Land, Soil, Water, Vegetation, Wildlife - Long Answer Questions
Only about 30% of the total area of the earth's surface. And not all of it is habitable.
Due to rugged topography, steep slopes, swamps, desert areas, and thick forests which are sparsely populated. Plains and river valleys are densely populated.
Agriculture, forestry, mining, building houses, roads, and setting up industries. This is called 'Land Use'.
Physical factors (topography, soil, climate, minerals, water) and Human factors (population, technology).
Community land owned by the community for common uses like collection of fodder, fruits, nuts, or medicinal herbs.
Land degradation, landslides, soil erosion, and desertification.
Afforestation, land reclamation, regulated use of chemical pesticides/fertilizers, and checks on overgrazing.
The thin layer of grainy substance covering the surface of the earth. It is made of organic matter, minerals, and weathered rocks.
The breaking up and decay of exposed rocks due to temperature changes, frost action, plants, animals, and human activity.
Running water and wind. Deforestation, overgrazing, overuse of fertilizers, and rain wash aggravate it.
Covering the bare ground between plants with a layer of organic matter like straw. It helps retain soil moisture.
Ploughing parallel to the contours of a hill slope to form a natural barrier for water to flow down the slope.
Rows of trees planted in coastal and dry regions to check the wind movement and protect soil cover.
70% is water. But fresh water is only 2.7%. Only 1% is fit for human use (groundwater, rivers, lakes).
Shortage of water supply. Many regions (Africa, West Asia, South Asia, USA, Australia) face shortages due to variation in rainfall or over-exploitation.
The narrow zone of contact between the lithosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere where life exists.
A life-supporting system where living beings depend on each other and their immediate environment.
They feed on dead livestock (scavengers) and cleanse the environment. However, many died due to kidney failure from Diclofenac (a painkiller given to livestock).
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. An international agreement to ensure trade in wild animals/plants does not threaten their survival.
Kidney failure caused by Diclofenac (drug) residue in cattle carcasses.
Land, Soil, Water, Vegetation, Wildlife - Important Facts
90% of world pop occupies 30% of land area.
70% of land is sparsely populated.
Land is used for agriculture, forestry, mining.
Private land is owned by individuals.
Community land is for common use.
Fertilizers can degrade land.
Landslides are mass movements of rock.
Soil formation takes hundreds of years for 1 cm.
Parent rock determines soil colour/texture.
Humus is organic matter.
Topsoil is rich in humus.
Terrace farming saves soil on slopes.
Intercropping (planting different crops) saves soil.
Rock dams slow down water flow.
Earth is called the Water Planet.
Oceans cover 2/3rds of earth surface.
Ocean water is saline.
Fresh water is only 2.7%.
Ice sheets hold 70% of fresh water.
Only 1% fresh water is accessible.
Water cycle is constant motion.
A dripping tap wastes 1200 litres/year.
Pollution contaminates water bodies.
Sewage and industrial effluents are pollutants.
Sprinklers irrigate effectively.
Drip irrigation is good for dry regions.
Natural vegetation depends on temp/moisture.
Forests, Grasslands, Scrubs, Tundra are types.
Heavy rain supports huge trees.
Thorny shrubs grow in dry areas.
Tundra has mosses and lichens.
Forests are classified as Evergreen and Deciduous.
Deforestation is a major problem.
Wildlife includes animals, birds, insects.
Bees provide honey and pollination.
Insects act as decomposers.
Poaching is illegal hunting.
Tiger, Lion, Elephant, Rhino are endangered.
National Parks protect wildlife.
Biosphere Reserves protect ecosystems.
Forest fire is a threat.
Vanamahotsava creates awareness.
CITES protects 5000 animal species.
CITES protects 28000 plant species.
Conservation is a citizen's duty.
Rainwater harvesting saves water.
Average urban Indian uses 150 litres/day.
Land, Soil, Water, Vegetation, Wildlife - Important Dates/Terms
CITES came into force
Vanamahotsava (ongoing)