Natural Vegetation — Set 5
Geography · प्राकृतिक वनस्पति · Questions 41–50 of 50
Wet temperate forests are found at a height of?
Correct Answer: D. 1000 to 2000 meters
• **Wet temperate forests = found at 1000 to 2000 metres altitude**, characterized by evergreen broadleaf oaks and chestnuts. • **West Bengal and Sikkim hills** — typical locations in India where wet temperate forests occur. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: 100–500 m: sub-tropical hill forests zone; 3000–4000 m: alpine vegetation zone; Above 5000 m: near snowline, only tundra mosses/lichens.
The vegetation found at the highest altitudes of the Himalayas, near the snowline, is?
Correct Answer: B. Alpine Tundra
• **Alpine Tundra = vegetation near the snowline at highest Himalayan altitudes**, consisting of mosses and lichens. • **Extreme limit of plant life** — above this zone, permanent snow prevents any plant growth. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Dry Deciduous: low-altitude seasonal forests; Tropical Evergreen: warm humid lowlands; Mangrove: coastal saline habitat.
Which of the following states does NOT have mangrove forests?
Correct Answer: A. Rajasthan
• **Rajasthan = does NOT have mangrove forests** because it is a landlocked desert state with no coastal areas. • **West Bengal (Sundarbans), Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh** — states with significant mangrove areas along their coasts. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Andhra Pradesh: has mangroves in Krishna/Godavari deltas; West Bengal: largest mangrove area (Sundarbans); Gujarat: mangroves in Gulf of Kutch/Khambhat.
A very large ecosystem on land having distinct types of vegetation and animal life is called a?
Correct Answer: D. Biome
• **Biome = a very large land ecosystem** defined by its climate and the distinct types of vegetation and animal life it supports. • **Identified primarily by vegetation** — terrestrial biomes are classified based on their dominant plant communities. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Garden: small human-managed space; Field: agricultural land; Park: managed recreational area — none are natural large-scale ecosystems.
Cacti and Euphorbias are common plant species of which region?
Correct Answer: B. North-western India (Semi-arid)
• **Cacti and Euphorbias = succulent plants of north-western India's semi-arid thorn forests**, adapted to store water. • **Thick stems for water storage** — these plants survive dry conditions by accumulating water in their fleshy tissues. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Western Ghats: high rainfall, no need for succulents; Sundarbans: mangrove delta habitat; Himalayas: cold temperate, different plant adaptations.
Which of the following is a hardwood tree species?
Correct Answer: D. Mahogany
• **Mahogany = a hardwood tree** found in tropical evergreen forests, dense and durable for high-value timber. • **Pine, Spruce, Silver Fir = softwoods** from temperate coniferous forests, used in paper, matches, and packaging. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Pine: coniferous softwood; Spruce: coniferous softwood; Silver Fir: coniferous softwood — all three are incorrect for hardwood classification.
What is the primary cause of forest degradation in India?
Correct Answer: D. Overgrazing and human encroachment
• **Overgrazing and human encroachment = primary causes of forest degradation** in India, alongside illegal felling. • **Illegal tree felling** — contributes significantly to deforestation along with agricultural expansion into forest land. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Growth of trees: causes forest expansion, not degradation; Natural fires only: partial cause, not primary; Wildlife migration: natural process, not a degradation cause.
Which tree species is used for making high-quality sports goods like cricket bats?
Correct Answer: A. Willow
• **Willow = used for making high-quality cricket bats**, valued for its lightweight yet strong wood. • **Found in Kashmir (temperate region)** — Willow grows in cool temperate climates, making Kashmir the main source in India. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Rubber: used for tyres/erasers, not bats; Teak: hardwood for furniture/shipbuilding; Sal: heavy construction timber, too dense for sports equipment.
The Biosphere Reserves in India are established primarily to?
Correct Answer: B. Conserve biodiversity in its natural habitat
• **Biosphere Reserves = established to conserve biodiversity** and protect entire ecosystems in their natural state. • **Balance conservation with sustainable use** — the mandate of Biosphere Reserves is not total prohibition but sustainable resource use. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Build factories: completely contrary to conservation purpose; Promote hunting: illegal in reserves; Cut more trees: opposite of the reserve's mandate.
Which part of India is known for its high concentration of orchids in natural vegetation?
Correct Answer: D. North-Eastern Himalayas
• **North-Eastern Himalayas = famous for rich diversity of wild orchids**, owing to its humid cool climate. • **Many species rare and endemic** — numerous orchid species found here exist nowhere else in the world. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Thar Desert: hot dry, no orchids; Rann of Kutch: saline marshy, hostile to orchids; Punjab Plains: flat agricultural land, wrong climate for wild orchids.