Question

Explain thorny and shrub-type vegetation in India.

Answer 1

In regions that receive less than 500 mm of rainfall and experience long dry summers in India, thorny and shrub-type vegetation is found. The leaves are small in size. Examples include catechu, acacia, khejadi, and varieties of cactus like aloe vera and agave.

1. Adaptations to Minimize Water Loss: These plants typically have small leaves or thorns instead of leaves to reduce the surface area and minimize water loss through transpiration. The presence of thorns also helps protect the plants from herbivores.
2. Deep Root Systems: The plants have long taproots that reach deep into the soil to access groundwater, ensuring their survival during prolonged periods without rain.
3. Storage of Water: Many shrubs and thorny plants are succulent, storing water in their fleshy stems or leaves, allowing them to survive during dry spells.

This vegetation is most prominently found in the Thar Desert and other arid areas like the Deccan plateau. Plants commonly seen in this type of vegetation include species like Acacia, Cacti, Euphorbia, and Prosopis (Mesquite). They play a crucial role in these ecosystems, providing food and shelter for various animals and helping to prevent soil erosion.