CBSE Class 7 Social Science Chapter 6: Natural Vegetation and Wild Life NCERT Solutions

(a) The growth of vegetation is primarily influenced by two key environmental factors: temperature and moisture. These elements dictate the types of plants that can survive and thrive in a particular region.

(b) Natural vegetation can be broadly classified into three main categories based on their growth patterns and appearance: forests, grasslands, and shrubs.

(c) Two common hardwood trees found in tropical evergreen forests are Rosewood and Mahogany. These trees are known for their dense wood and are characteristic of these warm, wet ecosystems.

(d) Tropical deciduous forests are predominantly found in regions such as the large part of India, northern Australia, and central America. These areas experience distinct wet and dry seasons.

(e) Citrus fruits, like oranges and lemons, are best cultivated in climates that feature hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. This type of climate provides the necessary conditions for fruit development and maturation.

(f) Coniferous forests, characterized by trees like Chir, Pine, and Cedar, yield soft wood that is highly useful. This wood is essential for manufacturing paper and newsprint through the process of making pulp. Additionally, it is used to create match boxes and packing boxes.

(g) Seasonal grasslands are typically found in the mid-latitudinal zones and the interior regions of continents. These areas experience distinct seasons, influencing the growth cycle of grasses.

(a) Mosses and Lichens are typically found in Tundra vegetation. These hardy organisms can survive in the extremely cold and often barren conditions of the Arctic tundra.

(b) Thorny bushes are characteristic of a hot and dry desertic climate. Their adaptations, such as thorns and reduced leaves, help them conserve water in arid environments.

(c) A monkey is a common animal found in tropical evergreen forests. These forests provide a rich habitat with abundant food sources and trees for shelter.

(d) Pine is an important variety of tree found in coniferous forests. These trees are well-adapted to colder climates and are known for their needle-like leaves and cones.

(e) Steppe grassland is found in Central Asia. Steppes are temperate grasslands characterized by moderate rainfall, supporting grasses rather than large forests.

(a) Animals living in the polar regions possess thick fur and thick skin as a crucial adaptation to survive the extreme cold. This layer provides insulation, helping them maintain their body temperature and protect themselves from the harsh, freezing environment.

(b) Tropical deciduous trees shed their leaves during the dry season primarily to conserve water. When water is scarce, losing leaves reduces transpiration, the process by which plants lose water vapor, thus helping the tree survive periods of drought.

(c) The type and thickness of vegetation vary significantly across different locations because of the variations in climatic conditions, particularly temperature and moisture. Regions with ample rainfall and moderate temperatures support dense forests, while arid areas or extremely cold regions sustain sparser vegetation like grasslands, shrubs, or tundra plants.

(a) This activity involves collecting visual references of diverse global vegetation. For example, below a picture of a Tropical Evergreen Forest, one could write: "These dense forests near the equator receive heavy rainfall year-round and host immense biodiversity." Below a picture of a Tropical Deciduous Forest: "These forests, found in India and Australia, shed leaves during the dry season to conserve water." Below a picture of a Grassland: "Vast open areas dominated by grasses, supporting grazing animals and found in temperate regions like the steppes." Below a picture of a Coniferous Forest: "Characterized by tall, cone-bearing trees like pine and fir, found in colder climates."

(b) This activity encourages creative representation. A collage could visually juxtapose the distinct features of a lush, multi-layered rainforest with its tall trees and dense undergrowth; a wide, open grassland with rolling hills and scattered trees; and a coniferous forest with its characteristic needle-leaved trees adapted to cooler climates.