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Passage-1 ‘Desertification’ is a term used to explain a process of decline in the biological productivity of an ecosystem, leading to total loss of productivity. While this phenomenon is often linked to the arid, semi-arid and sub-humid ecosystems, even in the humid tropics, the impact could be most dramatic. Impoverishment of human-impacted terrestrial ecosystems may exhibit itself in a variety of ways : accelerated erosion as in the mountain regions of the country, salinization of land as in the semi-arid and arid ‘green revolution’ areas of the country, e.g., Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh, and site quality decline—a common phenomenon due to general decline in tree cover and monotonous monoculture of rice/wheat across the Indian plains. A major consequence of deforestation is that it relates to adverse alterations in the hydrology and related soil and nutrient losses. The consequences of deforestation invariably arise out of site degradation through erosive losses. Tropical Asia, Africa and South America have the highest levels of erosion. The already high rates for the tropics are increasing at an alarming rate (e.g., through the major river systems— Ganga and Brahmaputra, in the context), due to deforestation and land management practices subsequent to forest clearing. In the mountain context, the declining moisture retention of the mountain soils, drying up of the ‘underground springs and smaller rivers in the Himalayan could be attributed to drastic changes the forest cover. An indirect consequence is drastic alteration in the uplandlowland interaction, mediated through water. The current concern the tea planter of Assam has is about the damage to tea plantations due to frequent inundation along the flood-plains of Brahmaputra, and the damage to tea plantation and the consequent loss in tea productivity is due to rising level of the river bottom because of siltation and the changing course of the river system. The ultimate consequences of site desertification are soil degradation, alteration in available water’ and its quality, and the consequent decline in food, fodder and fuelwood yields essential for the economic wellbeing of rural communities.
=> Which of the following is/are the nor inference/ inferences that can be made from the passage?
1. Deforestation can cause changes in the course of rivers.
2. Salinization of land takes place to human activities only.
3. Intense monoculture practice in plains is a major reason for desertification in Tropical Asia, Africa and South America.
​Q. Select the correct answer using the cc given below.
  • a)
    1 only
  • b)
    1 and 2 only
  • c)
    2 and 3 only
  • d)
    None of the above is a correct inference
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?
Most Upvoted Answer
Passage-1 ‘Desertification’ is a term used to explain a pr...

Deforestation can cause changes in the course of rivers:
- The passage mentions that deforestation can lead to adverse alterations in the hydrology of an ecosystem, resulting in soil and nutrient losses.
- It also states that in the context of major river systems like the Ganga and Brahmaputra, deforestation and land management practices following forest clearing have led to increased erosion rates.
- The changing course of the river system and rising river levels due to siltation are highlighted as consequences of deforestation, affecting tea plantations along the floodplains of the Brahmaputra.

Salinization of land takes place due to human activities only:
- The passage does not explicitly state that salinization of land is solely due to human activities.
- It mentions salinization of land as a consequence of desertification in semi-arid and arid regions like Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh, but does not attribute it exclusively to human activities.
- Therefore, it cannot be inferred from the passage that salinization of land is caused only by human activities.

Intense monoculture practice in plains is a major reason for desertification in Tropical Asia, Africa, and South America:
- The passage discusses the phenomenon of site quality decline in human-impacted terrestrial ecosystems due to monoculture practices like the monotonous cultivation of rice and wheat across the Indian plains.
- It also mentions the consequences of deforestation leading to alterations in available water and soil degradation in tropical regions like Asia, Africa, and South America.
- Therefore, it can be inferred that intense monoculture practices in plains contribute to desertification in these regions.
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Passage-1 ‘Desertification’ is a term used to explain a process of decline in the biological productivity of an ecosystem, leading to total loss of productivity. While this phenomenon is often linked to the arid, semi-arid and sub-humid ecosystems, even in the humid tropics, the impact could be most dramatic. Impoverishment of human-impacted terrestrial ecosystems may exhibit itself in a variety of ways : accelerated erosion as in the mountain regions of the country, salinization of land as in the semi-arid and arid ‘green revolution’ areas of the country, e.g., Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh, and site quality decline—a common phenomenon due to general decline in tree cover and monotonous monoculture of rice/wheat across the Indian plains. A major consequence of deforestation is that it relates to adverse alterations in the hydrology and related soil and nutrient losses. The consequences of deforestation invariably arise out of site degradation through erosive losses. Tropical Asia, Africa and South America have the highest levels of erosion. The already high rates for the tropics are increasing at an alarming rate (e.g., through the major river systems— Ganga and Brahmaputra, in thecontext), due to deforestation and land management practices subsequent to forest clearing. In the mountain context, the declining moisture retention of the mountain soils, drying up of the ‘underground springs and smaller rivers in the Himalayan could be attributed to drastic changes the forest cover. An indirect consequence is drastic alteration in the uplandlowland interaction, mediated through water. The current concern the tea planter of Assam has is about the damage to tea plantations due to frequent inundation along the flood-plains of Brahmaputra, and the damage to tea plantation and the consequent loss in tea productivity is due to rising level of the river bottom because of siltation and the changing course of the river system. The ultimate consequences of site desertification are soil degradation, alteration in available water’ and its quality, and the consequent decline in food, fodder and fuelwood yields essential for the economic wellbeing of rural communities.=>According to the passage, which of the following are the consequences of decline in forest cover?1. Loss of topsoil2. Loss of smaller rivers3. Adverse effect on production4. Declining of groundwater.Q. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

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Passage-1 ‘Desertification’ is a term used to explain a process of decline in the biological productivity of an ecosystem, leading to total loss of productivity. While this phenomenon is often linked to the arid, semi-arid and sub-humid ecosystems, even in the humid tropics, the impact could be most dramatic. Impoverishment of human-impacted terrestrial ecosystems may exhibit itself in a variety of ways : accelerated erosion as in the mountain regions of the country, salinization of land as in the semi-arid and arid ‘green revolution’ areas of the country, e.g., Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh, and site quality decline—a common phenomenon due to general decline in tree cover and monotonous monoculture of rice/wheat across the Indian plains. A major consequence of deforestation is that it relates to adverse alterations in the hydrology and related soil and nutrient losses. The consequences of deforestation invariably arise out of site degradation through erosive losses. Tropical Asia, Africa and South America have the highest levels of erosion. The already high rates for the tropics are increasing at an alarming rate (e.g., through the major river systems— Ganga and Brahmaputra, in thecontext), due to deforestation and land management practices subsequent to forest clearing. In the mountain context, the declining moisture retention of the mountain soils, drying up of the ‘underground springs and smaller rivers in the Himalayan could be attributed to drastic changes the forest cover. An indirect consequence is drastic alteration in the uplandlowland interaction, mediated through water. The current concern the tea planter of Assam has is about the damage to tea plantations due to frequent inundation along the flood-plains of Brahmaputra, and the damage to tea plantation and the consequent loss in tea productivity is due to rising level of the river bottom because of siltation and the changing course of the river system. The ultimate consequences of site desertification are soil degradation, alteration in available water’ and its quality, and the consequent decline in food, fodder and fuelwood yields essential for the economic wellbeing of rural communities.=> Which of the following is/are the nor inference/ inferences that can be made from the passage?1. Deforestation can cause changes in the course of rivers.2. Salinization of land takes place to human activities only.3. Intense monoculture practice in plains is a major reason for desertification in Tropical Asia, Africa and South America.Q.Select the correct answer using the cc given below.a)1 onlyb)1 and 2 onlyc)2 and 3 onlyd)None of the above is a correct inferenceCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?
Question Description
Passage-1 ‘Desertification’ is a term used to explain a process of decline in the biological productivity of an ecosystem, leading to total loss of productivity. While this phenomenon is often linked to the arid, semi-arid and sub-humid ecosystems, even in the humid tropics, the impact could be most dramatic. Impoverishment of human-impacted terrestrial ecosystems may exhibit itself in a variety of ways : accelerated erosion as in the mountain regions of the country, salinization of land as in the semi-arid and arid ‘green revolution’ areas of the country, e.g., Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh, and site quality decline—a common phenomenon due to general decline in tree cover and monotonous monoculture of rice/wheat across the Indian plains. A major consequence of deforestation is that it relates to adverse alterations in the hydrology and related soil and nutrient losses. The consequences of deforestation invariably arise out of site degradation through erosive losses. Tropical Asia, Africa and South America have the highest levels of erosion. The already high rates for the tropics are increasing at an alarming rate (e.g., through the major river systems— Ganga and Brahmaputra, in thecontext), due to deforestation and land management practices subsequent to forest clearing. In the mountain context, the declining moisture retention of the mountain soils, drying up of the ‘underground springs and smaller rivers in the Himalayan could be attributed to drastic changes the forest cover. An indirect consequence is drastic alteration in the uplandlowland interaction, mediated through water. The current concern the tea planter of Assam has is about the damage to tea plantations due to frequent inundation along the flood-plains of Brahmaputra, and the damage to tea plantation and the consequent loss in tea productivity is due to rising level of the river bottom because of siltation and the changing course of the river system. The ultimate consequences of site desertification are soil degradation, alteration in available water’ and its quality, and the consequent decline in food, fodder and fuelwood yields essential for the economic wellbeing of rural communities.=> Which of the following is/are the nor inference/ inferences that can be made from the passage?1. Deforestation can cause changes in the course of rivers.2. Salinization of land takes place to human activities only.3. Intense monoculture practice in plains is a major reason for desertification in Tropical Asia, Africa and South America.Q.Select the correct answer using the cc given below.a)1 onlyb)1 and 2 onlyc)2 and 3 onlyd)None of the above is a correct inferenceCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? for UPSC 2024 is part of UPSC preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the UPSC exam syllabus. Information about Passage-1 ‘Desertification’ is a term used to explain a process of decline in the biological productivity of an ecosystem, leading to total loss of productivity. While this phenomenon is often linked to the arid, semi-arid and sub-humid ecosystems, even in the humid tropics, the impact could be most dramatic. Impoverishment of human-impacted terrestrial ecosystems may exhibit itself in a variety of ways : accelerated erosion as in the mountain regions of the country, salinization of land as in the semi-arid and arid ‘green revolution’ areas of the country, e.g., Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh, and site quality decline—a common phenomenon due to general decline in tree cover and monotonous monoculture of rice/wheat across the Indian plains. A major consequence of deforestation is that it relates to adverse alterations in the hydrology and related soil and nutrient losses. The consequences of deforestation invariably arise out of site degradation through erosive losses. Tropical Asia, Africa and South America have the highest levels of erosion. The already high rates for the tropics are increasing at an alarming rate (e.g., through the major river systems— Ganga and Brahmaputra, in thecontext), due to deforestation and land management practices subsequent to forest clearing. In the mountain context, the declining moisture retention of the mountain soils, drying up of the ‘underground springs and smaller rivers in the Himalayan could be attributed to drastic changes the forest cover. An indirect consequence is drastic alteration in the uplandlowland interaction, mediated through water. The current concern the tea planter of Assam has is about the damage to tea plantations due to frequent inundation along the flood-plains of Brahmaputra, and the damage to tea plantation and the consequent loss in tea productivity is due to rising level of the river bottom because of siltation and the changing course of the river system. The ultimate consequences of site desertification are soil degradation, alteration in available water’ and its quality, and the consequent decline in food, fodder and fuelwood yields essential for the economic wellbeing of rural communities.=> Which of the following is/are the nor inference/ inferences that can be made from the passage?1. Deforestation can cause changes in the course of rivers.2. Salinization of land takes place to human activities only.3. Intense monoculture practice in plains is a major reason for desertification in Tropical Asia, Africa and South America.Q.Select the correct answer using the cc given below.a)1 onlyb)1 and 2 onlyc)2 and 3 onlyd)None of the above is a correct inferenceCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for UPSC 2024 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for Passage-1 ‘Desertification’ is a term used to explain a process of decline in the biological productivity of an ecosystem, leading to total loss of productivity. While this phenomenon is often linked to the arid, semi-arid and sub-humid ecosystems, even in the humid tropics, the impact could be most dramatic. Impoverishment of human-impacted terrestrial ecosystems may exhibit itself in a variety of ways : accelerated erosion as in the mountain regions of the country, salinization of land as in the semi-arid and arid ‘green revolution’ areas of the country, e.g., Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh, and site quality decline—a common phenomenon due to general decline in tree cover and monotonous monoculture of rice/wheat across the Indian plains. A major consequence of deforestation is that it relates to adverse alterations in the hydrology and related soil and nutrient losses. The consequences of deforestation invariably arise out of site degradation through erosive losses. Tropical Asia, Africa and South America have the highest levels of erosion. The already high rates for the tropics are increasing at an alarming rate (e.g., through the major river systems— Ganga and Brahmaputra, in thecontext), due to deforestation and land management practices subsequent to forest clearing. In the mountain context, the declining moisture retention of the mountain soils, drying up of the ‘underground springs and smaller rivers in the Himalayan could be attributed to drastic changes the forest cover. An indirect consequence is drastic alteration in the uplandlowland interaction, mediated through water. The current concern the tea planter of Assam has is about the damage to tea plantations due to frequent inundation along the flood-plains of Brahmaputra, and the damage to tea plantation and the consequent loss in tea productivity is due to rising level of the river bottom because of siltation and the changing course of the river system. The ultimate consequences of site desertification are soil degradation, alteration in available water’ and its quality, and the consequent decline in food, fodder and fuelwood yields essential for the economic wellbeing of rural communities.=> Which of the following is/are the nor inference/ inferences that can be made from the passage?1. Deforestation can cause changes in the course of rivers.2. Salinization of land takes place to human activities only.3. Intense monoculture practice in plains is a major reason for desertification in Tropical Asia, Africa and South America.Q.Select the correct answer using the cc given below.a)1 onlyb)1 and 2 onlyc)2 and 3 onlyd)None of the above is a correct inferenceCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?.
Solutions for Passage-1 ‘Desertification’ is a term used to explain a process of decline in the biological productivity of an ecosystem, leading to total loss of productivity. While this phenomenon is often linked to the arid, semi-arid and sub-humid ecosystems, even in the humid tropics, the impact could be most dramatic. Impoverishment of human-impacted terrestrial ecosystems may exhibit itself in a variety of ways : accelerated erosion as in the mountain regions of the country, salinization of land as in the semi-arid and arid ‘green revolution’ areas of the country, e.g., Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh, and site quality decline—a common phenomenon due to general decline in tree cover and monotonous monoculture of rice/wheat across the Indian plains. A major consequence of deforestation is that it relates to adverse alterations in the hydrology and related soil and nutrient losses. The consequences of deforestation invariably arise out of site degradation through erosive losses. Tropical Asia, Africa and South America have the highest levels of erosion. The already high rates for the tropics are increasing at an alarming rate (e.g., through the major river systems— Ganga and Brahmaputra, in thecontext), due to deforestation and land management practices subsequent to forest clearing. In the mountain context, the declining moisture retention of the mountain soils, drying up of the ‘underground springs and smaller rivers in the Himalayan could be attributed to drastic changes the forest cover. An indirect consequence is drastic alteration in the uplandlowland interaction, mediated through water. The current concern the tea planter of Assam has is about the damage to tea plantations due to frequent inundation along the flood-plains of Brahmaputra, and the damage to tea plantation and the consequent loss in tea productivity is due to rising level of the river bottom because of siltation and the changing course of the river system. The ultimate consequences of site desertification are soil degradation, alteration in available water’ and its quality, and the consequent decline in food, fodder and fuelwood yields essential for the economic wellbeing of rural communities.=> Which of the following is/are the nor inference/ inferences that can be made from the passage?1. Deforestation can cause changes in the course of rivers.2. Salinization of land takes place to human activities only.3. Intense monoculture practice in plains is a major reason for desertification in Tropical Asia, Africa and South America.Q.Select the correct answer using the cc given below.a)1 onlyb)1 and 2 onlyc)2 and 3 onlyd)None of the above is a correct inferenceCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? in English & in Hindi are available as part of our courses for UPSC. Download more important topics, notes, lectures and mock test series for UPSC Exam by signing up for free.
Here you can find the meaning of Passage-1 ‘Desertification’ is a term used to explain a process of decline in the biological productivity of an ecosystem, leading to total loss of productivity. While this phenomenon is often linked to the arid, semi-arid and sub-humid ecosystems, even in the humid tropics, the impact could be most dramatic. Impoverishment of human-impacted terrestrial ecosystems may exhibit itself in a variety of ways : accelerated erosion as in the mountain regions of the country, salinization of land as in the semi-arid and arid ‘green revolution’ areas of the country, e.g., Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh, and site quality decline—a common phenomenon due to general decline in tree cover and monotonous monoculture of rice/wheat across the Indian plains. A major consequence of deforestation is that it relates to adverse alterations in the hydrology and related soil and nutrient losses. The consequences of deforestation invariably arise out of site degradation through erosive losses. Tropical Asia, Africa and South America have the highest levels of erosion. The already high rates for the tropics are increasing at an alarming rate (e.g., through the major river systems— Ganga and Brahmaputra, in thecontext), due to deforestation and land management practices subsequent to forest clearing. In the mountain context, the declining moisture retention of the mountain soils, drying up of the ‘underground springs and smaller rivers in the Himalayan could be attributed to drastic changes the forest cover. An indirect consequence is drastic alteration in the uplandlowland interaction, mediated through water. The current concern the tea planter of Assam has is about the damage to tea plantations due to frequent inundation along the flood-plains of Brahmaputra, and the damage to tea plantation and the consequent loss in tea productivity is due to rising level of the river bottom because of siltation and the changing course of the river system. The ultimate consequences of site desertification are soil degradation, alteration in available water’ and its quality, and the consequent decline in food, fodder and fuelwood yields essential for the economic wellbeing of rural communities.=> Which of the following is/are the nor inference/ inferences that can be made from the passage?1. Deforestation can cause changes in the course of rivers.2. Salinization of land takes place to human activities only.3. Intense monoculture practice in plains is a major reason for desertification in Tropical Asia, Africa and South America.Q.Select the correct answer using the cc given below.a)1 onlyb)1 and 2 onlyc)2 and 3 onlyd)None of the above is a correct inferenceCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? defined & explained in the simplest way possible. Besides giving the explanation of Passage-1 ‘Desertification’ is a term used to explain a process of decline in the biological productivity of an ecosystem, leading to total loss of productivity. While this phenomenon is often linked to the arid, semi-arid and sub-humid ecosystems, even in the humid tropics, the impact could be most dramatic. Impoverishment of human-impacted terrestrial ecosystems may exhibit itself in a variety of ways : accelerated erosion as in the mountain regions of the country, salinization of land as in the semi-arid and arid ‘green revolution’ areas of the country, e.g., Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh, and site quality decline—a common phenomenon due to general decline in tree cover and monotonous monoculture of rice/wheat across the Indian plains. A major consequence of deforestation is that it relates to adverse alterations in the hydrology and related soil and nutrient losses. The consequences of deforestation invariably arise out of site degradation through erosive losses. Tropical Asia, Africa and South America have the highest levels of erosion. The already high rates for the tropics are increasing at an alarming rate (e.g., through the major river systems— Ganga and Brahmaputra, in thecontext), due to deforestation and land management practices subsequent to forest clearing. In the mountain context, the declining moisture retention of the mountain soils, drying up of the ‘underground springs and smaller rivers in the Himalayan could be attributed to drastic changes the forest cover. An indirect consequence is drastic alteration in the uplandlowland interaction, mediated through water. The current concern the tea planter of Assam has is about the damage to tea plantations due to frequent inundation along the flood-plains of Brahmaputra, and the damage to tea plantation and the consequent loss in tea productivity is due to rising level of the river bottom because of siltation and the changing course of the river system. The ultimate consequences of site desertification are soil degradation, alteration in available water’ and its quality, and the consequent decline in food, fodder and fuelwood yields essential for the economic wellbeing of rural communities.=> Which of the following is/are the nor inference/ inferences that can be made from the passage?1. Deforestation can cause changes in the course of rivers.2. Salinization of land takes place to human activities only.3. Intense monoculture practice in plains is a major reason for desertification in Tropical Asia, Africa and South America.Q.Select the correct answer using the cc given below.a)1 onlyb)1 and 2 onlyc)2 and 3 onlyd)None of the above is a correct inferenceCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?, a detailed solution for Passage-1 ‘Desertification’ is a term used to explain a process of decline in the biological productivity of an ecosystem, leading to total loss of productivity. While this phenomenon is often linked to the arid, semi-arid and sub-humid ecosystems, even in the humid tropics, the impact could be most dramatic. Impoverishment of human-impacted terrestrial ecosystems may exhibit itself in a variety of ways : accelerated erosion as in the mountain regions of the country, salinization of land as in the semi-arid and arid ‘green revolution’ areas of the country, e.g., Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh, and site quality decline—a common phenomenon due to general decline in tree cover and monotonous monoculture of rice/wheat across the Indian plains. A major consequence of deforestation is that it relates to adverse alterations in the hydrology and related soil and nutrient losses. The consequences of deforestation invariably arise out of site degradation through erosive losses. Tropical Asia, Africa and South America have the highest levels of erosion. The already high rates for the tropics are increasing at an alarming rate (e.g., through the major river systems— Ganga and Brahmaputra, in thecontext), due to deforestation and land management practices subsequent to forest clearing. In the mountain context, the declining moisture retention of the mountain soils, drying up of the ‘underground springs and smaller rivers in the Himalayan could be attributed to drastic changes the forest cover. An indirect consequence is drastic alteration in the uplandlowland interaction, mediated through water. The current concern the tea planter of Assam has is about the damage to tea plantations due to frequent inundation along the flood-plains of Brahmaputra, and the damage to tea plantation and the consequent loss in tea productivity is due to rising level of the river bottom because of siltation and the changing course of the river system. The ultimate consequences of site desertification are soil degradation, alteration in available water’ and its quality, and the consequent decline in food, fodder and fuelwood yields essential for the economic wellbeing of rural communities.=> Which of the following is/are the nor inference/ inferences that can be made from the passage?1. Deforestation can cause changes in the course of rivers.2. Salinization of land takes place to human activities only.3. Intense monoculture practice in plains is a major reason for desertification in Tropical Asia, Africa and South America.Q.Select the correct answer using the cc given below.a)1 onlyb)1 and 2 onlyc)2 and 3 onlyd)None of the above is a correct inferenceCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? has been provided alongside types of Passage-1 ‘Desertification’ is a term used to explain a process of decline in the biological productivity of an ecosystem, leading to total loss of productivity. While this phenomenon is often linked to the arid, semi-arid and sub-humid ecosystems, even in the humid tropics, the impact could be most dramatic. Impoverishment of human-impacted terrestrial ecosystems may exhibit itself in a variety of ways : accelerated erosion as in the mountain regions of the country, salinization of land as in the semi-arid and arid ‘green revolution’ areas of the country, e.g., Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh, and site quality decline—a common phenomenon due to general decline in tree cover and monotonous monoculture of rice/wheat across the Indian plains. A major consequence of deforestation is that it relates to adverse alterations in the hydrology and related soil and nutrient losses. The consequences of deforestation invariably arise out of site degradation through erosive losses. Tropical Asia, Africa and South America have the highest levels of erosion. The already high rates for the tropics are increasing at an alarming rate (e.g., through the major river systems— Ganga and Brahmaputra, in thecontext), due to deforestation and land management practices subsequent to forest clearing. In the mountain context, the declining moisture retention of the mountain soils, drying up of the ‘underground springs and smaller rivers in the Himalayan could be attributed to drastic changes the forest cover. An indirect consequence is drastic alteration in the uplandlowland interaction, mediated through water. The current concern the tea planter of Assam has is about the damage to tea plantations due to frequent inundation along the flood-plains of Brahmaputra, and the damage to tea plantation and the consequent loss in tea productivity is due to rising level of the river bottom because of siltation and the changing course of the river system. The ultimate consequences of site desertification are soil degradation, alteration in available water’ and its quality, and the consequent decline in food, fodder and fuelwood yields essential for the economic wellbeing of rural communities.=> Which of the following is/are the nor inference/ inferences that can be made from the passage?1. Deforestation can cause changes in the course of rivers.2. Salinization of land takes place to human activities only.3. Intense monoculture practice in plains is a major reason for desertification in Tropical Asia, Africa and South America.Q.Select the correct answer using the cc given below.a)1 onlyb)1 and 2 onlyc)2 and 3 onlyd)None of the above is a correct inferenceCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? theory, EduRev gives you an ample number of questions to practice Passage-1 ‘Desertification’ is a term used to explain a process of decline in the biological productivity of an ecosystem, leading to total loss of productivity. While this phenomenon is often linked to the arid, semi-arid and sub-humid ecosystems, even in the humid tropics, the impact could be most dramatic. Impoverishment of human-impacted terrestrial ecosystems may exhibit itself in a variety of ways : accelerated erosion as in the mountain regions of the country, salinization of land as in the semi-arid and arid ‘green revolution’ areas of the country, e.g., Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh, and site quality decline—a common phenomenon due to general decline in tree cover and monotonous monoculture of rice/wheat across the Indian plains. A major consequence of deforestation is that it relates to adverse alterations in the hydrology and related soil and nutrient losses. The consequences of deforestation invariably arise out of site degradation through erosive losses. Tropical Asia, Africa and South America have the highest levels of erosion. The already high rates for the tropics are increasing at an alarming rate (e.g., through the major river systems— Ganga and Brahmaputra, in thecontext), due to deforestation and land management practices subsequent to forest clearing. In the mountain context, the declining moisture retention of the mountain soils, drying up of the ‘underground springs and smaller rivers in the Himalayan could be attributed to drastic changes the forest cover. An indirect consequence is drastic alteration in the uplandlowland interaction, mediated through water. The current concern the tea planter of Assam has is about the damage to tea plantations due to frequent inundation along the flood-plains of Brahmaputra, and the damage to tea plantation and the consequent loss in tea productivity is due to rising level of the river bottom because of siltation and the changing course of the river system. The ultimate consequences of site desertification are soil degradation, alteration in available water’ and its quality, and the consequent decline in food, fodder and fuelwood yields essential for the economic wellbeing of rural communities.=> Which of the following is/are the nor inference/ inferences that can be made from the passage?1. Deforestation can cause changes in the course of rivers.2. Salinization of land takes place to human activities only.3. Intense monoculture practice in plains is a major reason for desertification in Tropical Asia, Africa and South America.Q.Select the correct answer using the cc given below.a)1 onlyb)1 and 2 onlyc)2 and 3 onlyd)None of the above is a correct inferenceCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? tests, examples and also practice UPSC tests.
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