Q31. Which of the following represents the correct spatial sequence of Rajasthan’s Tiger Reserves from North to South?
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 31–40 of 59 questions
Q32. Consider the following statements regarding the Subtropical Evergreen Forests in Rajasthan:
I. They constitute less than 1% of the total forest area in Rajasthan.
II. They are restricted to the high-altitude zone of Mount Abu.
III. They are characterized by species that shed all their leaves simultaneously in winter.
IV. They feature a dense undergrowth of shrubs and climbers.
V. They receive an average annual rainfall exceeding 150 cm.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. They constitute less than 1% of the total forest area in Rajasthan.
II. They are restricted to the high-altitude zone of Mount Abu.
III. They are characterized by species that shed all their leaves simultaneously in winter.
IV. They feature a dense undergrowth of shrubs and climbers.
V. They receive an average annual rainfall exceeding 150 cm.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Subtropical evergreen forests are rare in Rajasthan, covering less than 1% of the forest area and limited to Mount Abu’s high altitudes. They thrive on rainfall exceeding 150 cm and feature dense undergrowth. Unlike deciduous forests, the species here do not shed all their leaves simultaneously, maintaining green cover throughout the year due to the consistent moisture and cooler temperatures.
Q33. In which year was the Chinkara officially declared as the State Animal (wildlife category) of Rajasthan?
Explanation
The Chinkara, or Indian Gazelle, was officially declared the State Animal of Rajasthan in the year 1981. This designation was part of an effort to highlight and protect the unique wildlife of the arid Thar Desert. The Chinkara is celebrated for its grace and its remarkable physiological ability to thrive in extremely dry conditions with very little water.
Q34. Match the items in List I with those in List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below:
| Fauna | Distinctive Trait/Habitat characteristic |
|---|---|
| A. Chinkara | i. Heavy flying bird of arid grasslands |
| B. Great Indian Bustard | ii. Apex predator of deciduous ecosystems |
| C. Tiger | iii. Migratory bird relying on wetlands |
| D. Siberian Crane | iv. Small antelope adapted to low water intake |
Explanation
Each of Rajasthan’s key fauna species has unique ecological adaptations. The Chinkara is a small antelope requiring very little water. The Great Indian Bustard is a heavy bird adapted to open arid grasslands. Tigers are the apex predators in deciduous forest ecosystems like Ranthambore. The Siberian crane was a famous migratory bird that depended on the wetland habitats of Bharatpur.
Q35. The following question consists of two statements -- Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Answer the question by selecting the appropriate option.
Assertion (A): Ranthambore National Park is an ideal and thriving habitat for Bengal tigers.
Reason (R): It offers a rich prey base and a mix of dry deciduous forests, open grassy meadows, and adequate water bodies.
Assertion (A): Ranthambore National Park is an ideal and thriving habitat for Bengal tigers.
Reason (R): It offers a rich prey base and a mix of dry deciduous forests, open grassy meadows, and adequate water bodies.
Explanation
Ranthambore National Park is considered a premier tiger habitat because it provides all the necessary ecological requirements. The park features a diverse landscape of dry deciduous forests for cover, grassy meadows for prey, and permanent water bodies like Padam Talao. This combination supports a high density of ungulates, ensuring a rich prey base that allows the tiger population to thrive.
Q36. Which of the following is not a characteristic of Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests in Rajasthan?
Explanation
Tropical dry deciduous forests in Rajasthan are characterized by trees like Dhok and Tendu that shed their leaves in summer to conserve water. These forests grow in regions receiving 50-100 cm of rainfall. However, they do not have a dense canopy like rainforests; instead, the canopy is relatively open, allowing sunlight to reach the ground and support various grasses and shrubs.
Q37. Which of the following statements is correct regarding the historical background of Sariska?
Explanation
Before becoming a protected area, Sariska was the private hunting preserve of the Maharaja of Alwar. It was officially declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1955 and later became a tiger reserve under Project Tiger in 1978. Its history as a royal reserve helped preserve the forest cover and its wildlife population before modern conservation laws were enacted across India.
Q38. Consider the following statements regarding wildlife protection in Rajasthan:
I. The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 is the primary legislation governing wildlife sanctuaries in the state.
II. The Great Indian Bustard is legally protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act.
III. Poaching of Chinkara is permitted during specific religious festivals.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 is the primary legislation governing wildlife sanctuaries in the state.
II. The Great Indian Bustard is legally protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act.
III. Poaching of Chinkara is permitted during specific religious festivals.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Wildlife conservation in Rajasthan is governed by the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972. Endangered species like the Great Indian Bustard are listed under Schedule I, providing them with the highest level of legal protection. Contrary to statement III, poaching or hunting any protected animal like the Chinkara is strictly illegal and punishable by law, regardless of religious festivals or traditions.
Q39. Which two districts primarily share the geographical area of the Desert National Park?
Explanation
The Desert National Park is shared mainly by the districts of Jaisalmer and Barmer.
Q40. Which specific habitat type is most critical for the nesting and breeding of the Great Indian Bustard?
Explanation
The Great Indian Bustard nests and breeds in open dry scrublands and undisturbed grasslands.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 31 | (a) Sariska - Ranthambore - Mukundra Hills |
| 32 | (a) I, II, IV and V |
| 33 | (b) 1981 |
| 34 | (a) A-iv, B-i, C-ii, D-iii |
| 35 | (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. |
| 36 | (c) The canopy is dense, preventing sunlight from reaching the ground. |
| 37 | (b) It was historically the hunting reserve of the Alwar State. |
| 38 | (a) I and II only |
| 39 | (a) Jaisalmer and Barmer |
| 40 | (c) Open dry scrublands and undisturbed grasslands. |
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.