NCERT Class 6 Geography Chapter 8 – India: Climate, Vegetation and Wildlife (Notes)

Chapter 8 – India: climate, vegetation and wildlife

These NCERT Class 6 Geography Chapter 8 notes explain India’s climate system, natural vegetation, wildlife, and conservation measures.

1. Meaning of climate

Climate refers to the average weather condition of a place over a long period of time.
It includes factors like temperature, rainfall, humidity, and wind.
Climate is different from weather, which changes daily.
Climate influences the lifestyle of people.
It affects agriculture, vegetation, and wildlife.
Weather is like today’s mood, while climate is like a person’s nature.

2. Climate of India

India has a monsoon type climate.
The climate of India is influenced by latitude.
Altitude affects temperature in hilly areas.
Distance from the sea affects coastal regions.
Relief features like the Himalayas influence rainfall.
Monsoon winds play a major role in India’s climate.

3. Seasons in India

India has four main seasons.
The Cold Weather Season (Winter) lasts from December to February.
The Hot Weather Season (Summer) lasts from March to May.
The South-West Monsoon Season lasts from June to September.
The Retreating Monsoon Season lasts from October to November.
These seasons affect agriculture and daily life.

4. Importance of monsoon in India

The monsoon is the backbone of Indian agriculture.
It provides water for crops.
It affects water availability in rivers and reservoirs.
The monsoon influences the Indian economy.
Failure of monsoon can cause droughts.
Excess rainfall can cause floods.

5. Natural vegetation

Natural vegetation refers to plants growing naturally without human interference.
It depends on climate, soil, and relief.
India has a wide variety of natural vegetation.
Vegetation changes with rainfall and temperature.
Natural vegetation supports wildlife and human life.

6. Tropical evergreen forests

Tropical evergreen forests are found in areas of heavy rainfall.
They receive more than 200 cm of rainfall.
They are found in the Western Ghats.
They are also found in Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
These forests are found in North-East India.
Important trees include ebony, mahogany, and rosewood.

7. Tropical deciduous forests

Tropical deciduous forests are also called monsoon forests.
They are found in Central India.
They are also found in Northern India.
Trees shed their leaves in the dry season.
Important trees include teak and sal.
These forests are widely spread in India.

8. Thorn forests

Thorn forests are found in dry regions.
They are found in Rajasthan.
They are also found in Gujarat.
These areas receive less than 70 cm of rainfall.
Trees include babool and cactus.
Plants have thorns to reduce water loss.

9. Mountain forests

Mountain forests are found in the Himalayan region.
Vegetation changes with height.
Coniferous trees are common in higher areas.
Important trees include pine and deodar.
These forests are important for climate balance.

10. Mangrove forests

Mangrove forests are found in delta regions.
They grow in salty water.
The Sundarbans are famous mangrove forests.
Sundari trees are commonly found here.
These forests protect coastal areas from storms.

11. Wildlife in India

Wildlife includes animals, birds, insects, and reptiles.
Tiger is the national animal of India.
Elephant, lion, and rhinoceros are important animals.
Camel is found in desert regions.
Peacock is the national bird of India.
Wildlife reflects India’s rich biodiversity.

12. Conservation of forests and wildlife

Conservation is needed due to deforestation.
Hunting and poaching threaten wildlife.
Urbanisation reduces forest areas.
National parks help protect wildlife.
Wildlife sanctuaries protect endangered species.
Biosphere reserves conserve ecosystems.

13. Important keywords

Climate refers to long-term weather conditions.
Monsoon is a seasonal wind system.
Natural vegetation grows without human interference.
Deciduous forests shed leaves seasonally.
Mangroves grow in coastal salty areas.
Conservation means protection of nature.

14. Why this chapter is important

This chapter explains India’s climate system.
It shows the link between climate and vegetation.
It helps understand wildlife distribution.
It is important for environmental studies.
It is useful for disaster management concepts.
It forms a strong base for BPSC, State PCS, and UPSC foundation.

This chapter connects climate with vegetation and wildlife, forming the base for environmental and disaster management studies.

FAQs

Q1. What type of climate does India have?
Monsoon type climate.

Q2. Why is conservation important?
To protect forests, wildlife, and ecological balance.