[Biology Class Notes] on Flora and Fauna Pdf for EXAM

Biotic and abiotic elements are part of this ecosystem where biotic factors include flora and fauna. Flora refers to plant life whereas fauna refers to animal life. On the other side, abiotic factors are the non-living components of the interconnected network of the ecosystem including water, soil, temperature, sunlight, pollution and wind.

Let’s Explore Flora and Fauna Meaning

It’s important to understand flora and fauna meaning to become aware of their importance in the ecosystem. Flora and Fauna, both are significant for human existence as these are responsible for the regulation of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the air. Also, they benefit us with a variety of food, water, and medicines. Know what is flora and fauna description in detail.

What is Flora?

The population of plant life, the natural vegetation including fungi, algae, and indigenous plants in a particular geographical region or time is called flora.Known as the “Goddess of the Flower”, flora represents the whole plant kingdom.

It can be classified into different categories according to various factors. Some plants growing in deserts, some growing in water, and some found in hilly regions, etc. make up the flora. Plants growing in a specific area will also have adaptations; for example, Cactus, a desert plant, is found in deserts with adaptations such as modified leaves and prickles for the preservation of water and protection against predators. Flowers also fall into the category of Flora, men cultivate agricultural and ornamental flowers and the practice is known as Horticulture. A specific flora meaning lies deep in its Scientific name as it also includes literature references, habitats, geographical distribution, flowering times, illustrations, and many more.

What is Fauna?

The population of animal life in a particular region or time represents the Fauna. ‘Goddess of fertility’ is the name given for Fauna and it consists of a wide variety of animal lives. The classification of the animal kingdom is widely available falling under categories that include birds, fish, microorganisms, and cryptofauna i.e. undiscovered animals. Avifauna is a term referring to the birds whereas Piscifauna is a term referring to the fish. Microfauna is a term given for microscopic organisms including domains like Archaea and bacteria.

Fauna meaning is simply referring to all kinds of animals living in a particular habitat. Birds from pheasants to a vulture, mammals from mouse to bison, worms to reptiles, insects, soil and water fauna, etc. all inter-related species fall under the category of fauna.

Significance of Flora and Fauna in the Ecosystem 

Flora and fauna hugely contribute towards human existence as they play a role in the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Plants are responsible for producing Oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide, and most of the fauna do the vice versa. Oxygen and carbon dioxide are important components of the respiratory system for humans. 

In addition, flora and fauna are medicinally important for us as a wide range of medicines and herbs can be extracted from them. All animals of a particular region or habitat make up the Fauna population that majorly contribute to producing medications and drugs to treat human ailments. Similarly, drugs and herbs can be produced from plants existing in nature that help in human well-being.

Due to the preservation of flora and fauna, the overall beauty of nature is maintained and is beneficial for ecology. A variety of biosphere reserves, zoos, botanical gardens, national parks, forests, etc. are a large collection of flora and fauna. It’s an excellent tourist attraction as well as the rare species enhance the aesthetic value and provide opportunities for recreation.

As discussed earlier, flora and fauna lead to enhanced tourism, be it attracting tourists and scientists at Amazon forests or at sanctuaries, which further leads to regulating and increasing the economical value. Widespread flora and fauna have a huge importance in expanding local economies.

Indian Flora and Fauna

India has a rich flora and fauna estimated over 81,000 species of fauna and 47.000  species of flora. Flora and fauna of India include multitudinous varieties of plants and animals. Indian fauna comprises 500 varieties of mammals, 30K different insects, and various species of amphibians, reptiles, and fish. Examples of Indian fauna include large animals like Elephants, Bengal Tiger, Lions, Bison, and Rhinoceros. Indian fauna examples include temperate forests, Oak, Alpines, Pines, Rhododendron, Deodar, Maples, Bamboos, etc.