Forests

[May/June 03]
Photographs A, B and C show the natural vegetation of three areas of Pakistan.
Photograph A (Chitral Gol National Park, Hindu Kush)

(a) For Photograph A,

(i) name the main type of natural vegetation shown, [1] ________________________________

(ii) describe the natural vegetation, [4]

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(iii) why there is little or no natural vegetation in area X in the background of photograph A. [2]

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(b) For Photograph B, (Hazargangi Chitan National Park, Near Quetta)

 (i) name the type of natural vegetation shown, [1] _________________________________________

(ii) Describe the natural vegetation, [4]

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(iii) why there is little or no natural vegetation in area X in the background of photograph B. [2]

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(c) For Photograph C, (Indus Delta)

(i) name the type of natural vegetation shown and describe it, [4]

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(ii) state how this type of natural vegetation is used by the local people, [2]

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(iii) explain how this type of natural vegetation is helpful to the fishing industry of the area. [2]

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(d) (i) How has deforestation been avoided in the areas shown on Photographs A and B? [1]

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(ii) Deforestation may cause a variety of problems. Describe the ways by which such problems may be solved. [4]
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[May/June 05]

(i) What type of forest grows in the area F on Fig. 1?

[1]___Mangrove___________________________________
(ii) Why is this type of forest only found in this area? [2]

Mangrove forests grow in wet environments and can handle high salt concentrations. The coastal area
near Arabian sea is suitable for growth of Mangrove forests.

(iii) The area of this forest has decreased in size in recent years. How and why has this affected the local
fisheries? [2]

Many animals depend on mangroves, including endangered species like turtles. Mangrove forests are
important for the growth and health of marine life and provide a nursery for shrimps, crabs and fish.
When the area of these forests decreases, the habitats of these animals are destroyed, making it harder
to find marine animals in fisheries and eventually destroying them.
[May/June 06]
Study Photograph A of an area in the Shangla District of NWFP.
 (i) Describe in not more than two words the topography (relief) shown in the photograph.[1] __rugged,
peaks _____________________________________

(ii) What type of trees are shown in the photograph? [1] ____conifers__________________________

(iii) At what altitude do these trees grow in NWFP ? [1] _____1000-4000 m______________________

(iv) How is this type of tree adapted to the climate of this area? [3]

Conifers are conical in shape to help snow slide off them so the branches do not break. They have sloping
branches to prevent snow accumulation. They have thick, leathery and needle-shaped leaves to check
excessive transpiration. They have thick barks to protect against cold and harsh weather conditions. They
also have a deep root system, enabling them to absorb water efficiently.

(v) Trees have been cut down in area X. What effects may this have on the soil there? [3]

The soil will become prone to erosion. It may become barren and will lack nutrients. There will be no
falling leaves to form humus, so soil quality will deplete.

(vi) How can deforestation affect water supplies? [4]

Deforestation can lead to pollution of water resources and make it less available. Forests reduce runoff
levels as the tree roots absorb the water. Without forests, there will be more runoff and water will be
polluted. Deforestation can lead to soil erosion. Trees protect soil from erosion, without them the soil will
erode. This will lead to higher soil, sediment and turbidity levels in water, polluting it and depleting its
quality.

(vii) State and explain one way in which the effects of deforestation can be reduced. [3]

Irrigation facilities can be supplied to deforested areas with effective enforcement of regeneration
programmes. Commercial species of trees, which grow rapidly, should be planted.

(viii) Why are there irrigated plantations of trees in the Indus Plain? [4
There is low rainfall so irrigation is required, also there is an increasing demand of timber and firewood.
The plantations are to meet the demand of these woods. They are planted to prevent soil erosion, as
they provide cover and the roots hold the soil together.
[May/June 07]

(a) Study Photograph A , which shows part of the Changa Manga plantation.
(i) What evidence in Photograph A shows that this is a plantation? [2]

There is regular spacing between trees.

(ii) What is used to line the canals, and why is this necessary? [2]

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(iii) Why is the plantation being irrigated? [2]

The plantation is being irrigated as there is less rainfall in the area and it is dry. Rainfall is unpredictable
and scanty. Therefore, the plants need to be irrigated so they can receive water for growth.

(iv) Why is the water level in the canal lower than the ground around it? [1]

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(v) State two domestic uses of wood. [2]

Wood is used to make furniture and is burnt for heating purposes.

(vi) Explain how wood is used in industry and transport. [4]

Wood is used in paper industry to manufacture paper. It is used in the construction industry to make
furniture, houses and other structures. Wood is burnt to provide heat in many industries. It is used to
 construct walls, ceilings and floors of buses, trucks, and railway vehicles.

(vii) What is sustainable forestry? [3]

Sustainable forestry means managing forest resources in such a way as to ensure that we will be able to
obtain the things we want from forests on a regular basis, while also conserving the natural
environment. It implies continuous production of resources such as wood, water and wildlife habitat.

(viii) Why does Pakistan need to increase the area of irrigated plantations? [3]

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(ix) Why afforestation is called ‘a long-term investment’? [2]

Afforestation has many long term benefits. It will improve soil quality by protecting it from erosion and
providing it with nutrients in the form of humus. It will also prevent floods by reducing runoff. It
provides shelter for a variety of wildlife. It also improves air quality by absorbing carbon dioxide and
releasing oxygen.

(a) Study Fig.1, a map of natural hazards in Pakistan.

(i) Describe the distribution of soil erosion in Baluchistan.[3]

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(ii) Explain why the dry climate of Baluchistan increases the risk of soil erosion[3]

The dry climate leads to less vegetation, making the soil more exposed to wind, which erodes it by
carrying away loose soil particles. Roots hold the soil together, without them, the soil particles will
become loose and prone to wind erosion. The soil has less moisture, reducing its quality and leading to
erosion.
 (iii) Where does eroded soil go to? -Wind blown into dunes/on foothills. [3]

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(iv) How can soil be protected in areas of low and unreliable rainfall? [4]
Crops which are naturally adapted to low water conditions, with deep root systems to access moisture
deeper can be planted to hold the soil together and protect it from erosion. A well-developed irrigation
system can be built to transport water to the soil for crop growth, which covers the soil and ultimately
protects it from wind erosion.

[May/June10]

Study Fig. 1 which shows a map of forest types in Pakistan.

(i) Name the forest types found in each of the areas A, B and C. [3]

Area A: coniferous forests , Area B: Riverain forests, Area C: Mangrove forests

(ii) Name the sea D and the line of latitude E. [2]

sea D: Arabian sea, 70 degrees N

(iii) Explain why the forest type A grows naturally in cool, hilly areas. [3]

They have unique adaptations to help them survive in cool, hilly areas. Conifers are conical in shape to help
snow slide off them so the branches do not break. They have sloping branches to prevent snow
accumulation. They have thick, leathery and needle-shaped leaves to check excessive transpiration. They
have thick barks to protect against cold and harsh weather conditions. They also have a deep root system,
enabling them to absorb water efficiently.

(iv) Why is it important that forests by the coast are protected? [4]

Forests by the coasts need to be protected as they provide cover to the soil and prevent it from erosion.
 They are home to many marine species and the fisheries are the livelihood of many people. Also, these
forests improve air quality by absorbing carbon-dioxide and releasing oxygen. They also prevent floods, as
their roots absorb the water.
Study Fig. 2.

(i) With reference to Fig. 2, explain how deforestation can cause soil erosion. [5]

Before deforestation, there were trees which provided cover to the soil and protected it from wind erosion.

They also protected the soil from water erosion by absorbing most of the water through their roots, reducing
runoff and soil erosion. After deforestation, the trees were no longer able to protect the soil from erosion.
Water flows on the surface and runoff can no longer be controlled as the xylem vessels and roots of the plant
are damaged. The water will take away soil particles with it. The soil will also be prone to erosion by wind as
there is no plant cover. The branches and leaves of the plant can no longer protect the soil and wind will take
away loose soil particles with it. Also, the soil will become dry and its quality will be depleted as nutrients will
no longer be provided to it in the form of humus.

(ii) Why is irrigation necessary for new plantations of trees? [2]

Young trees do not have a deep root system and cannot absorb water on their own. Irrigation will lead to
faster growth and reduced stress on the trees. In areas where there is less rainfall, new plantations will not
have access to water as their roots are not that deep, so irrigation is necessary.

(iii) Explain the advantages and disadvantages of developing more irrigated plantations of trees in lowland areas
of Punjab and Sindh. [6]

There are many advantages of developing more irrigated plantations of trees in lowland areas of Punjab and
Sindh. They will provide habitats to many species. They will improve air quality by absorbing carbon-dioxide
and releasing oxygen. They will provide firewood, timber and other types of wood for domestic and industrial
uses, like furniture. The roots of the trees will protect the soil from erosion by holding it together and
providing cover. Soil quality will also be improved as leaves from trees will fall, forming humus, providing the
soil with essential nutrients. Trees will provide shade to animals and humans. Fruit trees will provide fruits to
animals and humans. The trees will increase the scenic beauty of the place and lead to increased tourism.
 Although there are many advantages of developing more irrigated plantations of trees in lowland areas of
Punjab and Sindh, there are a few disadvantages too, which may stop them from being developed. The
capital investment required for these plantations and their irrigation systems is high and may not be readily
available. There may be less water left for domestic and industrial use as most of it will be used by these
plantations. The land used for these plantations could be utilized for housing schemes and other industrial
purposes.

Overall, developing more irrigated plantations of trees in lowland areas of Punjab and Sindh will not only
improve the economy of these two provinces, but it will improve the economy of all of Pakistan too. It could
be a great initiative and lead to tourism on a large scale.

[May/June 12]

Study Photographs A, B and C

A B C

(i) Name the forest types A, B and C and locate each type of forest by writing the correct letter in each area
shown on the map below (Fig. 1). [4] A ___coniferous_____________ B ___mangrove______________ C
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(ii) Describe the appearance of the forest shown in Photograph C. [3]

The forest is surrounded by water. The trees are close to each other and green. Trees of the same type are
present.
 (iii) Explain the importance of the forest in Photograph B to fishermen and fishing villages. [3]

They are home to many marine species like shrimps and fish. The fisheries are the livelihood of many people.
The forest protects fishing villages from floods by decreasing runoff. It also provides them with firewood,
timber and other types of wood for heating purposes and furniture.

(iv) Why does the forest in Photograph A appear to be in an area of afforestation? [3]

There is regular spacing between trees and the species of trees are of the same type.

(v) State two effects of deforestation in mountain areas. [2]

It will lead to loss of habitat of many species and will increase surface run off, which can lead to flooding.
Wood will no longer be available for domestic and industrial use. Higher temperatures will be there due to
climate change.

(vi) Explain how one of these could be controlled. [4]

Flooding can be controlled by constructing dams on the foothills of mountains to store water and building
embankments to prevent water from reaching further inland. Higher temperatures due to climate change
can be controlled by reducing burning of fossil fuels and carbon footprint.
(vii) reference to two of the above, explain how trees can be a valuable resource for the people who live in
mountain areas. [6]
Trees are a valuable source for people who live in mountainous areas. The trees provide cover to the soil and
protect it from wind erosion. They also protect the soil from erosion by absorbing most of the water through
their roots, reducing runoff and soil erosion, reducing water wastage and floods. This makes more water

available to the people. They are also a source of firewood, timber and other types of wood for domestic
use. The wood can be burnt for heating and cooking purposes. Moreover, the forests improve air quality by
absorbing carbon-dioxide and releasing oxygen. They are also habitats to wildlife. The wildlife animals can be
hunted by people for their skins, which can then be used in tanning industries. They increase the scenic
beauty of the place, leading to tourism and improving the economic conditions of the people. The tourists
would buy the handicraft items made by cottage industries there.
[Oct/Nov 04]
Study Fig.2.
 a) Describe the distributions of both the areas with natural forests and the irrigated forests shown on Fig.2. [4]

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b) There has been deforestation within the areas with natural forests. How has this caused problems for:

(i) communications in the mountain areas, [3]

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(ii) farming on valley floors and plains, [3]

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(iii) hydro-electric (hydel) power supplies? [3]

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c) Linear plantations are common in many parts of Pakistan.
(i) What are linear plantations and where are they found? [4]

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(ii) Explain the purposes of linear plantations. [4]

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[Oct/Nov 08]
Study Fig. 3, a map of environmental damage in Pakistan.
 (i) Locate the areas most affected by deforestation. [2] _KPK, Balochistan
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(ii) State three causes of deforestation in these areas. [3]

There has been an increased demand for wood, such as timber and firewood by industries, like the
furniture industry. Land is cleared for industrial purposes, like housing schemes and also for agricultural
purposes.

(b) Study Photograph A.

(i) Describe the scene. [4]

This is a mountainous area where the soil has been eroded and is no longer fertile. There is lack of
vegetation and the mountains are rocky.

(ii) Explain why scenes such as this are caused by deforestation. [4]

Deforestation leads to soil erosion, as the roots hold the soil together and are no longer present, making
the soil particles loose and prone to erosion. Forests also provide cover to the land, which is no longer
available so wind can easily erode the soil.