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SAI INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL, BHUBANESWAR.

                                Class VIII: SOCIAL STUDIES – GEOGRAPHY

                 CHAPTER - 2- LAND, SOIL, WATER, NATURAL VEGETATION AND
                                             WILDLIFE RESOURCES

                                               (VIRTUAL CLASSES)


        NOTES FOR CHAPTER-2- Land, Soil, Water, Natural Vegetation and Wildlife Resources


        SUBTOPIC- NATURAL VEGETATION AND WILDLIFE:


        Natural Vegetation and Wildlife:

              Natural vegetation refers to a plant community which has grown naturally without human aid.
               They have been left undisturbed by humans for a long time.


              Wildlife traditionally  refers  to  undomesticated  animal  species,  but  has  come  to  include  all
               organisms that grow or live wild in an area without being introduced by humans.

              The  narrow  zone  of  contact  between  lithosphere,  hydrosphere  and  atmosphere  is  called
               biosphere.

              Natural vegetation and wildlife are inter-related and interdependent on each other for survival
               and exist in the biosphere.
              This life supporting system is known as the ecosystem.


              How are plants useful to mankind?

                   1.  Plants provide us with fruits and vegetables, timber.
                   2.  They are shelter to animals and human tribes.
                   3.  They are referred to as the lungs of nature which provide oxygen for respiration.

                   4.  They protect soil, act as shelter belts and help in storage of underground water.
                   5.  Medicinal plants and herbs are a source of medicines for mankind.


              How is wildlife useful: -

                   1.  Wildlife helps in maintaining the balance of nature.
                   2.  Vultures act as Natural cleansers of the environment by feeding on dead animals.

                   3.  Wild  animal  products  such  as  meat,  medicines,  hide,  ivory,  lac,  silk,  etc.  are  of
                       tremendous economic value.
                   4.  Some  wild  organisms  are  used  for  scientific  experiments  such  as  to  test  effect  of
                       medicine. Generally, monkey, chimpanzee, etc. are used for scientific experiments.
                   5.  A visit to the parks and sanctuaries is an enjoyable proposition for children as well as
                       adult. Thus, wildlife is best means of recreation.
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