Question

Assertion (A): Tropical Thorn Forests have a scrub-like appearance with leafless plants for most of the year.

Reason (R): These forests receive rainfall less than 50 cm, leading to sparse vegetation.

• A. Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
• B. Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
• C. A is true, but R is false.
• D. A is false, but R is true.

Answer 1

Answer:

A. Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.

Tropical Thorn Forests: Characteristics and Ecology

• Appearance: Tropical Thorn Forests are characterized by a scrub-like vegetation with plants that are predominantly leafless for a significant part of the year. This adaptation helps them conserve water in arid conditions.
• Rainfall: These forests typically occur in regions that receive low rainfall, generally less than 50 cm annually. This scarcity of water is a defining factor for their ecological distribution.
• Vegetation Type: The vegetation consists mainly of hardy, thorny bushes and scattered trees. Examples include species like Acacia, Prosopis, and Euphorbia.
• Geographical Distribution: They are found in the arid and semi-arid parts of India, such as the northwestern parts of the country, including Rajasthan, Gujarat, Punjab, Haryana, and parts of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.
• Adaptations: Plants in these forests exhibit various adaptations to survive drought, such as:
  • Deep root systems to reach underground water sources.
  • Thick bark to reduce transpiration.
  • Small leaves or spines to minimize water loss.
  • Waxy coatings on leaves and stems.
• Ecological Significance: Despite the sparse vegetation, these forests play a role in preventing soil erosion and providing habitat for specific wildlife adapted to arid conditions.