2010 General Studies, all questions

UPSC Prelims 2010 · General Studies

Question 32: Geography

Following are the characteristics of an area in India :

  1. 1.Hot and humid climate
  2. 2.Annual rainfall 200 cm
  3. 3.Hill slopes up to an altitude of 1100 metres
  4. 4.Annual range of temperature 15°C to 30°C

Which one among the following crops are you most likely to find in the area described above ?

aMustard
bCotton
cPepper
dVirginia tobacco

AnswerThe answer is (c).

Pepper is a tropical vine of the Western Ghats that needs a hot, humid climate with heavy rain (around 200 cm) and grows well on hill slopes in temperatures between about 15 and 30 C. The area described fits it. Mustard is a cool-season rabi crop, cotton needs a warm, frost-free season with moderate rain and black soil, and Virginia tobacco prefers a drier, milder climate. Remember: pepper, cardamom and coffee are hill-slope plantation crops of the humid tropics.

  • 1. Pepper is a tropical vine that needs heat and humidity.
  • 2. It thrives with heavy rainfall of about 200 cm.
  • 3. It is grown on hill slopes of the Western Ghats.
  • 4. A temperature range of 15 to 30 C suits the crop.
Why each option is right or wrong
  • (a) Mustard is a cool-season rabi crop needing far less rain.
  • (b) Cotton needs moderate rain and a long warm season, not 200 cm on hill slopes.
  • (c) Right: pepper suits hot, humid, heavy-rainfall hill slopes.
  • (d) Virginia tobacco prefers lighter rainfall and a drier climate.

Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2010, General Studies, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.