UPSC Prelims Environment & Ecology PYQs: Biomes & Natural Vegetation

Q. Consider the following :
(UPSC Pre – 2024)

1. Cashew
2. Papaya
3. Red sanders

How many of the above trees are actually native to India?

(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None

Ans: (a)

Q. With reference to “Gucchi” sometimes mentioned in the news, consider the following statements:
(UPSC Pre – 2022)

1. It is a fungus.
2. It grows in some Himalayan forest areas.
3. It is commercially cultivated in the Himalayan foothills of north-eastern India.

Which of the statement/s given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2
(c) 2 and 3
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans: (c)

Q. The vegetation of savannah consists of grasses with scattered small trees, but extensive areas have no trees. The forest development in such areas is generally kept in check by one or more or a combination of some conditions. Which of the following are such conditions?
(UPSC Pre – 2021)

1. Burrowing animals and termites
2. Fire
3. Grazing herbivores
4. Seasonal rainfall
5. Soil properties

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 and 2
(b) 4 and 5
(c) 2, 3 and 4
(d) 1, 3 and 5

Ans: (c)

Q. “Leaf litter decomposes faster than in any other biome and as a result, the soil surface is often almost bare. Apart from trees, the vegetation is largely composed of plant forms that reach up into the canopy vicariously, by climbing the trees or growing as epiphytes, rooted on the upper branches of trees.” This is most likely the description of:
(UPSC Pre – 2021)

(a) Coniferous forest
(b) Dry deciduous forest
(c) Mangrove forest
(d) Tropical rainforest

Ans: (d)

Q. The greatest diversity in plants and animals is characteristic of:
(UPSC Pre – 2016, 1994)

(a) Temperate deciduous forests
(b) Tropical moist forests
(c) Savanna
(d) Temperate forest with grasslands

Ans: (b)

Q. In India, in which one of the following types of forests is teak a dominant tree species?
(UPSC Pre – 2015)

(a) Tropical moist deciduous forest
(b) Tropical rainforest
(c) Tropical thorn scrub forest
(d) Temperate forest with grasslands

Ans: (a)

Q. Consider the following states:
(UPSC Pre – 2015)

Arunachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh
Mizoram

In which of the above states do ‘Tropical Wet Evergreen Forests’ occur?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans: (c)

Q. Which one of the following regions of India has a combination of mangrove forest, evergreen forest, and deciduous forest?
(UPSC Pre – 2015)

(a) North Coastal Andhra Pradesh
(b) South-West Bengal
(c) Southern Saurashtra
(d) Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Ans: (d)

Q. If you travel through the Himalayas, you are likely to see which of the following plants naturally growing there?
(UPSC Pre – 2014)

1. Oak
2. Rhododendron
3. Sandalwood

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans: (d)

Q. Which of the following is not temperate grassland?
(UPSC Pre – 2014)

(a) Pampas
(b) Veldt
(c) Downs
(d) Savannah

Ans: (d)

Q. Which of the following is/are unique characteristic/characteristics of equatorial forests?
(UPSC Pre – 2013)

1. The presence of tall, closely set trees with crowns forming a continuous canopy.
2. Co-existence of a large number of species.
3. The presence of numerous varieties of epiphytes.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 Only
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 3
(d) All of these

Ans: (d)

Q. Which of the following temperate grasslands are found in Eurasia?
(UPSC Pre – 2012)

(a) Downs
(b) Veldt
(c) Steppes
(d) Prairies

Ans: (c)

Q. The Himalayan Range is very rich in species diversity. Which one among the following is the most appropriate reason for this phenomenon?
(UPSC Pre – 2011)

(a) It has a high rainfall that supports luxuriant vegetative growth.
(b) It is a confluence of different biogeographical zones.
(c) Exotic and invasive species have not been introduced in this region.
(d) It has less human interference.

Ans: (b)

Q. Consider the following statements:
(UPSC Pre – 2011)

1. Biodiversity is normally greater in the lower latitudes as compared to the higher latitudes.
2. Along the mountain gradients, biodiversity is normally greater in the lower altitudes as compared to the higher altitudes.

Which of the statement/s given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: (c)

Q. Consider the following statements:
(UPSC Pre – 2010)

1. The Taxus tree is naturally found in the Himalayas.
2. The Taxus tree is listed in the Red Data Book.
3. A drug called ‘taxol’ is obtained from Taxus tree which is effective against Parkinson’s disease.

Which of the statement/s given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2
(c) 2 and 3
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans: (d)

Q. Consider the following statements:
(UPSC Pre – 2005)

1. The forest cover in India constitutes around 20% of its geographical area. Out of the total forest cover, dense forest constitutes around 40%.
2. The National Forestry Action Programme aims at bringing one-third of the area of India under tree/forest cover.

Which of the statement/s given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: (b)

Q. Amongst the following Indian states, which one has the minimum total forest cover?
(UPSC Pre – 2004)

(a) Sikkim
(b) Goa
(c) Haryana
(d) Kerala

Ans: (c)

Q. Open stunted forest with bushes and small trees having long roots and sharp thorns or spines are commonly found in:
(UPSC Pre – 2002)

(a) Eastern Orissa
(b) North-Eastern Tamil Nadu
(c) Shivalik and Terai region
(d) Western Andhra Pradesh

Ans: (d)

Q. The minimum land area recommended for forest cover to maintain proper ecological balance in India is:
(UPSC Pre – 1999)

(a) 25%
(b) 33%
(c) 43%
(d) 53%

Ans: (b)

Q. “Monoculture of commercially viable trees is destroying the unique natural profile. Thoughtless exploitation of timber, deforesting vast tracts for palm cultivation, destruction of mangroves, illegal logging by tribals, and poaching only compound the problem. Freshwater pockets are fast drying up due to deforestation and destruction of mangroves.”
The place referred to in this quotation is:
(UPSC Pre – 1995)

(a) Sunderban
(b) Kerala coast
(c) Orissa coast
(d) Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Ans: (a)