Forest Types of India — Set 10

Correct Answer: B. An eco-label given to products that have lesser environmental impact

Ecomark is an eco-labelling scheme launched by the Government of India in 1991 to encourage manufacturers to produce environment-friendly products with lesser environmental impact throughout their life cycle. Products that meet the environmental standards can carry the Ecomark label. It covers products like detergents, paints, batteries, and paper. The scheme is administered by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and aims to guide consumers towards sustainable choices.

Correct Answer: C. Tropical Wet Evergreen Forest

Tropical Wet Evergreen Forests have the most clearly defined three-tiered structure consisting of the upper canopy (30-45 metres), understorey trees, and ground layer with ferns, mosses, and seedlings. This stratified structure creates diverse microhabitats supporting high species diversity. The dense canopy allows very little light to reach the forest floor, creating humid and shaded conditions. This forest type has the greatest structural complexity and highest biodiversity of all Indian forest types.

Correct Answer: B. Haryana

Haryana has one of the lowest forest cover percentages among Indian states. The state is dominated by agricultural land and has less than 4% of its area under forest cover. This is well below the national average and far from the 33% target set in the National Forest Policy. Urban forestry and agro-forestry are promoted in Haryana to improve the green cover. The Aravalli hills in Haryana provide some forest cover in the southern part of the state.

Correct Answer: B. A region with exceptionally high biodiversity and under threat from human activities

A Biodiversity Hotspot is a biogeographic region that is both exceptionally rich in biodiversity (endemic species) AND faces significant threat from human activities (having lost at least 70% of its original natural vegetation). The concept was developed by Norman Myers in 1988. India has two major biodiversity hotspots: the Western Ghats and Sri Lanka, and the Indo-Burma region (Northeast India). These areas are priority regions for global conservation investment.

Correct Answer: B. Community-based forest management system in Uttarakhand where villages manage their forests

Van Panchayat is a unique community-based forest management system found primarily in Uttarakhand, where village communities manage and protect local forests (called Civil-Soyam forests) through elected committees. The Van Panchayat system dates back to 1931 during British rule. These community forests provide fuel, fodder, and timber to villagers while maintaining forest health. Studies show Van Panchayat-managed forests often have better forest quality than government-managed ones in comparable areas.

Correct Answer: B. Tropical Rainforests (Amazon-type forests globally)

Tropical Rainforests are called the 'lungs of the earth' because they absorb massive amounts of carbon dioxide and produce oxygen through photosynthesis. The Amazon Rainforest is the most famous, but India's Northeast and Western Ghats rainforests serve a similar function regionally. These forests also regulate the water cycle, influence weather patterns, and harbour about 50% of the world's species. Loss of tropical rainforests is considered one of the greatest environmental crises.

Correct Answer: B. Open woodland with widely spaced trees and grass understorey in semi-arid regions

Dry Savanna Woodland is characterised by widely spaced trees over a grass understorey in semi-arid regions. In India, similar open woodland and thorny scrub vegetation occurs in parts of Rajasthan, Gujarat, and the Deccan Plateau. The Champion and Seth classification includes several dry forest types that resemble savanna structure. These ecosystems support grassland-dependent wildlife like Indian Bustard, Blackbuck, and various raptors.

Correct Answer: B. Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation plus conservation and enhancement

REDD+ stands for Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation, plus conservation of forest carbon stocks, sustainable management of forests, and enhancement of forest carbon stocks in developing countries. It is an international climate change mechanism under the UNFCCC that provides financial incentives to developing countries for reducing deforestation. India participates in REDD+ readiness activities and has demonstrated reduced deforestation in several states.

Correct Answer: B. Coastal development, aquaculture, and sea level rise

Coastal development including urbanisation and construction, conversion to aquaculture (shrimp ponds), and sea level rise due to climate change are the primary threats to mangrove forests in India. Industrial pollution and diversion of fresh water also stress mangrove ecosystems. India's mangrove cover is about 4,992 sq km but is under pressure in states like Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu. Mangroves protect coastlines from cyclones and tsunamis, as demonstrated in the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami where intact mangroves reduced damage.

Correct Answer: B. Mango Tree

The Mango Tree (Mangifera indica) is the State Tree of Maharashtra, reflecting the importance of mango in the state's agriculture and culture. Alphonso mango (Hapus) from the Konkan region of Maharashtra is among the most prized varieties in the world. Maharashtra is one of India's leading mango producers. The mango tree is also the national tree of many South Asian countries due to its cultural, economic, and ecological significance.