IAS Questions on Environment and Ecology Set- 12 for Prelims Exam

1. An important characteristic of the low latitude rainforest is

(a) Less number of species of trees
(b) Large number of species of trees
(c) Soil is rich in organic matter
(d) None

Ans: (b)

Explanation: A particularly important characteristic of the low latitude rain forest is the large number of species of trees that coexist. In the equatorial rainforest biome, as many as 3000 species may be found

.

2. Which of the following areas include the main regions of deciduous forest?

(a) Monsoon regions of India, Myanmar & Malaysia
(b) Central America, West Indies, Guyana
(c) Vietnam, Laos & Cambodia
(d) All of the above

Ans: (d)

Explanation: All the above mentioned regions are main regions of deciduous forest. Monsoon forests develop in wet dry tropical climate in which a long rainy season alternates with a dry, rather cool season. The trees lose their leaves before the commencement of dry season.

3. Which among the following are the major characteristics of the trees found in deciduous monsoon forest?

i) The trees are characterized by think girth of stews
ii) Think and coarse bask
iii) Small and hard xenomorphic leaves  
iv) Major trees are Teak, Sol, Bamboo, sheesham, Khair etc.

(a)    (i) & (ii)        (b) (ii) & (iii)    
(c)    (iii) & (iv)      (d) All of the above

Ans: (d)

Explanation: All the above mentioned features are about the trees found in deciduous monsoon forest

4. Hemlock, red pine, oak & beech are major tree species of which of the following biome?

(a) Mediterranean       
(b) Temperate Biome
(c) Subtropical evergreen biome
(d) None

Ans: (c)

Explanation: Hemlock, red pine, oak & beech are major tree species of Subtropical evergreen biome. Found in eastern part of USA, Great lakes region, China & Japan, Also known as the mid latitude and mixed deciduous biome.

5. Which of the following are the major characteristics of Savanna Biome?

i)  Fires occur annually through the biome
ii) Elephant grass averaging five meters high is the typical vegetation of this biome.   
iii) Shrubs & trees are draught resistant & characterized by thick leaves, rough bank are waxy leaf surface.

(a) i only          (b) i & iii  only   
(c)     ii only      (d) All of the above.

Ans: (d)

Explanation: All the above mentioned features are of Savanna Biome. The most famous trees are Sudan, palm, eucalyptus cataphylls etc.

6. Consider the following statements about the region:

i) It lies between 30o & 40o latitude in both the hemispheres
ii) The shrubs that are found in this biome are stunted and tough in their ability to withstand hot summer draught
iii) The vegetation of the region is known as chaparral in California, maquis or garrigue in southern Europe  
iv) The vegetation has well developed roots, leathery leaves and uneven low branches Identify the biome

(a) Mediterranean Biome     
(b) Temperate rainforest
(c) Temperate deciduous
(d) None

Ans: (a)

Explanation: The above mentioned features are of Mediterranean Biome. The Mediterranean regions are important in commercial agriculture growing olive, Figs, Cork, citrus fruits etc.

7. The trees of which biome are considered the tallest in the world?

(a) Mediterranean     (b) Temperate Rainforest   
(c) Deciduous           (d) Savanna

Ans: (b)

Explanation: The trees of Temperate Rainforest biome are considered the tallest in the world. The main species of tallest trees are red woods which can exceed in height up to 100 meters. The biome occurs only along the narrow margins of the pacific coast.

8. The native forest type of Eastern North America and Western Europe is –

(a) Temperate grassland      (b) Taiga   
(c) Coniferous                     (d) Temperate Deciduous

Ans: (d)

Explanation: The native forest type of Eastern North America and Western Europe is temperate deciduous. It is dominated by tall broad leaf trees which shed their leaves in winter.

9. Which biome is also known as the “bread basket” region of the world?

(a) Temperate grassland    (b) Savanna   
(c) Taiga                          (d) Temperate deciduous

Ans: (a)

Explanation: Of all the natural biomes, the temperate grasslands biome is known for the food grain and livelihood production and is also known as the “bread basket” region of the world.

10.    Match the following grasslands correctly with their regions
(a)    Prairies    (i) Eurasia
(b)    Steppe    (ii) North America
(c)    Pampas   (iii) South Africa
(d)    Veld        (iv) Argentine

Ans: (a) – (ii)
(b)– (i)
(c) – (iv)
(d)– iii)