The Amazon Basin (Tropical Region)

1. Geographical Location
   • The Amazon Basin is located in South America.
   • It is drained by the Amazon River and its tributaries.
   • Covers countries like Brazil, Peru, Colombia, and Venezuela.
2. Climate
   • Equatorial Climate: Hot and humid throughout the year.
   • High temperatures and heavy rainfall (200 cm or more annually).
   • No distinct seasons due to proximity to the equator.
3. Natural Vegetation
   • Dense evergreen rainforests are found here, also called selvas.
   • Tall trees form a canopy, blocking sunlight from reaching the forest floor.
   • Common trees: Mahogany, ebony, rubber trees.
4. Wildlife
   • Rich biodiversity with animals like jaguars, anacondas, macaws, sloths, and toucans.
   • Rivers have aquatic species like piranhas and river dolphins.
   • Insects and reptiles are abundant.
5. Human Life
   • Indigenous People: Tribes like the Yanomami and Kayapo live in harmony with nature.
   • They practice slash-and-burn agriculture, grow crops like cassava and maize, and rely on hunting, fishing, and gathering.
   • Modernization has introduced roads, deforestation, and urbanization, threatening the ecosystem.

The Ganga-Brahmaputra Basin (Subtropical Region)

1. Geographical Location
   • Covers parts of India, Bangladesh, and Bhutan.
   • It is drained by the Ganga and Brahmaputra Rivers along with their tributaries.
2. Climate
   • Subtropical Climate: Hot summers, cold winters, and monsoonal rainfall.
   • Rainfall varies across the region but is vital for agriculture.
3. Natural Vegetation
   • Tropical Deciduous Forests: Found in plains with trees like sal, teak, and bamboo.
   • Coniferous Forests: Found in hilly areas with trees like pine and fir.
   • Mangroves are found in the Sundarbans, home to the Royal Bengal Tiger.
4. Wildlife
   • Rich in species like elephants, tigers, rhinoceroses, and various birds.
   • Aquatic species like dolphins are found in rivers.
5. Human Life
   • One of the most densely populated regions in the world.
   • Agriculture is the primary occupation. Main crops include:
     • Food Crops: Rice, wheat, maize.
     • Cash Crops: Sugarcane, jute.
   • Industrial development is prominent, with industries like textiles, sugar, and paper.
   • Urban centers like Kolkata, Patna, and Dhaka are major hubs.

Comparison: Amazon Basin vs Ganga-Brahmaputra Basin

Human-Environment Interaction

• People in both regions adapt to their environment and modify it for their needs.
• In the Amazon Basin, traditional methods like hunting and slash-and-burn farming are prevalent.
• In the Ganga-Brahmaputra Basin, large-scale agriculture, industries, and urbanization have led to deforestation, pollution, and habitat destruction.

Key Terms

1. Slash-and-Burn Agriculture: A method where trees are cut and burnt to clear land for farming.
2. Biodiversity: The variety of plant and animal species in a region.
3. Monsoons: Seasonal winds that bring rainfall, crucial for farming in the Ganga-Brahmaputra Basin.