Forest Types of India — Set 6

Correct Answer: B. Found in tidal zones, estuaries, and near water bodies

Littoral or Swamp Forests are characterised by their location in tidal zones, estuaries, river deltas, and near water bodies including coastal swamps and freshwater marshes. Mangroves are the best known littoral forests. These forests are adapted to periodic inundation and saline or waterlogged conditions. They serve as nurseries for fish and other aquatic life and protect coastlines from erosion and storm surges.

Correct Answer: B. They connect fragmented forest patches allowing wildlife movement

Forest corridors are strips of forest that connect isolated forest patches or wildlife habitats, allowing animals to move between them. This connectivity is critical for genetic exchange between wildlife populations, preventing inbreeding depression. Corridors like the Elephant Corridor in southern India enable seasonal migrations and reduce human-wildlife conflict. Loss of corridors leads to wildlife getting isolated, eventually causing local extinction. Wildlife corridors are protected under various conservation programmes.

Correct Answer: C. Alpine forests and high-altitude ecosystems

Alpine forests and high-altitude ecosystems are among the most threatened by climate change as rising temperatures push vegetation zones upward, reducing habitat area for cold-adapted species. Glacial retreat in the Himalayas affects water availability for these forests. Treeline shift upward has been documented in many Himalayan areas. Alpine meadows (bugyals) and endemic cold-adapted flora are particularly at risk from warming and shifting monsoon patterns.

Correct Answer: B. Haryana

Haryana has one of the minimum forest cover percentages among Indian states at less than 4% of its geographical area. Punjab also has very low forest cover. Both states are agricultural plains with intense crop cultivation leaving little space for forests. The National Forest Policy 1988 target of 33% forest cover is far from being achieved in these states. Urban forests and agro-forestry are being promoted to increase green cover in these regions.

Correct Answer: B. Partnership between local communities and forest departments in forest protection and management

Joint Forest Management (JFM) is a programme where local communities and the State Forest Department jointly protect and manage forest resources. Under JFM, Van Samitis (forest committees) of local villagers guard forests from encroachment, fire, and grazing while the forest department provides technical and financial support. Participants share forest produce and other benefits from restored forests. JFM was launched in India in 1990 and has been implemented in over 100,000 villages nationally.

Correct Answer: B. A system verifying sustainable forest management practices

Forest certification is a voluntary system that verifies sustainable forest management practices through independent third-party auditing. The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is the major international body providing forest certification. Certified forests are managed to maintain biodiversity, protect workers' rights, and ensure long-term forest health. Products from certified forests carry eco-labels that allow consumers to make environmentally responsible choices. India has some FSC-certified forest operations.

Correct Answer: C. Loss of biodiversity and increased greenhouse gases

Deforestation results in loss of biodiversity and increased greenhouse gas emissions as forests store carbon in their biomass. Other consequences include soil erosion (loss of topsoil), reduced rainfall, disrupted water cycles, flooding and drought cycles, and displacement of indigenous communities. India loses significant forest land annually to agricultural expansion, infrastructure projects, and urbanisation. Reforestation and sustainable land management are critical to reverse these effects.

Correct Answer: B. 1988

The National Forest Policy of India was formulated in 1988, replacing the earlier 1952 policy. The 1988 policy shifted the focus from revenue generation to ecological security and environmental stability. It set a target of maintaining 33% of land under forest or tree cover and emphasised the role of forests in maintaining ecological balance. The policy also prioritised the rights and needs of tribal and forest-dwelling communities in forest management.

Correct Answer: B. Changes in species composition and ecological processes at forest-non-forest boundaries

Edge Effects refer to the changes in species composition, microclimate, and ecological processes that occur at the boundary between a forest and a non-forest area (or between two different habitat types). Forest edges typically have higher light, temperature variation, and wind, favouring different species than interior forest. While some species benefit from edges, interior-forest specialists decline near edges. Large-scale deforestation creates more forest edge and less interior habitat, threatening area-sensitive species.

Correct Answer: B. They form symbiotic relationships with tree roots improving nutrient and water uptake

Mycorrhizal fungi form symbiotic associations with tree roots in a mutually beneficial relationship. The fungi extend the root system many times, greatly improving the tree's ability to absorb water and nutrients (especially phosphorus and nitrogen) from the soil. In return, the tree provides the fungi with sugars produced through photosynthesis. This relationship is critical for the health and survival of most forest trees. Disruption of mycorrhizal networks can weaken entire forest communities.