Discuss in groups and answer the following questions:

Name the types of the natural vegetation of Karnataka.

The natural vegetation of Karnataka has been classified into four types on the basis of rainfall, relief features and types of soils:

(a) EVERGREEN FORESTS: these kinds of forests can be found in areas which receive an annual rainfall of more than 250 cms. These trees are tall and dense because of which they are impenetrable. Trees which grow in these forests are rosewood, mahogany, Kino, teak etc. and different types of spices which grow here are cinnamon, cardamom, cloves and medicinal herbs.

(b) DECIDUOUS FORESTS: after winters, there is a lack of moisture in the soil due to which the trees shed their leaves which reappear in spring time. This kind of forests can be seen in areas receiving 60 to 120 cms of rainfall annually. In these forests, teak, kino, mahogany, neem etc. grow in plenty.

(c) MIXED FORESTS: when both evergreen and deciduous forests grow together, they form the mixed forests. Areas which receive 120 to 150 cms of annual rainfall have this kind of forests. Here, teak, kino, mahogany, axle etc. grow in abundance.

(d) GRASSLANDS AND SHRUBS: areas which receive less than 60 cm annual rainfall have this kind of vegetation. Because of less rainfall and dry weather there is short grass, thorny shrubs and scrub vegetation.