UPSC Prelims 2010 Q69: Environment & Ecology – Ecosystems & Ecology Concepts
In India, which type of forest among the following occupies the largest area?
- (a) Montane Wet Temperate Forest
- (b) Sub - tropical Dry Evergreen Forest
- (c) Tropical Moist Deciduous Forest
- (d) Tropical Wet Evergreen Forest
Answer: (c) Tropical Moist Deciduous Forest
Explanation
Which forest type occupies the largest area in India
Among India's diverse forest types, one dominates by sheer coverage.
| Option | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| (a) Montane Wet Temperate Forest | Incorrect | A relatively limited-area forest type, confined to higher Himalayan elevations |
| (b) Sub-tropical Dry Evergreen Forest | Incorrect | Also a comparatively smaller-area forest type |
| (c) Tropical Moist Deciduous Forest | Correct | This forest type, found across large parts of central and eastern India (receiving moderate-to-high rainfall), occupies the largest total area among India's forest types |
| (d) Tropical Wet Evergreen Forest | Incorrect | Confined mainly to the Western Ghats and North-East, a smaller total area than moist deciduous forest |
India's forest type coverage:
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Largest area | Tropical Moist Deciduous Forest |
| Region | Central and eastern India, moderate-high rainfall zones |
| Smaller-area types | Montane wet temperate, sub-tropical dry evergreen, tropical wet evergreen |
Answer: (c) Tropical Moist Deciduous Forest.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Montane Wet Temperate Forest covers a much smaller area, limited to higher elevations.
- (b) Incorrect. Sub-tropical Dry Evergreen Forest also covers a comparatively small area.
- (c) CORRECT. Tropical Moist Deciduous Forest occupies the largest total forest area in India.
- (d) Incorrect. Tropical Wet Evergreen Forest, while significant, covers less total area than moist deciduous forest.
Key point
TROPICAL MOIST DECIDUOUS FOREST occupies the largest total forest area in India, spread across central and eastern India's moderate-to-high rainfall zones.
Remember
Tropical Moist Deciduous Forest: the largest-area forest type in India, across central and eastern India.
Common mistakes
- Assuming the most ecologically famous forest type (like tropical wet evergreen) must also cover the largest area.
- Underestimating how widespread moist deciduous forest is across central India.
- Confusing forest diversity/richness with sheer areal coverage.
Exam tip
India's single largest forest type by area: Tropical Moist Deciduous Forest, not the more 'famous' wet evergreen or montane types.
Sources
- Forest Survey of India — India State of Forest Report 2009
- NCERT Class XI Geography — India: Physical Environment — Natural Vegetation