ThinkRankNatural Vegetation
Overview
Climatic variations in India result in a rich diversity of forest types. This chapter explores these categories—from tropical rain forests to montane vegetation—and the importance of forest conservation.
Learning Objectives
- Classify Indian forests based on rainfall and temperature
- Identify the primary species in different forest types
- Analyze the role of forests in biodiversity and climate
- Evaluate India’s forest conservation policies (Social Forestry)
Key Concepts
Tropical Deciduous Forests
The most widespread forest type in India, commonly divided into 'Moist' and 'Dry' based on water availability.
Mangrove Forests
Saline-resistant vegetation found in river deltas (e.g., Sundarbans), critical for coastal defense against tsunamis and storms.
Key Terms
EvergreenDeciduousMangroveBiosphere ReserveConiferous
Examples
Sundarbans
The world's largest mangrove forest and home to the Royal Bengal Tiger.
Quick Check
- What is a 'Biosphere Reserve'?
- Which forest type is most common in India?