Q1. Which of the following is the most dominant factor that determines the distribution and type of natural vegetation in Rajasthan?
Natural Vegetation, Biodiversity and Conservation in Rajasthan: RAS Prelims MCQs
59 RAS Prelims MCQs on the natural vegetation, biodiversity and conservation of Rajasthan cover the forest types, state symbols, tiger reserves, sanctuaries and conservation traditions. Khejri, the chinkara and the Godawan, Mukundra Hills, Sariska, Ranthambore, Keoladeo and the Bishnoi tradition are tested, and the explanations tie each to its district.
Practice questions based on the RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the exam pattern but are not past-paper questions.
Showing 1–10 of 59 questions
Q2. Which of the following statements is incorrect regarding the desert vegetation found in Rajasthan?
Explanation
Desert plants in Rajasthan possess specialized adaptations to survive extreme heat and moisture scarcity. Instead of broad and thin leaves, which would increase water loss through transpiration, these plants typically have small, thick, or spine-modified leaves. Other features include deep root systems and waxy coatings on stems, which effectively minimize water loss and maximize survival in aridity.
Q3. Match the items in List I with those in List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below:
| Forest Type | Region in Rajasthan |
|---|---|
| A. Tropical Thorn Forests | i. Mount Abu Region |
| B. Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests | ii. Western Arid Region |
| C. Subtropical Evergreen Forests | iii. Eastern and South-Eastern Region |
| D. Mixed Deciduous Forests | iv. Southern Aravalli Region |
Explanation
The distribution of forests in Rajasthan follows distinct climatic zones. Tropical thorn forests characterize the western arid region, while tropical dry deciduous forests dominate the eastern and south-eastern areas. Subtropical evergreen forests are localized to the high-altitude Mount Abu region. Finally, mixed deciduous forests are primarily found along the southern parts of the rugged Aravalli mountain range.
Q4. What is the primary ecological effect of the severe temperature extremes and scanty rainfall in western Rajasthan?
Explanation
Western Rajasthan experiences severe temperature fluctuations and minimal rainfall, creating a harsh environment for flora. This led to the dominance of xerophytic species, which are specifically adapted to conserve water. These plants often feature deep roots, fleshy stems for storage, and modified leaves, allowing them to flourish despite the limited moisture and high evaporative demands characteristic of deserts.
Q5. Consider the following statements regarding the Tropical Thorn Forests of Rajasthan:
I. They are predominantly found in the western arid and semi-arid regions.
II. The vegetation primarily consists of trees with deep roots and thick bark.
III. These forests require an annual rainfall of more than 150 cm to thrive.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. They are predominantly found in the western arid and semi-arid regions.
II. The vegetation primarily consists of trees with deep roots and thick bark.
III. These forests require an annual rainfall of more than 150 cm to thrive.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Tropical thorn forests are native to the arid and semi-arid parts of western Rajasthan, where rainfall remains extremely low. These plants possess thick bark and deep root systems to access groundwater and withstand heat. However, they do not require 150 cm of annual rainfall; instead, they thrive in regions receiving less than 50 cm of precipitation.
Q6. What is the botanical name of the Khejri tree, the State Tree of Rajasthan?
Explanation
Prosopis cineraria is the botanical name for the Khejri tree, which is designated as the State Tree of Rajasthan. This multipurpose species is vital for the desert’s ecological balance and agricultural economy. It provides fodder, timber, and improves soil fertility through nitrogen fixation. Its cultural importance is deeply rooted in local traditions, especially within the bishnoi community.
Q7. Consider the following statements regarding tiger reserves and wildlife in Rajasthan:
I. Ranthambore was among the first nine tiger reserves established under Project Tiger.
II. Sariska successfully executed a tiger relocation programme after a local extinction.
III. Mukundra Hills is the third declared tiger reserve in Rajasthan.
IV. Desert National Park is a major breeding ground for Bengal tigers.
V. Keoladeo Ghana National Park primarily focuses on avian conservation rather than large felines.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. Ranthambore was among the first nine tiger reserves established under Project Tiger.
II. Sariska successfully executed a tiger relocation programme after a local extinction.
III. Mukundra Hills is the third declared tiger reserve in Rajasthan.
IV. Desert National Park is a major breeding ground for Bengal tigers.
V. Keoladeo Ghana National Park primarily focuses on avian conservation rather than large felines.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Ranthambore was among the first nine reserves under Project Tiger, Sariska had a successful tiger relocation, Mukundra Hills is the third tiger reserve and Keoladeo is mainly a bird sanctuary. Desert National Park is not a tiger breeding ground, so IV is wrong.
Q8. In which district is the Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve primarily located?
Explanation
The Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve is mainly in the Kota district, with parts in Jhalawar.
Q9. Which of the following major fauna species is the designated State Animal (wild category) of Rajasthan?
Explanation
The Chinkara (Indian gazelle) is the state animal of Rajasthan in the wild category. The camel is the state animal in the livestock category.
Q10. Identify the correct pair of Rajasthan’s state symbols and their common ecological category.
Explanation
The Khejri is a xerophytic tree, adapted to dry conditions. The Rohida is a tree, the Godawan is a bird of dry grasslands and the Chinkara is a herbivore.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 1 | (b) Rainfall |
| 2 | (a) The leaves are broad and thin to maximize sunlight absorption. |
| 3 | (a) A-ii, B-iii, C-i, D-iv |
| 4 | (d) Dominance of xerophytic plant species |
| 5 | (a) I and II only |
| 6 | (b) Prosopis cineraria |
| 7 | (a) I, II, III and V |
| 8 | (a) Kota |
| 9 | (b) Chinkara |
| 10 | (b) Khejri - Xerophytic tree |
Key facts from Natural Vegetation, Biodiversity and Conservation in Rajasthan
- Rainfall is the dominant factor determining the vegetation, and severe temperatures with scanty rain favour xerophytes.
- The Khejri (Prosopis cineraria), the State Tree, is called Shami in ancient texts; its dried pods are used in the dish Panchkuta.
- The Chinkara is the State animal in the wild category, the camel is the State animal in the livestock category and the Great Indian Bustard is locally called Godawan.
- Tiger reserves in order are Ranthambore, Sariska (tigers relocated in 2008) and Mukundra Hills in Kota.
- Keoladeo Ghana National Park in Bharatpur is a Ramsar site; Desert National Park lies in Jaisalmer and Barmer.
- Mount Abu has subtropical evergreen vegetation; overgrazing causes soil erosion and desertification.
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on Natural Vegetation, Biodiversity and Conservation in Rajasthan?
This page has 59 practice MCQs on Natural Vegetation, Biodiversity and Conservation in Rajasthan (Rajasthan Geography). Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
What is the State tree of Rajasthan?
The Khejri, botanical name Prosopis cineraria, also called Shami. It fixes nitrogen, gives fodder and pods, and is protected by the Bishnoi community, which makes it central to the desert ecosystem.
Where is the Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve?
Mainly in the Kota district, with parts in Jhalawar. It includes the Darrah, Chambal and Jawahar Sagar sanctuaries and was declared a tiger reserve in 2013, the third in Rajasthan after Ranthambore and Sariska.
What is the local name of the Great Indian Bustard?
Godawan. It is a critically endangered bird of the open dry grasslands, found in the Desert National Park and nearby areas of western Rajasthan, and it is one of the heaviest flying birds in the world.