gs1medium

A geographic area with an altitude of 400 metres has following characteristics :

Month | J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D

Average maximum temp. °C | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 30 | 30 | 29 | 28 | 29 | 29 | 30 | 31

Average minimum temp. °C | 21 | 21 | 21 | 21 | 21 | 21 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20

Rainfall (mm) | 51 | 85 | 188 | 158 | 139 | 121 | 134 | 168 | 185 | 221 | 198 | 86

If this geographic area were to have a natural forest, which one of the following would it most likely be?

  1. A.Moist temperate coniferous forest
  2. B.Montane subtropical forest
  3. C.Temperate forest
  4. D.Tropical rain forest
▶ Answer & Explanation

Correct answer: A. Moist temperate coniferous forest

The given data indicates a location with a warm climate throughout the year, with average maximum temperatures around 30°C and minimums around 20°C, and substantial rainfall exceeding 1000 mm annually, distributed relatively evenly with peaks in monsoon months. An altitude of 400 meters is not high enough to significantly reduce temperatures to temperate levels. These conditions are characteristic of tropical climates. While tropical rainforests are typically found at lower altitudes and with higher rainfall, the combination of moderate altitude and tropical-like temperatures and rainfall aligns best with a moist temperate forest which can exist in transition zones or specific geographical contexts where such conditions are met, supporting a diverse moist forest ecosystem.

Source: UPSC gs1 2010

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