UPSC 2014 Geography Questions with Answers

Explanation

Option (c) is correct: Monsoon Climate is characterized by Seasonal reversal of winds, where the wind direction changes with the seasons. It is found primarily in India, South-east Africa, Northern Australia, the Guinea Coast of West Africa and the Pacific Coast of Columbia. Summer monsoon (from June to September): Winds blow from the southwest, bringing moisture from the Indian Ocean, leading to heavy rainfall. Winter monsoon (from October to February): Winds blow from the northeast, bringing dry, cool air from the landmass.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: Continental drift is the gradual movement of Earth’s continents due to tectonic plate activity. It causes geographical isolation, leading to divergent evolution and speciation. Species adapt to new environments, creating distinct biogeographical patterns like the unique primates in Australia and South America. This process has shaped evolutionary changes over time.

Statement 2 is correct: Periodic advances and retreats of ice sheets, impacting climate and sea levels. It creates environmental pressures, pushing species to adapt. Glacial cycles result in population bottlenecks, migration, or extinction and influences evolutionary paths. The Pleistocene glaciations played a crucial role in shaping the distribution and diversity of many species observed today

Explanation

Soil erosion is the process by which soil is displaced and transported from one location to another by natural forces such as wind or water. It is a natural process that occurs over time, but human activities such as deforestation, overgrazing, and construction can accelerate the process, leading to significant environmental damage.

Statement 1 is incorrect: Terrace cultivation is a *method to * prevent soil erosion, not a factor associated with it. Terraces are leveled platforms built into hillsides to slow down the flow of water and reduce soil loss. So, this option is incorrect.

Statement 2 is correct: Deforestation is one of the major reasons for soil erosion. It includes cutting and felling of trees, removal of forest litter. Browsing and trampling by livestock, forest fires, also leads to deforestation, etc. Vegetation plays a critical role in anchoring soil, reducing the impact of rainfall, and protecting against wind erosion. When forests are cleared, the soil becomes exposed and vulnerable to erosion.

Statement 3 is incorrect: While a tropical climate can contribute to soil erosion in some cases (heavy rainfall can increase water erosion) but it isn’t a direct cause in itself. Many tropical areas with dense vegetation have relatively low erosion rates. The lack of vegetation (often due to deforestation) in a tropical climate is the real problem.

Explanation

Pair 1 is incorrectly matched: The Drought-Prone Area Programme (DPAP) was launched in 1973-74 to mitigate the effects of drought in drought-prone areas by promoting sustainable development. It is implemented under the Ministry of Rural Development, not the Ministry of Agriculture. The programme focuses on watershed development, soil conservation, and water harvesting to improve agricultural productivity in drought-affected regions.

Pair 2 is incorrectly matched: The Desert Development Programme aims to combat desertification and mitigate the adverse effects of drought in desert areas. This programme is also over-seen by the Department of Land Resources within the Ministry of Rural Development, not the Ministry of Environment and Forests. The DDP aims to minimize the adverse effects of drought and control desertification through the rejuvenation of the natural resource base in identified desert areas.

Pair 3 is incorrectly matched: The National Watershed Devel-opment Project for Rainfed Areas (NWDPRA) focuses on the development of rainfed regions to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability. This project is implemented by the Department of Agriculture and Cooperation under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, not the Ministry of Rural Development.

Explanation

Option 1 is correct: The Integrated Watershed Devel-opment Programme (IWDP) emphasizes soil conservation measures to prevent erosion and runoff. By implementing techniques such as terracing, contour plowing, and afforestation, the programme aims to maintain soil health and fertility, thereby enhancing agricultural productivity.

Option 2 is incorrect: The IWDP does not encompass river interlinking projects. Its focuses is on watershed management at the micro-level which aims to conserve soil and water within specific catchment areas. River interlinking is a separate initiative under India’s National Perspective Plan which seeks to transfer water from surplus to deficit regions through large-scale infrastructure projects.

Option 3 is correct: The IWDP emphasizes rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge through the construction of check dams, percolation tanks, and farm ponds. These structures help capture rainwater, allowing it to percolate into the ground and recharge aquifers. This is particularly important in rainfed and arid regions where groundwater levels are critically low.

Option 4 is correct: The programme promotes afforestation and reforestation activities to restore degraded lands. Regen-erating natural vegetation not only prevents soil erosion but also improves biodiversity, enhances carbon sequestration, and supports the livelihoods of local communities through the provision of forest products.

Explanation

Pair 1 is incorrectly matched: Kinnaur is primarily known for its apple orchards, not for Areca nut production. The region’s agriculture is most famous for apples, along with other fruits like apricots and peaches. Areca nut is mostly produced in states like Karnataka, Kerala, and Assam, which have the ideal climatic conditions for this crop.

Pair 2 is incorrectly matched: Mewat is not particularly famous for mango production. The region is known for agriculture and allied agro-based activities, but mango cultivation is not a primary feature of Mewat. The major mango-growing states in In-dia include Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Bihar, and West Bengal.

Pair 3 is incorrectly matched: Coromandel Coast is primarily known for the production of crops like rice, pulses, sugarcane, cotton, and peanuts. It is not known for soybean production. The major states producing soybeans in India are Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, which together contribute 89% of the total production of soybeans in the country.

Explanation

Option 1 is incorrect: Bhadrachalam is not famous for the production of traditional sarees or fabric. Instead, it is known primarily for its temples, especially the Sri Rama Temple, and its religious significance.

Option 2 is correct: Chanderi, located in Madhya Pradesh, is renowned for the production of Chanderi sarees. These sarees are famous for their fine, lightweight fabric, often woven from silk and cotton, and embellished with intricate zari work. Chanderi sarees are a hallmark of Indian textile heritage and are considered luxurious due to their delicate craftsmanship.

Option 3 is correct: Kancheepuram, in Tamil Nadu, is internationally famous for its Kanjeevaram sarees. These sarees are made of mulberry silk, renowned for their rich texture and festive quality, often highlighted by the use of gold or silver zari (thread made of precious metals). They are considered one of the finest and most durable traditional sarees in India.

Option 4 is incorrect: Karnal is not known for the production of traditional sarees or fabric. It is primarily recognized for its agriculture, particularly in the cultivation of wheat and rice, and is not associated with textile manufacturing.

Explanation

The Himalayan ecosystem exhibits distinct vegetation zones based on altitude and climate.

Statement 1 is correct: Oak trees dominate the temperate broadleaf forests of the Himalayas. They are typically found between 1,500-3,000 meters. Common species include Quercus leucotrichophora (Banj Oak) in the western Himalayas (Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh) and Quercus semecarpifolia (Kharsu Oak) at higher elevations. Oak forests play a key role in soil conservation and water retention, making them ecologically vital.

Statement 2 is correct: Coniferous trees like Rhododendron, pine, deodar, silver fir, spruce and cedar, are found in the temperate forests (1500 and 3000 metres). Some key species include Rhododendron arboreum (Buransh), found in Uttarakhand and Sikkim, and Rhododendron hodgsonii, which thrives in Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya. The vibrant flowers contribute to pollination cycles and biodiversity.

Statement 3 is incorrect: Sandalwood does not naturally grow in the Himalayas. It is native to tropical dry deciduous forests. It is primarily found in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh, at lower altitudes (600-1,200 meters). Its preference for warm, arid conditions makes it unsuitable for Himalayan climates.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: The Changpa are a semi-no-madic ethnic group. They are mainly found in the Changtan plateau that stretches across the cold desert of Ladakh and parts of Jammu and Kashmir. They are also known as Champa. A smaller number resides in the western regions of the Tibet Autonomous Region in China. They share linguistic and cultural affinities with Tibetans.

Statement 2 is correct: The Changpa community is known for rearing Changra goats, which produce the fine wool known as Pashmina. They are raised for ultra-fine cashmere wool, also known as pashmina once woven.

Statement 3 is correct: The Changpa community is recognized as a Scheduled Tribe (ST) in the Union Territory of Ladakh. This classification provides them with certain constitutional safeguards and benefits.

Explanation

Coral reefs are underwater ecosystems formed by colonies of tiny animals called coral polyps. These animals secrete a hard, calcium carbonate exoskeleton that provides a foundation for the growth of other corals and a diverse array of marine organisms. Coral reefs are found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world, particularly in the Pacific Ocean, the Indian Ocean, and the Caribbean Sea. Fig: Map showing distribution of Coral Reefs in India Options 1 is correct: Andaman and Nicobar Islands archipelago is home to some of India’s most diverse and well-developed coral reefs which supports a rich variety of marine life. Options 2 is correct: Gulf of Kachchh is situated along Gujarat’s western coast. This region features fringing reefs around its islands. Though less developed due to environmental factors, these reefs contribute significantly to marine biodiversity. Options 3 is correct: Gulf of Mannar is ocated between south-eastern India and Sri Lanka. The Gulf of Mannar hosts extensive fringing reefs around 21 islands. It is part of the Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park, known for its diverse marine species. Option 4 is incorrect: Sundarban is the largest deltaic region of the world and encompasses over hundreds of islands (105), with a maze of innumerable rivers, rivulets, and creeks but does not have any coral reef.