UPSC Prelims 2002 · General Studies
Question 17: Geography
Open stunted forests with bushes and small trees having long roots and sharp thorns or spines are commonly found in
AnswerThe answer is (d).
Open, stunted forest of thorny bushes and small trees with long roots to reach deep water, sharp thorns and spines and small leaves is tropical thorn forest. It grows where rainfall is below about 70 cm: Rajasthan, Gujarat, Punjab, Haryana and the dry peninsular interior such as western Andhra Pradesh. Eastern Orissa has moist deciduous forest, north-eastern Tamil Nadu has tropical dry evergreen forest, and the Siwalik-Terai belt has moist deciduous forest and tall grass.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Eastern Orissa has moist deciduous forest and heavier rain.
- (b) North-eastern Tamil Nadu has tropical dry evergreen forest.
- (c) The Siwalik-Terai belt is wetter, with moist deciduous forest and tall grassland.
- (d) Right: the dry interior of western Andhra Pradesh carries thorn forest.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2002, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.