UPSC Prelims 2015 Q78: Environment & Ecology – Ecosystems & Ecology Concepts
In India,
in which one of the following types of forests is teak a dominant tree species?
- (a) Tropical moist deciduous forest
- (b) Tropical rain forest
- (c) Tropical thorn scrub forest
- (d) Temperate forest with grasslands
Answer: (a) Tropical moist deciduous forest
Explanation
Forest type in which teak is dominant
Teak (Tectona grandis) is the dominant tree of tropical moist deciduous forests.
| Forest type | Rainfall | Main trees |
|---|---|---|
| (a) Tropical moist deciduous | 100 to 200 cm | Teak, sal, shisham, sandalwood |
| (b) Tropical rain forest | Above 200 cm | Rosewood, mahogany, ebony |
| (c) Tropical thorn scrub | Below 70 cm | Babul, khair, cactus |
| (d) Temperate forest with grasslands | Hill climate | Oak, deodar, pine |
More on teak:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| States | Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Kerala |
| Leaf fall | Sheds leaves in the dry season |
| Use | Hard, durable timber for furniture and ships |
Teak also grows in dry deciduous forests, but less well.
Answer: (a) Tropical moist deciduous forest.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. Teak is a dominant species of the tropical moist deciduous forest.
- (b) Incorrect. The tropical rain forest is evergreen; teak sheds its leaves.
- (c) Incorrect. Tropical thorn scrub is too dry for teak.
- (d) Incorrect. Teak is a tropical tree and does not grow in temperate forest.
Key point
Teak: dominant in tropical moist deciduous (monsoon) forests with 100-200 cm rain; Madhya Pradesh leads; sal is the other major species.
Remember
Teak = tropical moist deciduous forest.
Common mistakes
- Placing teak in evergreen rain forest.
- Confusing moist and dry deciduous forests.
- Forgetting that deciduous forests are India's most widespread type.
Exam tip
Teak and sal = monsoon (deciduous) forests.
Sources
- NCERT Class XI — India: Physical Environment, Ch 5 (Natural Vegetation)
- Forest Survey of India — India State of Forest Report (forest type groups)