Describe the type of vegetation found in deserts.
Important Points to Remember in Chapter -1 - Natural Vegetation and Wildlife from Vipul Singh New Longman Vistas Solutions
1. Natural Vegetation:
(i) Natural vegetation is a plant community that grows without any human interference in a particular region.
(ii) Natural vegetation is divided into three types namely forest, grasslands and shrubs.
(iii) The changes in different kinds of natural vegetation mostly happen because of the changes in the climate of a particular region.
2. Forests:
(i) We have six types of forests namely Tropical Evergreen, Tropical Deciduous, Temperate Evergreen, Temperate Deciduous, Mediterranean Vegetation and Coniferous forests.
(ii) Tropical Evergreen Forests:
(a) They transpire in the region near the equator and close to the tropics.
(b) These regions are hot and receive heavy rainfall throughout the year.
(c) The trees do not shed their leaves in a particular season and thus are called evergreen forests. Hardwood trees like rosewood, ebony, and mahogany are common here.
(iii) Tropical Deciduous Forests:
(a) They are also known as monsoon forests that shed their leaves in the dry season to preserve water.
(b) These regions experience seasonal changes. Sal, teak, neem, and shisham are some hardwood trees present in these woods.
(iv) Temperate Evergreen Forests:
(a) They are situated in the mid-latitudinal coastal region and found along the eastern margin of the continents.
(b) They comprise both hard and softwood trees like oak, pine, eucalyptus, etc.
(v) Temperate Deciduous Forests:
(a) During the dry season, these trees shed their leaves.
(b) These forests are located in the higher latitudes. Oak, ash, beech, etc are the common trees found in this region.
(vi) Mediterranean Vegetation Forests:
a) They are found around the Mediterranean Sea in Europe, Africa and Asia.
(b) Citrus fruits such as oranges, figs, olives and grapes are cultivated here.
(c) These regions are also known as 'Orchards of the World' for their abundant fruit cultivation.
(vii) Coniferous Forests:
(a) These forests are located in the higher altitudes and are called Taiga.
(b) Chir, pine, and cedar are the important variety of trees in these forests.
3. Grasslands:
(i) Tropical grasslands:
(a) These take place on either side of the equator and extend to the tropics.
(b) Elephants, zebras, giraffes, deer, and leopards are common in tropical grasslands.
(ii) Temperate grasslands:
(a) These are established in mid-latitudinal zones and the interior part of the continents.
(b) Wildlife in temperate grassland majorly consists of wild buffaloes, antelopes and bison.
4. Thorny Bushes:
(i) Thorny bushes are found in dry desert-like regions.
(ii) These areas have scarce vegetation because of scanty rainfall and scorching heat.
5. Tundra Vegetation:
(i) Tundra vegetation is found in extremely cold polar areas.
(ii) Seal, walruses, musk-oxen, arctic owl, polar bear and snow foxes are some common animals found here.
