Chapter 6: Natural Vegetation And Wild Life

The variety of plant life we see around us is known as natural vegetation. The character of this vegetation is not uniform across the globe; it changes dramatically from place to place. As observed by Salima during her trip to the Himalayas, there is a very close relationship between the physical environment and the type of plants that grow there.

The growth of vegetation primarily depends on two key climatic factors: temperature and moisture (rainfall). Other influencing factors include the slope of the land and the thickness of the soil. Due to variations in these factors worldwide, natural vegetation is generally classified into three broad categories:

1. Forests: These thrive in areas with abundant temperature and rainfall, which can support a dense tree cover.
2. Grasslands: These grow in regions with moderate rainfall, where conditions are not suitable for dense forests.
3. Shrubs: Thorny shrubs and scrubs are characteristic of dry, arid regions with very little rainfall.

Forests

Forests are vast ecosystems dominated by trees. They are classified based on the climate they grow in, which determines whether they are evergreen or deciduous, and the type of trees they support.

Tropical Evergreen Forests

Also known as tropical rainforests, these forests are found in hot and humid regions near the equator and the tropics. They receive heavy rainfall throughout the year, so there is no distinct dry season. This constant moisture allows the trees to remain green year-round, which is why they are called "evergreen."

• Structure: The trees grow very close to each other, forming a dense, multi-layered canopy that blocks sunlight from reaching the forest floor.
• Trees: They are dominated by hardwood trees like rosewood, ebony, and mahogany.
• Significance: The Amazon rainforest in Brazil, a tropical evergreen forest, is so vast and produces so much oxygen that it is often called the "lungs of the Earth."
• Wildlife: These forests are home to an incredible diversity of life, including one of the world's largest snakes, the Anaconda.

Tropical Deciduous Forests

These are also known as monsoon forests and are found in large parts of India, northern Australia, and Central America. These regions have distinct wet and dry seasons. To conserve water during the long dry season, the trees shed their leaves, which is why they are called "deciduous."

• Trees: They feature valuable hardwood trees like sal, teak, neem, and shisham, which are extensively used for making furniture and in construction.
• Wildlife: Common animals include tigers, lions, elephants, golden langoors, and monkeys.

Temperate Evergreen Forests

These forests are located in mid-latitudinal coastal regions, typically on the eastern margins of continents. Examples of locations include southeastern USA, South China, and southeastern Brazil.

• Trees: They comprise a mix of both hard and soft wood trees, such as oak, pine, and eucalyptus.

Temperate Deciduous Forests

Found at higher latitudes than their tropical counterparts, these forests are common in northeastern USA, China, New Zealand, and Western Europe. Like tropical deciduous forests, these trees also shed their leaves in the dry season.

• Trees: Common trees include oak, ash, and beech.
• Wildlife: Animals like deer, foxes, and wolves are common. Birds such as pheasants and monals are also found here.

Mediterranean Vegetation

This unique type of vegetation is found in regions with hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. It is named after the Mediterranean Sea, as it is prominent in the surrounding areas of Europe, Africa, and Asia. It also occurs in other locations with similar climates, like California (USA) and Southwest Australia.

• Adaptations: Plants here have adapted to the dry summers with features like thick barks and wax-coated leaves to reduce water loss through transpiration.
• Cultivation: Much of the natural vegetation has been cleared to cultivate fruit. These regions are famously known as the "Orchards of the world" for their production of citrus fruits like oranges, figs, olives, and grapes.
• Wildlife: Due to extensive cultivation, there is not much wildlife in these regions.

Coniferous Forests

Found in the higher latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere (50°–70°) and at high altitudes in mountains, these spectacular forests are also called Taiga, a Russian word meaning "pure" or "untouched."

• Trees: The trees here are typically tall, evergreen, and have needle-like leaves and cone-shaped canopies to help shed snow. They are mostly softwood trees like chir, pine, and cedar.
• Uses: The softwood is very useful for making pulp (used for paper and newsprint), matchboxes, and packing boxes.
• Wildlife: Animals are adapted to the cold and include the silver fox, mink, and polar bear.

Grasslands

Grasslands are regions dominated by grasses rather than large shrubs or trees. They are found in areas where rainfall is moderate, not enough to support a forest but more than a desert receives.

Tropical Grasslands

These grasslands occur on either side of the equator, in areas with moderate to low rainfall. The grass here can grow extremely tall, up to 3 to 4 meters high. The Savanna grasslands of Africa are a prime example. They support a wide variety of large animals, including elephants, zebras, giraffes, deer, and leopards.

Temperate Grasslands

These are found in the mid-latitudinal zones and in the interior parts of continents. The grass here is usually short and very nutritious, making these regions ideal for cattle and sheep ranching. Common wildlife includes wild buffaloes, bisons, and antelopes.

Thorny Bushes

This type of vegetation, also known as desert vegetation, is found in extremely dry regions with very little rainfall and scorching heat. These are typically located on the western margins of continents. The vegetation cover is sparse and consists of thorny shrubs and scrubs adapted to survive in arid conditions. The Great Indian Desert (Thar Desert) is an example of such a region.

Tundra Vegetation

Located in the extremely cold polar regions of Europe, Asia, and North America, the growth of natural vegetation here is severely limited by the harsh climate. This type of vegetation is called Tundra.

• Vegetation: Plant life consists mainly of mosses, lichens, and very small shrubs, which grow only during the very short summer season.
• Wildlife: The animals found here are well-adapted to the extreme cold. They typically have thick fur and thick skin for insulation. Common Tundra animals include the seal, walrus, musk-ox, Arctic owl, polar bear, and snow fox.

As human populations grow, there is increasing pressure on forests and natural habitats for agriculture and settlement. This leads to deforestation and poses a grave threat to the Earth's diversified flora and fauna. It is crucial to hold discussions and suggest measures for the conservation of our natural world to ensure a sustainable future.