Ans: B

Exp:

Statement 1 is incorrect: Grasslands are found in regions that receive rainfall of about 25-75 cm per year ( not enough to support a forest but more rainfall than that of a true desert). In India, grasslands are mainly composed of steppes and savannas. Grasslands are highly dynamic ecosystems that include vegetation that is mainly dominated by grass or grass-like plants. These can be in the form of natural and semi-natural pastures, woodlands, scrub, and steppe formations (Intermediate areas between forests and deserts made up of small grasses). UNESCO defines grassland as “land covered with herbaceous plants with less than 10 percent tree and shrub cover” and “wooded grassland as 10-40 percent tree and shrub cover”.

Statement 2 is correct: The Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute is located in Jhansi. The Central Arid Zone Research Institute is located in Jodhpur.

Ans: B

Exp: 

Statement 1 is incorrect: In mountainous areas, the decrease in temperature with increasing altitude leads to a corresponding change in natural vegetation. The Himalayan ranges show a succession of vegetation from the tropical to the tundra, which changes with altitude. Deciduous forests are found in the foothills of the Himalayas. It is succeeded by the wet temperate type of forests between an altitude of 1,000-2,000 m. 

Statement 2 is correct: The temperate forests are called Sholas in the Nilgiris, Anaimalai and Palani hills. Some of the other trees of this forest of economic significance include magnolia, laurel, cinchona and wattle. Such forests are also found in the Satpura and Maikal ranges.

Statement 3 is correct: Among the coastal states, Kerala (9 sq km) and among the UTs, Puducherry (2 sq km) have the least mangrove cover.

Statement 4 is incorrect: Dry deciduous forest covers vast areas of the country, where rainfall ranges between 70 -100 cm. As the dry season begins, the trees shed their leaves completely, and the forest appears like a vast grassland with naked trees all around. Tendu, palas, amaltas, bel, khair, axlewood, etc. are the common trees of dry deciduous  forests. 

Ans: C

Exp:

Natural vegetation refers to a plant community that has been left undisturbed over a long time, so as to allow its individual species to adjust themselves to climate and soil conditions as fully as possible.

Option 1 is correct: Montane forests are found in mountainous areas with decreasing temperatures and increasing altitudes. It is found in hilly areas of West Bengal, Uttaranchal, Kashmir and  Himachal Pradesh. Chir, pine, deodar, walnut, etc. are found in these forests.

Option 2 is correct: These are found in areas with rainfall less than 50 cm and consist of a variety of grasses and shrubs. It includes semi-arid areas of South East, including Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.

Option 3 is incorrect:   A plant nursery in a house is an example of artificial vegetation.

Option 4 is correct: The Shola forest of Nilgiri is a part of the Southern mountain forest, which is found in three distinct areas of Peninsular India viz. Western Ghats, Vindhyas and Nilgiris.

Ans: C

Exp:

Statement 1 is correct: Rural forestry is a type of forestry that focuses on managing forests in rural areas for the benefit of local communities. It is often used to provide fuelwood, fodder, and timber for local communities. It can also help to improve soil quality, reduce soil erosion, and provide a habitat for wildlife. 

Statement 2 is correct: Farm forestry is a type of forestry that involves planting trees on agricultural land. It can be used to provide shade for crops, prevent soil erosion, and provide a source of income for farmers. Farm forestry is important for sustainable development in India because it can help to increase crop yields, while also protecting the environment.

Statement 3 is correct: Agroforestry is a type of forestry that integrates trees with crops and livestock such that it benefits all three components. It can be used to improve soil fertility, increase crop yields, and provide a habitat for wildlife. 

• Agroforestry is important for sustainable development in India because it can help to improve the productivity of agricultural land while also protecting the environment.

Ans: A

Exp:

Statement 1 is incorrect:  The jute industry in India faces challenges in sourcing adequate raw materials domestically. To bridge the gap between demand and supply, India imports from Brazil and the Philippines as additional sources of raw jute imports, ensuring the industry’s continuous operation despite domestic shortfalls.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Jute, once a dominant material, faces stiff competition from synthetic alternatives in the domestic market. There is dwindling domestic demand for jute, primarily due to the proliferation of synthetic substitutes. These alternatives often offer durability and cost advantages, making them a preferred choice over traditional jute products.

Statement 3 is correct: Technological stagnation is a significant challenge for India’s jute industry. Many mills employ outdated machinery, leading to inefficiencies and lower production rates. This technological lag, combined with unforeseen challenges like Cyclone Amphan, further exacerbates the industry’s issues.