Natural Vegetation
Natural vegetation is the plants and other living organisms that grow wild in their natural surroundings. It consists of trees, shrubs, grasses, wild flowers and other vegetation that grows in a specific geographic area. It is determined by the geographical, ecological and climatic conditions that shape the local environment.
Types of Natural Vegetation
- Tropical Rainforest: This type of vegetation is dominant in the equatorial regions. It is characterized by dense and lush vegetation with evergreen trees. It has a warm and wet climate throughout the year.
- Temperate Rainforest: This type of vegetation is found in parts of Europe, Canada, the United States and Japan. It is made up of broadleaf evergreen trees and conifers. It is highly productive due to the moderate climate.
- Tropical Savanna: This type of vegetation is dominant in the tropical and subtropical regions. It is mainly composed of grasses and a few scattered trees. The rainfall is seasonal and the climate is warm.
- Temperate Deciduous Forest: This type of vegetation is found in temperate regions. It is dominated by deciduous trees which shed their leaves during the winter. It has cool summers and cold winters.
- Tundra: This type of vegetation is found in the Arctic regions. It is characterized by low growing shrubs and grasses. The soil is permanently frozen and the temperatures are very low.
- Desert: This type of vegetation is found in the deserts. It is mainly composed of animals and cacti. The climate is extremely dry and the temperatures range from hot to cold.
Importance of Natural Vegetation
Natural vegetation plays an important role in maintaining ecological balance and providing numerous benefits to human and other living organisms. It helps in soil conservation, water conservation and providing essential habitat for the wildlife. It also serves as a natural resource for construction, fuel and industrial purposes. Natural vegetation is essential for keeping the environment healthy and clean.
