MAJOR VEGETATION TYPES OF THE WORLD.pptx

Major types of vegetation all over the world includes common vegetation like forest vegetation and its types, desert vegetation, aquatic vegetation and grassland vegetaton with their respectives types. It is explained with the help of world so that it will clear the reader's concept and easy to understand. A comparision between major four types of vegetation like natural and artificial vegetation, primary and secondary vegetation also discussed here. It mainly discussed the vegetation of tropical region, temperate region and boreal region of the Earth.

1. MAJOR VEGETATION TYPES OF THE WORLD BY Dr. Malik

2. VEGETATION Vegetation simply refers to the collection of plants or plant life in a particular area or region. It includes all types of plants, such as trees, shrubs, grasses, and other forms of vegetation that grow naturally or have been cultivated. It plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance and providing habitats for various organisms.

3. SOME COMMON FORMS OF VEGETATION (Naturally growing plants) (Original, undisturbed natural vegetation) (Disturbed or De-Forested natural vegetation) (Intentionaly created or manipulated vegetation)

4. NATURAL & ARTIFICIAL VEGETATION Natural vegetation refers to the plant life that naturally grows in a particular region or ecosystem, regardless of whether it has been disturbed by human activity or not. It encompasses both primary vegetation and secondary vegetation. Artificial vegetation refers to plant life that is intentionally created or manipulated by humans for specific purposes. It is supported by a variety of methods like use of fertilizers, soil amendments, and other resources provided by humans to ensure optimal plant growth and health. Applications are decorative & experimental purposes, high crop yields by fertilizers, plastic plants etc.

5. PRIMARY & SECONDARY VEGETATION Primary vegetation refers to the original, undisturbed vegetation. Well-adapted to the local climate, soil conditions, and ecological processes. They are mostly the most tolerant plants of the region because they are native and well adapted according to that environment. Amazon rainforest is the common example of it. Secondary vegetation refers to the plant life that grows after the original. Primary vegetation has been disturbed by natural or human activities, such as forest fires, deforestation etc. Changamanga jungle in Pakistan is the best example of secondary vegetation because of reforestation in that region.

6. MAJOR TYPES OF VEGETATION Plants are very specific according to their environment. So, different kinds of vegetation can be seen in different environment and habitats. Here is some major types of vegetation that is seen all over the world. Forest Grassland Desert Aquatic vegetation

7. FOREST A forest is a large area dominated by trees. Forests are characterized by their diverse tree species, canopy structure, and vertical stratification. It is an ecosystem that provides habitat for a wide range of plant and animal species. It also provides ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration, water regulation, and soil conservation. Three major types of vegetation is seen in a forest: Tropical forest vegetation Temperate forest vegetation Boreal forest vegetation

8. MAJOR TYPES OF FOREST

9. EQUATOR Boreal Region Boreal Region Sub tropics Sub tropics Temperate Region Temperate Region Tropical Region Tropical Region

10. Forest Type Climatic conditions Types of Vegetation Tropical Region High temp. 25-30°C & rainfall ( 2,000 millimeters i.e 80 inches) Canopy trees, epiphytes, under-story plants, bamboo, lianas, palms Temperate Region Moderate climate with distinct seasons like summer, winter, autumn, & spring Dominated by broad-leaf decidous trees, some areas have coniferous trees, under-story plants, wild-flowers, mosses & lichens, fungi Boreal Region Found in high-latitude regions so they have long cold winters and short summers Dominated by coniferous trees, shrubs, wet-land vegetation, wildflowers, lichen woodland, mosses

11. ECOLOGICAL SIGNIFICAN Habitat and Biodiversity: Forest vegetation provides habitats for numerous species of plants, animals, and microorganisms, contributing to overall biodiversity. Climate Regulation: Forests play a crucial role in regulating climate by absorbing carbon dioxide, releasing oxygen, and influencing local and global weather patterns. Soil Conservation: The root systems of forest vegetation help prevent soil erosion, maintain soil fertility, and contribute to water retention. Water Cycle : Forests influence the water cycle by absorbing and releasing water vapor, contributing to local and regional precipitation patterns. Carbon Sequestration: Forests act as carbon sinks, storing significant amounts of carbon and helping mitigate the impacts of climate change. Human Well-being: Forest vegetation provides resources such as timber, medicinal plants, and recreational opportunities, contributing to human well-being.

12. FOREST Tropical Rain Forest Temperate Forest Boreal Forest

13. EPIPHYTES EPIPHYTES WILD FLOWER Wild Flower Wild Flower Temperate Coniferous Trees Boreal Coniferous Trees

14. GRASSLANDS VEGETATION Grasslands, also known as prairies, savannas, or steppes, are ecosystems dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants. Grasslands occur in regions with a semi-arid to sub-humid climate . They often experience hot summers and cold winters, with moderate to low annual precipitation. The precipitation is typically not enough to support the growth of forests. Grassland fauna includes large herbivores like bison and antelope, as well as small mammals, birds, reptiles, and insects. Grasslands provide important ecosystem services. They support agricultural activities by providing grazing land for livestock and areas for crop cultivation. Grasslands also play a role in carbon sequestration, water filtration, and soil stabilization.

15. Types of Grassland Climatic conditions Common Grass Tropical grassland (Savannas) found near the tropical region, high temp. intense sunlight, variable humidity Elephant Grass (Pennisetum purpureum), Napier Grass (Pennisetum purpureum), Guinea Grass (Panicum maximum), Temperate grassland (prairies or steppes) near the temperate region, distinct climate with moderate rainfall Brome Grass (Bromus spp.), Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii) Desert grassland (arid grasslands or desert steppes) arid or semi-arid regions with low rainfall & high temp. Tobosa Grass (Pleuraphis mutica), Indian Ricegrass (Achnatherum hymenoides), Blue Grama (Bouteloua gracilis) Alpine meadows Found in high-altitude mountain regions, Spike fescue (Leucopoa kingii), Alpine fescue (Festuca brachyphylla), Tufted hairgrass (Deschampsia cespitosa), Flooded grassland (wet meadows or marshes) high humidity & rainy regions, normally warm areas Cattails (Typha spp.) Rice (Oryza sativa) Papyrus (Cyperus papyrus)

16. Tropical Grassland Temperate Grassland Desert Grassland Flodded Grassland Alpine Meadows

17. Temperate Grassland Tropical Grassland Desert Grassland

18. UNIQUE FEATURES OF GRASSLANDS Tropical Grasslands (Savannas): Grasses in tropical grasslands are often adapted to periodic droughts and fires, with deep root systems and the ability to resprout after disturbances. Temperate Grasslands: Grasses in temperate grasslands are typically highly resistant to grazing and fire, and many have extensive root systems that allow them to survive dry periods. Desert Grasslands: Grasses of desert grassland ecosystem have adapted some features like heat tolerance, drought tolerance, and resistance against high salinity etc. Alpine Meadows: Grasses of alpine meadows ecosystem have ability to resist cold temperature stress. These grasses normally gow in shorter size so that they can tolerate strong winds running normally on mountains. Flooded Grasslands (Wetlands): Grasses in flooded grasslands often have adaptations for waterlogged conditions, such as hollow stems for buoyancy, aerenchyma tissue for oxygen transport, and the ability to tolerate extended periods of inundation

19. Ecological Signifance of Grassland Vegetation Biodiversity: Grasslands support diverse plant species, which in turn provide habitats for a variety of wildlife, including grazing mammals, birds, and insects. Carbon Storage: Grasslands play a role in carbon sequestration, storing carbon in their soils and contributing to the global carbon cycle. Soil Conservation: The deep root systems of grasses help prevent soil erosion, maintain soil structure, and promote water infiltration, contributing to soil conservation. Water Regulation: Grasslands can help regulate water flow and reduce the risk of flooding by absorbing and holding water, which is important for maintaining hydrological balance. Agricultural Importance: Many grassland areas are used for agricultural purposes, providing grazing land for livestock and supporting agricultural production.

20. DESRT VEGETATION Deserts are ecosystems that receive very little rainfall and are characterized by extreme temperatures and sparse vegetation. Deserts are found in regions around the world, like the Sahara in Africa, the Mojave in North America, and the Gobi in Asia. They can occur in both hot and cold climates. Deserts are characterized by hot days and cold nights, with very low precipitation. Some deserts may receive less than 25 millimeters of rain per year. Deserts have unique geological features such as sand dunes, canyons, and rock formations. They also have unique weather patterns, including dust storms and flash floods. The plants of deserts are typically drought-tolerant, with adaptations like deep roots or water-storing stems. Common desert plants include cacti, succulents, and shrubs.

21. SOME MAJOR ADAPTATIONS IN DESERT VEGETATION

22. DESERT TYPE EXAMPLE REFIONS & CLIMATE VEGETATIVE SPECIES Hot and Dry Deserts Sahara Desert, the Arabian Desert, the Mojave Desert High temperatures and very low rainfall date palms, desert thorn, camel grass, yucca plants. Cold Deserts The Gobi Desert, the Patagonian Desert They are typically found at higher latitudes or altitudes. They faced extreme temperature variations, saxaul trees, cushion plants, Coastal Deserts Namib Desert, the Atacama Desert Located along coastlines and are influenced by cool ocean currents. faced foggy conditions, mild temp. Nara melon, tamarugo tree, Copiapoa, Eulychnia Polar Deserts The Antarctic Desert Polar deserts are found near the Earth's poles, where extremely cold temp. snowfall Usnea, Xanthoria, Chlamydomonas, Prasiola Semiarid Deserts The Chihuahuan Desert, the Great Victoria Desert Slightly more rainfall than other desert types but still experience long dry periods Yucca, pear cactus, Desert Marigold, Mulga trees, Desert Oak

23. Date Palm Nara Melon Saxaul Trees Usnea (lichen) Yucca

24. Ecological Significane of Desert Vegetation Biodiversity: Despite harsh conditions, desert vegetation supports a variety of specialized plant species, which in turn provide habitats for unique wildlife adapted to arid environments. Soil Stabilization: The roots of desert plants help stabilize the soil, preventing erosion and contributing to soil conservation. Water Conservation: Some desert plants have adaptations for water storage and conservation, influencing the local water cycle and providing resources for other organisms. Carbon Sequestration : Desert vegetation plays a role in carbon storage, contributing to the global carbon cycle. Cultural Importance: Desert vegetation has cultural significance for indigenous communities, providing resources for food, medicine, and materials for traditional practices.

25. AQUATIC VEGETATION Aquatic vegetation refers to plant life that grows in water, including freshwater and marine environments. This type of vegetation has adapted to survive in submerged or floating conditions. Characteristics of aquatic vegetation include specialized root systems for anchorage, buoyant or flexible stems and leaves, and the ability to photosynthesize underwater. These plants provide habitat for aquatic organisms, help maintain water quality, and contribute to the overall health of aquatic ecosystems.

26. Types of aquatic vegetation: Emergent vegetation: These are plants rooted in the soil underwater but extend above the water's surface, such as cattails and bulrushes. Submerged vegetation: These plants grow entirely below the water's surface, such as eelgrass and pondweeds. Floating-leaved vegetation: These plants have leaves that float on the water's surface, such as water lilies and lotus. Floating vegetation: These are free-floating plants that drift on the water's surface, such as duckweed and water hyacinth.

27. cattails Water Lilies Eelgrass Duckweed

28. SOME ADAPTATIONS OF AQUATIC VEGETATIONS Air-filled tissues for buoyancy Flexible or elongated stems to withstand water flow Reduced cuticle to facilitate gas exchange Modified root systems for anchorage in waterlogged soil Ability to photosynthesize underwater Air channels for oxygen transport to submerged parts Water-repellent surfaces to prevent waterlogging Rapid growth to compete for light and nutrients Tolerance to fluctuating water levels Ability to reproduce through seeds, spores, or vegetative propagation

29. ECOLOGICAL IMPORTANCE OF AQUATIC VEGETATION Habitat and food source for diverse aquatic organisms Oxygen production through photosynthesis Stabilization of shorelines and prevention of erosion Filtration of pollutants and improvement of water quality Regulation of nutrient cycling within aquatic ecosystems Support for breeding and nursery areas for fish and other aquatic species Contribution to overall biodiversity and ecosystem resilience Absorption of carbon dioxide, helping mitigate climate change Buffering of wave energy and protection against storm damage Support for recreational activities and aesthetic value in natural landscapes