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 11–20 of 59 questions
Explanation
The Khejri fixes nitrogen and enriches the soil, and it does not compete with crops for surface water because of its deep roots. This is why it is central to agroforestry in arid Rajasthan.I. It is situated in the Aravalli hills of the Alwar district.
II. It gained global attention for successfully relocating tigers from Ranthambore in 2008.
III. It is currently recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its architectural ruins.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Sariska Tiger Reserve is in the Aravalli hills of Alwar district and became well known when tigers were relocated there from Ranthambore in 2008. It is not a UNESCO World Heritage site for ruins, so III is wrong.Explanation
The local name of the Great Indian Bustard in Rajasthan is Godawan.I. Mukundra Hills
II. Sariska
III. Ranthambore
Which of the following is the correct sequence?
Explanation
Ranthambore was notified as a tiger reserve first, in the 1970s, then Sariska in 1978 and Mukundra Hills in 2013. The order is III, II, I.I. It is situated in the Bharatpur district.
II. It is a recognized Ramsar Wetland site.
III. It features constructed mosaic habitats of dry grasslands, woodlands, and swamps.
IV. It acts as a major breeding ground for the endangered Great Indian Bustard.
V. It was historically a duck-shooting reserve for the Maharajas.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are incorrect?
Explanation
Keoladeo Ghana National Park is in Bharatpur, is a Ramsar site, has constructed mosaic habitats and was a duck-shooting reserve of the Maharajas. It is not a breeding ground of the Great Indian Bustard, so IV is incorrect.| Common Name | Scientific Name |
|---|---|
| A. Khejri | i. Gazella bennettii |
| B. Rohida | ii. Ardeotis nigriceps |
| C. Chinkara | iii. Prosopis cineraria |
| D. Great Indian Bustard | iv. Tecomella undulata |
Explanation
Khejri is Prosopis cineraria, Rohida is Tecomella undulata, Chinkara is Gazella bennettii and the Great Indian Bustard is Ardeotis nigriceps. This gives A-iii, B-iv, C-i, D-ii.Explanation
Chittorgarh, Sawai Madhopur and Udaipur have tropical dry deciduous forests. Jaisalmer is in the arid west with thorn and desert vegetation, so it is the least likely.Explanation
Padam Talao is a lake in Ranthambore National Park. The other pairs wrongly mix the features.Explanation
Wildlife corridors between reserves like Ranthambore and Mukundra Hills let tigers move between them, which allows genetic exchange and prevents inbreeding.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 11 | (b) Tropical Thorn - Tropical Dry Deciduous - Mixed Deciduous |
| 12 | (c) By fixing nitrogen and enriching soil without competing for surface water with crops. |
| 13 | (a) I and II only |
| 14 | (c) Godawan |
| 15 | (b) III, II, I |
| 16 | (c) IV only |
| 17 | (a) A-iii, B-iv, C-i, D-ii |
| 18 | (b) Jaisalmer |
| 19 | (a) Ranthambore National Park - Padam Talao |
| 20 | (c) To allow genetic exchange and prevent tiger inbreeding. |
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.