80 RAS Prelims MCQs on natural vegetation and biomes ask about the forest types of the world, their layers, trees and soils. The Amazon rainforest, temperate rainforests, the boreal forest, the temperate deciduous forest and the Great Barrier Reef are tested, and each explanation links the biome to its climate and location.
Practice questions based on the RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the exam pattern but are not past-paper questions.
Showing 21–30 of 80 questions
RAS PrelimsWorld Geography · Natural Vegetation and Biomes
Q21. Consider the following statements regarding Tropical Deciduous (Monsoon) forests: I. Moist deciduous forests are found in areas receiving 100 to 200 cm of rainfall. II. Dry deciduous forests transition into thorn forests in areas receiving less than 70 cm of rainfall. III. Bamboo, Sal, Shisham, and Sandalwood are prominent tree species of dry deserts. Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Tropical deciduous forests are classified based on annual rainfall totals. Moist deciduous forests thrive in regions receiving between 100 and 200 centimeters of rain. As rainfall decreases below 70 centimeters, these forests transition into thorn forests. Species like teak and sandalwood are typical of deciduous environments, whereas true desert regions support very different, highly specialized drought-tolerant vegetation types and succulents.
RAS PrelimsWorld Geography · Natural Vegetation and Biomes
Q22. Match List I (Local Name of Mediterranean Vegetation) with List II (Region) and select the correct answer using the codes given below.
Local Name of Mediterranean Vegetation
Region
A. Maquis
i. California
B. Chaparral
ii. South Africa
C. Fynbos
iii. Southern Europe
D. Mallee
iv. Australia Options:
Explanation
Mediterranean vegetation has various regional names depending on its global location. It is known as Maquis in Southern Europe and Chaparral in California. In South Africa, this unique plant community is called Fynbos, while in Australia, it is referred to as Mallee. All these regions share similar drought-resistant adaptations, such as small, leathery leaves and thick, protective bark for survival.
RAS PrelimsWorld Geography · Natural Vegetation and Biomes
Q23. Which of the following statements regarding Temperate Grasslands is incorrect?
Explanation
Temperate grasslands are found in the mid-latitudes, typically in the interiors of continents, rather than the equatorial regions. These biomes, such as the North American prairies and Eurasian steppes, experience continental climates with hot summers and cold winters. Their soils, including Mollisols and Chernozems, are exceptionally fertile due to the accumulation of organic matter from decaying grass root systems.
RAS PrelimsWorld Geography · Natural Vegetation and Biomes
Q24. Which of the following tree species is an odd one out as it is not typically characteristic of the Temperate Deciduous Forest biome?
Explanation
The temperate deciduous forest is dominated by broad-leaved trees like oak, maple, and beech, which shed their leaves in winter. In contrast, the baobab is a specialized tree characteristic of tropical savanna biomes, particularly in Africa. It is known for its massive, water-storing trunk and ability to survive long dry seasons, making it ecologically distinct from the temperate species.
RAS PrelimsWorld Geography · Natural Vegetation and Biomes
Q25. Consider the following statements about Temperate Rainforests of the Pacific Northwest (North America): I. They are dominated by large coniferous trees rather than broadleaf deciduous trees. II. The climate is moderated by oceanic currents, preventing severe freezing in winter. III. Epiphytes like mosses and lichens are completely absent due to cold temperatures. IV. This biome supports some of the tallest tree species in the world, such as the Coastal Redwood. Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
The temperate rainforests of the Pacific Northwest are unique because they are dominated by massive conifers, such as coastal redwoods. The maritime climate provides mild winters and high moisture levels, which support diverse epiphytes like mosses and lichens. These forests reach incredible heights due to the consistent availability of water and the lack of severe freezing temperatures throughout the year.
RAS PrelimsWorld Geography · Natural Vegetation and Biomes
Q26. Commercial lumbering is highly developed in the Boreal (Taiga) forests. Which of the following ecological characteristics makes this biome particularly suitable for the commercial timber industry?
Explanation
Commercial lumbering is highly efficient in boreal forests because they often consist of vast, pure stands of a single tree species. This uniformity simplifies harvesting and processing for the timber industry. Additionally, the wood from these conifers is generally soft and easy to work with, making it ideal for the production of paper pulp and construction lumber globally.
RAS PrelimsWorld Geography · Natural Vegetation and Biomes
Q27. Match List I (Biome) with List II (Dominant Soil Order/Type) and select the correct answer using the codes given below.
Biome
Dominant Soil Order/Type
A. Tropical Rainforest
i. Spodosol (Podzol)
B. Temperate Grassland
ii. Gelisol (Permafrost soils)
C. Boreal Forest (Taiga)
iii. Oxisol (Lateritic soils)
D. Tundra
iv. Mollisol (Chernozem) Options:
Explanation
Biomes are associated with specific soil types formed by local climate and vegetation. Tropical rainforests have heavily leached Oxisols, while temperate grasslands possess fertile Mollisols. Boreal forests are characterized by acidic Spodosols created by needle decay. In the cold tundra, Gelisols predominate, featuring a permafrost layer that restricts drainage and limits the development of distinct soil profiles and horizons.
RAS PrelimsWorld Geography · Natural Vegetation and Biomes
Q28. Consider the following adaptations observed in desert vegetation (xerophytes): I. Extensive, shallow root systems to rapidly absorb occasional rainfall. II. Transformation of leaves into spines to reduce transpiration and deter herbivores. III. Sunken stomata that open primarily during the day to maximize photosynthesis. IV. Presence of thick, fleshy stems to store water. V. Shedding of leaves during dry periods to conserve moisture. Which of the above statement(s) is/are incorrect?
Explanation
Desert vegetation uses various adaptations to manage water stress. These include thick stems for storage and spines to reduce transpiration. While many plants have shallow roots for quick absorption, others have deep taproots. However, having stomata that open during the day is not an adaptation for water conservation; instead, many desert plants open stomata at night to prevent moisture loss.
RAS PrelimsWorld Geography · Natural Vegetation and Biomes
Q29. Arrange the following biomes in the correct order of their average annual precipitation, from the highest to the lowest. A. Tropical Deciduous Forest B. Desert C. Tropical Rainforest D. Tropical Savanna Which of the following represents the correct order?
Explanation
Annual precipitation levels vary significantly across terrestrial biomes. Tropical rainforests receive the highest amount of rainfall, followed by tropical deciduous forests which have a distinct dry season. Tropical savannas receive less rain, supporting grasses rather than dense forests. Deserts occupy the lowest end of the spectrum, receiving very little moisture, which severely limits the density and type of vegetation present.
RAS PrelimsWorld Geography · Natural Vegetation and Biomes
Q30. The following question consists of two statements--Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Answer the question by selecting the appropriate option. Assertion (A): Coral bleaching leads to the death of coral reefs if the stressful conditions persist for an extended period. Reason (R): Bleaching occurs when corals expel the symbiotic zooxanthellae algae, which provide them with their primary source of nutrition and coloration.
Explanation
Coral bleaching is a stress response where coral polyps expel the symbiotic zooxanthellae living in their tissues. These algae provide the corals with essential nutrients through photosynthesis and give them their vibrant colors. If stressful conditions like high water temperatures persist, the corals cannot recover their nutritional source, leading to starvation and eventual death of the entire reef system.
Answer key for these questions
Q
Correct answer
21
(a) I and II only
22
(a) A-iii, B-i, C-ii, D-iv
23
(d) Temperate grasslands are typically found on the eastern margins of continents in the equatorial region
24
(a) Baobab
25
(b) I, II and IV
26
(a) Extensive pure stands of single species simplify logging
27
(a) A-iii, B-iv, C-i, D-ii
28
(b) III only
29
(a) C, A, D, B
30
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
Key facts from Natural Vegetation and Biomes
The dense, broad-leaved evergreen forest of the Amazon Basin is called Selvas.
The layers of a tropical rainforest from the top are emergent layer, canopy, understory and forest floor; epiphytes grow on other plants for support without being parasites.
Podzolization is the soil process most dominant in the Boreal Forest (Taiga).
Boreal forests have extensive pure stands of a single species, which simplifies commercial lumbering.
Temperate deciduous forests are found in eastern United States, western Europe and eastern China.
The Coastal Redwood is a famous tree of the Pacific coast temperate rainforest; the Great Barrier Reef lies off the north-east coast of Australia.
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on Natural Vegetation and Biomes?
This page has 80 practice MCQs on Natural Vegetation and Biomes (World Geography). Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
What are Selvas?
The local name for the dense, broad-leaved evergreen forest of the Amazon Basin. The high rainfall and heat all year round produce a tall forest with several layers, which makes it the richest rainforest on the planet.
What are epiphytes?
Plants that grow on other plants, mostly trees, for physical support, without being parasites. In tropical rainforests orchids and ferns are epiphytes, and they get light by growing high on tree trunks and branches.
Where is podzolization most common?
In the Boreal Forest, or Taiga, biome. The cold, wet climate and acidic needle litter wash minerals out of the upper soil, producing the grey, infertile podzol soils typical of coniferous forests.
