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 41–50 of 59 questions
RAS PrelimsRajasthan Geography · Natural Vegetation, Biodiversity and Conservation in Rajasthan
Q41. Match the items in List I with those in List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below:
Forest/Vegetation Class
Typical Rainfall Requirement
A. Desert Vegetation
i. Less than 25 cm
B. Tropical Thorn Forests
ii. 25 cm to 50 cm
C. Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests
iii. 50 cm to 100 cm
D. Subtropical Evergreen Forests
iv. Above 150 cm
Explanation
Desert vegetation needs less than 25 cm of rain, thorn forests 25 to 50 cm, dry deciduous forests 50 to 100 cm and subtropical evergreen forests above 150 cm. This gives A-i, B-ii, C-iii, D-iv.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan Geography · Natural Vegetation, Biodiversity and Conservation in Rajasthan
Q42. Consider the following natural vegetation types of Rajasthan: I. Subtropical Evergreen Forests II. Tropical Thorn Forests III. Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests Which of the following represents the correct sequence in descending order based on their approximate geographical area coverage in the state?
Explanation
By area, tropical thorn forests cover the most, then tropical dry deciduous forests and then subtropical evergreen forests, which are found only at Mount Abu. The order is II, III, I.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan Geography · Natural Vegetation, Biodiversity and Conservation in Rajasthan
Q43. Keoladeo Ghana National Park relies heavily on artificial water supply during dry months. Which rivers historically feed the wetland system of this park?
Explanation
The Banganga and the Gambhiri rivers historically feed the wetland system of Keoladeo Ghana National Park.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan Geography · Natural Vegetation, Biodiversity and Conservation in Rajasthan
Q44. Identify the incorrect statement concerning the ecological adaptation of flora in the Mount Abu region.
Explanation
The flora of Mount Abu is adapted to higher humidity, has evergreen and semi-evergreen species and has epiphytes like orchids. Deep taproots adapted only to desert sand are not typical there, so D is incorrect.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan Geography · Natural Vegetation, Biodiversity and Conservation in Rajasthan
Q45. What is considered the most appropriate and sustainable method to combat desertification and stabilize sand dunes in western Rajasthan?
Explanation
Stabilising sand dunes by afforestation with indigenous xerophytes like Khejri and Rohida is the most sustainable method. Water-intensive crops, clearing scrub or paving the desert would make the problem worse.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan Geography · Natural Vegetation, Biodiversity and Conservation in Rajasthan
Q46. Read Statement I and Statement II carefully and choose the correct option: Statement I: The dried pods of the Khejri tree are a vital ingredient in the traditional Rajasthani dish ‘Panchkuta’. Statement II: Khejri trees shed all their leaves during extreme summers, rendering them useless for livestock fodder during droughts.
Explanation
The dried pods of the Khejri, called sangri, are a vital ingredient of the traditional dish Panchkuta, so Statement I is correct. Khejri does not shed all its leaves in summer, and its leaves, called loong, are a valuable fodder in droughts, so Statement II is incorrect.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan Geography · Natural Vegetation, Biodiversity and Conservation in Rajasthan
Q47. Consider the following adaptive features of vegetation: I. Succulent stems to store water II. Sunken stomata to minimize water loss III. Broad, thin leaves to catch maximum sunlight IV. Long taproot systems to reach deep groundwater V. Buttress roots for stability in waterlogged soils Which of the above combinations represents the adaptations of desert vegetation in Rajasthan?
Explanation
Desert plants in Rajasthan exhibit several xerophytic adaptations to survive in arid conditions. Succulent stems allow them to store water for long periods. Sunken stomata help reduce the rate of transpiration by shielding moisture from direct wind and heat. Furthermore, long taproot systems enable these plants to reach deep-seated groundwater, ensuring a steady water supply even when the surface soil is completely dry.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan Geography · Natural Vegetation, Biodiversity and Conservation in Rajasthan
Q48. Match the items in List I with those in List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below:
Conservation Milestone
Associated Year/Event in Rajasthan
A. Project Tiger launched in Ranthambore
i. 1985
B. Keoladeo Ghana declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site
ii. 1973-74
C. Chinkara designated as State Animal
iii. 1983
D. Khejri designated as State Tree
iv. 1981
Explanation
Key conservation milestones in Rajasthan occurred over several decades. Project Tiger was launched at Ranthambore in 1973-74. Keoladeo Ghana National Park received its UNESCO World Heritage status in 1985. The state officially designated the Chinkara as the State Animal in 1981, and the Khejri tree was recognized as the State Tree in 1983, formalizing the protection of these symbols.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan Geography · Natural Vegetation, Biodiversity and Conservation in Rajasthan
Q49. Which of the following is correctly paired regarding the dominant flora and its primary utility in Rajasthan?
Explanation
In Rajasthan, different tree species serve specific economic roles. The Tendu tree is particularly important because its leaves are harvested and used as wrappers for traditional bidis, providing a significant source of seasonal income for tribal communities. The other options are incorrect, as Babool is a thorn tree, Rohida is for timber, and Salar is primarily used for the packing and paper industry.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan Geography · Natural Vegetation, Biodiversity and Conservation in Rajasthan
Q50. In which year was the Ranthambore National Park initially brought under the umbrella of ‘Project Tiger’?
Explanation
Ranthambore National Park was among the first nine tiger reserves established across India when ‘Project Tiger’ was launched in 1973. This initiative was designed to protect the declining population of Bengal tigers and their habitats. Since then, Ranthambore has become one of the most famous tiger reserves in the world, known for its successful conservation efforts and high tiger density.
Answer key for these questions
Q
Correct answer
41
(a) A-i, B-ii, C-iii, D-iv
42
(b) II, III, I
43
(c) Banganga and Gambhiri
44
(d) The plants have deep taproots exclusively adapted to survive in loose desert sand.
45
(a) Afforestation using indigenous xerophytic species like Khejri and Rohida.
46
(c) Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect.
47
(a) I, II and IV
48
(a) A-ii, B-i, C-iv, D-iii
49
(d) Tendu - Leaves used for making traditional bidis.
50
(b) 1973
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.
