Correct option is C
Ans. (c) Dry teak forest
Explanation:
Dry teak forests are commonly found in Rajasthan, particularly in regions with an average annual rainfall of 75 to 110 cm, which makes these areas suitable for the growth of teak trees. These forests are primarily located in the southern districts of Rajasthan, including Banswara, Dungarpur, Udaipur, Chittorgarh, Jhalawar, Baran, and Pratapgarh. The primary species in these forests is Teak (Tectona grandis), which is well-adapted to the tropical and subtropical dry broadleaf forest ecosystem. These forests are classified as deciduous forests, meaning that the trees shed their leaves during the dry season to conserve water.
Information Booster:
1. Dry teak forests support a variety of flora and fauna, playing an essential role in maintaining biodiversity.
2. The timber and forest products obtained from these forests are of high economic value.
3. Conservation and sustainable forest management are critical to prevent deforestation in these regions.
4. These forests improve soil fertility and help in groundwater recharge by retaining moisture during rainy seasons.
5. The forests play a key role in maintaining the ecological balance and regulating the microclimate of the region.
6. These forests have underbrush growth, as sunlight penetrates the forest floor due to the deciduous nature of the trees.
Additional Knowledge:
· Dry forest (Option a): These are characterized by a dry climate but do not specifically represent teak-dominated forests. They are generally found in regions with lesser rainfall than teak forests.
· Mixed deciduous forest (Option b): These forests include a mix of various tree species, unlike dry teak forests, which are dominated by teak trees.
· Subtropical evergreen forest (Option d): These are found in areas with high rainfall, which exceeds 200 cm, and are not characteristic of Rajasthan's semi-arid climate.
Key Points for Knowledge:
· Teak wood is highly durable and widely used in furniture-making.
· The natural habitat of teak includes tropical and subtropical regions.
· Rajasthan has 9.57% forest area, with southern districts contributing significantly to this percentage.
· Sustainable afforestation and conservation measures are being undertaken by the Rajasthan Forest Department.
