Test: Natural Vegetation & Wildlife- 1 - UPSC MCQ

Number of Tiger Reserves in India:
The correct answer is option C: 50.
Here is a detailed explanation:
1. India is home to a significant population of tigers and has taken extensive measures for their conservation and protection. Tiger reserves are established to provide a safe habitat for the endangered species.
2. Currently, India has a total of 50 tiger reserves spread across different states. These reserves are designated areas where tigers and other wildlife are protected from hunting, poaching, and habitat destruction.
3. The establishment of tiger reserves in India started in 1973 with the launch of "Project Tiger" by the Government of India. The aim was to protect the dwindling population of tigers and their habitats.
4. Each tiger reserve is managed by a dedicated management authority responsible for conservation activities, monitoring, and promoting sustainable tourism.
5. These reserves are strategically located in various ecological regions of the country, ensuring a wide distribution and genetic diversity of tigers.
6. Some of the prominent tiger reserves in India include Bandipur Tiger Reserve, Corbett Tiger Reserve, Kanha Tiger Reserve, Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, and Sundarbans Tiger Reserve, among others.
7. The tiger reserves not only play a crucial role in tiger conservation but also contribute to the overall biodiversity and ecosystem health by protecting the habitats of other wildlife species.
In conclusion, India has a total of 50 tiger reserves, which are dedicated areas for the conservation and protection of tigers and their habitats.

Silver fur is found in the following type of vegetation zone:
The correct answer is C: Montane forests.
Explanation:
Montane forests are high-altitude forests typically found in mountainous regions. They are characterized by cooler temperatures and higher levels of precipitation compared to lower elevation forests. It is in these montane forests that silver fur can be found.
Here are the characteristics of each vegetation zone mentioned in the options:
A. Mangrove forests:
- Found in coastal areas and estuaries
- Dominated by salt-tolerant vegetation such as mangrove trees
- Silver fur is not typically found in this type of vegetation zone.
B. Thorn forests:
- Found in arid and semi-arid regions
- Dominated by drought-resistant vegetation with thorny plants
- Silver fur is not typically found in this type of vegetation zone.
C. Montane forests:
- Found in mountainous regions at higher elevations
- Cooler temperatures and higher precipitation
- Home to a variety of plant and animal species, including silver fur.
D. Deciduous forests:
- Found in temperate regions with distinct seasons
- Dominated by trees that lose their leaves in the winter
- Silver fur is not typically found in this type of vegetation zone.
Therefore, the correct answer is C: Montane forests.

Position of India in the Mega Bio-diversity Countries in the World
India is known for its rich and diverse flora and fauna. It is considered to be one of the mega bio-diversity countries in the world. The position of India in the mega bio-diversity countries can be explained as follows:
1. Definition of Mega Bio-diversity Countries:
- Mega bio-diversity countries are those that harbor the majority of the Earth's species.
- These countries are recognized for their exceptional biodiversity and are of global importance for conservation.
2. Number of Mega Bio-diversity Countries:
- There is no fixed number of mega bio-diversity countries.
- Different sources may provide different lists, but they generally range from 10 to 20 countries.
3. India's Position:
- India is considered to be one of the mega bio-diversity countries in the world.
- It is estimated to be one of the 12 mega bio-diversity countries globally.
- India's diverse ecosystems, including forests, wetlands, deserts, and coastal areas, contribute to its high biodiversity.
Therefore, the correct answer is option C: One of the 12 mega bio-diversity countries in the world. India's remarkable biodiversity highlights the need for conservation efforts to protect its unique species and ecosystems.

Sunderbans Location:
The Sunderbans is located in West Bengal.
- Heading: Sunderbans Location
- Key Point: The Sunderbans is situated in West Bengal.
- Explanation: The Sunderbans region is located in the eastern part of India, specifically in the state of West Bengal. It is a vast mangrove forest area that spans across the Indian state and also extends into neighboring Bangladesh.
- Key Point: The Sunderbans is not located in Odisha or Andhra Pradesh.
- Explanation: While Odisha and Andhra Pradesh are also states in India, the Sunderbans is not located in either of these states. It is primarily found in West Bengal.
- Key Point: None of these options are correct except West Bengal.
- Explanation: Out of the given options (West Bengal, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, None of these), the correct answer is West Bengal. The Sunderbans is specifically located in this state and does not extend to the other options mentioned.
- Conclusion: Therefore, the Sunderbans is located in West Bengal, India.

States without Tropical Deciduous Forests:
- Rajasthan
Explanation:
Tropical deciduous forests are characterized by trees that shed their leaves during a particular season. They are typically found in regions with a distinct dry and wet season.
- Jharkhand: Jharkhand is known for its rich biodiversity and is home to tropical deciduous forests. It has a mix of moist and dry deciduous forests.
- Western Orissa: Western Orissa, also known as Western Odisha, has a variety of forest types, including tropical deciduous forests. These forests play a crucial role in supporting the local ecosystem.
- Chhattisgarh: Chhattisgarh is known for its vast forest cover, including tropical deciduous forests. These forests provide habitat for numerous plant and animal species and contribute to the ecological balance of the region.
- Rajasthan: Rajasthan, being a desert state, does not have tropical deciduous forests. It is characterized by arid and semi-arid regions with sparse vegetation.
Therefore, the state that does not have tropical deciduous forests is Rajasthan.

The vegetation that is supported by wet, marshy deltaic soils is mangrove forests.
Explanation:
Mangrove forests are specifically adapted to thrive in wet and marshy environments, such as deltaic soils found in coastal regions. These unique ecosystems are characterized by salt-tolerant trees and shrubs, known as mangroves, which have specialized aerial roots and salt-filtering mechanisms. Here is a detailed explanation of why mangrove forests are the correct answer:
- Mangroves have specialized aerial roots called pneumatophores that allow them to obtain oxygen even in waterlogged soils.
- The dense network of prop roots stabilizes the trees in the soft, muddy soils of the delta, preventing erosion and providing habitat for various organisms.
- Mangroves have salt-filtering mechanisms that allow them to exclude salt from their systems, making them well-adapted to the saline conditions of deltaic soils.
- These forests also provide important ecosystem services, including acting as a buffer against storm surges, filtering pollutants, and providing habitat for numerous species of plants and animals.
In contrast, the other options are not typically found in wet, marshy deltaic soils:
- Evergreen forests are generally found in regions with abundant rainfall and moderate temperatures, not in marshy areas.
- Montane forests are found in mountainous regions with cooler temperatures, not in wet and marshy deltaic soils.
- Deciduous forests are characterized by trees that shed their leaves seasonally and are typically found in temperate regions, not in marshy deltaic soils.
Overall, mangrove forests are specifically adapted to thrive in wet, marshy deltaic soils and are a unique and important type of vegetation in these environments.

Monsoon Forests
Monsoon forests are a type of forest that experiences a monsoon climate, characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons. These forests are found in regions with a tropical monsoon climate, where heavy rainfall occurs during the wet season.
Options:
A: Tropical Deciduous
- Tropical deciduous forests are also known as monsoon forests.
- These forests are found in regions with a monsoon climate, experiencing a distinct wet and dry season.
- Examples of tropical deciduous forests include the forests of India, Southeast Asia, and parts of Africa.
B: Rainforest
- Rainforests are different from monsoon forests.
- Rainforests receive high annual rainfall throughout the year, rather than experiencing distinct wet and dry seasons.
- Examples of rainforests include the Amazon rainforest and the Congo rainforest.
C: Mangrove forest
- Mangrove forests are coastal forests found in tropical and subtropical regions.
- They are characterized by mangrove trees that can tolerate saltwater conditions.
- While some mangrove forests may experience monsoon rainfall, they are not specifically referred to as monsoon forests.
D: Thorn forest
- Thorn forests, also known as tropical dry forests or savannas, are characterized by thorny vegetation and a semi-arid climate.
- They are found in regions with a long dry season and receive less rainfall compared to monsoon forests.
Conclusion:
The correct answer is A: Tropical Deciduous. Monsoon forests are also known as tropical deciduous forests and are found in regions with a monsoon climate. These forests experience distinct wet and dry seasons, making them different from rainforests, mangrove forests, and thorn forests.

Rann of Kutch: A Major Nesting Area for Flamingos in India
Flamingos are migratory birds that travel long distances to find suitable nesting grounds. In India, one of the major nesting areas for flamingos is the Rann of Kutch, located in the state of Gujarat. Here is a detailed explanation of why the Rann of Kutch is a preferred destination for these beautiful birds:

• Geographical Location: The Rann of Kutch is a vast salt marsh located in the western part of India, bordering Pakistan. It is a unique ecosystem characterized by its salt flats, mudflats, and shallow marshes.



• Abundance of Food: Flamingos mainly feed on small aquatic organisms such as algae, shrimp, and small fish. The Rann of Kutch provides an abundant food source for these birds due to its rich biodiversity and the presence of various marine and freshwater species.



• Saline Water: Flamingos prefer nesting near saline or brackish water bodies. The Rann of Kutch is known for its saline desert and the presence of several shallow wetlands, making it an ideal breeding ground for flamingos.



• Protection and Safety: The Rann of Kutch is a protected wildlife sanctuary, ensuring the safety and conservation of the nesting flamingos. This sanctuary provides a safe environment for the birds to breed and raise their young without disturbance from human activities.



• Climate: The climate of the Rann of Kutch is suitable for flamingos, with moderate temperatures and low rainfall. This climate supports the growth of the birds' food sources and provides an optimal environment for nesting and rearing their chicks.



• Migratory Path: Flamingos follow a migratory path that takes them from their breeding grounds in central Asia to the Rann of Kutch in India. The favorable conditions and resources available in the Rann of Kutch make it an attractive stopover and nesting site for these birds during their long journey.

In conclusion, the Rann of Kutch in Gujarat, India, is a preferred nesting area for flamingos due to its geographical location, abundance of food, saline water bodies, protection and safety measures, suitable climate, and its position along their migratory path.

The Himalayas
- The Himalayas region is characterized by a diverse range of natural vegetation.
- It is home to several types of forests, including tropical, subtropical, temperate, and alpine forests.
- The lower regions of the Himalayas have dense forests of oak, pine, and rhododendron trees.
- As we move higher into the mountains, the vegetation changes to coniferous forests of spruce, fir, and cedar.
- Above the tree line, there are alpine meadows with grasses, mosses, and shrubs.
- The vegetation in the Himalayas is largely undisturbed by human activities and remains in its natural state.
- It supports a wide variety of flora and fauna, including rare and endangered species.
- The natural vegetation cover in the Himalayas plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance and providing various ecosystem services.
- It helps in regulating the water cycle, preventing soil erosion, and providing habitat for wildlife.
- The Himalayas are also known for their medicinal plants, which are used in traditional medicine systems.
- Overall, the vegetation cover in the Himalayas is a prime example of natural vegetation in the true sense.

Explanation:
The Sunderbans derived their name because of the main tree found in the region, which is known as Sundari.
The Sunderbans is a vast mangrove forest located in the delta region of the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers in the Bay of Bengal. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the largest mangrove forests in the world.
The name "Sunderbans" is derived from the word "Sundari," which is the name of a tree species that is dominant in the region.
Reasons why the Sunderbans derived their name:
- The main tree found in the Sunderbans is called Sundari.
- The name "Sunderbans" is derived from the word "Sundari."
- The Sunderbans is known for its rich biodiversity and unique ecosystem, which is supported by the presence of the Sundari tree.
In conclusion, the Sunderbans derived their name because of the main tree species found in the region, which is called Sundari. The presence of this tree has contributed to the diverse and unique ecosystem of the Sunderbans.