553 RAS Prelims practice MCQs on world geography are on this page, in 7 chapters. They cover physical landforms, major rivers and lakes, natural vegetation and biomes, world agriculture, industrial regions, the transport network and the main environmental issues: desertification, deforestation, climate change and ozone depletion. Each question has an answer and an explanation, in the formats the exam uses.
Practice questions based on the RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the exam pattern but are not past-paper questions.
Showing 181–190 of 553 questions
Browse World Geography chapters
RAS PrelimsWorld Geography · Natural Vegetation and Biomes
Q181. 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
Q182. 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
Q183. 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
Q184. 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
Q185. 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
Q186. 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
Q187. 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
Q188. 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
Q189. 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
Q190. 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
181
(a) I and II only
182
(a) A-iii, B-i, C-ii, D-iv
183
(d) Temperate grasslands are typically found on the eastern margins of continents in the equatorial region
184
(a) Baobab
185
(b) I, II and IV
186
(a) Extensive pure stands of single species simplify logging
187
(a) A-iii, B-iv, C-i, D-ii
188
(b) III only
189
(a) C, A, D, B
190
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
Key facts from World Geography
The RPSC syllabus for world geography lists mountains, plateaus, plains and deserts, major rivers and lakes, natural vegetation, agriculture, industrial regions, transport and environmental issues.
Questions ask for the location of a feature: where a range lies, where a river ends, which country has an industrial region.
Statement and sequence questions are common, for example the order of mountain ranges or of vegetation layers.
Environmental issues are asked through treaties and dates, such as the Montreal Protocol, the IPCC and the Paris Agreement.
Indian and Rajasthan geography are on their own pages, each with its own chapters.
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on World Geography?
This page has 553 practice MCQs on World Geography. Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
Which chapters does the world geography set cover?
Seven chapters: physical landforms (mountains, plateaus, plains and deserts), major rivers and lakes, natural vegetation and biomes, world agriculture, major industrial regions, the world transport network, and environmental issues including desertification, deforestation, climate change and ozone depletion.
Is world geography part of the RAS Prelims syllabus?
Yes. The RPSC syllabus has a Geography of World and India section that lists physical aspects, rivers and lakes, natural vegetation, agriculture, industrial regions, transport and environmental issues for the world, followed by India and Rajasthan.
How can I revise world geography quickly?
Use an atlas alongside the questions. Attempt each chapter, read the explanation for every miss and mark the place on the map. Make short lists of ranges, rivers and industrial regions with their countries, and revise them over several days.
