one reason why habitat fragmentation is harmful.
It isolates populations, reduces genetic diversity and increases human-wildlife conflict.
Q48.
What is 'biosphere reserve'?
A protected area combining conservation with sustainable use by local communities (e.g., Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve).
Q49.
Mention one community-based conservation practice.
Joint Forest Management where communities help manage and benefit from forests.
Q50.
How can students help conserve wildlife?
By spreading awareness, participating in tree-planting, avoiding products from illegal wildlife trade, and supporting conservation groups.