MCQs on “The Role of Forests in Maintaining Ecological Balance”
1. What percentage of the Earth’s terrestrial species are estimated to reside in forests?
a) 25%
b) 50%
c) 70%
d) 90%
Answer: b) 50%
2. Which forest type in India is most significant for carbon sequestration?
a) Tropical Evergreen Forests
b) Mangrove Forests
c) Temperate Forests
d) Dry Deciduous Forests
Answer: a) Tropical Evergreen Forests
3. The process by which forests absorb carbon dioxide and store it as biomass is called:
a) Carbon neutralization
b) Carbon storage
c) Carbon sequestration
d) Carbon emission
Answer: c) Carbon sequestration
4. Which of the following is NOT a function of forests in maintaining ecological balance?
a) Reducing soil erosion
b) Stabilizing climate
c) Generating greenhouse gases
d) Supporting biodiversity
Answer: c) Generating greenhouse gases
5. What is the primary role of mangrove forests in coastal ecosystems?
a) Timber production
b) Flood prevention
c) Erosion control
d) Soil fertility enhancement
Answer: c) Erosion control
6. India’s first national forest policy was introduced in:
a) 1950
b) 1988
c) 1948
d) 1972
Answer: b) 1988
7. The Chipko Movement is associated with:
a) Wildlife protection
b) Afforestation programs
c) Preventing deforestation
d) Promoting ecotourism
Answer: c) Preventing deforestation
8. Forests contribute to groundwater recharge by:
a) Increasing surface runoff
b) Reducing infiltration
c) Promoting percolation
d) Preventing evaporation
Answer: c) Promoting percolation
9. Which act governs the conservation of forests in India?
a) Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980
b) Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
c) Environmental Protection Act, 1986
d) Biodiversity Act, 2002
Answer: a) Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980
10. Deforestation affects the hydrological cycle by:
a) Reducing rainfall
b) Increasing soil fertility
c) Enhancing groundwater levels
d) Promoting river flow
Answer: a) Reducing rainfall
11. Forest ecosystems play a significant role in the global carbon cycle by:
a) Releasing excess oxygen
b) Storing large amounts of carbon
c) Emitting carbon dioxide
d) Depleting fossil fuels
Answer: b) Storing large amounts of carbon
12. Which region in India is known as the “lungs of India” for its forest cover?
a) Sundarbans
b) Western Ghats
c) Northeast India
d) Himalayan region
Answer: c) Northeast India
13. How do forests help in controlling floods?
a) Increasing water evaporation
b) Enhancing water runoff
c) Absorbing and storing rainwater
d) Diverting river flow
Answer: c) Absorbing and storing rainwater
14. Forest canopies influence climate by:
a) Increasing surface albedo
b) Trapping heat in the atmosphere
c) Reducing evaporation
d) Regulating temperature and humidity
Answer: d) Regulating temperature and humidity
15. Sacred groves in India are examples of:
a) Urban forests
b) Community conservation efforts
c) Government-protected areas
d) Agroforestry practices
Answer: b) Community conservation efforts
16. The Kyoto Protocol encourages:
a) Afforestation and reforestation projects
b) Urban development in forested areas
c) Deforestation for economic development
d) Trade of forest products
Answer: a) Afforestation and reforestation projects
17. Which of the following is a biodiversity hotspot that includes significant forest ecosystems?
a) Deccan Plateau
b) Indo-Gangetic Plain
c) Western Ghats
d) Thar Desert
Answer: c) Western Ghats
18. Forests mitigate climate change by:
a) Increasing soil erosion
b) Depleting natural resources
c) Acting as carbon sinks
d) Accelerating deforestation
Answer: c) Acting as carbon sinks
19. Joint Forest Management (JFM) in India emphasizes:
a) Urban reforestation
b) Collaboration between local communities and forest departments
c) Industrial use of forests
d) Forest privatization
Answer: b) Collaboration between local communities and forest departments
20. What percentage of India’s total geographical area is under forest cover as per the latest reports?
a) 15%
b) 22%
c) 33%
d) 20%
Answer: b) 22%
21. The Sundarbans forests are predominantly composed of:
a) Evergreen trees
b) Mangrove vegetation
c) Deciduous trees
d) Temperate forests
Answer: b) Mangrove vegetation
22. Which of the following is an ecosystem service provided by forests?
a) Water purification
b) Industrial waste management
c) Mining activities
d) Road construction
Answer: a) Water purification
23. Forest fragmentation leads to:
a) Increased biodiversity
b) Loss of wildlife habitats
c) Stabilized ecosystems
d) Improved carbon sequestration
Answer: b) Loss of wildlife habitats
24. Forest fires are often caused by:
a) Natural lightning strikes and human activities
b) Soil erosion
c) High soil moisture
d) Heavy rainfall
Answer: a) Natural lightning strikes and human activities
25. The Van Mahotsav festival in India promotes:
a) Urbanization
b) Forest conservation and afforestation
c) Industrialization
d) Water conservation
Answer: b) Forest conservation and afforestation
26. The term “biological corridor” refers to:
a) A forest trail for tourists
b) A pathway connecting fragmented habitats
c) An artificial plantation
d) A wildlife sanctuary
Answer: b) A pathway connecting fragmented habitats
27. Which of these forest types is found in the Himalayas?
a) Tropical Rainforest
b) Mangrove Forest
c) Alpine Forest
d) Evergreen Forest
Answer: c) Alpine Forest
28. Forest soils are rich in:
a) Organic matter
b) Salts
c) Alkaline minerals
d) Iron oxides
Answer: a) Organic matter
29. India’s National Afforestation Programme aims to:
a) Increase agricultural productivity
b) Develop urban infrastructure
c) Regenerate degraded forest lands
d) Promote mining activities
Answer: c) Regenerate degraded forest lands
30. Forests play a role in the water cycle by:
a) Reducing precipitation
b) Increasing runoff
c) Enhancing evaporation and transpiration
d) Blocking river flow
Answer: c) Enhancing evaporation and transpiration
These MCQs provide a comprehensive review of forests’ role in maintaining ecological balance, a critical topic for civil services preparation.
