B.C.M.

ARYA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL, LDH

1. Tidal and Mountain forest

Tidal forests, also known as mangrove forests, are found along the deltaic and marshy regions that
are constantly flooded with saline water during high tide. These trees have pneumatophores roots.
They also have stilt roots to hold the trees in the shifting mud.

In mountainous areas, the natural vegetation varies from tropical deciduous forests to the alpine
variety, with the changing altitude. The Shiwaliks or the foothills of the Himalayas have tropical
deciduous forests where sal is a very important tree.

2. Bio Reserve and National Park

Bio-reserves are multipurpose protected areas to develop a balanced relationship between man and
nature. Various organisations, scientists, and local communities are involved in the conservation and
sustainable development of the area.

A national park is a reserve of land, owned by the government, to protect the flora and fauna of a
place from human activities and pollution. Cattle grazing is prohibited in such areas.

3. Bay Of Bengal and Arabian sea branch

The Arabian Sea branch of the monsoon is much more powerful than the Bay of Bengal branch of
the monsoon because:
1. The Arabian Sea is larger than the Bay of Bengal.
2. The entire Arabian Sea current advances towards India, whereas only a part of the Bay of Bengal
current enters India.
4. Sundari and Khair trees

The Sundari tree is the best-known mangrove tree, after which the Sundarbans are named. Its wood
is hard and used for boat-making. Khair trees are found in tropical desert regions and are useful for
timber and for providing a dye that is used for tanning.

E. Answer the questions in about 20–30 words.

Q1. What type of climate does India experience? Give two reasons.

Ans: India has a tropical monsoon type of climate as the Tropic of Cancer divides India into two
climatic zones, temperate in the North and tropical in the South. India’s climate exhibits many
extremes. For example, Mawsynram, the rainiest place is in Meghalaya and the Thar Desert in
Rajasthan receives scanty rainfall. Dras in Ladakh may experience a temperature of -45°C in winter
and Khetolai in Rajasthan is about 50°C in summer.

Q 2. Why are the Himalayas described as a climate divide?

Ans: The Himalayas act as a climatic barrier. The mountain range prevents the cold winds blowing
from Central Asia from entering India in winter, thus protecting the country from very severe
winters. They also intercept the Southwest monsoon winds, compelling them to shed their moisture
in the northeast and along the Gangetic Plain.

Q3. Why Do the south-west Monsoons withdraw from India?

Ans: By September, the temperature in the Northern Plains declines, and the low pressure becomes
weaker. Gradually, high pressure develops over the plains and the South-west monsoon winds start
withdrawing from India in stages. During this season, the temperature and humidity are high and the
term ‘October heat’ has been used to describe this weather.

Q 4. Name the different types of forests found in India.

Ans: Different types of forests found in India are Tropical Evergreen Forests, Tropical Deciduous or
Monsoon Forests, Tropical Desert Forests, Tidal Forests, and Mountain Forests.

Q 5. What are tidal forests? Name the two special types of roots these trees are equipped with.

Ans: Tidal forests, also known as mangrove forests, are found along the deltaic and marshy regions
that are constantly flooded with saline water during high tide. The trees of the tidal forests are hard
and durable and are used in making boats and for construction work.

These trees have pneumatophores roots or aerial roots. They also have stilt roots to hold the trees in
the shifting mud. These forests save the coasts from getting eroded as they trap the silt that could
cause sedimentation and block the channels of flowing water.

F. Answer the questions in about 50–70 words.

Q 1. How does the location of India, with reference to latitude, influence the climate of India?

Ans: The Tropic of Cancer passes roughly through the middle of India. Therefore, the southern part
of the country lies in the tropical zone, and the northern part in the sub-tropical or temperate zone.
India has a tropical monsoon type of climate as the Tropic of Cancer divides India into two climatic
zones, temperate in the North and tropical in the South. India’s climate exhibits many extremes. For
example, Mawsynram, the rainiest place is in Meghalaya and the Thar Desert in Rajasthan receives
scanty rainfall

Q2. Give reasons why South India is warmer than North India.

Ans: South India is warmer than North India as it is close to the equator. It has an equable climate
throughout the year neither very hot nor very cold as it is close to the coast. North India is far from
the equator and is hot in summer and cold in winter extreme climate because it is away from the
coast.

Q 3. Describe the main seasons of India.

Ans: There are four distinct seasons in our country:

• Cold season: Winter season in India lasts from December to February. The coldest month is
January. The rays are slanted and the temperature may drop to 0°C over the north western part of
the Northern Plains. The mean temperature over North India is below 20°C and above 20°C in
southern India. High pressure forms over the Northern Plains and Central Asia. The skies are clear.
Low humidity, low temperature, and cold winds prevail.

• Hot season: The summer season is generally hot and dry all over the country with some local
variations. The Sun’s vertical rays shine directly on the Tropic of Cancer(23½°N). Due to this shifting,
the northern Plains record very high temperatures, exceeding 40°C. North-west India, especially
Rajasthan, experiences temperatures over 45°C. Thus, an intense low-pressure trough forms over
the Northern Plains, stretching from Thar Desert to West Bengal. During this season, local winds are
experienced.

• South-west monsoon season: Monsoon winds are the seasonal winds. The summer monsoon and
the winter monsoon determine the climate for most of India and Southeast Asia. In June, the Sun is
overhead on the Tropic of Cancer. The land heats up and a low-pressure area develops over the
northern Plains. The surrounding waterbodies are cooler; therefore a high pressure area develops
over them. The intense low pressure over the Northern Plains attracts the South-east Trade Winds,
which after crossing the Equator, get deflected due to the Coriolis force and blow into India as the
South-west monsoon winds. These dry winds pick up moisture from the Indian Ocean. After hitting
the Indian coast, because of the tapering shape of the Indian Peninsula, they get divided into two
streams—the Arabian Sea branch and the Bay of Bengal branch.

• Retreating monsoon season: By September, the temperature in the Northern Plains declines, and
the low pressure becomes weaker. Gradually, high pressure develops over the plains and the South-
west monsoon winds start withdrawing from India in stages. During this season, the temperature
and humidity are high and the term ‘October Heat’ has been used to describe this weather. This is
also a season of tropical cyclones that originate in the Bay of Bengal and hit the coast of eastern
India, resulting in damage to life, property, and standing crops.

Q 4. What are the special features of the trees in the tropical evergreen forests?

Ans: Evergreen forests are so-called as the different trees shed their leaves at different times of the
year and the forest always looks green. These are dense, tall, and hardwood trees with broad leaves.
Thick undergrowth and a large mixed variety in these forests make commercial exploitation difficult.
Lianas, epiphytes, and climbers are found. Common trees that grow here are mahogany, ebony,
rosewood, Sheesham, bamboo, cinchona, and magnolia.

Q 5. Why do Punjab and Rajasthan get very little rainfall during monsoon?

Ans: The Bay of Bengal Branch of southwest monsoon brings heavy rainfall in the north east. The
Himalayas prevent them from leaving India and divert this to the west. By the time they reach
Punjab and Rajasthan lose their moisture. Because of this Punjab and Rajasthan get very little rainfall
during monsoon.