UPSC Prelims 2023 Q3: Environment & Ecology – Botany
Consider the following trees:
1. Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus)
2. Mahua (Madhuca indica)
3. Teak (Tectona grandis)
How many of the above are deciduous trees?
- (a) Only one
- (b) Only two
- (c) All three
- (d) None
Answer: (b) Only two
Explanation
Deciduous vs Evergreen Trees
| Tree | Deciduous? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Jackfruit (*Artocarpus heterophyllus*) | NO — Evergreen | Jackfruit retains leaves year-round. It is a tropical evergreen tree native to South and Southeast Asia. It does not shed leaves seasonally. |
| Mahua (*Madhuca indica*) | YES — Deciduous | Mahua sheds its leaves in the dry season (Feb–March). It is a tropical dry deciduous tree found in central Indian forests. Its flowers and fruit are economically valuable to tribal communities. |
| Teak (*Tectona grandis*) | YES — Deciduous | Teak is one of India's most valuable deciduous hardwood trees. It sheds leaves in the dry season and is characteristic of tropical moist and dry deciduous forests. |
Mahua and Teak are deciduous = Only two.
Answer: (b) Only two.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. 'Only one' would mean only one tree is deciduous — but both Mahua and Teak are well-established deciduous trees.
- (b) CORRECT. Mahua and Teak are deciduous; Jackfruit is evergreen. Two out of three.
- (c) Incorrect. 'All three' — Jackfruit is a tropical evergreen that keeps its leaves throughout the year.
- (d) Incorrect. 'None' — Teak and Mahua are classic examples of Indian deciduous trees taught in NCERT geography.
Key point
Teak and Mahua = deciduous (shed leaves in dry season). Jackfruit = evergreen (keeps leaves year-round). Deciduous trees are characteristic of tropical dry/moist deciduous forests.
Remember
Jackfruit is evergreen. Mahua and Teak are deciduous trees that shed leaves in the dry season. Two of the three trees listed are deciduous.
Common mistakes
- Assuming all tropical trees are evergreen — Teak and Mahua are famous deciduous trees of central Indian forests.
- Confusing Jackfruit as deciduous because it grows in tropical areas — tropical forests have both evergreen and deciduous trees.
- Not knowing that Mahua is deciduous — it is economically important to tribal communities precisely because of its seasonal flowering and fruiting pattern.
Exam tip
Deciduous = shed leaves in dry/cold season. Indian deciduous trees: Teak, Sal, Mahua, Sandalwood, Tendu. Evergreen: Jackfruit, Coconut, Rubber, Ebony. Remember: Mahua blooms in spring AFTER shedding leaves — so it IS deciduous.
Sources
- NCERT Class 11 Geography — India: Physical Environment, Chapter 5: Natural Vegetation
- Forest Survey of India — Forest Types of India