Question

Which statements about Tropical Thorn Forests are accurate?

1. Common species include babool, ber, and khejri.

2. These forests have a scrub-like appearance with leafless plants for most of the year.

3. They are found in regions with rainfall between 100-200 cm.

• A. 1 and 3
• B. 2 and 3
• C. 1 and 2
• D. 1, 2, and 3

Answer 1

Answer:

C. 1 and 2

Tropical Thorn Forests

Characteristics and Distribution

• These forests are characterized by scrub-like vegetation with thorny trees and shrubs.
• A notable feature is that the plants remain leafless for most of the year, conserving water in arid conditions.
• Key plant species found in these forests include babool (Acacia nilotica), ber (Ziziphus mauritiana), and khejri (Prosopis cineraria).
• The distribution of these forests is primarily in areas with low rainfall.
• They are typically found in regions receiving between 50-100 cm of annual rainfall.
• These forests are located in the semi-arid regions of India, such as parts of the Northwest (Rajasthan, Gujarat), and the leeward side of the Western Ghats.

Environmental Conditions

• The climate is generally hot and dry.
• Soils are often sandy or gravelly, with poor nutrient content.
• The low humidity and high temperatures contribute to the sparse vegetation.

Ecological Significance

• These forests play a crucial role in supporting biodiversity adapted to arid conditions.
• They help in soil conservation and prevent desertification in adjacent areas.