What is Natural Vegetation?
Natural vegetation can be defined as the type of vegetation that is native to a specific region, which can usually be found in the same geographic location without human intervention. It is usually formed by the climatic, edaphic and biotic factors of the region.
Types of Natural Vegetation
Natural vegetation is divided into the following types:
- Tropical Rainforest: This type of vegetation comprises of dense, evergreen forests that are found close to the equator. They mainly consist of broad-leaved trees which grow tall and are found in areas that receive high rainfall throughout the year.
- Tropical Deciduous Forests: These forests are found in areas with low rainfall and typically contain trees which shed their leaves annually. The leaves regrow once the rainy season begins.
- Coniferous Forests: These forests are often found in areas with high altitudes and low temperatures. Their trees are usually conifers which have needle-like leaves and are capable of surviving in cold temperatures.
- Grasslands: Grasslands are an open landscape with large areas of grass and other non-woody plants. It typically receives low rainfall and is found in areas with flat terrain.
- Deserts: Deserts are arid regions with very little vegetation. They typically receive minimal precipitation and the plants that are found there are specially adapted to survive in hot and dry conditions.
Importance of Natural Vegetation
Natural vegetation is vital to the environment, as it plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance. It also helps in reducing soil erosion, conserving water and preserving habitats for various animals, birds and plants. Natural vegetation also helps to purify the air and provide oxygen for animals and humans. Furthermore, it is also a great source of food and timber, thereby providing the essential raw materials for various industries.
Therefore, it is important to take necessary steps to conserve and protect natural vegetation in order to preserve the environment for future generations.
