Geography

Chapter – 2 Forest a d Wildlife Resources

Afforestation :- The process of planting a large number of trees on bare land.
Biodiversity :- It is the sum total of all the species of plants, animals and micro-organisms living on the earth.
Biosphere :- Part of the earth’s surface and atmosphere which is inhabited by living things.
Deforestation : Cutting down of a large number of trees in an area.
Endangered Species : Species which are in danger in extinction.
Endemic Species : Species that are found in some particular areas. These are usually isolated by natural or geographical barriers.
Extinct species : species that are no more found.
Protected Forests : Those forests, where the local community enjoys the privileges of certain forests rights, subject to certain restrictions.
Rare Species : Species which may fall into the endangered or vulnerable category in the absence of any protective support to them.
Reserved Forest :- In these forests the rights of the community to collect timber and fuelwood, and other minor forests products are suspended for specified terms.
Vulnerable Species : Species whose population has declined to levels from where it is likely to more into the endangered category in the near future.

Q.1.What is flora? What is its importance?

Ans.Flora refers to natural vegetation growing in a particular area. Flora is the only form of life that is able to convert solar energy into fool energy. Hence, flora is the source of all food requirements on which human and animal life depends.

Q.2. What is Fauna?

Ans. Fauna refers to wildlife living in the particular area.

Q.3.What is an ecosystem?

Ans.An ecosystem comprises the physical environment. This system is interdependent and interlinked with species of plants and animals living therein.

Q.4What is biodiversity?

Ans.Biodiversity is the sum total of all the varieties of species of plants, animals and micro-organisms living on the earth. It also includes the habitat in which they live.

Q.5. Define ‘Endangered Species’ of wilflife.

Ans.

i). Wild animals like lions and tigers, rhinos are faced with the threat of total extinction. Same is the fate of birds like vultures and gulls. These are known as the endangered species.
ii). In the race for space between man and these animals, man is emerging a clear winner. He has been indiscriminately killing these animals for their greed.
iii). If not protected against this onslaught, the animals, whose number is already falling very fast, may totally vanish.
iv). This would not only be a big loss to human culture but would also deal a deathblow to the natural ecosystem.

Q.6.What is Himalayan Yew? What is its importance?

Ans.

i). The Himalayan Yew is a medicinal plant found in various parts of Himachal Pradesh and Arunachal Pradesh.
ii). A chemical compound called ‘taxol’ is extracted from the bark, needles, twigs and roots of this tree.
iii). The drug is now the biggest selling anti-cancer drug in the world.
iv). The species is under great threat due to the over-exploitation.