UPSC Prelims 2013 · GS Paper I
Question 55: Geography
Which of the following is/are unique characteristic/characteristics of equatorial forests?
- 1.Presence of tall, closely set trees with crowns forming a continuous canopy
- 2.Coexistence of a large number of species
- 3.Presence of numerous varieties of epiphytes
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (d).
Equatorial forests have tall, closely set trees whose crowns form a continuous canopy that shuts out much light. They hold a very large number of species in a small area, with little dominance by one species. The layered canopy supports numerous epiphytes, such as orchids and ferns that grow on tree trunks and branches. All three statements describe these forests.
- 1. Tall, closely set trees form a continuous canopy.
- 2. A very large number of species coexist.
- 3. Numerous epiphytes grow on the trees.
How you could have got this
- If you were sure statement 1 is correct, (b) goes: it leaves 1 out.
What you needed to know: Tall, closely set trees form a continuous canopy.
- Then, if you were sure statement 2 is correct, (a) and (c) go: each of them leaves 2 out.
What you needed to know: A very large number of species coexist.
Only (d) is left. You didn’t need statement 3.
Which options go is worked out from UPSC’s key and the options, not by a model.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Wrong. Species richness and epiphytes also characterise them.
- (b) Wrong. The continuous canopy is also characteristic.
- (c) Wrong. Great species diversity is also characteristic.
- (d) Correct. All three are characteristics.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2013, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.