Q1. Which of the following is a characteristic adaptation of mammals in the tundra biome?
- Long tails and large ears
- Thin cuticle and large surface area
- Large body size and small extremities
- Bright coloration and low body fat
Correct Option: 3. Large body size and small extremities.
Explanation: Tundra mammals are adapted to extremely cold conditions. They tend to have:
• Large body size to reduce heat loss (Bergmann’s Rule)
• Small ears and tails to minimize heat loss (Allen’s Rule)
• Dense fur for insulation
Q2. Which of the following forest types is most associated with fire as a frequent ecological factor?
- Boreal Coniferous Forest
- Tropical Rainforest
- Temperate Rainforest
- Mediterranean Evergreen Forest
Correct Option: 4. Mediterranean Evergreen Forest
Explanation: Mediterranean-type ecosystems (Temperate Evergreen Forests) experience dry summers, which make them highly fire-prone. Plants here have evolved fire-resistant or fire-adaptive traits.
Tropical and temperate rainforests are too moist for frequent fires.
Q3. Shola forests are typically found in which of the following Indian regions?
- Eastern Ghats
- Thar Desert
- Western Himalayas
- Nilgiri Hills
Correct Option: 4. Nilgiri Hills
Explanation: Shola forests are high-altitude evergreen forests in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka, mainly found in the Nilgiri and Palani Hills.
They grow in valleys, surrounded by grasslands, and are crucial for water conservation.
Q4. Which type of soil is typically found in tropical rainforests?
- Podzols
- Black cotton soil
- Red latosols
- Alluvial soil
Correct Option: 3. Red latosols
Explanation: Tropical rainforests have red latosol soils, which are:
• Rich in iron and aluminium
• Heavily leached due to high rainfall
These soils are nutrient-poor, but nutrients are rapidly recycled in the forest floor’s litter layer.
Q5. The productivity and community stability is lowest in which of the following forest ecosystems?
- Temperate Deciduous Forest
- Boreal Coniferous Forest
- Tropical Rainforest
- Temperate Evergreen Forest
Correct Option: 2. Boreal Coniferous Forest
Explanation: Boreal forests (taiga) have:
• Long winters, short summers
• Low biological productivity
• Poor, acidic soils
Hence, both productivity and stability are lower compared to other forest types.