CBSE Class 9 Social Science: Natural Vegetation and Wild Life NCERT Solutions

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NCERT Solutions PDF Class 9 PDF

This chapter delves into the diverse natural vegetation and wildlife of India, crucial components of the country's geography. The NCERT Solutions for Class 9 Social Science (Contemporary India – I), Chapter 5, provide detailed explanations and answers to key questions. Students will explore the factors influencing vegetation distribution, understand different types of vegetation like tropical evergreen and deciduous forests, and learn about the significance of bio-reserves. The solutions also cover essential concepts such as ecosystems, flora, and fauna, along with specific examples of wildlife habitats. These solutions are designed to help students grasp the intricacies of India's natural environment, aiding in their exam preparation and fostering a deeper appreciation for biodiversity.

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BoardCBSE
ClassClass 9
SubjectSocial Science
Session2026
LanguageEnglish
TypeNCERT Solutions
ChapterGeography (Contemporary India – I) - Natural Vegetation and Wild Life

Chapter summary

Chapter 5 of Contemporary India – I for Class 9 focuses on Natural Vegetation and Wild Life. The NCERT Solutions cover definitions of ecosystems, factors affecting plant and animal distribution (relief, climate), the concept of bio-reserves with examples, and specific wildlife found in different vegetation types. It also includes distinctions between flora and fauna, and between tropical evergreen and deciduous forests, providing a solid foundation for understanding India's biodiversity.

Learning outcomes

  • Understand the definition and components of an ecosystem.
  • Identify the factors responsible for the distribution of plants and animals in India.
  • Define bio-reserves and provide examples.
  • Differentiate between flora and fauna.
  • Distinguish between tropical evergreen and deciduous forests.
  • Recognize examples of wildlife in different vegetation types.

Topics covered

Paper topics

  • Ecosystem definition
  • Factors affecting plant and animal distribution
  • Relief features
  • Climate factors (Temperature, Humidity, Photoperiod, Precipitation)
  • Types of vegetation
  • Tropical Evergreen Forests
  • Tropical Deciduous Forests
  • Bio-reserves
  • Flora and Fauna
  • Wildlife habitats
  • Examples of animals in different vegetation types
  • Simlipal Bio-reserve

Important topics

  • Factors responsible for distribution of plants and animals
  • Definition and types of forests (Evergreen vs. Deciduous)
  • Concept of Bio-reserves
  • Flora and Fauna distinction
  • Wildlife examples in different vegetation zones

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Questions and Solutions

Question 1

Choose the right answer from the four alternatives given below:

  1. To which one of the following types of vegetation does rubber belong to?
  1. Tundra
  2. Himalayan
  3. Tidal
  4. Tropical Evergreen
Solution: Rubber plants are native to tropical rainforests, which are characterized by high temperatures and abundant rainfall throughout the year. Therefore, rubber belongs to the **Tropical Evergreen** type of vegetation.

Question 1 (continued)

  1. Cinchona trees are found in the areas of rainfall more than
  1. 100 cm
  2. 70 cm
  3. 50 cm
  4. less than 50 cm
Solution: Cinchona trees, which are the source of quinine, thrive in humid tropical climates with substantial rainfall. They are typically found in regions receiving rainfall of **more than 100 cm** annually.

Question 1 (continued)

  1. In which of the following state is the Simlipal bio-reserve located?
  1. Punjab
  2. Delhi
  3. Odisha
  4. West Bengal
Solution: The Simlipal bio-reserve, a significant protected area known for its rich biodiversity and tiger population, is located in the state of **Odisha**.

Question 1 (continued)

  1. Which one of the following bio-reserves of India is not included in the world network of bioreserve?
  1. Manas
  2. Gulf of Mannar
  3. Nilgiri
  4. Nanda devi
Solution: While Manas is a crucial wildlife sanctuary and a Project Tiger reserve, among the options provided, it is often cited as not being part of the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves in some contexts, unlike Nilgiri, Gulf of Mannar, and Nanda Devi which are recognized by UNESCO. Therefore, the answer is **Manas**.

Question 2

Answer the following questions briefly.

(i) Define an ecosystem.

(ii) What factors are responsible for the distribution of plants and animals in India?

(iii) What is a bio-reserve? Give two examples.

(iv) Name two animals having habitat in tropical and montane type of vegetation.

Solution:

(i) An ecosystem is a complex system comprising all the living organisms (plants and animals) within a particular area, along with their non-living physical environment. These components are interconnected and interdependent, functioning as a unit.

(ii) The distribution of plants and animals in India is primarily determined by two key factors:

Relief: This includes the variations in landforms (like mountains, plateaus, plains) and the types of soil present in different regions.

Climate: This encompasses elements such as temperature, humidity, the duration of daylight (photoperiod), and the amount and pattern of rainfall (precipitation).

(iii) A bio-reserve is a protected area designated to conserve biodiversity, study ecological processes, and promote sustainable development. It serves as a model for conservation efforts and harmonious living with nature. Two examples of bio-reserves in India are **Nilgiri** and **Nanda Devi**.

(iv) In the **tropical** vegetation type, animals like the **Elephant** and **Deer** are commonly found. In the **montane** (mountainous) vegetation type, animals such as the **Yak** and **Snow Leopard** inhabit these regions.

Question 3

Distinguish between

(i) Flora and Fauna

(ii) Tropical Evergreen and Deciduous forests

Solution:

(i) Flora refers to all the plant species found in a particular region or period. Fauna, on the other hand, refers to all the animal species inhabiting a specific area or time.

(ii) The key difference lies in leaf shedding:

Tropical Evergreen Forests: The trees in these forests do not shed their leaves at any fixed time of the year. They remain green throughout, as different trees shed leaves at different times.

Deciduous Forests: The trees in these forests shed their leaves during a particular season, typically the dry season, to conserve water. This results in the forest appearing bare for a period each year.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing the definitions of flora and fauna.
  • Incorrectly identifying the rainfall requirements for specific vegetation types.
  • Misunderstanding the criteria for a bio-reserve.
  • Failing to recall specific examples of animals and their habitats.

Revision tips

  • Create flashcards for key terms like ecosystem, flora, fauna, and bio-reserve.
  • Draw a mind map showing the factors influencing vegetation and wildlife distribution.
  • Practice identifying the characteristics of different forest types (evergreen vs. deciduous).
  • Review the examples of bio-reserves and the animals mentioned in their habitats.

Practice MCQs

Q1. To which type of vegetation does rubber primarily belong?

Q2. Cinchona trees, known for producing quinine, are typically found in areas receiving rainfall exceeding:

Q3. The Simlipal bio-reserve is located in which Indian state?

Q4. Which of the following bio-reserves in India is NOT currently included in the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves?

Q5. What are the primary factors responsible for the distribution of plants and animals in India?

Frequently asked questions

What is an ecosystem according to the NCERT Solutions for Class 9 Geography?

An ecosystem is defined as a community where all the plants and animals in a specific area are interdependent on each other, along with their physical environment.

What are the main factors that influence where plants and animals are found in India?

The distribution of plants and animals in India is primarily influenced by two main factors: relief (referring to landforms and soil) and climate (including temperature, humidity, photoperiod, and precipitation).

How are evergreen forests different from deciduous forests?

Evergreen forests are characterized by trees that do not shed their leaves at a fixed time of the year, maintaining their foliage year-round. In contrast, deciduous forest trees shed their leaves seasonally at a specific time.

What is a bio-reserve and what is its purpose?

A bio-reserve is an area designated to protect biodiversity and demonstrate innovative approaches to conservation and sustainable living in harmony with nature. It involves local communities and national committees, often recognized by international bodies like UNESCO.

Can you give examples of animals found in tropical and montane vegetation zones?

Yes, in tropical vegetation zones, animals like elephants and deer are commonly found. In montane (mountainous) vegetation zones, animals such as yaks and snow leopards inhabit the region.

Which state is home to the Simlipal bio-reserve?

The Simlipal bio-reserve is located in the state of Odisha, India.

Important links

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