Question 1

What type of forest covers the Western Ghats and receives heavy rainfall exceeding 250 cm annually?

Accepted Answer

Tropical Evergreen Forest. The Western Ghats, also known as Sahyadri, are covered with tropical evergreen forests that receive very high annual rainfall exceeding 250 cm. These forests remain green throughout the year due to continuous rainfall and moisture. Examples include the Malabar rainforests where diverse species thrive.

Question 2

Which forest type is found in areas receiving 200-250 cm rainfall and sheds most of its leaves during dry season?

Accepted Answer

Tropical Deciduous. Tropical deciduous forests receive 200-250 cm rainfall annually and are characterized by trees that shed their leaves during the dry season to conserve water. These forests cover most of central India and include valuable timber species like teak and sal. The dry season adaptation helps trees survive water scarcity.

Question 3

What are mangrove forests primarily found in and what is their key characteristic?

Accepted Answer

Coastal salt marshes with halophytic vegetation. Mangrove forests are found in coastal salt marshes and tidal zones where freshwater and saltwater meet. These forests are characterized by halophytic (salt-tolerant) vegetation with specialized roots like prop roots and aerial roots. The Sundarbans in India is the world's largest mangrove forest, providing crucial habitat for tigers and other species.

Question 4

Which of these is NOT a characteristic feature of temperate forests?

Accepted Answer

Present in tropical regions near equator. Temperate forests are found at higher altitudes and latitudes, not in tropical regions near the equator. They contain both deciduous trees that lose leaves seasonally and coniferous evergreens. These forests receive moderate rainfall of 50-100 cm annually and are found in regions with distinct seasons, such as parts of the Himalayas in India and temperate regions of North America.

Question 5

What is the primary objective of Project Tiger launched in 1973 in India?

Accepted Answer

To conserve tiger population and establish protected habitats. Project Tiger was launched in 1973 with the primary objective of conserving the tiger population in India and establishing tiger reserves with protected habitats. This centrally-sponsored scheme created a network of tiger reserves to ensure the survival of the species. The project has been instrumental in recovering tiger numbers from critically endangered levels, with India now hosting the largest tiger population globally.

Forest Conservation Laws — Set 1