2026
Q150. With reference to mangroves and climate resilience, consider:
1. Mangroves reduce tidal energy and store freshwater for paddy cultivation.
2. Their roots filter seawater into freshwater for aquaculture.
3. They withstand tidal surges and provide biomass and livelihoods.
Which statement is correct?
[UPSC CSE Prelims (2026)]
(A) 1 only
(B) 1 and 2 only
(C) 2 and 3 only
(D) 3 only
Answer: (D) 3 only
Explanation: Mangroves buffer strong tidal surges and coastal storms while supporting fisheries and local livelihoods. They do not desalinate seawater into usable freshwater. Their complex root systems also bind sediment and reduce shoreline erosion.
Q149. Match the forest types with species:
A. Tropical moist forest;
B. Littoral and swamp forest;
C. Tropical thorn forest;
D. Alpine forest.
Species:
1. Kail;
2. Khair;
3. Sonneratia;
4. Rosewood.
[CDS-I General Knowledge (12 Apr 2026)]
(A) A-4, B-3, C-2, D-1
(B) A-4, B-2, C-3, D-1
(C) A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
(D) A-1, B-3, C-2, D-4
Answer: (A) A-4, B-3, C-2, D-1
Explanation: Rosewood is associated with humid tropical forests, while Sonneratia is a tidal mangrove species. Khair tolerates comparatively dry thorn-forest conditions, and kail is a conifer of Himalayan mountain vegetation. These associations determine the correct sequence.
Q148. In India, mangrove forests are typically found in which region?
[MP Police SI (21 Jan 2026, Shift 2)]
(A) Mountainous areas
(B) Desert regions
(C) Coastal areas influenced by tides
(D) Plains without water bodies
Answer: (C) Coastal areas influenced by tides
Explanation: Mangroves are salt-tolerant plants inhabiting sheltered tidal coasts, estuaries and river deltas. Their specialized roots cope with waterlogging and saline conditions. They protect coastlines from erosion and provide nurseries for fish and crustaceans.
Q147. Teak is one of the major tree types in which vegetation of India?
[OSSSC Forester/Forest Guard/Excise Constable (3 May 2026, Shift 1)]
(A) Tropical deciduous forests
(B) Tropical thorn forests
(C) Tropical evergreen forests
(D) Montane forests
Answer: (A) Tropical deciduous forests
Explanation: Teak is a characteristic commercially valuable tree of tropical deciduous, or monsoon, forests. These forests experience distinct wet and dry periods. Trees generally shed leaves during the dry season, limiting transpiration and conserving water.
Q146. Which forest type in India has a year-round green canopy because trees lack a fixed leaf-shedding season?
[RRB NTPC Graduate CBT-I (24 Mar 2026, Shift 2)]
(A) Tropical evergreen forests
(B) Tropical thorn forests
(C) Montane pine forests
(D) Dry deciduous forests
Answer: (A) Tropical evergreen forests
Explanation: Tropical evergreen forests remain green because the constituent tree species shed leaves at different times. They develop where warmth and abundant moisture persist, especially in the Western Ghats and the Northeast, creating a layered canopy.
Q145. The Sundarbans mangrove forest is situated in which delta?
[DSSSB MTS (22 Apr 2026, Shift 1)]
(A) Cauvery delta
(B) Krishna–Godavari delta
(C) Ganga–Brahmaputra–Meghna delta
(D) Mahanadi delta
Answer: (C) Ganga–Brahmaputra–Meghna delta
Explanation: The Sundarbans occupy tidal islands and mudflats within the Ganga–Brahmaputra–Meghna delta in India and Bangladesh. Fresh river sediment and saline tidal waters create suitable conditions for extensive mangrove vegetation and distinctive coastal wildlife.
Q144. Which national park was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 for its mangrove ecosystem?
[RRB NTPC Graduate CBT-I (18 Mar 2026, Shift 2)]
(A) Kaziranga National Park
(B) Gir National Park
(C) Jim Corbett National Park
(D) Sundarbans National Park
Answer: (D) Sundarbans National Park
Explanation: Sundarbans National Park in West Bengal received World Heritage recognition in 1987. Its tidal creeks, mudflats and saline mangrove forests support remarkable biodiversity, including the Bengal tiger, and help shield the coast from cyclones.
Q143. Which forests are the most widespread in India?
[DSSSB MTS (5 Mar 2026, Shift 2)]
(A) Tropical deciduous forests
(B) Alpine and montane forests
(C) Tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen forests
(D) Mangrove forests
Answer: (A) Tropical deciduous forests
Explanation: Tropical deciduous forests occupy extensive areas because much of India has seasonal monsoon rainfall. Moist and dry deciduous subtypes occur under different rainfall conditions. Sal and teak are important species, and seasonal leaf-fall reduces water loss.
Q142. In which of the following states are mangrove forests primarily found?
[DSSSB MTS (25 Feb 2026, Shift 3)]
(A) West Bengal
(B) Uttar Pradesh
(C) Punjab
(D) Madhya Pradesh
Answer: (A) West Bengal
Explanation: West Bengal contains the Indian portion of the Sundarbans, an exceptionally extensive mangrove system. Mangroves flourish along tidal deltas rather than landlocked plains. Their vegetation is adapted to saline mud and periodic flooding.
Q141. Forests receiving over 200 cm of rainfall, with a short dry season and trees reaching 60 metres, belong to which type?
[DSSSB MTS (12 May 2026, Shift 2)]
(A) Tropical evergreen forests
(B) Tropical deciduous forests
(C) Montane forests
(D) Mangrove forests
Answer: (A) Tropical evergreen forests
Explanation: Heavy rainfall, persistent warmth and a very short dry period characterize tropical evergreen forests. Their trees form several vertical layers and may grow exceptionally tall. Major Indian locations include the Western Ghats and parts of the northeastern hills.