Q21. Which type of natural vegetation dominates the slopes of the Mount Abu region at higher elevations?
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 21–30 of 59 questions
Q22. Identify the correct statement regarding the Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve.
Explanation
The Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve covers the Darrah, Chambal and Jawahar Sagar sanctuaries. It was not the first tiger reserve of the State and is not famous for Siberian cranes.
Q23. The following question consists of two statements -- Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Answer the question by selecting the appropriate option.
Assertion (A): Tropical dry deciduous forests are predominantly found in the eastern and southeastern parts of Rajasthan.
Reason (R): These regions receive relatively higher annual rainfall ranging between 50 cm and 100 cm, which supports deciduous tree growth.
Assertion (A): Tropical dry deciduous forests are predominantly found in the eastern and southeastern parts of Rajasthan.
Reason (R): These regions receive relatively higher annual rainfall ranging between 50 cm and 100 cm, which supports deciduous tree growth.
Explanation
Tropical dry deciduous forests are found mainly in the eastern and south-eastern parts of Rajasthan because rainfall there is higher, between about 50 and 100 cm, which supports deciduous trees. R explains A.
Q24. By what local name is the Khejri tree revered in ancient religious texts and widely known in rural Rajasthan?
Explanation
The Khejri tree is called Shami in ancient religious texts and is widely revered in rural Rajasthan.
Q25. What is the primary ecological consequence of unchecked overgrazing on the natural vegetation of Rajasthan?
Explanation
Overgrazing strips the plant cover, which leads to severe soil erosion and speeds up desertification.
Q26. Match the items in List I with those in List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below:
| Conservation Strategy/Feature | Targeted Entity in Rajasthan |
|---|---|
| A. Relocation and repopulation of Tigers | i. Khejri |
| B. Captive breeding of Great Indian Bustard | ii. Sariska Tiger Reserve |
| C. Prohibition of cutting green trees by Bishnoi community | iii. Keoladeo National Park |
| D. Creation of artificial wetlands | iv. Desert National Park |
Explanation
Tigers were relocated to Sariska, the Great Indian Bustard is bred in captivity at Desert National Park, the Bishnoi community protects the Khejri and Keoladeo has artificial wetlands. This gives A-ii, B-iv, C-i, D-iii.
Q27. Consider the following challenges to biodiversity conservation in Rajasthan:
I. Expansion of illegal mining in the Aravalli hills.
II. Habitat fragmentation due to linear infrastructure projects.
III. Proliferation of invasive species like Prosopis juliflora.
IV. High annual rainfall causing widespread flooding of natural habitats.
Which of the above represents genuine conservation challenges in the state?
I. Expansion of illegal mining in the Aravalli hills.
II. Habitat fragmentation due to linear infrastructure projects.
III. Proliferation of invasive species like Prosopis juliflora.
IV. High annual rainfall causing widespread flooding of natural habitats.
Which of the above represents genuine conservation challenges in the state?
Explanation
Illegal mining in the Aravallis, habitat fragmentation by linear projects and the spread of Prosopis juliflora are real threats. High rainfall causing floods is not a conservation challenge for this dry state, so IV is wrong.
Q28. Which of the following is an "Odd one out" regarding the traditional conservation practices in Rajasthan?
Explanation
Orans (sacred groves), Johads and the Khejarli martyrdom are part of traditional conservation. Commercial clear-cutting is the opposite, so it is the odd one out.
Q29. Read Statement I and Statement II carefully and choose the correct option:
Statement I: The Rohida tree produces vibrant flowers that are usually yellow, orange, or red.
Statement II: The blooming of Rohida flowers typically occurs during the peak winter months of December and January.
Statement I: The Rohida tree produces vibrant flowers that are usually yellow, orange, or red.
Statement II: The blooming of Rohida flowers typically occurs during the peak winter months of December and January.
Explanation
The Rohida tree has showy yellow, orange or red flowers, so Statement I is correct. It blooms in the spring, from about February to April, and not in December and January, so Statement II is incorrect.
Q30. Identify the incorrect pair of a Wildlife Sanctuary and its notable feature.
Explanation
Tal Chhapar is a blackbuck habitat, Sitamata has flying squirrels and the National Chambal Sanctuary protects the gharial. Kumbhalgarh does not have mangroves, as mangroves are a coastal vegetation, so D is incorrect.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 21 | (d) Subtropical Evergreen |
| 22 | (b) It encompasses the Darrah, Chambal, and Jawahar Sagar sanctuaries. |
| 23 | (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. |
| 24 | (a) Shami |
| 25 | (c) Severe soil erosion and acceleration of desertification |
| 26 | (a) A-ii, B-iv, C-i, D-iii |
| 27 | (b) I, II and III |
| 28 | (b) Commercial clear-cutting |
| 29 | (c) Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect. |
| 30 | (d) Kumbhalgarh Sanctuary - Mangrove vegetation |
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.