Important Forest and Wildlife MCQs. Forest and Wildlife plays a crucial role within the broader field of environment and ecology. It serves as a foundational concept for achieving success in competitive exams such as Civil Services, State exams, SSC, Railways, Banking, and more. Mastering these subjects offers a unique advantage, allowing you to gain invaluable insights into the country’s environmental legacy. With a focus on Environment, Biodiversity, and Ecology, this knowledge not only sharpens your competitive edge but also equips you to excel in these challenging exams.
MCQs on Forest and Wildlife – Objective Questions and Answers
Q71. Which country has the highest percentage of its geographical area under forest? (U.P.P.C.S.(Pre) 2013)
[A] China
[B] India
[C] Indonesia
[D] Japan
View Explanation
Correct Answer is D.
The percentage of forest cover in relation to the geographical area for the countries mentioned in the options is as follows:
Japan: 68.6%
Indonesia: 51.7%
India: 23.1%
China: 22.3%
Top 5 countries
Forest %
Suriname
97.4%
Guyana
93.6%
Micronesia
92%
Gabon
91.3%
Solomon Islands
90.1%
Q72. Assertion (A) : Aluminium is a green metal.
Reason (R) : It substitutes wood for saving the forest.
Select the correct answer from codes given below: (U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2009)
[A] Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
[B] Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
[C] (A) is false, but (R) is true.
[D] (A) is true, but (R) is false.
View Explanation
Correct Answer is D.
Aluminum is referred to as a green metal due to its eco-friendly and renewable properties. Although aluminum can serve as a substitute for wood, this substitution is not primarily aimed at saving forests in a significant manner. Therefore, while (A) is correct, (R) is not.
Q73. Which one of the following eco-regions of India is not correctly matched? (U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2013)
[A] South-Western Ghats – Moist forests
[B] Tarai Duar – Broadleaf forests
[C] Rann of Kachchh – Grasslands
[D] Eastern Deccan Plateau – Moist forests
View Explanation
Correct Answer is D.
South-Western Ghats – Moist forests
Correct: The South-Western Ghats are home to tropical moist forests, including dense rainforests, due to high rainfall and humid conditions. This region is known for its rich biodiversity and endemic species.
Tarai Duar – Broadleaf forests
Correct: The Tarai Duar region, located at the foothills of the Himalayas, is dominated by broadleaf forests and is known for its fertile soil and lush vegetation. It serves as a transition zone between the plains and the Himalayas.
Rann of Kachchh – Grasslands
Correct: The Rann of Kachchh, a saline desert in Gujarat, is surrounded by grasslands and thorn scrub. These grasslands are important habitats for wildlife such as the Indian wild ass and several bird species.
Eastern Deccan Plateau – Moist forests
Incorrect: The Eastern Deccan Plateau predominantly features dry deciduous forests and thorny scrublands due to its semi-arid climate and lower rainfall. Moist forests are not a characteristic feature of this region.
Q74. Monoculture of commercially viable trees is destroying the unique natural profile of – Thoughtless exploitation of timber, deforesting vast tracts for palm cultivation, destruction of mangroves, illegal logging by tribals and poaching only compound the problem. Freshwater pockets are fast drying up due to deforestation and destruction of mangroves”. The place referred to this quotation is: (I.A.S. (Pre) 1995)
[A] Sunderbans
[B] Kerala coast
[C] Orissa coast
[D] Andaman and Nicobar Island
View Explanation
Correct Answer is A.
The Sunderbans, known for their extensive mangrove forests, face severe ecological threats due to monoculture of commercially viable trees, deforestation, mangrove destruction, illegal logging, and poaching.
These activities lead to habitat loss, freshwater scarcity, and biodiversity decline, aligning with the issues described in the quotation.
Q75. The 2004 Tsunami made people realize that mangroves can serve as a reliable safety hedge against coastal calamities. How do mangroves function as a safety hedge? (I.A.S. (Pre) 2011)
[A] The mangrove swamps separate the human settlements from the sea by a wide zone in which people neither live nor venture out
[B] The mangroves provide both food and medicines which people are in need of after any natural disaster.
[C] The mangrove trees are tall with dense canopies and serve as an excellent shelter during a cyclone or Tsunami
[D] The mangrove trees do not get uprooted by storms and tides because of their extensive roots
View Explanation
Correct Answer is D.
Mangroves act as a reliable safety barrier against coastal disasters. Their extensive root systems prevent the trees from being uprooted by storms and tides. Therefore, (d) is the correct answer.
Q76. Assertion (A) : Coastal Odisha is most cyclone-prone area of India. (U.P.P.S.C. (GIC) 2010)
Reason (R) : There is a large amount of deforestation of Mangroves in Mahanadi delta area.
Choose the correct answer in the given codes :
Code :
[A] Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
[B] Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
[C] (A) is false, but (R) is true.
[D] (A) is true, but (R) is false.
View Explanation
Correct Answer is A.
Coastal Odisha is the region most impacted by cyclones originating in the Bay of Bengal, experiencing a higher frequency of cyclones compared to other states. Therefore, Assertion (A) is valid.
Mangroves act as an effective natural barrier against coastal disasters. However, extensive deforestation in the Mahanadi delta area has recently heightened the risks associated with cyclones. Consequently, both the assertion and the reason are accurate, and the reason provides the correct explanation for the assertion.
Q77. Consider the following statements: (I.A.S. (Pre) 2010)
1. The Taxus tree naturally found in the Himalayas
2. The Taxus tree is listed in the Red Data Book.
3. A drug called ‘taxol’ is obtained from Taxus tree which is effective against Parkinson’s disease.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
[A] 1 only
[B] 1 and 2
[C] 2 and 3
[D] 1, 2 and 3
View Explanation
Correct Answer is D.
The Taxus tree, native to the Himalayan region, holds significant ecological and medicinal importance. It is listed in the Red Data Book, highlighting its status as a species facing threats to its survival.
The tree is a natural source of the drug Taxol, which is widely used in the treatment of breast and lung cancer and has shown effectiveness against Parkinson’s disease. Therefore, all the given statements about the Taxus tree are accurate.
Q78. Consider the following statement : (U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2002)
1. The Worldwide Fund for Nature was established in 1961.
2. The death of 13 lions in Nandan Forest Sanctuary of Odisha in July, 2000 was due to trypanosomiasis disease.
3. The tree eucalyptus is named as eco-friend.
4. The biggest aquarium in India is situated in Kolkata.
Of these statements:
[A] 1, 2 and 3 are correct
[B] 2, 3 and 4 are correct
[C] 1, 2 and 4 are correct
[D] 1 and 2 are correct
View Explanation
Correct Answer is C.
The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), established in 1961, stands as a prominent international NGO dedicated to wildlife conservation and environmental protection. However, June and July of 2000 marked a grim chapter for tigers in Indian zoos, with a tragic loss of 13 tigers at the Nandan Kanan Zoo in Eastern India due to Trypanosomiasis.
On a brighter note, India boasts its largest aquarium in Kolkata, a hub for aquatic biodiversity. Interestingly, Eucalyptus, often regarded as an “environmental enemy” due to its adverse ecological impacts, challenges the perception of being nature-friendly. Thus, the correct choice is option (c).
Q79. Consider the following statements in respect of Trade Related Analysis of Fauna and Flora in Commerce (TRAFFIC) : (I.A.S. (Pre) 2017)
1.TRAFFIC is a bureau under the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
2. The mission of TRAFFIC is to ensure that trade in wild plants and animals is not a threat to the conservation of nature.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
[A] 1 only
[B] 2 only
[C] Both 1 and 2
[D] Neither 1 nor 2
View Explanation
Correct Answer is B.
Trade Related Analysis of Fauna and Flora in Commerce (TRAFFIC) is a prominent non-governmental organization dedicated to monitoring the trade of wild plants and animals, ensuring it aligns with the principles of sustainable development and biodiversity conservation.
Established in 1976, TRAFFIC’s mission is to safeguard nature by preventing wildlife trade from posing a threat to conservation efforts. Operating as a strategic alliance of WWF and IUCN, TRAFFIC is independent and not affiliated as a bureau under UNEP.
Q80. Consider the following: (I.A.S. (Pre) 2013)
1. Star Tortoise 2. Monitor lizard
3.Pygmy hog 4. Spider monkey
Which of the above are naturally found in India?
[A] 1, 2 and 3
[B] 2 and 3
[C] 1 and 4
[D] All of these
View Explanation
Correct Answer is A.
Star Tortoise: Naturally found in India, primarily in dry areas and scrub forests.
Monitor Lizard: Native to India, commonly found in forests and wetlands.
Pygmy Hog: Endemic to India, particularly in the grasslands of Assam.
Spider Monkey: Native to Central and South America, not naturally found in India.
