CAPF AC 2020 Q96: Geography – Biogeography & Natural Vegetation
- (a) Mahogany is a timber species of Tropical Rainforest
- (b) Chaparral vegetation is found in Taiga climate
- (c) Lichens are predominantly found in Tundra region
- (d) Sal is a representative species of Moist Deciduous Forest
Answer: (b) Chaparral vegetation is found in Taiga climate
Explanation
Vegetation and climate regions
How to think: match each plant with its climate.
Chaparral is the scrub of the Mediterranean climate, with hot dry summers.
Taiga is the cold belt of conifers.
The two do not go together.
| Statement | Verdict | Fact |
|---|---|---|
| (a) Mahogany is a timber species of Tropical Rainforest | True | With ebony and rosewood |
| (b) Chaparral vegetation is found in Taiga climate | NOT correct | Chaparral is Mediterranean scrub of California |
| (c) Lichens are predominantly found in Tundra region | True | With mosses and sedges |
| (d) Sal is a representative species of Moist Deciduous Forest | True | With teak |
Mediterranean scrub has many names:
| Name | Region |
|---|---|
| Chaparral | California |
| Maquis | Southern Europe |
| Fynbos | South Africa |
| Mallee | Australia |
Taiga trees: pine, spruce, fir and larch.
Answer: (b) Chaparral vegetation is found in Taiga climate.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. This statement is true: mahogany grows in tropical rainforests.
- (b) CORRECT. This is the wrong statement: chaparral belongs to the Mediterranean climate, not the Taiga.
- (c) Incorrect. This statement is true: lichens and mosses dominate the Tundra.
- (d) Incorrect. This statement is true: sal is typical of moist deciduous forests.
Key point
Chaparral (California), maquis (Europe), fynbos (South Africa), mallee (Australia) = Mediterranean scrub. Taiga = conifers. Tundra = lichens and mosses. Rainforest = mahogany, ebony. Moist deciduous = sal, teak.
Remember
Chaparral = Mediterranean scrub, not Taiga.
Common mistakes
- Placing chaparral in a cold climate because the word is unfamiliar.
- Mixing up Taiga (coniferous forest) with Tundra (no trees).
- Calling sal an evergreen rainforest tree.
Exam tip
Educated guess: mahogany, lichens and sal are textbook pairs. The unfamiliar pair is the one to doubt.
Sources
- NCERT Class XI Geography — Fundamentals of Physical Geography (World Climate and Climate Change)
- G. C. Leong — Certificate Physical and Human Geography (The Warm Temperate Western Margin Climate)