Q91. The ‘Babul’ (Acacia nilotica) and ‘Khejri’ (Prosopis cineraria) dominate which type of forest in Rajasthan?
Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry and Animal Husbandry in Rajasthan: RAS Prelims MCQs
164 RAS Prelims MCQs on agriculture, horticulture, forestry and animal husbandry in Rajasthan deal with farming in an arid and semi-arid State. Moisture conservation, agro-climatic zones, dry farming, drought-resistant crops, early maturing varieties and the causes of desertification are asked as facts, matches and statements, and the explanations show why each practice suits the desert environment.
Practice questions based on the RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the exam pattern but are not past-paper questions.
Showing 91–100 of 164 questions
Q92. The Khejri tree (Prosopis cineraria) is deeply revered in Rajasthan and holds the status of:
Explanation
The Khejri tree is deeply woven into the cultural and ecological fabric of Rajasthan and holds the official status of the State Tree. It is revered for its resilience and ability to provide food, fodder, and fuel even in the harshest desert conditions. Its significance is celebrated through religious traditions and historic conservation movements. The Khejri is a symbol.
Q93. Why is Khejri considered the "Kalpavriksha of the Thar Desert"?
Explanation
Khejri is hailed as the "Kalpavriksha of the Thar" because of its immense utility in the desert ecosystem. Every part of the tree, from the leaves used as fodder to the pods used as food, is utilized by humans and animals. Furthermore, as a legume, it fixes atmospheric nitrogen, thereby enriching the soil’s fertility. Its deep roots ensure survival.
Q94. Rohida (Tecomella undulata) is famous for its beautiful flowers and is designated as the:
Explanation
Rohida is designated as the State Flower of Rajasthan due to its beautiful and vibrant blossoms that decorate the desert landscape. The flowers are typically orange or yellow and bloom during the spring and early summer. Beyond its aesthetic value, Rohida is an important timber tree that can survive in extremely arid conditions. Its designation highlights unique regional beauty.
Q95. The wood of the Rohida tree is highly valued and often referred to as the:
Explanation
The wood of the Rohida tree is exceptionally strong, durable, and has a fine grain, making it highly prized for making high-quality furniture and carvings. Because of these superior qualities, it is often referred to as the "Marwar Teak". Although it is not a true teak species, it serves as the desert’s equivalent for timber. It is an economic resource.
Q96. Consider the following statements regarding the ecological role of desert vegetation (Khejri, Rohida, Phog):
I. They have extensive and deep root systems to tap underground moisture.
II. They play a critical role in stabilizing sand dunes.
III. Their leaf structures are broad and soft to maximize transpiration.
IV. They provide critical habitat and sustenance for desert fauna like the Chinkara.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. They have extensive and deep root systems to tap underground moisture.
II. They play a critical role in stabilizing sand dunes.
III. Their leaf structures are broad and soft to maximize transpiration.
IV. They provide critical habitat and sustenance for desert fauna like the Chinkara.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Desert plants like Khejri and Rohida have evolved deep roots to access groundwater and play a vital role in stabilizing sand dunes. They also provide essential habitats for local wildlife such as the Chinkara. However, their leaves are usually small or thorny to minimize water loss, not broad and soft. Therefore, the statements regarding roots, dune stabilization, and habitat are correct.
Q97. Phog (Calligonum polygonoides) is a critical desert shrub primarily known for its efficiency in:
Explanation
Phog is a quintessential desert shrub that plays a critical role in the Thar ecosystem. Its extensive, sand-binding roots are highly effective in stabilizing shifting sand dunes and preventing wind erosion. The shrub also provides essential fuelwood for desert dwellers and nutritious fodder for camels. Although it does not produce commercial timber, its ecological value makes it a botanical cornerstone.
Q98. Arrange the following root adaptations of desert ecosystem plants (like Khejri) in sequence from structural adaptation to ecological consequence:
A. Minimal competition with shallow-rooted surface crops (like Bajra)
B. Successful intercropping and sustained agroforestry
C. Deep taproot system reaching deep phreatic zones
D. Extraction of groundwater during severe surface droughts
Which of the following represents the correct sequence?
A. Minimal competition with shallow-rooted surface crops (like Bajra)
B. Successful intercropping and sustained agroforestry
C. Deep taproot system reaching deep phreatic zones
D. Extraction of groundwater during severe surface droughts
Which of the following represents the correct sequence?
Explanation
The Khejri tree’s survival strategy starts with its deep taproot system that reaches far into the phreatic zones. This allows the tree to extract groundwater even during severe surface droughts. Because its roots go so deep, there is minimal competition for moisture with shallow-rooted agricultural crops like Bajra. This unique adaptation enables successful intercropping and the practice of agroforestry.
Q99. Which grass species, endemic to the Thar Desert (specifically Jaisalmer), is highly nutritious for livestock and plays a key role in preventing soil erosion?
Explanation
Sewan grass is a highly nutritious perennial grass endemic to the Thar Desert, particularly the Jaisalmer region. It is exceptionally well-adapted to sandy soils and low rainfall. Sewan provides excellent pasture for livestock and plays a vital role in preventing soil erosion by binding the loose desert sand. Conserving Sewan grasslands is essential for maintaining the regional ecological balance.
Q100. A major environmental threat to the survival of the Khejri tree in recent years has been identified as:
Explanation
In recent years, the survival of the Khejri tree has been threatened by biological factors rather than climatic ones. Widespread infestations by root borers and various parasitic fungi have been identified as major causes of tree mortality across many districts. These pests weaken the trees, making them susceptible to stress. Research and conservation efforts are focused on managing these biological threats.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 91 | (d) Tropical Thorn Forest |
| 92 | (a) State Tree |
| 93 | (b) Every part of the tree is useful while it enriches soil fertility. |
| 94 | (b) State Flower of Rajasthan |
| 95 | (a) Marwar Teak |
| 96 | (b) I, II, and IV |
| 97 | (d) Sand dune stabilization and fuel/fodder |
| 98 | (a) C, D, A, B |
| 99 | (b) Sewan grass |
| 100 | (d) Infestation by root borers and parasitic fungi. |
Key facts from Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry and Animal Husbandry in Rajasthan
- Contour bunding and mulching are effective moisture conservation methods in arid agriculture.
- Jaisalmer, Barmer and Bikaner fall in the Hyper Arid Partial Irrigated Zone.
- Dry farming is the practice of growing crops in regions with less than 750 mm of annual rainfall without irrigation.
- Bajra (pearl millet) is a common drought-resistant crop of the arid region; moth bean is drought-tolerant and forms a dense soil cover.
- Raj 3077 is a drought-resistant wheat variety suited to low-water areas.
- Early maturing varieties help crops escape terminal drought; overgrazing by livestock accelerates desertification.
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry and Animal Husbandry in Rajasthan?
This page has 164 practice MCQs on Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry and Animal Husbandry in Rajasthan (Health, Environment and Agriculture). Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
What is dry farming?
The practice of growing crops in regions with less than 750 mm of annual rainfall without irrigation, by conserving soil moisture through methods such as mulching, bunding and early sowing.
Why is moth bean grown widely in Rajasthan?
Because it is drought-tolerant and forms a dense soil cover that protects the soil from erosion. It also fixes nitrogen, so it suits the poor sandy soils of the arid west.
Why are early maturing varieties important?
They complete their growth before the dry spell at the end of the season, so the crop escapes terminal drought. This is a key strategy for rain-fed farming in Rajasthan.