Forest: (unit 4)

By Sir Bilal Sarwar from DMC fsd (03228659670)

Q What are linear plantation (Protective forest)? (4)
Ans: Linear plantation means the tree planted along the road, canals and railway lines. Trees
hold the soil and protect the soil erosion, beside provide shadow, reduce pollution and
increase afforested area.
Q What are productive forest?
Ans: Productive forest is mainly natural forest. Tree density is high, have commercial value,
source of timber and fire wood.
Q State two domestic use of wood. (2) J2007
Ans:Timber is used for construction of houses, for furniture, doors and windows.
Q Explain how wood is used in industry and transport.
Ans: Industry: Wood is raw material for furniture making, paper, matches, and pencils,
sports goods like hockey sticks, bats and rackets. Resin which is a fluid in tissues of chirr
plant is used for making varnishes. Mazri is used for making mats and baskets. Ephedra is a
shrub used in pharmaceutical (medicine) factories.
Transport: In transport wood is used in making truck bodies, railway carriages and sleeper,
animal carts, boats and bridges.
Q What is sustainable forestry? (3)
Ans: Sustainable forestry means the forest are utilized (used) in such a way that they remain
productive for long time. When mature trees are cut new one are planted.
Q What is snow line? (1)
Ans: The altitude (height 4500 Meters) above which snow remains throughout the year on
mountain peaks vegetation cannot grow above it.
Q What is snow field? (1) J2007
Ans: Snow field is a large area covered with snow all over the year.
Q Explain why a large part of northern area is covered with snow field. (2)
Ans: Snow field exists over 4500 meters because of low temperature during long winter,
high snow fall take place in these areas, during short summer little amount of snow melts
next winter bring more snow falls, snow goes on piling up, turns into hard ice.
Q Explain the importance of forest for the conservation of the environment in Pakistan? (3)
N99
Ans: (1) Forest checks soil erosion and floods. (2) Forest adds to oxygen in air and reduces
air pollution. (3) Forest provide home to wild life. (4) Forest reduces temperature and causes
rainfall. (5) Forest adds to natural beauty.
Q What is difference between afforestation and reforestation? (4)
Ans: Afforestation means to grow forest on an area where there was no forest. Reforestation
means growing forest on deforested area.
Q Why is afforestation called a long term investment? (2)
Ans: Trees take 10 to 20 years to reach maturity to become economically valuable.
Topic: Alpine forest.
Q At what altitude Alpine trees are found? (1)
Ans: From 4000 to 4500 meters.
Q Describe the features of Alpine trees.
Ans: Alpine trees are found in Dir, Chitral, Swat and Kohistan. Due to extreme (harsh)
weather conditions Alpine trees do not grow to full height and have stunted (undersized)
growth. Alpine forest grows over small area and has little economic value. Silver Fir, Junifer
and Birch are types of Alpine trees. Alpine forest provides only fire wood. (Alpine trees are
actually coniferous trees grow above 4000 meters).
Topic: Coniferous forest.
Q At what altitude coniferous trees are found? (1)
Ans: From 1000 to 4000 meters.
Q Name the types of coniferous trees.
Ans: Fir, Silver Fir, Spruce, Birch, Deodar, Pine, Larch and Junifer.
Q Name the places where coniferous trees are found in Pakistan.
Ans: Abottabad, Mansehra, Swat in K.P.K. Rawalpindi, Islamabad and Muree in Punjab.
Quetta and Kalat in Balochistan.
Q How coniferous adopted themselves according to the climate of northern areas? (3) J2006.
Ans: Coniferous trees have thick bark to protect them from low temperature, needle like
leaves reduce transpiration, sloping branches slides snow, long shallow roots provide
strength against winds and absorb water. Evergreen leaves of coniferous trees save energy.
Topic: Tropical thorn forest.
Q Describe the features of tropical thorn forest.
Ans: These are low height, thorny hardwood trees. They are also known as Rakh. These trees
have long roots so they can live on very small amount of water. These trees are 6 to 10
meters high. Acacia and salvadora are common types of trees found in tropical thorn forest
used as firewood.
Topic: Sub-Tropical Scrub Forest.
Q Name the places where Sub-Tropical Scrub Forest are found?
Ans: These forests are found in Sulaiman range, Kirthar range and foot hills of lower
Himalayas. These trees are also found in western mountains (Peshawar, Kohat and Mardan).
Q What are the main features of Sub-Tropical Scrub Forest?
Ans: Sub-Tropical Scrub Forest are broad leafed thorny trees. Sub-Tropical Scrub Forest are
used as grazing place and provide fire wood.
Topic: Riverain trees or Bela Forest.
Q At what altitude riverain forest found?
Ans: Below 1000 meters.
Q Describe the features of riverain forest.
Ans: Riverain forest is found along the banks of river Indus and its tributaries locally known
as Bela. It mostly covers active flood plain. Babul, Shisham, Willow, Dhrek and Jhand are
common types of trees used as firewood. wood of Shisham trees is used for making furniture.
Topic: Mangrove forest.
Q Name the type of mangrove trees.
Ans: Timar, Kirani and kunni.
Q Why this type of forest are found along coastal areas?
Ans: Mangrove forest grows in coastal areas, which are drained by both fresh river water and
salty sea water. These trees can live in Salty sea water. The roots of Mangrove trees can filter
the salt. Trees have stunted (slow) growth due to water pollution. Trees can grow up to 8
meters in case of favorable (good) conditions.
Q Name the areas where Mangrove trees are found.
Ans: Indus and Hub delta.
Q What are advantages of Mangrove trees?
Ans: (1) Mangrove trees supply fire wood (2) material to make huts (3) Mangrove trees
provide breeding place for fish and shrimps. Fallen leaves of Mangrove provide nutrients
(food) to fish. (4) Roots of Mangrove trees protect small fish from predators (big fish). (5)
Camel and live stock feeds on leaves of Mangrove trees. (6) Mangrove protects coasts from
erosion and high sea waves. (7) Mangrove trees reduce carbon-di-oxide from atmosphere.
Q Why area of Mangrove forest has decreased in recent years?
Ans: Careless cutting of trees for firewood and timber, overgrazing, oil spills and water
pollution damages Mangrove trees. Deforestation of mangrove is done to make roads and
housing.
Topic: Irrigated forest.
Q Why Pakistan needs to increase the area of irrigated forest?
Ans: In Pakistan less than 5% of area is covered with forest. There is shortage of wood in
Pakistan. Rainfall is low in Indus plain. To fulfill the needs of firewood and timber irrigated
forest are grown with the help of irrigation facilities.
Q Describe the main features of irrigated forest.
Ans: valuable types of trees like Shisham, Babul, Jhand, and Euclyptus are grown to provide
firewood and timber.
Q Name the places where irrigated forest are grown.
Ans: Changa Manga near Lahore, Chichawatni, Khanewal, Bahawalpur, Taunsa Barrage and
Ghuddu Barrages.
Q Explain the advantages and disadvantages of developing more irrigated plantation in Indus
Delta?
Ans: Advantages: Provide timber for furniture, construction and firewood for fuel, Fodder
for animal, honey and fruit for people, leave fall adds humus to the soil, protect soil erosion,
eucalyptus trees reduce water logging and salinity, provide natural home for wild life,
decrease pollution, provide oxygen, adds to scenic beauty.
Disadvantages: High cost and it is long-term investment, cost of looking after are high, need
irrigation and farmland can be used for growing crops and problems are caused by roots.
Q Why irrigation necessary for new plantation?
Ans: (1) Rainfall is low and evaporation-transpiration rate is high in Indus Plain (2) rainfall
in only seasonal, (3) irrigation keep the soil wet prevent soil erosion (4) Plants need water to
grow.
Topic: Deforestation.
Q State the causes of deforestation.
Ans: (1) Deforestation is done for firewood and timber (2) land is cleared for farm land (3)
urbanization or construction of dams (4) for establishment of road or mining activity (5)
deforestation for raw material for industry (6) overgrazing by live stock, droughts (7) forest
fire and flash flood also reduce forest area.
Q How soil can be preserved in deforested areas?
Ans: By making hill terracing: Steps are made along slopes of hills, edges of terraced fields
are lined with stones to preserve soil. (2) On gentle slopes crops are cultivated known as
contour ploughing helps to reduce erosion. (3) In strip farming small crop is grown between
large crops to cover soil. (4) Afforestation also helps to check soil erosion.
Q What problems are caused by deforestation in mountain areas for (a) communication (b)
farming in valley (c) hydro-electricity?
Ans: Communication: Deforestation causes land sliding. Roots of vegetation bind (hold) soil.
In the absence of tree cover landslides and blocks roads, damage poles of telephone and
electricity.
Valley farming: Surface runoff increases because flooding in valley also causes soil erosion
make it unfit for farming. Muddy water is undrinkable for farm animals and people.
Hydro-electricity: deforestation causes soil erosion and siltation of dams which reduces
water storage capacity and electric production, may block tunnels and machinery of dams.
Q How deforestation can cause soil erosion?
Ans: Soil is exposed due to deforestation and there are no roots to hold soil so it is washed
away by rain. Loss of nutrients is caused due to erosion and humus is not added because no
leaf fall, little chance of growth of new plants.
Q Explain why dry climate of Balochistan increases the risk of soil erosion? (3)
Ans: The land of Balochistan is bare of vegetation, overgrazing is common and re-growth of
vegetation is slow, dry soil is blown away by wind.
Q Where does eroded soil go to?
Ans: Wind blows it into dunes or foothill, water take it in rivers or ditches. It may drain in
dam or lake.
Q Describe the distribution of natural and irrigated forest. (4)
Ans: Coniferous forest is found in northern and north-western mountains. Gilgit, Chitral,
Swat, Murree, Abbotabad, Mansera, Nathiagali, and Khaghan. Coniferous Forest is also
found in Waziristan, Quetta, Pishin and Ziarat. Below 1000 meters sub-tropical dry forest in
Rawalpindi, Attock, Peshawar, Mardan and Kohat. Mangrove forest is found in Indus and
Hab delta. Irrigated forest is found in Changa Manga, Khanawal, Taunsa, Bahawalpur,
Guddu barrage and Hyderabad.

Q. To what extent can agriculture be sustainable in Pakistan ?

Agriculture can be sustainable in Pakistan, but it requires careful management and planning to
ensure that it meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future
generations to meet their own needs. Pakistan faces a number of challenges to achieving
sustainable agriculture, including water scarcity, soil degradation, climate change, and the
overuse of fertilizers and pesticides.
To address these challenges, Pakistan needs to adopt sustainable agriculture practices that
prioritize soil and water conservation, crop diversity, and the use of natural fertilizers and pest
control methods. Additionally, Pakistan needs to invest in agricultural research and development
to improve crop yields, and provide farmers with access to credit, information, and market
opportunities.
The government of Pakistan has taken steps towards promoting sustainable agriculture in the
country, such as the promotion of organic farming and the development of high-yielding crop
varieties. However, more needs to be done to encourage farmers to adopt sustainable practices
and to provide them with the necessary support and resources.
Overall, sustainable agriculture in Pakistan is possible, but it will require a concerted effort by
the government, farmers, and other stakeholders to promote and implement sustainable practices.
Q. What is meant by term sustainable agriculture?
Sustainable agriculture is a method of farming that focuses on meeting the needs of the present
without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It involves using
farming practices that are environmentally friendly, socially responsible, and economically
viable.
Sustainable agriculture aims to promote the long-term health of the soil, air, and water resources,
while also promoting the well-being of the people involved in agriculture. It emphasizes the use
of natural resources in a way that conserves and protects them for future use.
Some key principles of sustainable agriculture include:
Minimizing the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides
Conserving soil and water resources
Promoting biodiversity by using crop rotations and intercropping
Reducing waste and pollution through recycling and composting
Providing fair wages and safe working conditions for farmers and workers
Supporting local communities by promoting local food systems and markets.
Sustainable agriculture is important because it helps to ensure that farming practices are
environmentally and socially responsible, while also being economically viable for farmers. By
using sustainable agriculture practices, we can help to protect the planet and ensure that future
generations have access to the resources they need to thrive.
Q. Name and describe an example of seasonal migration?
An example of seasonal migration is the wildebeest migration that takes place in East Africa,
specifically in Tanzania and Kenya. Every year, over two million wildebeest, as well as hundreds
of thousands of zebras and gazelles, move in a circular route from the Serengeti Plains in
Tanzania to the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya and back again.
The migration is driven by the search for food and water, as the wildebeest move to follow the
rains and find fresh grass to graze on. The wildebeest move in large herds, often accompanied by
zebras and gazelles, making the journey across rivers and through grasslands, forests, and
savannas.
The migration is not without risks, as the wildebeest face predators such as lions, hyenas, and
crocodiles along the way. Despite the dangers, the wildebeest migration is one of the most
spectacular natural events in the world, attracting tourists and researchers alike.
The wildebeest migration is an example of seasonal migration because it takes place at a specific
time of year, driven by the availability of food and water. The wildebeest return to the same
areas year after year, following a predictable route that has been established over generations.
This seasonal migration is critical for the survival of the wildebeest and the ecosystems they
inhabit, as it allows for the regeneration of grasslands and provides food and water for a wide
range of other species.
Q. What is meant by link canal, perennial canal and inundation canal
A link canal is a canal that connects two or more existing canals or rivers to transfer water from
one location to another. Link canals are typically constructed to improve water availability in
regions suffering from water scarcity or to facilitate irrigation and other agricultural activities.
A perennial canal is a canal that carries water all year round, regardless of the season or weather
conditions. These canals are typically fed by rivers or large water reservoirs and are designed to
ensure a constant water supply for irrigation, domestic, and industrial purposes.
An inundation canal, on the other hand, is a canal that is designed to flood adjacent lands to
irrigate crops or recharge groundwater. Inundation canals are typically built in low-lying areas
where water availability is limited, and where the soil is highly porous, allowing the water to
seep into the ground and recharge the aquifer.

Q. To what extent is it possible to save and even increase the area of forests in Pakistan
It is possible to save and even increase the area of forests in Pakistan through concerted efforts
by the government, civil society organizations, and the public. Here are some ways this can be
done:
Forest conservation: The government can implement policies and laws to protect existing forests
from deforestation, illegal logging, and encroachment. This can be done by increasing the
penalties for such activities and by providing incentives for communities that actively protect the
forests.
Reforestation: The government can also launch reforestation campaigns to increase the number
of trees in the country. This can be done by planting trees in deforested areas or on land that is
not being used for agriculture or other purposes.
Community involvement: The involvement of local communities in forest conservation and
reforestation efforts is crucial. This can be done by providing them with training and resources to
actively participate in these activities.
Awareness campaigns: Public awareness campaigns can be launched to educate people about the
importance of forests and the need to protect them. This can be done through mass media, social
media, and community outreach programs.
Sustainable forest management: Sustainable Forest management practices can be implemented to
ensure that the forests are used in a way that does not harm the environment or the local
communities. This can include practices such as selective logging, controlled grazing, and
agroforestry.
In summary, it is possible to save and even increase the area of forests in Pakistan through a
combination of policies, reforestation, community involvement, awareness campaigns, and
sustainable forest management practices.
Q. What is the importance of Indus Water Treaty?
The Indus Waters Treaty is a water-sharing agreement between India and Pakistan that was
signed in 1960 with the mediation of the World Bank. The treaty provides a framework for the
use and distribution of the waters of the Indus River and its tributaries between the two countries.
Here are some of the key reasons why the Indus Waters Treaty is important:
Water management: The treaty provides a framework for the management of the Indus River and
its tributaries, which are the primary source of water for both India and Pakistan. The treaty
ensures that the waters are used in a way that is equitable and sustainable, and that the interests
of both countries are taken into account.
Conflict resolution: The Indus Waters Treaty has been an important tool for resolving conflicts
between India and Pakistan. The treaty has helped to reduce tensions between the two countries
over water sharing, which has been a contentious issue in the past.
Economic development: The Indus Waters Treaty has enabled both India and Pakistan to use the
waters of the Indus River and its tributaries for irrigation, hydropower generation, and other
economic activities. This has helped to promote economic development in both countries,
particularly in the agricultural sector.
Environmental protection: The Indus Waters Treaty has provisions for environmental protection,
including measures to protect the quality of the waters of the Indus River and its tributaries. This
has helped to ensure that the ecological health of the region is maintained.
In summary, the Indus Waters Treaty is important because it provides a framework for the
equitable and sustainable use of the waters of the Indus River and its tributaries, and has helped
to promote peace, economic development, and environmental protection in the region.
Q. Explain why Pakistan steel mill is an industry in the formal sector?
Pakistan Steel Mill is an industry in the formal sector because it is a large-scale manufacturing
facility that produces steel products for commercial and industrial use. The formal sector is
defined as the part of the economy that is regulated by the government and includes businesses
that are registered, pay taxes, and operate within the legal framework of the country. Here are
some of the reasons why Pakistan Steel Mill is considered an industry in the formal sector:
Government ownership: Pakistan Steel Mill is owned by the government of Pakistan, which
makes it a public sector enterprise. As a government-owned entity, Pakistan Steel Mill is subject
to government regulations and oversight, which is a hallmark of the formal sector.
Large-scale operations: Pakistan Steel Mill is a large-scale industrial facility that produces steel
products on a massive scale. The sheer size of the operation requires significant investment,
capital, and resources, which is typically only possible in the formal sector.
Employment opportunities: Pakistan Steel Mill provides employment opportunities to thousands
of people, which makes it an important contributor to the formal labor market. Employees of the
Pakistan Steel Mill are registered with the government and are entitled to various benefits and
protections under the law.
Tax contributions: Pakistan Steel Mill pays taxes to the government, which is another hallmark
of the formal sector. Tax revenue is an important source of funding for the government, which
uses it to provide essential services and infrastructure to the public.
In summary, Pakistan Steel Mill is an industry in the formal sector because it is a large-scale,
government-owned manufacturing facility that provides employment opportunities, pays taxes,
and operates within the legal framework of the country.