Q51. Which of the following is not considered a major threat to biodiversity and conservation 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 51–59 of 59 questions
Q52. Identify the incorrect statement regarding the biodiversity hotspots and challenges in Rajasthan.
Explanation
Contrary to common belief, the Thar Desert is one of the most populated and biologically diverse deserts in the world. It hosts a wide variety of flora and fauna that have evolved unique survival strategies. While challenges like invasive species and grazing pressures exist, the desert’s biodiversity index is relatively high compared to other global deserts, making it an ecological treasure rather than a barren wasteland.
Q53. What is the cause and effect relationship associated with the widespread planting of Prosopis juliflora (Vilayati Babool) in Rajasthan?
Explanation
The introduction of Prosopis juliflora, known locally as Vilayati Babool, was intended for greening arid areas. However, it became a highly invasive species. It competes aggressively with native plants for limited water and nutrients, eventually suppressing local flora. Its presence has altered habitats, as it does not support the same diversity of native wildlife or provide high-quality fodder compared to indigenous species like Khejri.
Q54. Before being upgraded and renamed as Keoladeo Ghana National Park, by what popular name was this wildlife sanctuary globally known?
Explanation
Before it was upgraded to a National Park and renamed Keoladeo Ghana National Park, the area was globally recognized as the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary. The name "Ghana" refers to the thick forest cover that once characterized this region. It has long been a destination for birdwatchers and scientists due to the incredible variety and density of avian species that congregate in its wetlands.
Q55. In the context of Rajasthan’s conservation efforts, which specific designation highlights Keoladeo National Park’s international importance as a wetland habitat?
Explanation
The "Ramsar Site" designation specifically highlights Keoladeo National Park’s international importance as a wetland habitat. The Ramsar Convention is an international treaty for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands. Keoladeo was one of the first sites in India to be recognized for its role in supporting migratory waterbirds and maintaining a healthy, biodiverse wetland ecosystem in an arid state.
Q56. Identify the correct statement regarding the Desert Fox, an important fauna species of Rajasthan.
Explanation
The Desert Fox is a key fauna species of Rajasthan, primarily found in the arid and semi-arid scrublands of the Thar Desert. It is a highly adaptable carnivore, preying on small mammals like rodents, as well as insects and birds. Unlike animals that require perennial water, the desert fox is well-adapted to survive in dry environments with limited water sources.
Q57. A botanist observes a plant in Rajasthan that exhibits a massive network of shallow roots, fleshy stems, and a thick waxy cuticle. To which ecological category does this plant most likely belong?
Explanation
A plant with a massive network of shallow roots for quick water absorption, fleshy stems for storage, and a thick waxy cuticle to prevent evaporation is a classic Xerophyte. These physiological and structural features are essential for survival in environments where water is scarce and evaporation rates are high, such as the desert and semi-arid regions found throughout most of Rajasthan.
Q58. In which year was the Mukundra Hills region officially declared as a Tiger Reserve by the Government of India?
Explanation
Mukundra Hills was officially declared as a Tiger Reserve in the year 2013, making it the third tiger reserve in Rajasthan after Ranthambore and Sariska. The reserve was created to provide an additional protected habitat for the dispersal of tigers from Ranthambore and to boost the long-term conservation of the species in the southeastern part of the state.
Q59. What was the most appropriate and defining success factor of the Sariska tiger relocation programme initiated in 2008?
Explanation
The Sariska tiger relocation programme, which began in 2008, was a major global conservation milestone. It marked the first time in the world that tigers were successfully relocated to a reserve where the species had become locally extinct. The project involved moving tigers from Ranthambore to Sariska using helicopters and intensive monitoring, proving that restoration of apex predators in lost habitats is possible.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 51 | (b) Traditional Oran and Gochar land systems |
| 52 | (d) The Thar Desert has a very low biodiversity index among global deserts. |
| 53 | (a) It suppressed native flora through invasion and competition. |
| 54 | (c) Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary |
| 55 | (d) Ramsar Site |
| 56 | (b) It inhabits arid scrublands and eats rodents and insects. |
| 57 | (c) Xerophyte |
| 58 | (c) 2013 |
| 59 | (a) It was the world’s first successful relocation of tigers where they were extinct. |
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.