The document provides an overview of natural vegetation, distinguishing between virgin vegetation and its two types: endemic and exotic species. It lists various factors affecting vegetation diversity, highlights the importance of forests, and details five major types of vegetation in India, including their characteristics and flora and fauna. Additionally, it discusses threats to biodiversity, such as hunting, pollution, and habitat destruction.

2.  ‘Natural Vegetation’ refers to the plant community which has
grown naturally without any human intervention for a long
time.
 Those left undisturbed over a long period of time are known as
the ‘Virgin Vegetation’.
 Virgin vegetation are of two types ;
1] Endemic species: Originated in the country.
2] Exotic species: Originated outside the country.

3.  The major factors affecting the diversity in natural
vegetation are ;
1] Relief : a) Land
b) Soil
2] Climate : a) Temperature
b) Photoperiod
c)Precipitation
3] Ecosystem.

4.  It is a major community of plants and
animals having similar environmental
conditions.
 A biome is identified on the basis of plants
existing there .
 It is also termed as ‘major life zone’.

5.  Forests play a major role by ;
a] Influencing climate.
b] Reducing soil erosion.
c] Regulating steam flow.
d] Providing raw materials to industries.
e] Serving as livelihood for many.

6.  The major factors contributing to this change are ;
 Growing demand for cultivable land.
 Development of industries.
 Mining.
The vegetation cover of India in large parts is no
more natural in the real sense, except in some
inaccessible region like Himalayas, Marusthali, etc.

7.  There are five major types of vegetations, as
listed below;
1. Tropical Evergreen Forest
2. Tropical Deciduous Forest
3. Tropical Thorn Forest & Scrubs
4. Montane Forests
5. Mangrove Forests

8.  Region : Western slopes, Western Ghats, Andaman &
Nicobar, Lakshadweep, etc.
 Flora & Fauna : Ebony, cinchonas, rubber, mahogany,
bats, sloth, monkeys, rosewood, etc.
 Characteristics :
These areas are wet almost round the year.
The vegetation occurs in multilayered structure.
These appear green throughout the year as trees shade
their leaves at different times.
Trees are even tall up to 60m in height.

9.  Flora & Fauna : Teak, sal, peepal, neem trees, tigers
elephants, lions, pigs, deer, etc.
 Types of Tropical Deciduous Forests ;
 Moist Deciduous :
 Annual rainfall is 100-200 cm.
 Covers 34% of country’s forested area.
 West Odisha, Jharkhand, Chattisgarh, North-East.
 Dry Deciduous :
 Annual rainfall is 70-100 cm.
 Covers 31% of country’s forested area.
 Peninsular plateau, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar.

10.  Region : Gujrat, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chattisgarh,
M.P.
 Flora & Fauna : Acacia, Palm, Euphorbia, Cactus, Fox,
wolf, mice, wild ass, horses, tiger, lion, camel, etc.
 Characteristics :
The trees are found in tropical thorn forest and scrubs
are scattered.
Other such plants which have long roots, succulent stem
and small thick leaves are also found here.
All these characteristics are developed to minimise
evaporation and conserve moisture.

11.  Cover about 17% of country’s total forested area.
 Region: J & K, Himachal Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand,
etc.
 Flora & Fauna: Spotted deer, jack rabbit, pine, birches, junipers, etc.
 Altitudinal Distribution Of Montane Forests ;
Wet Temperate Forests : 1000 – 2000 m.
Temperate Forests : 1500 – 3000 m.
Temperate Grasslands : 3600 m.
Alpine Vegetation : Extensively used by nomadic tribes for grazing.
Tundra Vegetation : Mosses & lichens at higher altitudes.

12.  Found in costal delta areas influenced by sea
tides.
 Also known as “Tidal Forests”.
 Region: Ganga, Brahmaputra, Mahanadi,
Krishna, Godavari, Kaveri, etc. due to mud &
silt brought by them.
 Flora & Fauna : Sundari trees, timber, palm,
coconut, Royal Bengal Tiger, snakes, turtles,
crocodiles, etc.

13.  It refers to the animal life of a particular area.
 India has 90,000 (approx.) animal species and about
2,000 species of birds.
 They constitute 13% of world’s total stock.
 There are about 2,546 species of fish, about 12% of
world’s total fish species.
 It also shares about 5-8% of world’s amphibians,
reptiles, mammals, etc.
 This existence in our country varies from place to place.

14.  In India about 1300 plant species are endangered and 20
species are extinct.
 Also the animal species are in the same situation. This is a
great threat to ecosystem.
 The major cause for this are :
 Hunting by greedy hunters for commercial purposes.
 Pollution due to chemical & industrial waste, acid deposits.
 Introduction to alien species.
 Reckless cutting of the forests to bring land under cultivation
and inhabitation.