Q591. Why is Khejri considered the "Kalpavriksha of the Thar Desert"?
Health, Environment and Agriculture: RAS Prelims MCQs
662 RAS Prelims practice MCQs on health, environment and agriculture are on this page, in 4 chapters. They cover human health, food, nutrition and public health programmes, environmental and ecological changes and impact assessment, biodiversity and conservation of natural resources, and agriculture, horticulture, forestry and animal husbandry in Rajasthan. Each question has an answer and an explanation.
Practice questions based on the RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the exam pattern but are not past-paper questions.
Showing 591–600 of 662 questions
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Q592. 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.
Q593. 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.
Q594. 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.
Q595. 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.
Q596. 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.
Q597. 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.
Q598. 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.
Q599. Identify the odd one out among the flora of the desert ecosystem.
Explanation
Khejri, Rohida, and Ker are all characteristic species of the arid desert ecosystem found in Rajasthan, adapted to high temperatures and limited water. Mangroves, however, are trees that grow in coastal saline or brackish water and are not found in the landlocked desert state of Rajasthan. Therefore, Mangrove is the odd one out in this list of regional flora.
Q600. The historic Khejarli movement in Rajasthan, a precursor to modern community forest management, was led by:
Explanation
The historic Khejarli movement was led by Amrita Devi Bishnoi in 1730 to protect Khejri trees from being cut by the king’s men. She and three hundred and sixty-three others sacrificed their lives to defend the trees, reflecting a deep-rooted commitment to environmental conservation. This movement is a legendary precursor to modern community-led forest management. Amrita Devi is iconic.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 591 | (b) Every part of the tree is useful while it enriches soil fertility. |
| 592 | (b) State Flower of Rajasthan |
| 593 | (a) Marwar Teak |
| 594 | (b) I, II, and IV |
| 595 | (d) Sand dune stabilization and fuel/fodder |
| 596 | (a) C, D, A, B |
| 597 | (b) Sewan grass |
| 598 | (d) Infestation by root borers and parasitic fungi. |
| 599 | (a) Mangrove |
| 600 | (a) Amrita Devi Bishnoi |
Key facts from Health, Environment and Agriculture
- The RPSC General Science syllabus includes human health and nutrition, environmental change, biodiversity and the agriculture of Rajasthan.
- Health questions pair a deficiency or a programme with its cause or target, for example iron with anaemia.
- Environment questions cover ecosystems, pollutants, laws and treaties, including carbon markets.
- Rajasthan agriculture questions deal with dryland farming, crops of the arid zones and the State’s agro-climatic zones.
- Science and technology, policies and defence are on the Science and Technology page.
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on Health, Environment and Agriculture?
This page has 662 practice MCQs on Health, Environment and Agriculture. Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
Which chapters does this set cover?
Four chapters: human health, food, nutrition and public health programmes; environmental and ecological changes and their impact assessment; biodiversity, conservation of natural resources and sustainable development; and agriculture, horticulture, forestry and animal husbandry in Rajasthan.
Are health, environment and agriculture part of the RAS Prelims syllabus?
Yes. The General Knowledge and General Science paper includes human health, nutrition, environment, biodiversity and the agriculture sector of Rajasthan, so these topics can be asked every year.
How can I revise this part of the syllabus?
Make short lists of deficiency diseases, pollutants, laws and treaties, and Rajasthan crops and zones. Attempt each chapter, read the explanations of the misses and revisit the lists after a few days.