Q1. India is part of which two biogeographic realms?
- Nearctic and Afrotropical
- Palearctic and Indo-Malayan
- Antarctic and Oceanian
- Australian and Palearctic
Correct Option: 2. Palearctic and Indo-Malayan
Explanation: The Earth is divided into large biogeographic realms based on the distribution of animals and plants. India spans two such realms:
• The Himalayan region is part of the Palearctic realm, which includes temperate Asia and Europe.
• The rest of India lies in the Indo-Malayan realm, known for its tropical biodiversity.
• This makes India biologically diverse, influenced by both temperate and tropical ecosystems.
Q2. Which biome in India is characterized by coniferous trees and is found at higher altitudes?
- Tropical Humid Forests
- Warm Deserts
- Coniferous Forests
- Alpine Meadows
Correct Option: 3. Coniferous Forests
Explanation: Coniferous forests are mainly found in cooler, high-altitude areas, especially in the Western and Central Himalayas.
• These forests are dominated by cone-bearing trees like pine, fir, spruce, and cedar.
• The trees are adapted to cold climates and snowfall, with needle-like leaves and thick bark.
• They form an important biome supporting wildlife like Himalayan black bear, musk deer, and many bird species.
Q3. Who proposed the biogeographic classification of India into 10 zones and 25 provinces?
- Salim Ali
- Madhav Gadgil
- M.S. Swaminathan
- Rodgers and Panwar
Correct Option: 4. Rodgers and Panwar
Explanation: In 1988, scientists Rodgers and Panwar classified India into 10 biogeographic zones and 25 biogeographic provinces based on:
• Altitude
• Topography
• Climate
• Vegetation types
• Species distribution
This classification was later used by the Wildlife Institute of India to plan protected areas (national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, etc.) systematically.
Q4. Which is the largest biogeographic zone in India by area?
- Trans-Himalayas
- Western Ghats
- Deccan Peninsula
- Gangetic Plains
Correct Option: 3. Deccan Peninsula
Explanation: The Deccan Peninsula covers nearly 43% of India’s land area, making it the largest biogeographic zone.
• It comprises plateaus and hills in south-central India.
• The zone is mostly covered by tropical dry deciduous forests, and is home to a wide range of flora and fauna including tigers, sloth bears, and leopards.
• It also includes several important rivers like Godavari, Krishna, and Tungabhadra.
Q5. What percent of the world’s known species are found in India?
- 10%
- 2%
- 5%
- 7%
Correct Option: 4. 7%
Explanation: India, despite having only 2.4% of the global land area, harbors about 7% of the world’s recorded species, making it one of the top 17 megadiverse countries.
• This includes a wide range of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, insects, and plants.
• The rich biodiversity is due to India’s diverse geography, climate, and ecosystems ranging from the Himalayas to coastal mangroves.