Environmental Studies ยท Geography
Deforestation and Land Degradation
2,619 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
Which of the following is an ecological implication of desertification?
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Lowering of water table
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Increase in area under wastelands
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Increase in frequency and intensity of droughts
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All the above
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
Which of the following is a reason for desertification?
-
Over Grazing
-
Reckless felling of trees
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Both A and B
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None of the above
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.
Ecological Degradation is caused by____.
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rapid growth of population
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high concentration of population in urban areas
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inadequate infrastructural facilities
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all of the above
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.
Which of the following functions performed by a forest help most in controlling drought?
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Forests prevent soil erosion
-
Forests bring rainfall
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Forest have lot of water plants
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Both A and B
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.
Deforestation and pollution are the main causes of drought.
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Deforestation reduces the land's ability to retain moisture, and pollution can disrupt local water cycles, both of which are significant contributors to the severity of droughts.
What happens when rain falls on soil without vegetational cover?
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Rain water percolates in soil efficiently
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Rain water causes loss of surface soil
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Rain water leads to fertility of the soil
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Rain water does not cause any change in soil
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.
What is the primary cause of deforestation in tropical regions?
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Logging
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Agriculture
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Mining
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Urbanization
B
Correct answer
Explanation
Agriculture is the primary cause of deforestation in tropical regions.
What is the primary cause of desertification in Rajasthan?
-
Deforestation
-
Overgrazing
-
Climate Change
-
Industrial Pollution
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Deforestation, particularly the clearing of forests for agriculture and grazing, is the leading cause of desertification in Rajasthan.
What are the main causes of habitat destruction?
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Deforestation
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Urbanization
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Agriculture
-
Mining
Correct answer
Explanation
The main causes of habitat destruction include deforestation, urbanization, agriculture, and mining.
What are the environmental benefits of gully plugging?
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It increases water pollution
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It reduces soil fertility
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It promotes biodiversity
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It increases the risk of flooding
C
Correct answer
Explanation
Gully plugging promotes biodiversity by creating a more stable and diverse habitat for plants and animals, as the accumulated sediment provides a suitable environment for vegetation growth and supports a variety of wildlife.
What is the primary cause of deforestation in rainforests?
-
Logging
-
Agriculture
-
Mining
-
Climate Change
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.
How does mineral resource extraction impact soil resources?
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Soil Erosion
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Soil Contamination
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Loss of Soil Fertility
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All of the above
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Mineral resource extraction can lead to soil erosion, soil contamination, and loss of soil fertility, all of which can have negative impacts on agricultural productivity and environmental health.
What is the primary cause of soil erosion in areas with mineral resource extraction?
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Deforestation
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Mining Activities
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Overgrazing
-
All of the above
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Soil erosion in areas with mineral resource extraction can be caused by deforestation, mining activities, overgrazing, and other factors.
How does revegetation help mitigate the impacts of mineral resource extraction on soil resources?
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Prevents Soil Erosion
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Improves Soil Fertility
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Enhances Biodiversity
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All of the above
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Revegetation helps mitigate the impacts of mineral resource extraction on soil resources by preventing soil erosion, improving soil fertility, and enhancing biodiversity.
Which geographic factor contributed to the decline of the Mayan civilization?
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Deforestation and Environmental Degradation
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Invasion by European Explorers and Conquistadors
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Changing Climate Patterns and Droughts
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Depletion of Natural Resources and Overpopulation
C
Correct answer
Explanation
The Mayan civilization experienced a decline due to changing climate patterns and prolonged droughts, leading to agricultural failures and societal instability.