2. Answer the following questions briefly.
(i) What is a bio-reserve? Give two examples
Ans: A bio-reserve can be defined as a protected zone where specific flora and fauna are conserved. 
Two examples of bio-reserve are— Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve and Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.


(ii) Name two animals having habitat in tropical and montane type of vegetation
Ans:  – Two animals having habitat in tropical vegetation are—one-horned rhinoceros and Indian elephant.
– Two animals having habitat in montane vegetation are— Kashmir stag and spotted dear.

3. Distinguish between:
i. Flora and fauna

FLORAFAUNA
All the plant species observed in a given place at a given time is known as the flora of that place.All animal species observed in a given place at a given time is known as the fauna of that place. 

ii. Tropical Evergreen and Deciduous Forests

TROPICAL EVERGREEN FORESTTROPICAL DECIDUOUS FOREST
Tropical evergreen forest grows in areas with average annual rainfall over 200 cm followed by a short dry season. Deciduous forest grows in areas with average annual rainfall between 70 – 200 cm.
Trees of these forest remain green throughout the year.At a specific season, the trees drop all their leaves and stand bare. 
Common trees of this forest are—ebony, mahogany, rosewood, rubber and cinchona, etc.Common trees of this forest are— Teak, Bamboo, sal, shisham, sandalwood, khair, kusum, arjun, mulberry, etc.
Common animals of this forest are—elephants, monkeys, lemurs, deer, birds, snakes, bats, sloths, scorpions, snails, etc. Common animals of this forest are— lion, tiger, pig, deer and elephant, birds, lizards, tortoise, snakes etc. 

 
4. Name different types of Vegetation found in India and describe the vegetation of high altitudes.
Ans. The various types of vegetation found in India are noted below.
Tropical evergreen forests
Tropical deciduous forests
Tropical thorn forests and scrubs
Montane forests
Mangrove forests
 
Vegetation of Higher Altitude: 
The mountains show the declining temperature with the rise in altitude which constantly changes the vegetation in a natural progression. 
Wet Temperate Forests:
– The regions at a height of 1000−2000 metres from sea level
– Here species of oak, chestnut, etc. evergreen trees with broad leaves are found. 
Temperate Forests:
The regions at a height of 1500−3000 metres from the sea level
formed of coniferous trees such as pine, deodar, spruce, silver fir, cedar etc. 
Alpine Vegetation:
At the higher altitude, i.e., regions over 3,600 metres.
The flora of such places is dominated by species of juniper, pine, birch, silver fir, etc. 
 
5. Quite a few species of plants and animals are endangered in India. Why?
Ans. The reasons behind different plants and animals being endangered in India are given below:
– Loss of habitat due to urbanisation and formation of industries.
– Deforestation in large areas to expand agricultural lands and residential areas. 
– Pollution of soil, water and air.
– illegal hunting and poaching in forests. 
 
6. Why has India a rich heritage of flora and fauna?
Ans. The rich heritage of flora and fauna in India has grown due to the following reasons.
The natural geographical diversity of India shows various relief features. The presence of mountains, plateaus, plains, and coastal areas has helped to develop different types of vegetation that support diverse species of animals. 
The soil type of various parts of India changes with the nature of the relief. Thus, vegetation along with animal species changes.
Rainfall and temperature vary in different parts of the country, thus the vegetational variety is noticed in different regions of India. With the changes in floral dynamic, fauna diversity alters too. 
The availability of sunlight during different seasons varies in India with the change of latitude. Thus, we observe a difference in vegetation and animals throughout the country.