Class 6 Notes

Class 6 Geography Notes Chapter 8 (India – Climate, Vegetation and Wildlife) – The Earth Our Habitat

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Philoid

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Earth Our Habitat Book

Here You will find the detailed notes for Chapter 8: India – Climate, Vegetation and Wildlife from the NCERT Class 6 Geography textbook 'The Earth Our Habitat', suitable for exam preparation.

Chapter 8: India – Climate, Vegetation and Wildlife

1. Weather vs. Climate

  • Weather: Refers to the day-to-day changes in the atmosphere. It includes changes in temperature, sunshine, rainfall, wind, etc. Weather can change drastically within a short period.
  • Climate: Refers to the average weather conditions measured over a long period (many years, typically 25 years or more). India's climate is broadly described as Monsoon type. 'Monsoon' is derived from the Arabic word 'mausim', meaning seasons.

2. Major Seasons in India

India experiences four major seasons:

  • (a) Cold Weather Season (Winter):

    • Duration: December to February.
    • Characteristics:
      • The sun's rays do not fall directly on the region.
      • Temperatures are low in northern India.
      • Cool, dry winds blow from land to sea (North-East winds).

  • (b) Hot Weather Season (Summer):

    • Duration: March to May.
    • Characteristics:
      • The sun's rays fall more directly on the region.
      • Temperatures become very high.
      • Hot and dry winds called 'Loo' blow during the day, especially in Northern India.

  • (c) South-West Monsoon Season (Rainy Season):

    • Duration: June to September.
    • Characteristics:
      • Marked by the onset and advance of the monsoon.
      • Winds blow from the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal towards the land.
      • These winds carry moisture with them.
      • When these winds strike the mountain barriers (like Western Ghats and Himalayas), rainfall occurs.
      • Agriculture in India is heavily dependent on these rains.
      • Mawsynram in Meghalaya receives the highest rainfall in the world.

  • (d) Season of Retreating Monsoon (Autumn):

    • Duration: October and November.
    • Characteristics:
      • Winds move back from the mainland to the Bay of Bengal.
      • This marks the season of retreating monsoons.
      • The southern parts of India, particularly Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, receive rainfall during this season.

3. Factors Affecting India's Climate

The climate of any place is affected by:

  • Location: The Tropic of Cancer passes almost halfway through India, influencing temperature zones.
  • Altitude: Temperature decreases with increasing height. Places at higher altitudes are cooler.
  • Distance from the Sea: Coastal areas experience a more moderate climate (less extreme temperatures) compared to interior areas due to the influence of land and sea breezes.
  • Relief (Physiography): Mountain ranges like the Himalayas prevent cold winds from Central Asia from entering India and also act as barriers causing rainfall (e.g., Western Ghats and the monsoon).

4. Natural Vegetation

  • Definition: The grasses, shrubs, and trees which grow on their own without interference or help from human beings.

  • Factors: Varies based on climate, especially rainfall.

  • Types of Vegetation in India:

    • (a) Tropical Evergreen Forests (Tropical Rainforests):

      • Rainfall: Heavy rainfall (over 200 cm).
      • Characteristics: Forests are very dense; trees shed leaves at different times, so they always appear green.
      • Location: Western Ghats, parts of North-Eastern states, Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
      • Important Trees: Mahogany, Ebony, Rosewood.

    • (b) Tropical Deciduous Forests (Monsoon Forests):

      • Rainfall: Moderate rainfall (between 70-200 cm).
      • Characteristics: Trees shed their leaves at a particular time of the year (usually in the dry season) to conserve water. Less dense than evergreen forests. Most widespread forests in India.
      • Location: Large parts of the country – Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, parts of Maharashtra.
      • Important Trees: Sal, Teak, Peepal, Neem, Shisham.

    • (c) Thorny Bushes (Thorn Forests):

      • Rainfall: Scanty rainfall (less than 70 cm).
      • Characteristics: Vegetation consists of thorny shrubs and bushes. Plants have long roots, thick bark, small leaves, and thorns to reduce water loss.
      • Location: Dry areas – Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, eastern slopes of Western Ghats, Gujarat.
      • Important Plants: Cactus, Khair, Babool, Keekar.

    • (d) Mountain Vegetation:

      • Characteristics: A wide range of species found according to variation in height. Temperature and rainfall change with altitude.
      • Vegetation Zones by Altitude:
        • ~1500m - 2500m: Temperate forests with coniferous trees like Pine, Deodar, Fir, Oak, Maple, Cedar.
        • Above ~3500m: Alpine vegetation (grasses, shrubs), eventually leading to tundra-like vegetation at very high altitudes.

    • (e) Mangrove Forests:

      • Characteristics: Found in coastal areas influenced by tides (saline water). Trees have specialized roots (pneumatophores) that help them survive in waterlogged, saline conditions.
      • Location: Deltas of rivers like Ganga, Mahanadi, Krishna, Godavari, Kaveri. Especially prominent in the Sundarbans (Ganga-Brahmaputra delta in West Bengal).
      • Important Tree: Sundari (gives the Sundarbans its name). Provides durable timber.

  • Importance of Forests:

    • Release oxygen.
    • Absorb carbon dioxide.
    • Roots bind the soil, preventing soil erosion.
    • Provide timber, furniture, fuel wood, fodder.
    • Provide medicinal plants, herbs, lac, honey, gum, etc.
    • Natural habitat for wildlife.

5. Wildlife

  • Diversity: India has a rich and diverse range of wildlife residing in its forests.
  • National Animal: Tiger. Found in various parts of the country. Gir forest in Gujarat is the home of the Asiatic Lion.
  • National Bird: Peacock.
  • Other Key Wildlife:
    • Elephants and One-horned rhinoceroses: Forests of Assam.
    • Elephants: Also found in Kerala and Karnataka.
    • Camels: Great Indian Desert (Thar).
    • Wild Asses: Rann of Kutch (Gujarat).
    • Wild goats, Snow leopards, Bears: Himalayan region.
    • Monkeys, wolves, jackals, nilgai, cheetal, etc., are found in various regions.
  • Migratory Birds: Some birds like the Siberian Crane, Pintail Duck, Curlews, Flamingo, Osprey migrate to India during the winter season (e.g., Siberian Cranes migrate from Siberia to places like Bharatpur).
  • Conservation:
    • Threats: Deforestation and hunting have led to the decline of many species. Some have become extinct.
    • Government Measures:
      • National Parks: Areas set aside to preserve natural vegetation, wildlife, and the natural beauty of the environment. (e.g., Jim Corbett, Kaziranga, Gir)
      • Wildlife Sanctuaries: Areas designated to protect wild animals, providing protection and suitable living conditions. (e.g., Periyar, Sariska)
      • Biosphere Reserves: Larger areas of protected land that include national parks and sanctuaries, aiming to conserve biodiversity and traditional life of tribals living there. (e.g., Nilgiri, Nanda Devi, Sundarbans)
    • Projects: Government has started specific projects like Project Tiger and Project Elephant to protect these endangered animals.
    • Awareness: Wildlife Week is observed in the first week of October to create awareness about conserving wildlife habitats.

Remember to correlate these points with maps showing climate zones, vegetation types, and locations of national parks/sanctuaries for better understanding and retention.

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