Question 1

Question 1Name the four seasons of India.

Accepted Answer

The four seasons of India are-The hot dry season (March to May)The rainy season or the season of Southwest monsoon (June to September)The season of retreating southwest monsoon (October and November)The cold season or the season of Northeast monsoon (December to February)

Question 2

Question 3What are the characteristic features of hot season? Give any two features of the hot season.

Accepted Answer

The characteristic features of hot season are-This season is marked by dry weather and excessive heat.In this season, the sun shines directly overhead the Tropic of Cancer.

Question 3

Question 6In what way the vegetation of a place corresponds with its climate? Give two examples.

Accepted Answer

The vegetation of a place corresponds with its climate. The vegetation adapts to the climate of a place as can be seen by the following examples-Desert vegetation — The plants that grow in desert and semi-desert type of climate either have very thin leaves or no leaves. Their stems and leaves are often covered by sharp spines and they have long roots to draw water as the rainfall is very scarce.Tidal forest vegetation — Tidal forests have plants which are characterised by breathing roots which act as respiratory organs. The stilt like roots remain submerged underwater but can be seen during low tide. This tangled mass of root helps the plant to survive in the shifting mud of coastal region.

Question 4

Question 7Where are the deciduous forests found? Give two characteristics of the same.

Accepted Answer

The deciduous forests are found in the areas of average temperature of about 27°C and average rainfall between 150 to 200 cm.They are found in the belt running along the Western Ghats, surrounding the belt of evergreen forests, both on eastern and western slopes. Another belt runs along the Shivalik range and Chhota Nagpur plateau.Two characteristics of deciduous forests are-These forests shed their leaves for about 6-8 weeks during the spring and early summer during March/April, when sufficient moisture for leaves is not available. Forests of north temperate zone shed their leaves in autumn.These are most important economically as they yield valuable timber and several other forest products.

Question 5

Question 8Differentiate between a National Park and a Sanctuary.

Accepted Answer

National ParkSanctuaryCan include flora, fauna or any other objects of historical/geographic significance.The main aim is to protect a particular flora or fauna.Boundaries are fixed and defined.There are no fixed boundaries.No human activities are allowed.Human activities are allowed.Not usually open to the public.It is open to the general publicSanctuaries are usually formed by the order of Central or the State GovernmentNational Parks are formed by the state or central Legislature.A national park cannot be downgraded to a sanctuary.A sanctuary can be upgraded to a national park.

Question 6

Question 9Why is it necessary to conserve forests?

Accepted Answer

The latest reports of the National Remote Sensing Agency (NRSA) indicate that the country is losing about 1.3 million hectares of forest cover every year. This will be detrimental to our national interest. Hence, there is an urgent need for conservation of forests.

Question 7

Question 10How do forests help in conserving our wildlife and ecobalance in nature?

Accepted Answer

Forests are the natural habitat of a large variety of wildlife. Wildlife refers to the animal species that are not domesticated. So, any living organism that lives in the forest region is associated with wildlife. It is found in almost all ecosystems such as rain forests, boreal forests, plains, grasslands, deserts etc. Wildlife provides great stability to our environment wherein they are involved in natural processes either directly or indirectly. Each living organism is placed in the food chain and is equally important, they may be a producer, a consumer or a decomposer, all these are interlinked and depend on each other for their survival. Since, forests provide a habitat to wildlife, they help in conserving our wildlife.Animals release carbon-dioxide during respiration which is absorbed by plants. On the other hand, plants release oxygen during the process of photosynthesis. In this way the oxygen and carbon dioxide cycle goes on. Since forests contain a large number of plants and trees, they help in maintaining the balance between oxygen and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.Forests also affect the climate of a place by regulating the temperature and rainfall of the area. They prevent soil erosion as well. Hence, forests help in balancing our ecosystem.

Question 8

Question 11Why is it necessary to conserve our wildlife resources?

Accepted Answer

Wildlife is the part and parcel of the ecosystem. They play a major role in maintaining the ecological balance. Some animals also help in cleaning the environment.It is necessary to conserve our wildlife resources as-Wildlife serves as gene pool for pest-resistant strains — Scientists look for resistant strains in wild plants because wild plants have evolved features resistant to disease.Wildlife enriches food production — Bees, bats, birds and other animals help plants to become productive by serving as agents of pollination.Wildlife is a source of medicine — More than 40,000 species of plants, animals, fungi and microscopic animals are used in some way to benefit humans. More than a third of pharmaceuticals originate from wild plants.Wildlife has bequest value — The goal of wildlife conservation is to ensure that nature will be around for future generations to enjoy and also to recognize the importance of wildlife and wilderness for humans and other species alike.

Question 9

Question 2Mumbai experiences less range of temperature as compared to Agra.

Accepted Answer

Mumbai experiences less range of temperature as compared to Agra because Mumbai is situated at the coast. Thus, it experiences equable climate whereas Agra is situated away from the sea, hence, it experiences extreme type of climate.

Question 10

Question 4Chennai has more rainy months but receives less rainfall than Mangalore.

Accepted Answer

Chennai lies on the eastern side of the Indian peninsula and receives rainfall both from the Southwest monsoon and northeast monsoon winds. Hence, it has more rainy months. But, the South west monsoon winds blow parallel to the Chennai coast and do not cause much rainfall. Mangalore lies on the windward side of the Western Ghats and hence, it receives more rainfall than Chennai inspite of having less rainy months.

Question 11

Question 5Jaisalmer in Rajasthan receives very low rainfall from southwest monsoon.

Accepted Answer

Jaisalmer in Rajasthan receives very low rainfall from southwest monsoon because the southwest monsoon winds run parallel to the Aravalis. They do not give rainfall in Rajasthan as they do not get any obstruction from the Aravalis. Also, the high temperature in the desert increases their capacity to hold moisture.

Question 12

Question 12South-west monsoon of Arabian Sea branch cannot give rainfall to Rajasthan asThe heat in the desert increases their capacity to hold moisture.South west monsoon winds of Arabian Sea branch runs perpendicular to the Aravalis.South west monsoon winds of Arabian Sea branch runs parallel to the Aravalis.Both (1) & (3)

Accepted Answer

Both (1) & (3)

Question 13

Question 13From which of the following source does the Coromandel Coast get winter rainfall?Arabian Sea branch of Southwest monsoon windsBay of Bengal Branch of South west monsoonWestern DisturbanceNorth east monsoon

Accepted Answer

North east monsoon

Question 14

Question 14Which type of forest is found in the western slopes of Western Ghats?Tropical Thorn forestTropical Deciduous forestsTropical evergreen forestsMangrove vegetation

Accepted Answer

Tropical evergreen forests

Question 15

Question 15Which type of forest is found in and around the delta regions, estuaries, creeks & the areas influenced by tides?Tropical Thorn forestTropical Deciduous forestsTropical Evergreen forestsMangrove Vegetation

Accepted Answer

Mangrove Vegetation

Question 16

Question 16Which type of vegetation is found in desert forests?DeciduousXerophytesEvergreenConiferous

Accepted Answer

Xerophytes

India: Climate, Flora and Fauna

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