Natural Vegetation

11. Arrange the following states in decreasing order of their total area u

Arrange the following states in decreasing order of their total area under forest cover :

  • 1. Jharkhand
  • 2. Chhattisgarh
  • 3. Arunachal Pradesh
  • 4. Madhya Pradesh

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

[amp_mcq option1=”4 – 3 – 2 – 1″ option2=”4 – 2 – 3 – 1″ option3=”3 – 4 – 1 – 2″ option4=”2 – 1 – 3 – 4″ correct=”option1″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-2 – 2016
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The correct decreasing order of total area under forest cover is Madhya Pradesh > Arunachal Pradesh > Chhattisgarh > Jharkhand.
Based on forest cover data (e.g., India State of Forest Report 2015/2017), the total forest cover area of the given states is approximately: Madhya Pradesh (~77,462 sq km), Arunachal Pradesh (~67,248 sq km), Chhattisgarh (~55,586 sq km), and Jharkhand (~23,478 sq km). Arranging these in decreasing order gives 4 – 3 – 2 – 1.
Madhya Pradesh consistently ranks among the top states in India by total forest cover area. Note that forest cover percentages can yield a different ranking than total area.

12. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code

Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code given below the Lists:

List I
(Place)		List II
(Normal vegetation type)
A. Western Ghats1. Tropical Moist Deciduous
B. Himachal Pradesh2. Tropical Evergreen
C. Haryana and Punjab3. Himalayan Moist Forest
D. Chhotanagpur Plateau4. Tropical Thorny Forest

[amp_mcq option1=”2 3 4 1″ option2=”1 4 3 2″ option3=”2 4 3 1″ option4=”1 3 4 2″ correct=”option1″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-2 – 2015
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The correct answer is A) 2 3 4 1.
Matching the places with their typical vegetation:
A. Western Ghats: High rainfall zone, particularly the western slopes, supporting Tropical Evergreen forests (2).
B. Himachal Pradesh: Part of the Himalayas, vegetation varies with altitude but Moist Temperate forests are characteristic of mid-altitudes, fitting within Himalayan Moist Forest type (3).
C. Haryana and Punjab: Plains receiving less rainfall, historically having drier vegetation types including Tropical Thorny Forests before extensive agriculture (4).
D. Chhotanagpur Plateau: Receives moderate rainfall, characterized by deciduous forests that shed leaves seasonally, aligning with Tropical Moist Deciduous (1).
The correct sequence of matches is A-2, B-3, C-4, D-1. Option A provides this sequence (2 3 4 1).

13. Which of the following tree species is/are found on Himalayas ? 1. O

Which of the following tree species is/are found on Himalayas ?

  • 1. Oak
  • 2. Rhododendron
  • 3. Rosewood

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

[amp_mcq option1=”1 only” option2=”2 and 3″ option3=”1 and 3″ option4=”1 and 2″ correct=”option4″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-1 – 2023
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The correct answer is D) 1 and 2.
The Himalayas exhibit a wide range of vegetation types depending on altitude and rainfall. Oak (Quercus species) trees are commonly found in the temperate forest zones of the Himalayas. Rhododendron species are also characteristic plants of the Himalayan region, particularly in the temperate to sub-alpine zones, known for their vibrant flowers. Rosewood (e.g., Dalbergia latifolia) is primarily a tropical hardwood species found in peninsular India, especially in the Western Ghats, and is not typical of the Himalayan flora.
Himalayan vegetation transitions from tropical deciduous forests at lower altitudes to temperate forests (including oaks, pines, deodars, firs, spruces), alpine meadows, and finally tundra/nival zones at the highest elevations. Rhododendrons are a prominent feature of the temperate and alpine flora.

14. According to the Forest Survey Report, 2021, area-wise which one of th

According to the Forest Survey Report, 2021, area-wise which one of the following States has the largest forest cover in India?

[amp_mcq option1=”Odisha” option2=”Madhya Pradesh” option3=”Arunachal Pradesh” option4=”Chhattisgarh” correct=”option2″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-1 – 2022
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According to the India State of Forest Report (ISFR), 2021, Madhya Pradesh has the largest forest cover in India area-wise.
The Forest Survey of India (FSI) biennial report, ISFR 2021, states that Madhya Pradesh has the largest forest cover in terms of area among all Indian states. Following Madhya Pradesh are Arunachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Maharashtra.
While Madhya Pradesh has the largest forest cover by area, Mizoram has the highest percentage of forest cover relative to its geographical area, followed by Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Manipur, and Nagaland.

15. A person had visited a region in India and found trees such as Khair,

A person had visited a region in India and found trees such as Khair, Neem, Khejri and Palas. Which one of the following regions is she/he expected to have visited?

[amp_mcq option1=”Malabar Coast” option2=”Garo Hills” option3=”Sunderban Delta” option4=”Desert Region” correct=”option4″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-1 – 2022
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The correct answer is D) Desert Region.
The trees listed – Khair, Neem, Khejri, and Palas – are characteristic species of dry deciduous forests and thorn forests, which are prevalent in arid and semi-arid regions of India. Khejri (Prosopis cineraria) is particularly well-known for its adaptation to desert conditions and is often found in the Thar Desert.
The Malabar Coast receives heavy rainfall and supports tropical evergreen and moist deciduous forests. Garo Hills are also characterized by dense tropical or subtropical forests due to high rainfall. The Sunderban Delta is dominated by mangrove vegetation, specifically adapted to brackish water environments.

16. The natural vegetation which covers the maximum geographical areas of

The natural vegetation which covers the maximum geographical areas of India is

[amp_mcq option1=”Tropical deciduous forests.” option2=”Tropical thorn forests.” option3=”Montane forests.” option4=”Tropical evergreen forests.” correct=”option1″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-1 – 2021
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Tropical deciduous forests, also known as monsoon forests, are the most widespread type of vegetation in India. They are found in regions that receive rainfall between 70 cm and 200 cm annually. These forests are characterized by trees that shed their leaves seasonally (typically during the dry season). They cover vast areas of the Indian peninsula, the plains along the foothills of the Himalayas, and parts of states like Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.
The distribution of natural vegetation in India is primarily determined by variations in climate, particularly rainfall and temperature, as well as topography.
Tropical evergreen forests are found in areas with very high rainfall (>200 cm) and cover significantly less area than deciduous forests, primarily in the Western Ghats, parts of the Northeast, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Tropical thorn forests are found in arid and semi-arid regions with low rainfall (<70 cm), while Montane forests are found in mountainous areas at different altitudes.

17. Which one of the following Himalayan vegetation species is found betwe

Which one of the following Himalayan vegetation species is found between the altitudes of 1800 to 2600 metres ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Saal” option2=”Chir” option3=”Spruce” option4=”Deodar” correct=”option4″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-1 – 2018
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Himalayan vegetation varies significantly with altitude. The altitude range of 1800 to 2600 meters typically falls within the Temperate forest zone.
– Saal (Shorea robusta) is a characteristic tree of the Subtropical/Tropical forests found at lower altitudes (below ~1200m).
– Chir Pine (Pinus roxburghii) is found in the lower Himalayan ranges, primarily between 900 and 2000 meters.
– Spruce (Picea smithiana) is found in the Western Himalayas at altitudes typically between 1800 and 3000 meters.
– Deodar (Cedrus deodara) is a prominent species in the Western Himalayas, thriving at altitudes between 1500 and 3200 meters, but is often dominant or forms pure stands specifically within the 1800 to 2600 meter range. Among the given options, Deodar is the most characteristic species found prominently within the entire specified altitude band of 1800-2600 metres.
Altitude is a primary factor determining vegetation types in the Himalayas, leading to distinct zones like Tropical, Subtropical, Temperate, and Alpine forests.
The specific altitude ranges for vegetation types can vary slightly depending on the region (Western vs. Eastern Himalayas) and local conditions (aspect, rainfall). However, Deodar is widely recognized as a key species in the mid-temperate zone of the Himalayas.

18. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code

Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code given below the Lists :

List I
(National Park/Wildlife Sanctuary)
A. Chandra Prabha
B. Silent Valley
C. Valley of flowers
D. Indravati

List II
(State)
1. Uttarakhand
2. Chhattisgarh
3. Uttar Pradesh
4. Kerala

Code :
A) 2 1 4 3
B) 3 4 1 2
C) 2 4 1 3
D) 3 1 4 2

[amp_mcq option1=”2 1 4 3″ option2=”3 4 1 2″ option3=”2 4 1 3″ option4=”3 1 4 2″ correct=”option2″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-1 – 2015
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The correct matching is Chandra Prabha (Uttar Pradesh), Silent Valley (Kerala), Valley of Flowers (Uttarakhand), and Indravati (Chhattisgarh). This corresponds to the code 3, 4, 1, 2.
This question tests knowledge of the geographical locations of prominent National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries in India.
Chandra Prabha Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Chandauli district of Uttar Pradesh. Silent Valley National Park is in the Nilgiri Hills of Kerala. Valley of Flowers National Park is in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, known for its endemic alpine flowers. Indravati National Park is in the Bijapur district of Chhattisgarh.

19. Which one of the following Indian states has the highest proportion of

Which one of the following Indian states has the highest proportion of area under forest cover ?
A) Madhya Pradesh
B) Sikkim
C) Meghalaya
D) Mizoram

[amp_mcq option1=”Madhya Pradesh” option2=”Sikkim” option3=”Meghalaya” option4=”Mizoram” correct=”option4″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-1 – 2015
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Among the given options, Mizoram has the highest proportion (percentage) of its geographical area under forest cover. According to the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2021, Mizoram has 84.93% of its geographical area under forest cover, which is the highest percentage among all Indian states. While Madhya Pradesh has the largest total area under forest cover, its percentage is much lower (25.14% as per ISFR 2021). Sikkim and Meghalaya also have high percentages but typically lower than Mizoram.
Distinguishing between total forest area and the proportion of forest cover when comparing states, and knowing which state holds the highest percentage.
The states in the North-Eastern region of India are generally characterized by high forest cover percentages due to their topography and climate. Understanding the data from the India State of Forest Report is crucial for answering such questions.

20. Which of the following statements regarding Tropical Deciduous forests

Which of the following statements regarding Tropical Deciduous forests in India is/are correct ?

  • 1. They are the most widespread forests in India.
  • 2. They spread over regions which receive annual rainfall between 70 – 200 cm.

Select the answer using the code given below :

[amp_mcq option1=”1 only” option2=”2 only” option3=”Both 1 and 2″ option4=”Neither 1 nor 2″ correct=”option3″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC Geoscientist – 2024
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Both statements regarding Tropical Deciduous forests in India are correct.
Statement 1: Tropical Deciduous forests are indeed the most widespread type of forests in India, covering vast areas across different regions, including the monsoon forests.
Statement 2: Tropical Deciduous forests are classified based on rainfall. Moist deciduous forests receive annual rainfall between 100-200 cm, while Dry deciduous forests receive rainfall between 70-100 cm. Combining both types, the range of rainfall for tropical deciduous forests is typically between 70 cm and 200 cm.
Tropical Deciduous forests are also known as Monsoon Forests because the trees in these forests shed their leaves during the dry season, similar to the seasonal pattern influenced by monsoon rains. Important species found in these forests include Teak, Sal, Sandalwood, Bamboo, etc.
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