UPSC Prelims 2014 · GS Paper I
Question 42: Geography
In India, the problem of soil erosion is associated with which of the following?
- 1.Terrace cultivation
- 2.Deforestation
- 3.Tropical climate
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (b).
Deforestation removes the tree cover and root system that hold soil and slow rainwater, so rain washes the topsoil away; it is a main cause of soil erosion in India. Terrace cultivation is the opposite: it is a soil conservation measure on hill slopes that cuts runoff and erosion. UPSC does not count tropical climate itself as a cause, since erosion depends on land cover and land use. So only statement 2 is right.
- 1. Terracing is a soil conservation method.
- 2. Loss of tree cover exposes soil to rain and runoff.
- 3. UPSC does not treat tropical climate itself as the cause of erosion.
How you could have got this
- If you were sure statement 1 is not correct, (a), (c) and (d) go: each of them includes 1.
What you needed to know: Terracing is a soil conservation method.
Only (b) is left. You didn’t need statements 2 or 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. Terrace cultivation reduces erosion, so statement 1 is false.
- (b) Right. Only deforestation is a cause.
- (c) Wrong. Terrace cultivation prevents erosion, and climate alone is not the cause.
- (d) Wrong. Statements 1 and 3 are not counted as causes.
Worth knowing: Heavy tropical rainfall does add to erosion, so statement 3 is arguable, but UPSC's key counts only deforestation.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2014, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.