Q1. the Most Important Characteristic of Tundra Is the Permafrost

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Q1. The most important characteristic of Tundra is the Permafrost. Consider the following statements with reference to it: 1. The permafrost remains void of any type of vegetation as no plant can grow and survive in permafrost. 2. Permafrost is found in and around the Arctic and Antarctic regions only. The correct statement(s) is/are: (a) Only 1 (b) Only 2 (c) 1 and 2 both (d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer D Neither of the statement is correct with reference to permafrost. In the permafrost regions, the soil is frozen from 25-90 cms down and very few plants can grow in it, so the permafrost is plain without many trees but many type of vegetations are found in it. The second statement is also correct as the permafrost is also found in high altitude montane regions such as Himalayas as well. Thus, D is the correct answer.

Q2. Consider the following statements with reference to Tundra Biome: 1. There are no deep root systems in the vegetation of the Arctic tundra. 2. The average summer temperature in Tundra biome never comes within the positive range. The correct statement(s) is/are: (a) Only 1 (b) Only 2 (c) 1 and 2 both (d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer A Explanation: Only the first statement is correct. There areno deep root systems in the vegetation of the arctic tundra; however, there are still a wide variety of plants that are able to resist the cold climate. The second statement is incorrect. The average summer temperature is 3-12° C (37-54° F) which enables this biome to sustain life. Thus, A is the correct answer.

3. Arctic Tundra is considered as one of the most fragile existing ecosystems in the world. What is the main reason of this extreme fragility of this terrestrial ecosystem? (a) Lack of abundant plant life. (b) Extremity of UV rays in sun rays. (c) Overpopulated predators (d) None of the above

Answer A Explanation: Arctic Tundra is extremely fragile because of the lack of abundant plant life. Due the scarcity of the primary producers, the fragile ecosystem and food chain causes the population continually oscillate. This means that extinction of just one species has the capability to destroy the entire ecosystem in Tundra regions. Thus, A is the correct answer.

Q4. The Alpine tundra can be found in: 1. Alps and Pyrenees of Europe 2. The Rift Mountains of Africa

3. Tibetan Plateau Choose the correct answer using the options given below: (a) Only 1 (b) Only 1 and 3 (c) Only 3 (d) All of the above

Answer D Explanation: Alpine tundra can be found in all of the given locations. While the Arctic Tundra is located in Polar regions, the Alpine tundra is located on mountains throughout the world at high altitude where treescannot grow. Alps and Pyrenees of Europe, the Rift Mountains of Africa (such as Mount Kilimanjaro), and a large portion of the Tibetan Plateau are best examples of Alpine Tundra. Thus, D is the correct answer.

Q5. Consider the following statements with reference to the difference between Alpine and Arctic Tundra biomes: 1. Unlike Arctic biome, the soil in alpine tundra is well-drained. 2. There is no permafrost in alpine tundra biomes. 3. There is significant difference between flora and fauna of Alpine and Arctic tundra biomes. The correct statement(s) is/are: (a) Only 1 and 2 (b) Only 1 and 3 (c) Only 2 and 3 (d) All of the above

Answer A Explanation: Only the first and second statements are correct. The third statement is not correct. The plants of Alpine Tundra are very similar to those of the arctic ones, however there is a major difference in the fauna of Arctic Tundra and Alpine Tundra. The correct answer is A.

Q6. Which of the following Biomes known as “Boreal Forests”? (a) Alpine Tundra Biome (b) Antarctic Tundra Biome (c) Taiga Biome (d) None of the above

Answer C Explanation: Taiga Biome is known as Boreal Forest. Thus, C is the correct answer.

Q7. Consider the following statements with reference to Taiga biome: 1. Taiga is earth’s largest terrestrial biome, covering more than 50% of World’s Forest cover. 2. Taiga biome is characterised by overwhelming presence of coniferous forests. The correct statement(s) is/are: (a) Only 1 (b) Only 2 (c) 1 and 2 both (d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer B Explanation: Only the second statement is correct. The first statement is partially correct. Taiga is earth’s largest terrestrial biome, but it accounts for 29% of World’s Forest cover only. The given statement is exaggerated and checks on aspirnats’ common sense :) The second statement however is correct. Thus, B is the correct answer.

Q8. Consider the following information with reference to an biome: 1. There is no presence of this biome in the southern hemisphere. 2. Largest areas under these biomes are located in Russia and Canada 3. This biome have also its presence in northern Kazakhstan, northern Mongolia, and northern Japan. Identify the correct answer using the options given below: (a) Tundra (b) Taiga (c) Montane grasslands (d) Temperate deciduous forests

Answer B Explanation: All of the above given above information is correct with reference to Taiga Biome. Thus, B is the correct answer.

Q9. Consider the following statements with reference to the Soil features of Taiga biome: 1. The Taiga soil is significantly rich in nutrients in comparison to the temperate deciduous forests. 2. The Taiga soil is acidic due to the falling pine needles. 3. The diversity of soil organisms in the boreal forest is high, comparable to the tropical rainforest. The correct statement(s) is/are: (a) Only 1 and 2 (b) Only 1 and 3 (c) Only 2 and 3 (d) All of the above

Answer C Explanation: The first statement is incorrect. The Taiga soil is poor in nutrients in comparison to the temperate deciduous forests. This is because the fallen leaves and moss can remain on the forest floor,without decomposing for a long time in the cool, moist climate. The rest of the statements are correct with respect to Taiga biome. Thus, C is the correct answer.

Q10. Consider the following statements with reference to floral features of vegetation in Taiga biome: 1. The forests of the taiga are largely coniferous, dominated by larch, spruce, fir, and pine. 2. The leaves are needle shaped to curb loss of water and with dark green color to increase absorption of sunlight. 3. The roots of Taiga Trees are shallow, which is basically to take advantage of the young thin soil. The correct statement(s) is/are: (a) Only 1 and 2 (b) Only 1 and 3 (c) Only 2 and 3 (d) All of the above

Answer D Explanation: All of the above are correct with reference to floral features of vegetation of Taiga biome. Thus, D is the correct answer.