Social Science - Class 8
Chapter 3 : Natural Resources : Vegetation and Wild Life
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A. Tick the correct option.
1. Which term is used for the plant community which grows without human interference?
(a)
(b) Natural vegetation ✅
(c)
(d)
2. Which vegetation grows in hot and humid regions of the world?
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d) Tropical Evergreen Forests ✅
3. The most common trees of Tropical Deciduous Forests are—
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d) Sal and teak ✅
4. Trees of Mediterranean Forests have—
(a)
(b) Spiny and waxy leaves ✅
(c)
(d)
5. The area under forests is depleting due to—
(a)
(b)
(c) Human interference ✅
(d)
B. Fill in the blanks.
1. The assemblage of plant species in an environment is known as natural vegetation.
2. Temperature and rainfall are two important factors for the plant growth.
3. Humus helps to maintain fertility of the soil.
4. Hardwood trees have broad leaves to permit transpiration of surplus moisture.
5. Teak is the commercially important tree of the Tropical Deciduous forests.C. Write a technical term or an appropriate word for each of the following statements.
1. The forests which do not shed all their leaves at the same time → Tropical Evergreen Forests
2. In this forest, summers are dry and moderate rain falls in winter → Mediterranean Forests
3. Conical shaped trees are common in these forests → Temperate Softwood Forests
4. The act or process of creating new forests by planting saplings → Afforestation
5. The Temperate Softwood Forests found in the southern slopes of Himalayas → Mountain Forest
D. Answer the following questions in brief.
1. Why are the Tropical Rain Forests known as evergreen forests?
Answer: Tropical Rainforests are called evergreen because their trees never shed all leaves at once, so they always look green.
Answer: These forests shed their leaves in summer to save water. Examples: Sal and Teak.
3. Write any three characteristic features of the trees found in the Mediterranean Forests.
Answer: Features of Mediterranean Forest trees:
a) Trees grow far apart.
b) They have long roots and thick bark.
c) Leaves are spiny, waxy, and tough.Answer:
National Park
a) Strictly protected area.
b) No cutting or collecting of forest items.
c) Public can visit but can’t use forest resources.Example: Grand Canyon (USA)
Wildlife Sanctuary
a) Protected area with limited human activity.
b) No hunting or tree cutting.
c) People may collect small amounts of herbs/firewood for research.
Example: Manas Wildlife Sanctuary (India)5. Suggest any three important measures for the protection of forests.
Answer: Steps to protect forests:
a) Plant more trees (Afforestation).
b) Stop cutting trees in large numbers.c) Protect forests from pests and insects.
E. Answer the following questions.
1. What is meant by natural vegetation? How do temperature and rainfall affect its distribution?
Answer: Natural vegetation means the plants that grow naturally without human help.
a) Temperature and rainfall decide the type of plants in a region.
b) Heavy rainfall = dense forests (e.g., rainforests).
c) Less rain = fewer trees (e.g., grasslands).
d) Hot desert = small shrubs and thorny plants.
e) Cold places = mosses and lichens grow in patches.
2. Five differences between Tropical Deciduous Forests and Coniferous Forests:
Answer:
Tropical Deciduous Forests
a) Trees shed leaves in dry season.
b) Trees have hard wood.
c) Rainfall: 100–200 cm in summer.
d) Also called Monsoon Forests.
e) Trees: Sal, Teak, Neem, Shisham.
Coniferous Forests
a) Trees don’t shed leaves.
b) Wood is soft.
c) Snowfall in winter is main moisture.
d) Also called Taiga.
e) Trees: Pine, Spruce, Larch.
3. ‘Forests are essential for maintaining an ecological balance.’ Justify.
Answer: Forests are very important because:
a) They are homes for wild animals.
b) People get food, wood, and medicines.
c) Forests stop soil from getting washed away.
d) Dead leaves make the soil fertile (humus).
e) Trees give us oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide.
4. What is the importance of wildlife?
Answer: Wildlife is important because:
a) It keeps nature balanced.
b) Animals make nature beautiful and support tourism.
c) Animal behavior helps warn during natural disasters.
d) Dead animals help make soil fertile (humus).
e) Wildlife helps in food chains and natural cycles.
5. How are human beings responsible for the loss of forests and animals?
Answer: Humans are harming nature by:
a) Cutting forests for farming.
b) Mining and construction work.
c) Using trees for wood and paper.
d) Killing animals for skin or trade.
e) Destroying animal homes by overusing nature.