UPSC Prelims 2010 · General Studies
Question 1: Geography
A geographic area with an altitude of 400 metres has following characteristics :
| Month | J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average maximum temp. °C | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 30 | 30 | 29 | 28 | 29 | 29 | 30 | 31 |
| Average minimum temp. °C | 21 | 21 | 21 | 21 | 21 | 21 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 |
| Rainfall (mm) | 51 | 85 | 188 | 158 | 139 | 121 | 134 | 168 | 185 | 221 | 198 | 86 |
If this geographic area were to have a natural forest, which one of the following would it most likely be ?
AnswerThe answer is (d).
Climate decides the forest type. Every month here is warm (maximum 28-31 C, minimum 20-21 C), the yearly temperature range is tiny, and rain falls in all twelve months, about 170 cm in the year, with no real dry season. Constant heat, even temperatures and year-round rain are the signature of a tropical rain forest, and 400 m is still lowland tropical. Remember: moist deciduous forest has a clear dry spell; montane and temperate forests need cooler conditions.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Moist temperate coniferous forest needs cool temperatures and cold winters; this area never falls below 20 C.
- (b) Montane subtropical forest grows higher up with cooler months; 400 m with maxima of 28-31 C is lowland tropical.
- (c) Temperate forest needs a distinct cold season; the temperatures here stay uniformly warm.
- (d) Right: steady heat, small temperature range and rain in every month give a tropical rain forest.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2010, General Studies, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.