Forest Types of India — Set 11

Correct Answer: B. Northeast India hill states

Jhum Cultivation (shifting cultivation) is primarily practiced in Northeast India's hill states including Nagaland, Mizoram, Manipur, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, and Tripura by tribal communities. In this practice, forest patches are cleared by cutting and burning, cultivated for 2-3 years, then left fallow for 10-15 years to regenerate. Traditional Jhum was sustainable with long fallow periods, but population pressure has shortened fallow periods causing forest degradation. India is promoting settled agriculture and agro-forestry to reduce Jhum pressure.

Correct Answer: B. Bhutan border region/Assam

The Sinchula Hills are located along the Assam-Bhutan border region and form part of the Eastern Himalayan foothills landscape. This area supports rich sal-dominated tropical forests and serves as an important elephant corridor between India and Bhutan. The forests here are part of the Indo-Burma Biodiversity Hotspot. The area is included in several conservation plans for the Eastern Himalayan region connecting protected areas across the international boundary.

Correct Answer: B. Total organic matter of living organisms in a forest ecosystem

Biomass in the context of forests refers to the total dry weight of all organic matter of living organisms including above-ground biomass (trunks, branches, leaves) and below-ground biomass (roots). Forest biomass is a key indicator of forest productivity and carbon storage capacity. India's total forest biomass carbon stock is estimated at 7,124 million tonnes. Biomass energy from forest residues and wood is also an important renewable energy source in rural India.

Correct Answer: B. Mandatory open green spaces and tree cover maintained around and within urban areas

Green Belt policy mandates the maintenance of open green spaces, parks, and tree cover around and within urban areas to improve air quality, provide recreation, and maintain urban ecology. Many Indian cities have designated Green Belt areas under their master plans. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has often enforced green belt protections in cities. Urban green spaces reduce heat island effect, improve mental health, filter pollutants, and provide habitat for birds and urban wildlife.

Correct Answer: B. About 21-24%

Forest land in India constitutes approximately 21-24% of the total geographical area, about 8,09,537 sq km as per the India State of Forest Report 2021. This includes Very Dense Forest, Moderately Dense Forest, and Open Forest categories. The National Forest Policy 1988 targets 33% forest cover. India has been gradually increasing forest cover through plantation programmes and natural regeneration, showing a slow but positive trend in recent Forest Survey reports.

Correct Answer: B. Low-growing shrubby vegetation in degraded or dry areas with scattered trees

Scrub Forests are low-growing shrubby vegetation found in degraded or dry areas, typically with scattered stunted trees. They develop in areas with low rainfall (below 500 mm), or in areas where original forests have been heavily degraded through cutting, burning, and overgrazing. In India, scrub forests are found extensively in degraded areas of Rajasthan, Gujarat, and parts of peninsular India. Ecological restoration programmes aim to convert scrub forests back to productive forest ecosystems.

Correct Answer: B. Peepal (Ficus religiosa)

Peepal (Ficus religiosa) is called the Sacred Fig or Bodhi Tree, renowned as the tree under which Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment at Bodh Gaya. The Peepal tree is sacred in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. It is one of the few trees that releases oxygen even at night. Peepal trees are commonly found near temples and in villages across India. The Bodhi Tree at Bodh Gaya is a direct descendant of the original tree and is revered by Buddhists worldwide.

Correct Answer: B. A 10-year document guiding sustainable management of a forest division

A Forest Management Plan is a comprehensive 10-year document that guides the sustainable management of a forest division, covering working circles, silvicultural prescriptions, harvesting plans, and conservation objectives. These plans are prepared by the State Forest Department following prescribed guidelines. Working Plans detail which areas can be harvested, which need protection, and what regeneration methods to use. The Central Government reviews and approves Working Plans before implementation.

Correct Answer: B. The natural process by which forest communities change over time towards a climax state

Forest Succession is the natural ecological process by which forest plant communities change over time, with pioneer species (grasses, herbs) colonising bare land, followed by shrubs, then early-successional trees, and finally late-successional climax forest species. In India, abandoned agricultural land gradually reverts to forest through this process over decades. Conservation of secondary forests undergoing succession is important as they store significant carbon and provide habitat for recovering biodiversity. Climax forests have the highest biodiversity and biomass.

Correct Answer: B. Planting trees on land that previously had no forest cover for a long time

Afforestation means the establishment of forest on land that has not previously been forested or has not been forested for a very long time (50+ years). It differs from reforestation (replanting trees where forest existed recently). Afforestation on degraded lands, wastelands, and barren areas is a key government strategy in India. The National Afforestation Programme, CAMPA funds, and MNREGA are used for afforestation. India has committed to creating additional forest carbon sink of 2.5-3 billion tonnes through afforestation.