Flora & Fauna MCQ Quiz - Objective Question with Answer for Flora & Fauna - Download Free PDF

The correct answer is Mangifera Indica.

Key Points

• Mangifera Indica species of trees are found in the highest percentage in the rural area of Uttar Pradesh.
• Mangifera indica, commonly known as mango, is a species of flowering plant in the family Anacardiaceae.
  • Mangoes are believed to have originated from the region between northwestern Myanmar, Bangladesh, and India.
  • It is a large fruit tree, capable of growing to a height and crown width of about 30 meters (100 ft) and trunk circumference of more than 3.7 meters (12 ft).
  • Mangifera indica were domesticated separately in South Asia and Southeast Asia over centuries, resulting in two distinct genetic populations in modern mangoes – the "Indian type" and the "Southeast Asian type".
  • Mangoes have since been introduced to other warm regions of the world.
  • The species was first described by Linnaeus in 1753.
  • The mango is the national fruit of India, Pakistan, and the Philippines, and is the national tree of Bangladesh.

Key Points

• Living Root Bridges are handmade bridges made from the aerial roots of rubber fig trees.
• They are mostly found in the Khasi and Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya.
• The bridges are a result of decades of meticulous care and are grown rather than built.
• The bridges are eco-friendly and sustainable, showcasing the harmony between humans and nature.

Important Points

• Living Root Bridges are unique to Meghalaya and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site candidate.
• These bridges are capable of supporting the weight of dozens of people at once.
• Known for their durability, they can last for centuries if properly maintained.
• They are a popular tourist attraction and symbolize sustainable architecture.

The correct answer is Great Hornbill.

Key Points

• The Great Hornbill (Buceros bicornis) is recognized as the state bird of Arunachal Pradesh.
• It is known for its striking appearance, featuring a large yellow and black casque on its bill and vibrant plumage.
• The Great Hornbill is found in the dense forests of northeast India, including Arunachal Pradesh, and is a symbol of the region's rich biodiversity.
• This bird plays an important role in the ecosystem as a seed disperser, contributing to forest regeneration.
• The Great Hornbill is culturally significant to many indigenous communities in northeast India, often featured in their folklore and traditions.

Additional Information

• Great Hornbill Conservation Status:
  • It is classified as "Vulnerable" under the IUCN Red List due to habitat loss and hunting.
  • Efforts are being made to protect this species through wildlife sanctuaries and conservation programs.
• Hornbill Festival:
  • Celebrated annually in Nagaland, the Hornbill Festival showcases the cultural significance of hornbills in the region.
  • It promotes awareness about the importance of conserving hornbills and their habitats.
• Arunachal Pradesh Biodiversity:
  • Arunachal Pradesh is a biodiversity hotspot, home to diverse flora and fauna including species like red pandas, clouded leopards, and hornbills.
  • It has numerous protected areas such as Namdapha National Park and Pakke Tiger Reserve.
• Ecological Role of Hornbills:
  • Hornbills are known as "Farmers of the Forest" due to their role in seed dispersal.
  • They help in maintaining the health and diversity of tropical forests.

The correct answer is Sarus Crane.

Key Points

• The Sarus Crane (Grus antigone) is the state bird of Uttar Pradesh.
• It is the world's tallest flying bird, standing at a height of up to 1.8 meters (6 feet).
• Sarus Cranes are known for their lifelong pair bonding and are often seen in wetlands, marshes, and agricultural fields.
• They are classified as Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to habitat loss and degradation.
• The Sarus Crane holds cultural significance in India, symbolizing eternal love and fidelity.

Additional Information

• Habitat and Distribution:
  • Sarus Cranes are primarily found in northern and central India but are also distributed across Southeast Asia and Australia.
  • They prefer wetlands and open agricultural landscapes for nesting and feeding.
• Diet:
  • Their diet mainly consists of insects, aquatic plants, grains, and small vertebrates.
  • They forage in shallow water and flooded fields.
• Conservation Status:
  • The Sarus Crane population is declining due to habitat loss, pollution, and human disturbances.
  • Efforts are being made to conserve their habitats and raise awareness about their importance.
• Cultural Importance:
  • In Indian folklore and literature, Sarus Cranes are admired for their loyalty to their mates.
  • They are often depicted in art and poetry as symbols of love and devotion.

The Correct answer is West Bengal.

Key Points

• The Sundarbans mangrove forest is one of the largest tidal halophytic mangrove forests in the world.
• Located in the state of West Bengal, it is part of the Sundarbans delta which spans across India and Bangladesh.
• The Sundarbans is renowned for its unique ecosystem, being home to the iconic Royal Bengal Tiger and several other endangered species.
• This mangrove forest lies at the delta formed by the confluence of three rivers: Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna.
• The Sundarbans is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its rich biodiversity and ecological importance.
• The forest plays a vital role in protecting the coastal region from cyclones and storm surges.
• It also provides livelihoods for millions of people through activities such as fishing, honey collection, and tourism.
• The Sundarbans are named after the Sundari trees, a species of mangrove that dominates the region.

 Additional Information

• Kerala
  • Kerala is famous for its Western Ghats, backwaters, and dense tropical rainforests.
  • It is home to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and other ecological hotspots but does not have the Sundarbans mangrove forest.
  • Kerala has mangrove ecosystems in regions like Kumarakom, but these are much smaller in comparison to the Sundarbans.
• Gujarat
  • Gujarat is known for the Gir National Park, the only home of the Asiatic Lions.
  • It has mangrove forests primarily in regions like Kutch and along the Arabian Sea coastline but does not host the Sundarbans.
  • The Marine National Park in the Gulf of Kutch is famous for its coral reefs and mangrove forests.
• Odisha
  • Odisha has mangrove ecosystems, most notably in the Bhitarkanika National Park.
  • Bhitarkanika is a significant mangrove forest located in Odisha but is distinct from the Sundarbans.
  • This region is known for its saltwater crocodiles and rich biodiversity.

The correct answer is Gaur.Key Points

• The Gaur, also known as the Indian Bison, is the closest wild relative of domestic cattle.
• This species is protected and can be found in several national parks in India, including Nagarhole and Bandipur in Karnataka.
• Gaurs are the largest and most powerful of all wild cattle, and are distinguished by their deep, hollow bodies, tall stature, and prominent dorsal ridges.

Additional Information

The correct answer is 1973.

Key Points

• It was launched on 1st April 1973.
• It was launched to promote the conservation of the tiger.
• Project Tiger has been the largest species conservation initiative of its kind in the world.
• The Tiger census was first conducted in the year 2006 by National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
• In 2014, 2226 tigers were reported.

Additional Information

• Tiger Reserves in India-
  • Nagarjunsagar Srisailam
  • Namdapha
  • Manas
  • Kaziranga
  • Parambikulam
  • Kanha
  • Pench
  • Valmiki

The correct answer is West Bengal and Assam.

Key Points

• One horned Rhinoceros:
  • They are found in the Indian subcontinent.
  • The one-horned rhinoceros (Indian rhinoceros) are the largest of the rhino species.
  •  They are mainly found in Assam, West Bengal, and Uttar Pradesh.
  • There are 2,640 rhinoceros in four protected areas in Assam.  
    • Pabitora Wildlife Reserve
    • Rajiv Gandhi Orang National Park
    • Kaziranga National Park
    • Manas National Park.
  • 90% are found in Kaziranga National Park.
  • It is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
• The National Rhino Conservation Strategy was launched in the year 2019 for the conservation of big-horned rhinos.
• Indian Rhino Vision 2020 was launched in 2005, it is an ambitious effort to attain a wild population of at least 3,000 greater one-horned rhinos spread over seven protected areas in the Indian state of Assam by the year 2020.

Additional Information

The correct answer is Nicobar pigeon.

Key Points

• Endemic species are those species of plants and animals that are found exclusively in a particular area or specific habitat.
• They are not naturally found anywhere else. A particular type of animal or plant may be endemic to a zone, a state, or a country.
• The destruction of their habitat, increasing population, and introduction of new species may affect the natural habitat of endemic species and endanger their existence.
• Examples - Sal and wild mango are endemic flora of the while Bison, Indian giant squirrel, Nicobar pigeon, and flying squirrel are endemic fauna.

Additional Information

Some of the important Endemic species of India are:

• Asiatic Lion in Gir Forest.
• Nilgiri Tahr in Nilgiri Hills.
• Sangai Deer in Loktak Lake.
• Purple Frog in the Western Ghats.
• Kashmir Stag in Kashmir Valley.
• Lion-Tailed Macaque in the Western Ghats.
• Pygmy Hog in Assam.
• Malabar Civet in the Western Ghats.

The correct answer is Gulf of Mannar.

Key Points

• Scientific name- Scorpaenospsis neglecta.
• It is well-known for its stinging venomous spins and the ability to change color.
• The fish is called ‘scorpionfish’ because its spines contain neurotoxic venom.
• Why in News?
  • Researchers have found a rare fish from the Sethukarai coast in the Gulf of Mannar. This was the first time that a particular species was found alive in Indian waters.

The correct answer is Assam.

Key Points

• Assam is home to the largest population of the greater one-horned rhinoceros.
• At present, there are about 2,600 Indian rhinos in India, with more than 90% of the population concentrated in Assam’s "Kaziranga National Park".

• India is home to the largest number of Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros in the world.
• They primarily graze, with a diet consisting almost entirely of grasses as well as leaves, branches of shrubs and trees, fruit, and aquatic plants.
• It is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and Schedule I animal in the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

The correct answer is Hangul or Kashmir Stag.

Key Points

• Dachigam NP is located 22 KM from Srinagar.
• It means "10 villages".
• It has been established for the conservation of Hangul.
• Its population has been declining at an alarming rate.
• Hangul is the state animal of Jammu and is the only species of Red Deer surviving.
• The conservation status of Hangul is Critically Endangered.

Additional Information

• Other National Parks in J&K-
  • Dachigam National Park
  • Kazinag National Park
  • Kishtwar National Park
  • Salim Ali (City Forest) National Park 
• Khangchendzonga National Park (Sikkim) - it has a conservation park for Musk Deer

The correct answer is Mangrove Forests.Key Points

• The Sundari trees, also known by their scientific name Heritiera fomes, are found in the mangrove forests in India, specifically, the Sundarbans - one of the largest continuous mangrove forests in the world.
• The Sundarbans, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is named after the Sundari tree.
• It is located in the delta region of the Padma, Meghna and Brahmaputra river basins, sprawling across Bangladesh and the Indian state of West Bengal.
• These trees are well-adapted to the saline and waterlogged environment of the mangrove forests.
• The Sundari tree provides high-quality timber which is durable, hard and resistant to termites, earning high commercial value.
• However, their numbers have been declining due to climate change, rising sea levels, and logging activities, leading to conservation concerns.

Additional Information

• India is known for its wide biodiversity and it hosts various types of forests. According to the classification done by Champion and Seth, the forests of India are divided into the following major types:
• Tropical Evergreen Forests: Found in regions with annual rainfall above 200cm. No distinct dry season. Major states: Andaman and Nicobar Islands, parts of North Eastern states, a narrow strip of the Western slope of the Western Ghats.
• Tropical Semi-Evergreen Forests: Found in regions with rainfall between 200cm to 100cm. Major states: Assam, West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and the plateau region of Maharashtra.
• Tropical Moist Deciduous Forests: Rainfall between 200 cm to 70 cm. Dry season varies from 1-2 months to 6-8 months. Major states: Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.
• Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests: Rainfall between 100 cm to 70 cm. Major states: Punjab, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.
• Tropical Thorn Forests: Found in areas with rainfall less than 70 cm. Major regions: Northwestern part of the country - Rajasthan, Gujarat, parts of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.
• Montane Forests: Forests in the mountainous areas, further divided into:
  • Wet Montane Forests: Found in Western Ghats, hills of Assam, and Tamil Nadu.
  • Moist temperate Montane Forests: Areas with annual rainfall between 200 cm to 100 cm.
  • Dry temperate Montane Forests: Rainfall can go as low as 30 cm per year.
• Littoral and Swamp Forests: These include all tidal forests in the country. Major areas: Sunderbans in West Bengal and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
• Mangrove Forests: Found in intertidal zones along the coast, particularly in the Sunderbans, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, deltas of the major rivers such as the Godavari, Krishna, and Mahanadi.

The correct answer is Hangul. 

Key Points

• Hangul or Kashmiri deer is the state animal of Jammu and Kashmir. 
• They are found in Dachigam National Park. 
• The IUCN status of Hangul is critically endangered. 
• It is placed under schedule 1 of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972. 
• Its numbers have been constantly declined over the decades.  
• Ex-situ breeding has been in the forested areas of Shikargah Tralas in South Kashmir.

The correct option is Gir Forest

Solution: 

• The Gir Forest in Gujarat is the last habitat of the Asiatic Lion.
• The Sundarban forest, on the other hand, is famous for the presence of the Royal Bengal Tiger. And, the Nilgiri Hills is home to the endangered yet splendid Lion-tailed macaque. 
• In the Gulf of Mannar, one can see the endangered dugong. 

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