Q81. Identify the incorrect statement regarding afforestation efforts 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 81–90 of 164 questions
Q82. The Indira Gandhi Canal Project (IGNP) area has witnessed extensive afforestation. What is the main ecological benefit observed here?
Explanation
The extensive afforestation carried out along the Indira Gandhi Canal has brought significant ecological benefits to the region. The tree plantations have helped in stabilizing shifting sand dunes, preventing them from encroaching on the canal and agricultural lands. Furthermore, the increased green cover has created a more favorable microclimate, reducing wind speeds and increasing humidity. This transformation is a prime example.
Q83. Match the items in List I with those in List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below:
| Forest Type in Rajasthan | Dominant Tree Species/Region |
|---|---|
| A. Tropical Dry Deciduous Forest | i. Khejri, Babool, Phog (Western Arid Region) |
| B. Tropical Thorn Forest | ii. Teak, Tendu (Banswara, Dungarpur) |
| C. Sub-tropical Broad-leaved Hill Forest | iii. Dhokda (Anogeissus pendula) (Aravalli Region) |
| D. Dry Teak Forest | iv. Mango, Jamun, Gurjan (Mount Abu) |
Explanation
Rajasthan’s forests are categorized into distinct types based on climate and species. Tropical Dry Deciduous forests are dominated by Dhokda and are common in the Aravalli region. Tropical Thorn forests, featuring Khejri and Babool, are found in the western arid zones. The unique Sub-tropical Broad-leaved Hill forests are restricted to Mount Abu, while Dry Teak forests are prevalent southernly.
Q84. Which tree species constitutes the maximum forest cover in Rajasthan, dominating the dry deciduous forests of the Aravalli ranges?
Explanation
Dhokda is the most widespread tree species in Rajasthan, constituting a significant portion of the state’s forest cover. It is the dominant species in the dry deciduous forests that cover the Aravalli hills. Dhokda is exceptionally hardy and can grow on rocky and hilly terrain with minimal soil and water. Its wood is traditionally valued for its strength and ecosystem role.
Q85. Legally, forests in Rajasthan are classified into three categories. Which of the following is NOT one of these legal categories?
Explanation
Legally, the forests in Rajasthan are classified into three distinct categories: Reserved Forests, Protected Forests, and Unclassed Forests. These classifications determine the level of protection and the degree of human activity allowed within them. Commercial Plantations is not a legal category under this classification system, although plantations may exist within the other categories. Understanding these legal divisions is fundamental.
Q86. In which legal category of forests in Rajasthan are all human activities (like grazing and timber collection) strictly prohibited unless specifically permitted?
Explanation
Reserved forests are the most protected category of forests in Rajasthan. In these areas, all human activities, including livestock grazing, timber collection, and entry, are strictly prohibited unless specific permission is granted by the forest department. This high level of protection aims to conserve the natural habitat, biodiversity, and critical water catchments. They represent core areas of forest conservation.
Q87. Which district in Rajasthan has the maximum geographical area under forest cover?
Explanation
Udaipur district consistently records the maximum geographical area under forest cover in Rajasthan. The hilly terrain of the Aravallis and relatively higher rainfall in this region support the growth of dense deciduous and teak forests. The extensive forest cover in Udaipur is vital for the state’s ecological balance and provides habitat for diverse wildlife. It stands in sharp contrast westwards.
Q88. Which district in Rajasthan records the minimum percentage of forest cover relative to its geographical area?
Explanation
Churu district is known for having the minimum geographical area under forest cover in Rajasthan. Located in the heart of the arid zone, the district faces extreme temperatures and very low rainfall, which naturally limits forest growth. The landscape is dominated by sand dunes and sparse desert vegetation. This highlights the severe ecological constraints faced.
Q89. Sub-tropical broad-leaved hill forests, representing a unique micro-climate with species like natural orchids and wild roses, are restricted to which area of Rajasthan?
Explanation
Sub-tropical broad-leaved hill forests are a unique forest type found only in the Mount Abu region of Rajasthan. The high altitude of the Aravalli hills here creates a distinct micro-climate with higher rainfall and lower temperatures compared to the surrounding plains. This allows for the growth of diverse species like mango and natural orchids. These forests represent a biodiversity hotspot.
Q90. Identify the incorrect statement regarding the Dry Teak Forests of Rajasthan.
Explanation
Dry Teak forests are found in the southern districts of Rajasthan, where they thrive in moderate rainfall conditions. However, due to the seasonal nature of the rain and lower humidity, the teak trees here do not reach the massive heights seen in tropical rainforests. Therefore, the third statement is incorrect. These forests are managed to prevent damage from ground fires.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 81 | (c) Afforestation in Rajasthan solely relies on highly water-intensive species like Teak and Sal. |
| 82 | (d) Stabilization of sand dunes and creating a micro-climate. |
| 83 | (c) A-iii, B-i, C-iv, D-ii |
| 84 | (d) Dhok or Dhokda (Anogeissus pendula) |
| 85 | (a) Commercial Plantations |
| 86 | (c) Reserved Forests |
| 87 | (a) Udaipur |
| 88 | (d) Churu |
| 89 | (b) Mount Abu region |
| 90 | (c) Teak trees grow to heights comparable to tropical rainforests. |
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.