Biogeography MCQ Quiz - Objective Question with Answer for Biogeography - Download Free PDF

The correct answer is:

1. (a) - (iv), (b) - (i), (c) - (ii), (d) - (iii)

 Important Points

• Marble is a type of metamorphic rock that is formed from limestone.
• Sandstone is a type of sedimentary rock that is composed of sand-sized grains of mineral, rock, or organic material.
• Coal is a type of fossil fuel that is formed from the remains of dead plants that have been buried and subjected to high pressure and temperature over millions of years.
• Granite is a type of igneous rock that is formed from the slow cooling and solidification of magma.

The correct answer is 'Mandakini River'

Key Points

• Mandakini River:
  • The Mandakini River, a tributary of the Alaknanda River, played a central role in the catastrophic flooding during the 2013 Kedarnath tragedy.
  • On June 16-17, 2013, excessive rainfall and cloudburst caused massive flooding and landslides in Uttarakhand, particularly affecting areas near Kedarnath.
  • The Mandakini River swelled dramatically, inundating the Kedarnath valley, destroying infrastructure, and claiming thousands of lives.
  • The heavy flow of the river, coupled with debris and boulders carried by the floodwaters, exacerbated the devastation.
  • Glacial melting and moraine-dammed lakes in the upper reaches of the Mandakini contributed to the sudden surge of water downstream.

Additional Information

• Bhagirathi River:
  • The Bhagirathi River is one of the primary headstreams of the Ganges River and flows through Uttarakhand.
  • While it is a significant river in the region, it was not directly responsible for the flooding in Kedarnath during the 2013 disaster.
  • Its course lies away from the affected area, and its flow did not influence the events in the Kedarnath valley.
• Alaknanda River:
  • The Alaknanda River is another major tributary of the Ganges and flows close to the Kedarnath area.
  • Although it is an important waterway in the region, the catastrophic flooding was primarily caused by the Mandakini River rather than the Alaknanda.
  • The confluence of the Mandakini and Alaknanda rivers is downstream of Kedarnath, and its impact was secondary to the events directly caused by the Mandakini River.
• Ganges River:
  • The Ganges River is formed by the confluence of the Bhagirathi and Alaknanda rivers and is the lifeline of northern India.
  • While the Ganges River ultimately receives water from both the Mandakini and Alaknanda rivers, it was not directly involved in the flooding at Kedarnath.
  • The disaster occurred at a much higher altitude, in the upper reaches of the river system, where the Mandakini River is prominent.

The correct answer is 'Avalanches and rockfalls plus seismic activities'

Key Points

• Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs):
  • A GLOF occurs when the natural dam (usually made of ice or moraine) holding back a glacial lake fails, releasing a massive amount of water downstream.
  • GLOFs are sudden, often catastrophic, events that can cause widespread destruction in downstream areas, including loss of lives, property damage, and environmental changes.
• Triggering Factors:
  • Avalanches and Rockfalls: These can destabilize the natural dam of a glacial lake by exerting pressure or causing displacement of water, leading to overflow or failure of the dam.
  • Seismic Activities: Earthquakes or tremors can weaken or rupture the moraine or ice dam holding the glacial lake, triggering a GLOF.
  • The combination of avalanches, rockfalls, and seismic activities is a well-documented cause of GLOFs, making it the most comprehensive and correct answer.

Additional Information

• Seismic Activities and Earthquakes (Incorrect):
  • While seismic activities alone can trigger GLOFs, they are not the sole cause. Other factors, such as avalanches and rockfalls, also play a significant role in triggering these events.
  • By selecting only seismic activities, this option oversimplifies the complex triggering mechanisms of GLOFs.
• Industrial Activities and Deforestation (Incorrect):
  • Although industrial activities and deforestation can indirectly contribute to climate change, they are not direct causes of GLOFs.
  • These activities may aggravate glacier melting or destabilize ecosystems, but they do not directly cause the failure of glacial lake dams.
• Climate Change and Temperature Rise (Incorrect):
  • Climate change and rising temperatures are significant drivers of glacier melting and the formation of glacial lakes.
  • However, they are not immediate triggers of GLOFs. The actual outburst occurs due to physical events such as avalanches, rockfalls, or seismic activities.
• Unspecified/Empty Option (Incorrect):
  • Any answer without a defined triggering factor does not provide a valid explanation for the causes of GLOFs.

The correct answer is 'Bhutan'

Key Points

• Glacial Lakes in Bhutan:
  • Bhutan is located in the eastern Himalayas, a region characterized by its rugged mountainous terrain and numerous glaciers.
  • Glacial lakes in Bhutan are a significant feature due to the presence of retreating glaciers caused by climate change.
  • Many of these lakes are formed as glacial ice melts and accumulates in natural depressions or behind moraine dams.
  • Bhutan has more than 2,600 glacial lakes, with a significant portion considered potentially dangerous due to the risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs).
  • The government of Bhutan, in collaboration with international organizations, actively monitors these lakes to mitigate the risks posed by GLOFs and protect downstream communities.

Additional Information

• Glacial Lakes in India:
  • India, particularly in regions like Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Sikkim, has a notable number of glacial lakes.
  • However, these lakes do not form as significant a portion of the total water bodies as in Bhutan, given India's larger geographical diversity and the presence of other major water sources such as rivers, reservoirs, and wetlands.
  • India is also vulnerable to GLOFs, especially in the Himalayan regions, but the scale and proportion of glacial lakes are lower compared to Bhutan.
• Glacial Lakes in Pakistan:
  • Pakistan's northern regions, particularly Gilgit-Baltistan and the Karakoram range, host numerous glacial lakes.
  • While these lakes are significant due to the country's dependence on glacial meltwater for its rivers, they are not as proportionally dominant in terms of total water bodies compared to Bhutan.
  • Like Bhutan, Pakistan also faces threats from GLOFs, and climate change is exacerbating these risks.
• Glacial Lakes in Nepal:
  • Nepal, situated in the central Himalayas, is home to several glacial lakes, particularly in high-altitude regions like the Everest and Annapurna areas.
  • While glacial lakes are prominent in Nepal and pose risks of GLOFs, the country’s overall water body distribution includes a significant contribution from rivers like the Koshi, Gandaki, and Karnali systems.
  • Thus, the proportion of glacial lakes in Nepal is not as high as in Bhutan, where they form a more dominant feature of the landscape.

The correct answer is 'Eastern Himalayas'

Key Points

• Eastern Himalayas:
  • The Eastern Himalayas, a region spanning parts of Nepal, Bhutan, and northeastern India, have been identified as experiencing a significant rise in glacial lakes.
  • This is primarily due to the rapid melting of glaciers caused by climate change, which has led to the accumulation of meltwater in glacial basins, forming glacial lakes.
  • The increased number and size of these glacial lakes pose a heightened risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), which occur when the natural dam of a glacial lake fails, releasing large volumes of water downstream suddenly.
  • GLOFs can have devastating impacts on downstream communities, infrastructure, and ecosystems, causing loss of life, displacement, and economic damage.
  • In the Eastern Himalayas, the fragile mountainous terrain, combined with high population density in some areas, makes this region particularly vulnerable to GLOFs.

Additional Information

• Western Ghats:
  • The Western Ghats, located in India, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a biodiversity hotspot, but they are not known for significant glacial activity.
  • This region experiences monsoonal rainfall and is characterized by tropical forests, but the absence of glaciers means there is no formation of glacial lakes or risk of GLOFs.
• Andes Mountains:
  • The Andes, spanning South America, do have glaciers and glacial lakes, particularly in countries like Peru and Bolivia.
  • While GLOF events have been documented in the Andes, the scale of glacial lake formation and associated risks is not as pronounced as in the Eastern Himalayas.
  • Efforts are ongoing in the Andes to monitor and mitigate GLOF risks, but the Eastern Himalayas remain a more critical hotspot globally.
• Alps:
  • The Alps, located in Europe, are home to many glaciers, and glacial lake formation has been observed due to warming trends.
  • However, the scale and impact of GLOFs in the Alps are relatively limited compared to the Eastern Himalayas due to better infrastructure, advanced monitoring systems, and lower population density in high-risk areas.

The correct answer is Argentina.

Key Points

• Pampas grasslands are situated in Argentina.
• Found mostly in the interior of the continent.
• Temperature varies greatly in winter and summer.
• Rainfall can vary from 25-75cm
• It doesn't have much diversity in vegetation or animals.
• Mostly, horses are found here.

Additional Information

• Temperate grasslands around the world-
  • Pustaz - Hungary 
  • Prairies - North America 
  • Pampas - Argentina and Uruguay 
  • Veld - South Africa
  • Downs - Australia
  • Canterbury -  New Zealand
  • Steppe - Russia

It is found in a temperate region is NOT correct.

• Tundra type of vegetation is NOT found in the temperate region.

Important Points:

Tundra is a major type of treeless vegetation found in cold regions.

• The growth of natural vegetation is very limited in the Tundra region.
• Tundra type of vegetation is mostly seen in the north of the Arctic Circle or above the timberline on high mountains.
• Moss and lichens and very small shrubs are found here.
• It grows during the very short summer.
• The animals in this region have thick fur and thick skin to protect themselves from the cold climatic conditions.
• Animals found in the Tundra region are Seal, walruses, musk-oxen, Arctic owl, Polar bear, and snow.

The correct answer is Iron Oxide.

Key Points

• Laterite is a Latin word that means "Later".
• Francis Hamilton (a Scottish Physician) first described and named a laterite formation in Southern India in 1807.
• Laterite is both soil and a rock type and rich in Iron & Aluminium.
• Nearly all laterites are of rusty-red coloration, because of high iron oxide content.
• They evolve by intense and sustained weathering of the underlying parent rock.
• Laterite soils have a high content of clay, which ensures that they have a greater ability to exchange cations and retain water than sandy soils, and can thus be used as a hard material like a brick.
• It is formed in hot & wet tropical areas & majorly found between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn.
• Angkor wat in Cambodia is an example for use of laterite soil as a construction material. 

Example of construction with Laterite in Angkor, Cambodia

The correct answer is Asia.

Key Points

• The Gobi desert is a large desert located in the Asian continent.
• The Gobi desert stretches across the majority of portions of both Mongolia and China.
• The Gobi desert is a cold desert.
• It is the fifth-largest desert in the world.
• The complete area of the Gobi desert is 500,000 square miles.

Important Points

• Important deserts located in Asia are:
  • Thar Desert.
  • Taklamakan Desert.
  • The Cholistan Desert.
  • Kyzylkum Desert.
  • Karakum Desert.

Additional Information

• Important deserts located in Europe are:
  • Tabernas Desert.
  • Deliblato Sande.
  • Oltenian Sahara Desert.
  • Accona Desert.
• Important deserts located in North America are:
  • Chihuahuan Desert.
  • Mojave Desert.
  • Sonoran Desert.
  • Great Basin Desert.
• Important deserts located in Africa are:
  • Sahara Desert,
  • Namib Desert.
  • Kalahari Desert

The correct answer is Wheat.

• Black soil retains moisture and is rich in clay content, making it highly suitable for cotton and sugarcane cultivation.
• Wheat requires well-drained loamy or alluvial soil, which provides better aeration and drainage, making black soil less suitable.
• Groundnut can grow in black soil, but it thrives best in well-drained sandy loam or sandy clay loam with moderate organic matter.
• Cotton is the most suitable crop for black soil, which is why it is also called "Regur soil" or "Black cotton soil".

Additional Information 

• Black soil is known as Tropical Chernozems and Regur Soil.
• Major crops grown on black soils include Groundnut, jawar, linseed, Virginia tobacco, cotton, and sugarcane.

The correct answer is Glacial action.

Key Points:

• A Moraine is a material that is left behind by moving glaciers and this material is usually soil and rock.
• Glacier transport all sorts of dirt and boulder that build up to form a moraine.

The correct answer is Sheet erosion.

Key Points

• Sheet erosion is the LEAST visible form of land erosion.
• Sheet erosion is the process of uniform removal of soil in thin layers by the forces of raindrops on land.
• It is caused by the force of rainfall.
• It takes place in levelled lands and plowed fields after a heavy shower and the soil, removal is not easily noticeable, but it is harmful since it removes the finer and more fertile topsoil.

Additional Information

• Rill and gully erosion:
  • In rill erosion, finger-like rills appear on the cultivated land after it has undergone sheet erosion.
  • These rills are usually smoothened out every year while forming.
  • Each year the rills slowly increase in number and become wider and deeper.
  • Gully erosion is the removal of soil along drainage lines by surface water runoff.
  • When rills increase in size, they become gullies.
  • Once started, gullies will continue to move by headward erosion or by slumping of the side walls.
  • Gullies formed over a large area give rise to badland topography (Chambal Ravines).
  • When a gully bed is eroded further due to headward erosion, the bed gradually deepens and flattens out, and a ravine is formed.
  • The depth of a ravine may extend to 30 meters.
• Landslides
  • Landslides and slope instability cause problems in many parts of the world.
  • A landslide is primarily a combination of several geological processes that include physical factors like earth movements like extensive slope failure, rocks falling, and debris flow.
  • These ground movements may take place in a coastal, offshore, or far onshore environment.
  • Gravity, in addition to other factors that affect ground stability, is the main force that causes landslides.
  • Normally, the ground characteristics develop particular sub-surface soil conditions that cause slope failure.
  • However, the real landslide needs a trigger before it can be initiated. It is normally feasible to recognize the main landslide origin and the landslide triggers.

The correct answer is hydrogen.

Key Points

• The acidic nature of the soil is shown by the high concentration of hydrogen.

• Soil pH shows the potentiality of H+ ions.
• It determines the acidic or alkaline reaction of the soil.
• More hydrogen ion (H+) concentration shows the acidic nature of the soil.
• The concentration of more hydroxyl (OH-) ions represents its alkaline nature.
• Maximum nutrients are available to crops when the pH ranges from 6.5 to 7.

Additional Information

• Soil is a mixture of microorganisms, organic matter, and minerals.
• Each layer differs in feel (texture), colour, depth, and chemical composition.
• These layers are referred to as horizons.
• The uppermost layer of soil is generally dark in colour as it is rich in humus and minerals.
• The mixture of rock particles and humus is called the soil.

The correct answer is option 4 i.e. Black.

Key Points

The correct answer is Tundra Forest.

Key Points

• Mosses and lichens are most commonly found in the Tundra Forest.
• Key reasons include:
  • Cold Climate: The tundra is characterized by very cold temperatures.
    • Mosses and lichens can survive these extreme conditions as they are adapted to cold climates.
  • Short Growing Season: The growing season in the tundra is very short, but mosses and lichens can grow and reproduce quickly during this period.
  • Low-Nutrient Soil: The tundra has low-nutrient soil, which is suitable for mosses and lichens, as they can grow on poor substrates.
  • Limited Competition: In the harsh conditions of the tundra, there are fewer competing species, which allows mosses and lichens to thrive.
  • Tolerance to Drought and Frost: Mosses and lichens have a high tolerance to drought and frost, which makes them suitable for the tundra environment.

Additional Information

Here's a table with a bit of information about the other types of forests: