Natural Vegetation, Forests & Wildlife – NDA Geography PYQs

NDA 2023-I

Q. 1. Which of the following tree species is/are found on Himalayas?

1. Oak

2. Rhododendron

3. Rosewood

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3

(c) 1 and 3

(d) 1 and 2

Answer: (d) 1 and 2

Explanation: Oak (1): Correct. Various oak species (Quercus) are characteristic of the temperate Himalayan forests, typically between 1,500–3,500 m altitude. Rhododendron (2): Correct. Rhododendrons are iconic Himalayan trees and shrubs, found from subtropical to subalpine zones (1,500–4,000 m). They are also the state tree of several Himalayan states (Uttarakhand, Sikkim). Rosewood (3): Incorrect. Indian Rosewood (Dalbergia latifolia) is a tropical tree found in peninsular forests: the Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats, and Deccan region. It is not found in the Himalayas. Concept Tested: Tree species found in the Himalayas: Oak and Rhododendron yes; Rosewood is a peninsular tropical species

NDA 2021-I

Q. 2. The natural vegetation which covers the maximum geographical areas of India is:

(a) Tropical deciduous forests

(b) Tropical thorn forests

(c) Montane Forests

(d) Tropical evergreen forests

Answer: (a) Tropical deciduous forests

Explanation: Tropical deciduous forests (both moist and dry deciduous together) cover the maximum geographical area of India. The dry deciduous alone is the single largest sub-type. This is consistent with the answers to Q3 (NDA 2008-II) and Q7 (NDA 2012-I) in this chapter. Together, the deciduous forest category dominates central, peninsular, and parts of eastern India. Tropical thorn forests are the next most extensive. Tropical evergreen forests cover a relatively small area confined to the Western Ghats and Northeast. Concept Tested: Tropical deciduous forests: maximum geographical extent in India

NDA 2018-II

Q. 3. Consider the following wildlife sanctuaries of India: which one of the following is the correct order from south to north?

1. Shikari Devi

2. Bhadra

3. Simlipal

4. Pachmarhi

(a) 1-2-3-4

(b) 2-4-3-1

(c) 2-3-4-1

(d) 3-1-2-4

Answer: (c) 2-3-4-1

Explanation: South to north arrangement: Bhadra (2): Wildlife Sanctuary in Chikkamagaluru district, Karnataka (~13.5°N). Southernmost. Simlipal (3): Tiger Reserve in Mayurbhanj district, Odisha (~21.5°N). Pachmarhi (4): Biosphere Reserve in Hoshangabad/Narmadapuram district, Madhya Pradesh (~22.5°N). Shikari Devi (1): Wildlife Sanctuary in Mandi district, Himachal Pradesh (~31°N). Northernmost. Correct south-to-north order: Bhadra → Simlipal → Pachmarhi → Shikari Devi = 2-3-4-1. Concept Tested: South-to-north sequence of wildlife sanctuaries: Bhadra (Karnataka), Simlipal (Odisha), Pachmarhi (MP), Shikari Devi (HP)

NDA 2018-I

Q. 4. Which one among the following is the largest tiger reserve of India in terms of area of the core/critical tiger habitat?

(a) Manas

(b) Pakke

(c) Nagarjunasagar Srisailam

(d) Periyar

Answer: (c) Nagarjunasagar Srisailam

Explanation: Nagarjunasagar–Srisailam Tiger Reserve in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana is the largest tiger reserve in India in terms of total and core area. Its total area spans approximately 3,728 km² across five districts. Manas (Assam) and Periyar (Kerala) are other well-known tiger reserves but are much smaller. Pakke is in Arunachal Pradesh and is also smaller. Concept Tested: Nagarjunasagar Srisailam: largest tiger reserve in India by core/total area

NDA 2017-II

Q. 5. Which of the following states in India has the largest area under forest cover?

(a) Maharashtra

(b) Chhattisgarh

(c) Madhya Pradesh

(d) Andhra Pradesh

Answer: (c) Madhya Pradesh

Explanation: Madhya Pradesh has the largest total area under forest cover of any Indian state: approximately 77,000–78,000 km² as per recent Forest Survey of India reports. This is a total area question: not a proportion question. Mizoram has the highest PROPORTION, but Madhya Pradesh has the largest TOTAL area in absolute terms. Concept Tested: Madhya Pradesh: largest total forest area in India by absolute area

Q. 6. Consider the following states of India in terms of percentage of forest area in relation to the total area of the states: which one is the correct descending order?

1. Karnataka

2. Odisha

3. Kerala

4. Andhra Pradesh

(a) 1-2-4-3

(b) 3-1-2-4

(c) 3-2-1-4

(d) 2-3-1-4

Answer: (c) 3-2-1-4

Explanation: Descending order of forest cover as a percentage of state area: Kerala (3): approximately 52–54% of area under forest. Odisha (2): approximately 33% of area under forest. Karnataka (1): approximately 20–22% of area under forest. Andhra Pradesh (4): approximately 17–20% of area under forest. Correct descending order: Kerala → Odisha → Karnataka → Andhra Pradesh = 3-2-1-4. Concept Tested: Percentage of forest cover by state: Kerala > Odisha > Karnataka > Andhra Pradesh

Q. 7. Which set of the following biosphere reserves in India is included in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves?

(a) Gulf of Mannar, Nokrek, Panchmarhi and Simlipal

(b) Gulf of Mannar, Kanchanjunga, Nokrek and Seshachalam

(c) Nilgiri, Nokrek, Panchmarhi and Seshachalam

(d) Nilgiri, Nokrek, Panchmarhi and Seshachalam

Answer: (d) Nilgiri, Nokrek, Panchmarhi and Seshachalam

Explanation: Options (c) and (d) appear identical in wording. The source records the answer as (d). All four in option (d) are recognised UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves: Nilgiri: designated 2000 (India’s first). Nokrek: designated 2009, Meghalaya. Panchmarhi: designated 2009, Madhya Pradesh. Seshachalam: designated 2018, Andhra Pradesh. The distinction from option (a) is that Gulf of Mannar and Simlipal are also in the UNESCO network, but options (c) and (d) specifically list the same four reserves. Students should check the official paper for any print difference between options (c) and (d). Concept Tested: UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves in India: Nilgiri, Nokrek, Panchmarhi, Seshachalam

NDA 2017-I

Q. 8. Which one among the following is the correct order of tiger reserves situated from North to South in India?

(a) Corbett: Simlipal: Sariska: Periyar

(b) Periyar: Sariska: Simlipal: Corbett

(c) Corbett: Sariska: Simlipal: Periyar

(d) Periyar: Simlipal: Sariska: Corbett

Answer: (c) Corbett: Sariska: Simlipal: Periyar

Explanation: North to south arrangement of tiger reserves: Corbett Tiger Reserve: Uttarakhand (~29°N). Northernmost of the four. Sariska Tiger Reserve: Rajasthan (~27°N). Simlipal Tiger Reserve: Odisha (~21°N). Periyar Tiger Reserve: Kerala (~9°N). Southernmost. Correct north-to-south order: Corbett → Sariska → Simlipal → Periyar. Concept Tested: North-to-south sequence of major tiger reserves: Corbett (Uttarakhand), Sariska (Rajasthan), Simlipal (Odisha), Periyar (Kerala)

Q. 9. Which of the following are the major coral reef areas of India?

1. Gulf of Kachchh

2. Gulf of Mannar

3. Lakshadweep

4. Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 3 only

(b) 2 and 4 only

(c) 1, 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Explanation: All four locations are recognised as major coral reef areas of India: Gulf of Kachchh (1): Coral reefs exist along the Gujarat coast in the Gulf of Kachchh; the Marine National Park here protects them. Gulf of Mannar (2): Rich coral reefs between Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka; protected as Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park. Lakshadweep (3): A classic coral atoll group in the Arabian Sea; among India’s best-preserved reef systems. Andaman and Nicobar Islands (4): Some of India’s most diverse and extensive coral reefs are found in these islands. Concept Tested: India’s four major coral reef regions: Gulf of Kachchh, Gulf of Mannar, Lakshadweep, Andaman & Nicobar Islands

NDA 2016-II

Q. 10. Arrange the following states in decreasing order of their total area under forest cover:

1. Jharkhand

2. Chhattisgarh

3. Arunachal Pradesh

4. Madhya Pradesh

(a) 4-3-2-1

(b) 4-2-3-1

(c) 3-4-1-2

(d) 2-1-3-4

Answer: (a) 4-3-2-1

Explanation: Decreasing order of total forest area: Madhya Pradesh (4) → Arunachal Pradesh (3) → Chhattisgarh (2) → Jharkhand (1). Madhya Pradesh has the largest total forest area in India: approximately 77,500 km². Arunachal Pradesh is second (approximately 67,000 km²). Chhattisgarh is third (approximately 55,600 km²). Jharkhand is the smallest among the four (approximately 23,600 km²). Concept Tested: Ranking of Indian states by total forest area: MP > Arunachal Pradesh > Chhattisgarh > Jharkhand

NDA 2015-II

Q. 11. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the code given below the Lists:

List I (Place)	List II (Normal Vegetation Type)
A. Western Ghats	1. Tropical Moist Deciduous
B. Himachal Pradesh	2. Tropical Evergreen
C. Haryana and Punjab	3. Himalayan Moist Forest
D. Chhota Nagpur Plateau	4. Tropical Thorny Forest

Codes:

(a) A-2, B-3, C-4, D-1

(b) A-1, B-4, C-3, D-2

(c) A-2, B-4, C-3, D-1

(d) A-1, B-3, C-4, D-2

Answer: (a) A-2, B-3, C-4, D-1

Explanation: Western Ghats (A) → Tropical Evergreen (2). The windward slopes of the Western Ghats receive very heavy rainfall and support tropical evergreen forests. Himachal Pradesh (B) → Himalayan Moist Forest (3). Himachal Pradesh lies in the western Himalayas and has characteristic Himalayan moist temperate and subtropical forests. Haryana and Punjab (C) → Tropical Thorny Forest (4). The sub-Himalayan plain states of Haryana and Punjab receive less than 75 cm of annual rainfall and originally supported thorn/scrub vegetation. Chhota Nagpur Plateau (D) → Tropical Moist Deciduous (1). The Chhota Nagpur Plateau in Jharkhand receives 100–150 cm of rainfall and is covered by tropical moist deciduous forests (sal dominates). Concept Tested: Vegetation type matching: Western Ghats (Evergreen), Himachal (Himalayan Moist), Haryana/Punjab (Thorny), Chhota Nagpur (Moist Deciduous)

NDA 2015-I

Q. 12. Which one of the following Indian states has the highest proportion of area under forest cover?

(a) Madhya Pradesh

(b) Sikkim

(c) Meghalaya

(d) Mizoram

Answer: (d) Mizoram

Explanation: Mizoram has the highest proportion (percentage) of its total geographical area under forest cover among Indian states: approximately 85–86% of its area is forested. Note the distinction: Madhya Pradesh has the LARGEST TOTAL AREA under forest cover in India, but Mizoram has the HIGHEST PROPORTION (percentage) of its own area that is forested. This distinction is a common NDA trap. Concept Tested: Mizoram: highest proportion (%) of area under forest cover; Madhya Pradesh has the largest total forest area

★ JOVIK Exam Insight Two different forest statistics appear in NDA: 1. Largest TOTAL forest area → Madhya Pradesh (NDA 2017-II, Q105). 2. Highest PROPORTION of state area forested → Mizoram (NDA 2015-I, Q103). These are tested as different questions. Know both. Confusing total area with proportion is one of the most common NDA traps in this chapter.

Q. 13. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code given below the Lists:

List I (National Park / Wildlife Sanctuary)	List II (State)
A. Chandra Prabha	1. Uttarakhand
B. Silent Valley	2. Chhattisgarh
C. Valley of Flowers	3. Uttar Pradesh
D. Indravati	4. Kerala

Codes:

(a) A-2, B-1, C-4, D-3

(b) A-3, B-4, C-1, D-2

(c) A-2, B-4, C-1, D-3

(d) A-3, B-1, C-4, D-2

Answer: (b) A-3, B-4, C-1, D-2

Explanation: Chandra Prabha Wildlife Sanctuary: in Chandauli district, Uttar Pradesh (3). Known for its waterfall and diverse fauna. Silent Valley National Park: in Palakkad district, Kerala (4). Famous for its pristine tropical rainforest and lion-tailed macaques. It was the centre of a major environmental campaign in the 1970s–80s. Valley of Flowers National Park: in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand (1). A UNESCO World Heritage Site known for endemic alpine flowers. Indravati National Park: in Bastar district, Chhattisgarh (2). Known for wild buffalo (gaur) and tigers. Concept Tested: State-wise location of Chandra Prabha, Silent Valley, Valley of Flowers, and Indravati

NDA 2012-II

Q. 14. The Nokrek biosphere reserve is located in:

(a) Arunachal Pradesh

(b) Assam

(c) Sikkim

(d) Meghalaya

Answer: (d) Meghalaya

Explanation: Nokrek Biosphere Reserve is located in the West Garo Hills district of Meghalaya. It was declared a UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserve in 2009. Nokrek is home to the red panda and is part of the Meghalaya subtropical forests. It should not be confused with other northeastern biosphere reserves like Manas (Assam) or Namdapha (Arunachal Pradesh). Concept Tested: Location of Nokrek Biosphere Reserve in Meghalaya

NDA 2012-I

Q. 15. Arrange the following tropical forest groups in the correct order of sequence based on area covered in India beginning from the largest covered area:

1. Moist deciduous

2. Dry deciduous

3. Wet evergreen

4. Semi-evergreen

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1-2-3-4

(b) 2-1-4-3

(c) 1-3-2-4

(d) 4-3-2-1

Answer: (b) 2-1-4-3

Explanation: From largest to smallest area in India: Dry deciduous (2): largest area, spanning the Deccan, central India, and parts of the Gangetic plain margins. Moist deciduous (1): second largest, found in areas with 100–200 cm rainfall. Semi-evergreen (4): transition zone between moist deciduous and wet evergreen; limited area. Wet evergreen (3): smallest area, confined to the Western Ghats and Northeast where annual rainfall exceeds 200 cm. Correct order: 2-1-4-3. Concept Tested: Area ranking of tropical forest types in India: Dry Deciduous > Moist Deciduous > Semi-Evergreen > Wet Evergreen

NDA 2011-I

Q. 16. Consider the following statements:

1. The Himalayan vegetation varies according to both altitude and climatic conditions.

2. There are mainly two types of tropical forests that are found in the Himalayas: the tropical rainforests and the tropical deciduous forests.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (a) 1 only

Explanation: Statement 1: Correct. Himalayan vegetation changes dramatically with altitude and climate. From the foothills upward: tropical deciduous → subtropical pine → temperate broadleaf → subalpine conifer → alpine meadows → permanent snow. Within each altitude band, rainfall and aspect further determine vegetation type. Statement 2: Incorrect. The Himalayas are NOT primarily characterised by tropical forests. The foothills (Shiwalik) have tropical deciduous forests, but the Himalayan system as a whole is dominated by subtropical, temperate, subalpine, and alpine vegetation. Saying the Himalayas are mainly composed of tropical rainforests and tropical deciduous forests is an oversimplification and inaccurate: the non-tropical forest zones cover the larger part of the Himalayan range. Concept Tested: Himalayan vegetation variation with altitude and climate; tropical forests are only at Himalayan foothills

NDA 2010-I

Q. 17. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the code given below the Lists:

List-I (Type of Vegetation)	List-II (State)
A. Mangrove	1. Madhya Pradesh
B. Scrub	2. Karnataka
C. Teak	3. Rajasthan
D. Coniferous	4. Arunachal Pradesh

Codes:

(a) A-3, B-2, C-4, D-1

(b) A-1, B-3, C-2, D-4

(c) A-2, B-4, C-1, D-3

(d) A-4, B-3, C-2, D-1

Answer: (d) A-4, B-3, C-2, D-1

Explanation: The source records: Mangrove → Arunachal Pradesh (4), Scrub → Rajasthan (3), Teak → Karnataka (2), Coniferous → Madhya Pradesh (1). Scrub/thorn vegetation → Rajasthan (3) ✓ (Thar Desert region). Teak → Karnataka (2) ✓ (Karnataka has significant teak forests in the Western Ghats transition zone). Coniferous → Madhya Pradesh (1) is unusual: MP is not typically associated with coniferous forests; those are found in J&K, HP, Uttarakhand, and northeastern states. Mangrove → Arunachal Pradesh (4) is also unexpected: mangroves are coastal wetland forests, and Arunachal Pradesh is landlocked. Standard associations place mangroves in West Bengal (Sunderbans), Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and the Andaman Islands. Students should verify this matching against the official NDA 2010-I answer key. Concept Tested: Vegetation type matching: source answer; Mangrove/Coniferous assignments require key verification

NDA 2009-II

Q. 18. What is the sequential order of forest types observed while moving from Assam Valley to Rajasthan Plains?

(a) Tropical Wet Evergreen: Tropical Moist Deciduous: Tropical Dry Deciduous: Tropical Thorn Forest

(b) Tropical Thorn Forest: Tropical Dry Deciduous: Tropical Moist Deciduous: Tropical Wet Evergreen

(c) Tropical Moist Deciduous: Tropical Wet Evergreen: Tropical Dry Deciduous: Tropical Thorn Forest

(d) Tropical Dry Deciduous: Tropical Thorn Forest: Tropical Moist Deciduous: Tropical Wet Evergreen

Answer: (a) Tropical Wet Evergreen: Tropical Moist Deciduous: Tropical Dry Deciduous: Tropical Thorn Forest

Explanation: Moving from Assam Valley (high rainfall, northeast) westward and northwestward toward Rajasthan Plains (low rainfall, arid): Assam Valley receives over 200 cm of annual rainfall: Tropical Wet Evergreen forests. As rainfall decreases westward, vegetation transitions to Tropical Moist Deciduous (100–200 cm rainfall), then Tropical Dry Deciduous (70–100 cm rainfall), and finally Tropical Thorn Forest (below 50 cm rainfall) in Rajasthan. This sequence mirrors the gradient from high-rainfall to arid conditions across India. Concept Tested: Vegetation sequence from Assam (high rainfall) to Rajasthan (arid): moisture-dependent transition

NDA 2008-II

Q. 19. Which one of the following types of forest covers the maximum area in India?

(a) Tropical rain forest

(b) Tropical moist deciduous forest

(c) Tropical dry deciduous forest

(d) Tropical dry evergreen forest

Answer: (c) Tropical dry deciduous forest

Explanation: Tropical dry deciduous forests are the most widespread forest type in India in terms of area. They occupy large parts of the Deccan Plateau, the Indo-Gangetic Plain margins, and much of Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Maharashtra. These forests thrive in areas receiving 70–100 cm of annual rainfall. Teak, sal, mahua, and bamboo are common trees. Tropical moist deciduous forests are the second largest type. Tropical rain forests cover a much smaller area: confined to the Western Ghats and Northeast. Note: Q99 (NDA 2012-I) gives the order as: Dry deciduous > Moist deciduous > Semi-evergreen > Wet evergreen. Concept Tested: Tropical dry deciduous forest: the most extensive forest type in India by area

★ JOVIK Exam Insight Forest area ranking by type (largest to smallest, from this chapter’s PYQs): Dry Deciduous > Moist Deciduous > Semi-evergreen > Wet Evergreen. Tropical dry deciduous is the answer to “maximum area” questions. This has appeared in NDA 2008-II, 2012-I, and 2021-I.

NDA 2007-I

Q. 20. Which one of the following national parks is located near Chamoli?

(a) Dudhwa National Park

(b) Great Himalayan Park

(c) Jim Corbett National Park

(d) Nanda Devi National Park

Answer: (d) Nanda Devi National Park

Explanation: Nanda Devi National Park is located in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. It surrounds the Nanda Devi peak (7,816 m) and is part of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve: a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dudhwa National Park is in Lakhimpur Kheri, Uttar Pradesh. Jim Corbett National Park is in Nainital/Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand: but it is not near Chamoli. Great Himalayan National Park is in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh. Concept Tested: Location of Nanda Devi National Park in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand

NDA 2006-I

Q. 21. In India, in which one of the following areas are the tropical evergreen forests found?

(a) The Western Ghats

(b) The Eastern Ghats

(c) The Western Himalayas

(d) The Central Himalayas

Answer: (a) The Western Ghats

Explanation: Tropical evergreen forests require high annual rainfall (more than 200 cm) and high temperatures throughout the year. They are characterised by dense, multi-layered canopies and trees that do not shed leaves seasonally. In India, tropical evergreen forests are found primarily on the windward slopes of the Western Ghats (Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra coast), the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and parts of the northeastern states (Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh). The Eastern Ghats receive far less rainfall and have dry deciduous forests. The Himalayas have temperate and alpine forests, not tropical evergreen. Concept Tested: Location of tropical evergreen forests in India: Western Ghats (windward, high-rainfall side)

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