UPSC Prelims 2012 Q43: Geography – Biogeography & Natural Vegetation
A particular State in India has the following characteristics :
1. It is located on the same latitude which passes through northern Rajasthan.
2. It has over 80% of its area under forest cover.
3. Over 12% of forest cover constitutes Protected Area Network in this State. Which one among
the following States has all the above characteristics?
- (a) Arunachal Pradesh
- (b) Assam
- (c) Himachal Pradesh
- (d) Uttarakhand
Answer: (a) Arunachal Pradesh
Explanation
Which State fits all three clues?
| Clue | Arunachal Pradesh | Others |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Same latitude as northern Rajasthan | Yes; about 28°N | Assam lies further south (about 26°N); Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand lie further north |
| 2. Over 80% of area under forest cover | Yes; about 80 per cent | Assam about 35; Himachal Pradesh about 27; Uttarakhand about 45 |
| 3. Over 12% of forest cover is Protected Area Network | Yes | Not with clues 1 and 2 together |
Arunachal Pradesh at a glance:
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Protected areas | Namdapha, Mouling, Pakke, Dibang |
| Biodiversity | Part of the Eastern Himalaya hotspot |
| Latitude link | Itanagar and Sri Ganganagar lie at nearly the same latitude |
Only Arunachal Pradesh has forest cover as high as 80 per cent among the four.
Answer: (a) Arunachal Pradesh.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. Arunachal Pradesh has about 80 per cent forest cover and lies at about 28°N.
- (b) Incorrect. Assam has only about a third of its area under forest cover.
- (c) Incorrect. Himachal Pradesh has under 30 per cent forest cover.
- (d) Incorrect. Uttarakhand has about 45 per cent forest cover, far below 80.
Key point
Arunachal Pradesh: about 80 per cent forest cover; latitude about 28°N, same as northern Rajasthan; Namdapha, Pakke, Mouling, Dibang.
Remember
Arunachal Pradesh: 80 per cent forest, 28°N.
Common mistakes
- Choosing Uttarakhand or Himachal Pradesh because they are hill States.
- Not using the 80 per cent clue, which only north-eastern States meet.
- Thinking Arunachal Pradesh lies far north of Rajasthan; India's map tilts.
Exam tip
Use the strongest clue first. Forest cover above 80 per cent points to the North-East.
Sources
- Forest Survey of India — India State of Forest Report (State-wise forest cover)
- NCERT Class XI — India: Physical Environment, Ch 1 (India: Location)