Question 1

Which of the following is/are unique characteristic/characteristics of equatorial forests? 1. Presence of tall, closely set trees with crowns forming a continuous canopy 2. Coexistence of a large number of species 3. Presence of numerous varieties of epiphytes Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

Accepted Answer

Equatorial forests are characterized by tall trees closely packed together, creating a continuous canopy. These forests are known for hosting a wide array of species and numerous types of epiphytes. The canopy, which serves as the top layer of the forest, shelters a rich biodiversity and is home to a diverse range of epiphytes.

Question 2

With reference to the planet Earth, consider the following statements: I. Rain forests produce more oxygen than that produced by oceans. II. Marine phytoplankton and photosynthetic bacteria produce about 50% of world's oxygen. III. Well-oxygenated surface water contains several folds higher oxygen than that in atmospheric air. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Accepted Answer

Marine phytoplankton and photosynthetic bacteria are responsible for producing approximately 50% of the world's oxygen. This statement is correct because these organisms play a crucial role in oxygen production in marine ecosystems, contributing significantly to the Earth's oxygen supply.

Question 3

A geographic area with an altitude of 400 metres has specific characteristics. If this geographic area were to have a natural forest, which one of the following would it most likely be?

Accepted Answer

A geographic area at an altitude of 400 metres is most likely to have a tropical rainforest if it were to have a natural forest. Tropical rainforests are characterized by their warm and humid climate, with temperatures typically ranging from 21 to 30 degrees Celsius.

Question 4

Which one of the following does not belong to biosphere reserves set-up so far?

Accepted Answer

The correct answer is option (d), Gulf of Kutch. This area was designated as a biosphere reserve in 2008. India currently has 18 officially recognized biosphere reserves.

Question 5

'Climate is extreme, rainfall is scanty and the people used to be nomadic herders.' The above statement best describes which of the following regions?

Accepted Answer

The region being described as having extreme climate, low rainfall, and a history of nomadic herders is the Central Asian Steppe. This region includes countries like Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Mongolia. The climate in the Central Asian Steppe is challenging, characterized by dust storms and minimal precipitation.

Physical Geography - Biosphere — UPSC Previous Year Questions

Year-wise Distribution

Sample Questions

Physical Geography - Biosphere — UPSC Previous Year Questions

Year-wise Distribution

Sample Questions