India: Climate, Vegetation and Wildlife - Class 6 Geography Notes

Welcome to our detailed and easy-to-understand summary of Class 6 Geography Chapter: India – Climate, Vegetation and Wildlife. This chapter helps students explore the diversity of India's natural climate, types of vegetation found across the country, and its rich wildlife. These NCERT-based notes are optimized for quick revision, school exams, and Olympiads alike.

India: Climate, Vegetation and Wildlife
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📌 Chapter Overview

India is a vast country with various landforms, and because of this geographical diversity, it experiences a range of climates and vegetation zones. Wildlife in India is equally diverse, supported by a range of natural habitats from the Himalayas to coastal plains and deserts to wetlands.

🌦️ Climate of India

Climate refers to the average weather conditions in a large area over a long period of time. Weather is what we experience on a daily basis (like a hot afternoon or a rainy morning), whereas climate is more permanent and large-scale.

Types of Seasons in India

  • Winter (December to February): Cold and dry in northern parts.
  • Summer (March to May): Hot and dry in most regions.
  • Monsoon (June to September): Rainy season caused by southwest monsoon winds.
  • Post-Monsoon (October to November): Transition period before winter.

Key Factors Affecting Climate in India

  • Location: Near the equator, India gets ample sunshine.
  • Altitude: Mountain areas are colder than coastal plains.
  • Distance from the Sea: Places near the sea have moderate climate.
  • Relief Features: The Himalayas protect us from cold winds of Central Asia.
💡 Exam Tip: Always mention the four main seasons when asked about India’s climate. Add examples like "Shimla is cooler than Delhi" to show understanding.

🌳 Natural Vegetation in India

Natural vegetation refers to plant life that grows without human interference. The type of vegetation in an area is influenced by climate and soil conditions. India has six main types of natural vegetation.

Types of Natural Vegetation

  1. Tropical Rainforests: Found in the Western Ghats and Northeast India. Trees like mahogany, ebony, and rosewood are common.
  2. Tropical Deciduous Forests: Found in central India. Trees like sal and teak shed leaves in dry season.
  3. Thorny Bushes: Found in desert regions like Rajasthan. Cactus, acacia, and date palms are common.
  4. Mountain Vegetation: In the Himalayas. Trees vary by altitude – pine, oak, fir, and rhododendron.
  5. Mangrove Forests: Found in delta regions (Sundarbans). Trees have breathing roots.
  6. Grasslands: Found in plateaus and some plains, used for grazing.
🌱 Fun Fact: Sundari trees found in mangrove forests gave the name “Sundarbans” to the delta region in West Bengal.

🦁 Wildlife in India

India is home to a wide variety of animals and birds. Each region supports unique wildlife depending on the climate and vegetation there.

Famous Wild Animals

  • Tiger: National animal of India, found in forests of MP, West Bengal, and Assam.
  • Elephant: Common in Kerala, Karnataka, Assam forests.
  • Lion: Only found in Gir Forest, Gujarat.
  • Leopard: Found in many forests across India.
  • One-Horned Rhinoceros: Found in Kaziranga National Park, Assam.

Birds and Reptiles

  • Peacock: National bird of India.
  • Parrot, Pigeon, Crane: Common birds in different areas.
  • Crocodile, Gharial, Snake: Found in rivers and wetlands.
🔒 Conservation Note: Many animals are endangered due to poaching and deforestation. That’s why India has over 100 national parks and 500+ wildlife sanctuaries to protect them.

🔄 Interdependence of Climate, Vegetation, and Wildlife

The climate of a region decides the kind of vegetation that can grow there, and the vegetation supports different forms of wildlife. For example, tropical rainforests support dense animal life, while deserts have animals that survive in dry conditions like camels and lizards.

📝 Summary Points

  • India has four seasons: Winter, Summer, Monsoon, Post-Monsoon.
  • Types of vegetation depend on rainfall and temperature.
  • Wildlife is closely linked with vegetation and is protected by law.
  • Major types of vegetation: tropical rainforests, deciduous, thorny, mangroves, etc.
  • Wildlife includes tigers, elephants, lions, rhinos, peacocks, and more.

📚 Practice Time

Try answering these:

  • What are the four main seasons in India?
  • Explain the link between vegetation and climate.
  • Name one tree and one animal from mountain regions.
  • Why are national parks important?