Biogeography & Ecosystems

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, due to their unique island ecosystem, provide the ideal conditions for all three forest types to coexist: Mangrove forests: Thrive in the coastal areas with brackish water. Evergreen forests: Found in the wetter interior regions with high rainfall. Deciduous forests: Exist in areas with a seasonal climate, experiencing periods of both rain and dryness.

Tropical Wet Evergreen Forests are found in regions that have high temperatures and high rainfall throughout the year. Arunachal Pradesh: This state is located in the eastern part of India and it receives high rainfall. It is known for its rich biodiversity and is home to Tropical Wet Evergreen Forests. Himachal Pradesh: This state is located in the northern part of India, in the Himalayan region. The climate here is more temperate and alpine due to its high altitude, and it does not support Tropical Wet Evergreen Forests. Mizoram: This state is located in the northeastern part of India and it also receives high rainfall. It is known for its rich biodiversity and is home to Tropical Wet Evergreen Forests. Therefore, Tropical Wet Evergreen Forests occur in Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram.

The unique "Living Root Bridges" are found in Meghalaya, a state in northeastern India. These bridges are a testament to the ingenuity and sustainable practices of the Khasi and Jaintia tribes who inhabit the region. They train the aerial roots of specific tree species, like the Ficus elastica (Indian rubber tree), to grow and intertwine over time, forming strong and resilient bridges across rivers and streams.

In India, teak is a dominant tree species in Tropical Deciduous Forests. These forests are also known as "Monsoon Forests" and are characterized by: - Rainfall: They receive moderate rainfall, typically ranging from 70 to 200 cm annually. - Seasonality: They experience a distinct dry season, leading to trees shedding their leaves during this period. - Vegetation: Tropical Deciduous forests are home to a variety of trees, including teak, sal, shisham, and sandalwood.

Diatoms: These are microscopic, single-celled algae that are primary producers in aquatic ecosystems. They use photosynthesis to convert sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into organic matter (food). Crustaceans: These are small aquatic animals like shrimp, crabs, and krill. They are primary consumers in the food chain and feed on diatoms and other phytoplankton (microscopic plants). Herrings: These are small schooling fish that are secondary consumers in the food chain. They feed on crustaceans and other zooplankton (microscopic animals). So, the energy flow starts with diatoms (producers) being eaten by crustaceans (consumers), which are then eaten by herrings (higher-level consumers).

1. Terrace cultivation: This is a soil conservation technique used on sloping land. It involves creating leveled steps or terraces to reduce water runoff and soil erosion. 2. Deforestation: When trees are cut down, the soil loses the protection provided by their roots. This exposes the soil to wind and rain, making it more susceptible to erosion. Deforestation is a major driver of soil erosion in India. 3. Tropical climate: While heavy rainfall in tropical regions can contribute to soil erosion, it's not the sole factor. Deforestation and poor land management practices exacerbate the issue. Thus, the correct answer is '2 only'.

Statement 1 is correct: Prevention of soil runoff IWDP promotes practices that reduce soil erosion, protecting valuable topsoil and improving land fertility. Statement 2 is incorrect: Linking perennial and seasonal rivers While water resource management is a part of IWDP, it doesn't focus on physically linking separate river systems. The National River Linking Project is a separate project to interlink rivers. Statement 3 is correct: Rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge IWDP encourages rainwater conservation techniques, allowing more water to infiltrate the ground and replenish aquifers. Statement 4 is correct: Regeneration of natural vegetation IWDP often involves planting trees and promoting sustainable land management practices, leading to increased vegetation cover.

Major reef formations in the Indian Seas occur in:
- Gulf of Mannar, - Palk Bay, - Gulf of Kutch, - the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and - Lakshadweep. Coral reefs are marine ecosystems and cannot exist in the Sundarbans, which is a mangrove forest in the Ganges Delta and a brackish water ecosystem.

Pair 1 is correct: The Harike Wetland is formed at the confluence of the Beas and Sutlej rivers in Punjab, India. Pair 2 is incorrect: Keoladeo Ghana National Park, also known as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, is not located at the confluence of these rivers. It's a man-made wetland in Rajasthan, located on the confluence of River Gambhir and River Banganga. Pair 3 is incorrect: Kolleru Lake is a freshwater lake in Andhra Pradesh and is not located where the Musi and Krishna rivers meet. It lies between the Krishna and Godavari deltas. Thus, only pair one is correctly matched.

The Gond and Korku tribes, residing in Madhya Pradesh's Betul and Harda districts, celebrate a festival called "Hari Jiroti" during the monsoon season. This month-long festival involves planting saplings of fruit-bearing trees, reflecting their deep connection to nature and sustainable practices.