classification of forest
Answers
Answer:
The forest cover is broadly classified in 4 classes namely very dense forest, moderately dense forest, open forest and mangrove. The classification of the cover into dense and open forests is based on internationally adopted norms of classification
On the basis of the location and the type of climatic conditions, forests can be divided into the three broad types:
1. Tropical Hardwood Forests
2. Mediterranean Forests
3. Temperate Softwood Forests
1. TROPICAL HARDWOOD FORESTS:
On the basis of temperature and rainfall, tropical hardwood forests are further sub-divided into
(a) Tropical Evergreen Forests: These forests are also known as Tropical Rain Forests because they are confined to tropical regions where heavy rainfall occurs throughout the year. All the trees of these forests do not shed their leaves at the same time. Hence, the forests always appear green. That is why, such forests are known as evergreen forests. They are spread in the areas of Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon and Gabon in Africa. In India, they are common in the Western Ghats, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Kerala and the North-Eastern parts of the country. The favourable climatic conditions for these forests are heavy and well-distributed rainfall (200 cm) and hot climate throughout the year. The hardwood trees of these forests are very tall, sometimes reach up to 60 metres. Several species of trees are found within a single area. These forests are characterised by
dense growth of vegetation. The trees have broad leaves to permit transpiration of surplus moisture. Some of the typical trees are mahogany, ebony, rosewood, rubber and palm. The animals found in Tropical rain forests are elephant, lemur, monkey and deer.
(b) Tropical Deciduous Forests: These forests are also known as Monsoon Forests because they are common in the Monsoon areas of the world. These forests are commonly found in India, Mexico, Argentina, Paraguay, northern parts of Australia and in African countries like Angola, Zambia, Tanzania, Kenya etc.
These forests thrive in regions where the climate is warm, with distinct wet and dry seasons. Deciduous Forests receive summer rainfall in the months of June, July, August and September ranging between 100-200cm.
The vegetation in these forests is not as dense as that in the Tropical Evergreen Forests. The Deciduous Forests have predominantly broad-leafed trees and medium size leaves and they shed their leaves bamboo trees during the dry season to conserve moisture. Trees are medium in height (30-40 metres). Common trees are sal, teak, sandalwood, bamboo and shisham. The animals found in Deciduous forests are lion, tiger, elephant & numerous kinds of reptiles.
2. MEDITERRANEAN FORESTS:
These forests are mainly located in regions around the Mediterranean Sea. The main areas are the shores of Europe, Asia,
North Africa and South-Western parts of South Africa. These forests are usually found in the areas which have dry summer and moderate rainfall during winter.
Trees of these forests are widely scattered and have spiny, waxy, small & leathery-textured leaves. They also have long roots & thick bark. Due to the above features, these trees are able to retain moisture in the dry summer season. The important treee of these forests are cork, olive and citrus fruit trees. The popular animal species found in Mediterranean forests are Mediterranean monk seal, Barbary macaque, Greek tortoise, Iberian lynx, Great busted, etc.
3. TEMPERATE SOFTWOOD FORESTS:
These Forests are commonly known as Coniferous Forests as the shape of the trees looks conical. Such f:orests are common in the higher latitudes of the northern hemisphere and high mountains in, Europe, Asia, North Canada and USA.
In India, the Temperate Softwood Forests are found in southern slopes of the Himalayas & are commonly known as Mountain Forests.
These forests are found in the colder regions of the world. Here, the precipitation is received in the form of snow in winter.
Most of the trees are tall and conical in shape. Due to their shape, the snow cannot accumulate on them. These trees do not
shed their thick needle-shaped leaves and hence, look evergreen. Pine, fur, spruce, cedar, deodar, sliver fir, chestnut and walnut are some of the common trees in these forests. These trees have commercial importance and are used for various purposes, such as making of pulp, plywood, etc. The animals commonly found in Softwood Forests are Kashmir stag, spotted deer, Tibetan antelope, snow leopard, tiger and golden eagle.
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These answers are from my book.
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