Environmental Studies · Geography

Deforestation and Land Degradation

2,532 Questions

Deforestation and land degradation address the environmental impacts of human activities on natural ecosystems. Key areas include soil erosion, forest fires, and the consequences of overgrazing. These subjects frequently appear in the geography and environmental science sections of competitive exams.

Causes of deforestationForest fires consequencesSoil erosion factorsDesertification impactsAgroforestry benefitsReforestation advantages

Deforestation and Land Degradation Questions

Multiple choice

Which is not a reason why deforestation occurs?

  1. Collecting timber

  2. Using land for houses

  3. Using land for farming

  4. Breeding programmes
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Deforestation is the clearing of forests for land use or resources. Breeding programmes are conservation efforts intended to protect species, not destroy forests.

Multiple choice

Tropical Rain forest are threatened by

  1. deforestation and trade of plants and animals

  2. a decrease in average temperature at the equator

  3. decrease in rainfall at the equator

  4. thining of the soil
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Deforestation for timber and land use, combined with the illegal trade of exotic plants and animals, are the primary threats to rainforest ecosystems.

Multiple choice zoology biodiversity, classification and conservation biodiversity losses biodiversity loss and need for conservation environmental conservation and biodiversity

Which of the following practices has caused maximum damage to the diversity of Indian forests?

  1. Selective harvesting

  2. Block cutting

  3. Taungya cultivation

  4. Jhum cultivation
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Jhum cultivation, also known as the slash and burn agriculture, is the process of growing crops by first clearing the land of forests and burning them thereafter. It is also known as shifting agriculture. The burnt soil contains potash which helps in increasing the nutrient content of the soil. This process has led to the maximum damage to the Indian forests as they are cleared for this process.

So, the correct answer is 'Jhum cultivation'.

Multiple choice geography basic problems of an economy introduction to natural resources (eco) understanding development: perspectives, measurement and sustainability resources - types and conservation

Which of the following is an ecological implication of desertification?

  1. Lowering of water table

  2. Increase in area under wastelands

  3. Increase in frequency and intensity of droughts

  4. All the above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Process of conversion of fertile land into barren land over a course of time is called desertification. The ecological implications of desertification are

  • Lowering of water table
  • Increase in area under wastelands
  • Increase in frequency and intensity of droughts

Multiple choice geography basic problems of an economy introduction to natural resources (eco) understanding development: perspectives, measurement and sustainability resources - types and conservation

It has been estimated that the Thar Desert is advancing at an alarming rate of about 

  1. 0.5 km per year

  2. 1km per year

  3. 1.5 km per year

  4. 0.2 km per year
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Thar Desert which is located in the state of Rajasthan is advancing at an alarming rate of about 0.5 km per year

This is attributed to the desertification due to soil degradation. Process of conversion of fertile land into barren land over a course of time is called desertification

Multiple choice geography basic problems of an economy introduction to natural resources (eco) understanding development: perspectives, measurement and sustainability resources - types and conservation

Which of the following is a reason for desertification?

  1. Over Grazing

  2. Reckless felling of trees

  3. Both A and B

  4. None of the above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

  • Process of conversion of fertile land into barren land over a course of time is called desertification
  • Among the given options both overgrazing and reckless felling of trees is responsible for desertification.

Multiple choice geography basic problems of an economy introduction to natural resources (eco) understanding development: perspectives, measurement and sustainability resources - types and conservation

Ecological Degradation is caused by____.

  1. rapid growth of population

  2. high concentration of population in urban areas

  3. inadequate infrastructural facilities

  4. all of the above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Ecological degradation is a complex issue driven by population pressure, urbanization, and the strain on infrastructure, all of which contribute to environmental stress.

Multiple choice evs sources of water the lithosphere and the hydrosphere first aid safety and first aid

Which of the following functions performed by a forest help most in controlling drought?

  1. Forests prevent soil erosion

  2. Forests bring rainfall

  3. Forest have lot of water plants

  4. Both A and B
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Forests help mitigate drought by increasing local humidity and rainfall through transpiration, and by preventing soil erosion, which maintains the soil's water-holding capacity. Since both statements A and B are correct, D is the best choice.

Multiple choice evs sources of water the lithosphere and the hydrosphere first aid safety and first aid

What happens when rain falls on soil without vegetational cover?

  1. Rain water percolates in soil efficiently

  2. Rain water causes loss of surface soil

  3. Rain water leads to fertility of the soil

  4. Rain water does not cause any change in soil
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Vegetation cover on the ground helps to hold the soil in place. It also helps in percolating water into the deeper layers of the soil. The absence of vegetational cover may lead to soil erosion.

So, the correct answer is option B.

Multiple choice

What is the primary cause of deforestation in tropical regions?

  1. Logging

  2. Agriculture

  3. Mining

  4. Urbanization
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Agriculture is the primary cause of deforestation in tropical regions.

Multiple choice

What is the primary cause of desertification in Rajasthan?

  1. Deforestation

  2. Overgrazing

  3. Climate Change

  4. Industrial Pollution
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Deforestation, particularly the clearing of forests for agriculture and grazing, is the leading cause of desertification in Rajasthan.

Multiple choice

What are the main causes of habitat destruction?

  1. Deforestation

  2. Urbanization

  3. Agriculture

  4. Mining
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
Correct answer
Explanation

The main causes of habitat destruction include deforestation, urbanization, agriculture, and mining.

Multiple choice

What is the primary cause of deforestation in rainforests?

  1. Logging

  2. Agriculture

  3. Mining

  4. Climate Change
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Agriculture, particularly the expansion of large-scale farming and plantations, is the leading cause of deforestation in rainforests, contributing significantly to the loss of these vital ecosystems.