1. The percentage of forest area in Karnataka’s total geographical area is about —
A) 15%
B) 20%
C) 23%
D) 30%
Answer: C) 23%
Explanation: About 23% of Karnataka’s geographical area (approx. 38,000 sq km) is under forest cover, though much of it is degraded or reserved.
2. The total geographical area of Karnataka is —
A) 1.75 lakh sq km
B) 1.91 lakh sq km
C) 2.01 lakh sq km
D) 2.15 lakh sq km
Answer: B) 1.91 lakh sq km
Explanation: Karnataka covers 1,91,791 sq km, forming about 5.8% of India’s total land area.
3. Karnataka ranks ___ among Indian states in terms of forest area.
A) 4th
B) 5th
C) 8th
D) 10th
Answer: C) 8th
Explanation: Karnataka stands 8th in India in forest area as per the Forest Survey of India (FSI 2023).
4. The major factor influencing natural vegetation in Karnataka is —
A) Soil type
B) Rainfall and climate
C) Population density
D) Slope
Answer: B) Rainfall and climate
Explanation: Rainfall variation (from 50 cm in north to 400 cm in west) mainly determines the type of vegetation in Karnataka.
5. Which region of Karnataka has the densest forests?
A) Northern Dry Zone
B) Malnad (Western Ghats)
C) Southern Maidan
D) Bayaluseeme
Answer: B) Malnad (Western Ghats)
Explanation: The Malnad region receives heavy rainfall and has thick evergreen and semi-evergreen forests.
6. The region with least forest cover in Karnataka is —
A) Coastal region
B) Malnad
C) Northern Plateau (Bayaluseeme)
D) Western Ghats
Answer: C) Northern Plateau (Bayaluseeme)
Explanation: The Bayaluseeme region has very sparse vegetation, dominated by scrub and thorny bushes due to low rainfall.
7. The forests of Karnataka are classified into how many major types?
A) 3
B) 4
C) 5
D) 6
Answer: C) 5
Explanation: According to Champion and Seth’s classification, Karnataka has five major forest types:
- Evergreen
- Semi-evergreen
- Moist Deciduous
- Dry Deciduous
- Thorn / Scrub Forests.
8. Which forest type covers the largest area in Karnataka?
A) Tropical Evergreen
B) Tropical Dry Deciduous
C) Semi-Evergreen
D) Thorny Forests
Answer: B) Tropical Dry Deciduous
Explanation: Dry Deciduous forests cover the largest area, mainly in central and northern districts.
9. Evergreen forests are mainly found in —
A) Western Ghats
B) Northern Dry Zone
C) Eastern Plateau
D) Central Karnataka
Answer: A) Western Ghats
Explanation: Evergreen forests grow in the high rainfall (250–400 cm) zone of the Western Ghats.
10. Which district of Karnataka has the maximum forest cover?
A) Shivamogga
B) Uttara Kannada
C) Chikkamagaluru
D) Kodagu
Answer: B) Uttara Kannada
Explanation: Uttara Kannada district alone accounts for over 20% of Karnataka’s total forest area.
11. The dominant trees in tropical evergreen forests are —
A) Teak and Sal
B) Rosewood and Ebony
C) Acacia and Tamarind
D) Bamboo and Neem
Answer: B) Rosewood and Ebony
Explanation: Evergreen forests contain valuable trees like Rosewood, Mahogany, Ebony, and White Cedar.
12. The Semi-Evergreen forests are mainly found in —
A) Malnad region
B) Coastal belt
C) Northern Maidan
D) Both (A) and (B)
Answer: D) Both (A) and (B)
Explanation: Semi-evergreen forests occur in transition zones between the coastal and Western Ghats.
13. Moist Deciduous forests are found mainly in —
A) Kodagu and Chikkamagaluru
B) Ballari and Koppal
C) Raichur and Bidar
D) Kolar and Tumakuru
Answer: A) Kodagu and Chikkamagaluru
Explanation: The Moist Deciduous forests dominate the eastern slopes of the Western Ghats, rich in teak and bamboo.
14. Dry Deciduous forests are found in —
A) Central Karnataka
B) Coastal belt
C) Kodagu
D) Malnad
Answer: A) Central Karnataka
Explanation: Dry Deciduous forests grow in low rainfall areas (60–120 cm) like Chitradurga, Davanagere, Tumakuru.
15. Thorn and scrub forests are characteristic of —
A) Coastal Karnataka
B) Northern Dry Zone
C) Kodagu region
D) Western Ghats
Answer: B) Northern Dry Zone
Explanation: Thorny and scrub vegetation is typical in Ballari, Raichur, Koppal, and Vijayapura, where rainfall is <60 cm.
16. Which is the state tree of Karnataka?
A) Sandalwood
B) Banyan
C) Rosewood
D) Teak
Answer: A) Sandalwood
Explanation: The Sandalwood (Santalum album) tree, known for its fragrance, is Karnataka’s state tree.
17. The famous “Sandalwood belt” of Karnataka lies in —
A) Kodagu and Chikkamagaluru
B) Mysuru and Chamarajanagar
C) Belagavi and Dharwad
D) Shivamogga and Hassan
Answer: B) Mysuru and Chamarajanagar
Explanation: Sandalwood forests are found in Mysuru, Chamarajanagar, and parts of Tumakuru and Hassan.
18. Which district is known for high-quality teak forests?
A) Ballari
B) Shivamogga
C) Kolar
D) Tumakuru
Answer: B) Shivamogga
Explanation: Teak forests thrive in the Moist Deciduous belt of Shivamogga, Honnalli, and Bhadravathi.
19. The total recorded forest area in Karnataka is about —
A) 20,000 sq km
B) 25,000 sq km
C) 37,000 sq km
D) 45,000 sq km
Answer: C) 37,000 sq km
Explanation: Karnataka’s recorded forest area is around 37,000 sq km, roughly 19.5% of its total area.
20. Reserved forests in Karnataka constitute about —
A) 60%
B) 75%
C) 85%
D) 90%
Answer: D) 90%
Explanation: About 90% of Karnataka’s forest area is reserved forests, protected for environmental and ecological purposes.
21. The main agency responsible for forest conservation in Karnataka is —
A) KSPCB
B) KFD (Karnataka Forest Department)
C) KSNDMC
D) UAS Bengaluru
Answer: B) Karnataka Forest Department (KFD)
Explanation: The KFD oversees forest management, protection, wildlife conservation, and afforestation programs.
22. Social forestry aims at —
A) Industrial timber production
B) Commercial exports
C) Community-based tree planting
D) Desert development
Answer: C) Community-based tree planting
Explanation: Social forestry promotes tree planting by people, especially in non-forest and village areas.
23. The first social forestry program in Karnataka was launched in —
A) 1965
B) 1973
C) 1983
D) 1990
Answer: C) 1983
Explanation: Karnataka initiated social forestry in 1983, focusing on fuel, fodder, and small timber production.
24. Which of the following trees is a “hardwood species” of Karnataka forests?
A) Teak
B) Acacia
C) Neem
D) Bamboo
Answer: A) Teak
Explanation: Teak (Tectona grandis) is a valuable hardwood species used for furniture and construction.
25. Bamboo and cane are mainly found in —
A) Western Ghats and Malnad
B) Northern dry zone
C) Bayaluseeme region
D) Kolar and Tumakuru
Answer: A) Western Ghats and Malnad
Explanation: Bamboo and cane grow abundantly in the moist forests of the Western Ghats and Malnad.
26. Tropical evergreen forests of Karnataka are mainly found in —
A) Northern Plateau
B) Western Ghats
C) Southern Maidan
D) Bayaluseeme
Answer: B) Western Ghats
Explanation: The Western Ghats (Uttara Kannada, Kodagu, Udupi) receive >250 cm rainfall, supporting dense evergreen forests.
27. The average annual rainfall supporting evergreen forests is —
A) 50–80 cm
B) 100–150 cm
C) 200–400 cm
D) 60–100 cm
Answer: C) 200–400 cm
Explanation: Evergreen forests thrive in high rainfall (>200 cm) with no dry season, typical of the Ghats and coast.
28. The typical trees of Karnataka’s evergreen forests are —
A) Teak, Bamboo, Neem
B) Rosewood, White Cedar, Mahogany
C) Tamarind, Acacia, Babul
D) Banyan, Peepal, Palm
Answer: B) Rosewood, White Cedar, Mahogany
Explanation: Valuable timber trees like Rosewood, Mahogany, White Cedar, Ironwood dominate the evergreen belt.
29. Evergreen forests are commonly found in which districts?
A) Ballari and Raichur
B) Uttara Kannada, Udupi, Kodagu
C) Tumakuru and Chitradurga
D) Davanagere and Kolar
Answer: B) Uttara Kannada, Udupi, Kodagu
Explanation: These districts form part of the Western Ghat zone, having dense evergreen forests.
30. Which of the following statements about evergreen forests is true?
A) Trees shed leaves in dry season
B) Trees remain green throughout the year
C) Forests occur in arid regions
D) They are confined to black soil areas
Answer: B) Trees remain green throughout the year
Explanation: Due to high humidity and rainfall, evergreen trees do not shed leaves seasonally.
31. Semi-evergreen forests occur as a transition between —
A) Evergreen and Deciduous forests
B) Scrub and Grassland
C) Mangrove and Desert vegetation
D) Thorn and Alpine zones
Answer: A) Evergreen and Deciduous forests
Explanation: Semi-evergreen forests represent an intermediate type, where some trees shed leaves
32. The rainfall range suitable for semi-evergreen forests is —
A) 50–100 cm
B) 100–200 cm
C) 200–400 cm
D) Above 400 cm
Answer: B) 100–200 cm
Explanation: They thrive in moderately high rainfall areas between the evergreen and moist-deciduous zones.seasonally.
33. Important trees in semi-evergreen forests include —
A) Teak, Bamboo, Mango
B) White Cedar, Terminalia, Ebony
C) Acacia, Neem, Tamarind
D) Coconut, Arecanut, Jackfruit
Answer: B) White Cedar, Terminalia, Ebony
Explanation: White Cedar, Terminalia paniculata, Ebony, Jackfruit are common in semi-evergreen forests.
34. Semi-evergreen forests are most common in —
A) Kodagu and Shivamogga
B) Raichur and Koppal
C) Belagavi and Bagalkot
D) Kolar and Tumakuru
Answer: A) Kodagu and Shivamogga
Explanation: These regions are on the eastern slopes of the Western Ghats, receiving moderate rainfall.
35. Which of the following economic products is obtained from semi-evergreen forests?
A) Timber and medicinal plants
B) Coal
C) Limestone
D) Cotton
Answer: A) Timber and medicinal plants
Explanation: Semi-evergreen forests yield valuable timber, bamboo, cane, and medicinal herbs.
36. Moist deciduous forests are generally found where rainfall is —
A) 50–75 cm
B) 100–200 cm
C) 200–300 cm
D) Below 50 cm
Answer: B) 100–200 cm
Explanation: Moist deciduous forests occur in regions with moderate to high rainfall and a short dry season.
37. The typical trees of moist deciduous forests are —
A) Teak, Rosewood, Bamboo
B) Neem, Tamarind, Acacia
C) Date palm, Babool, Thorn
D) Mango, Banyan, Fig
Answer: A) Teak, Rosewood, Bamboo
Explanation: These forests consist of Teak, Rosewood, Sandalwood, and Bamboo, mainly on the eastern slopes of the Ghats.
38. Moist deciduous forests dominate in —
A) Western coastal belt
B) Central and southern Malnad region
C) Northern dry zone
D) Bayaluseeme
Answer: B) Central and southern Malnad region
Explanation: Found in Shivamogga, Chikkamagaluru, and Kodagu, these forests thrive on eastern Ghat slopes.
39. Which forest type provides the best teak timber in Karnataka?
A) Dry deciduous
B) Moist deciduous
C) Evergreen
D) Scrub
Answer: B) Moist deciduous
Explanation: Teak grows best in moist deciduous forests, which provide high-quality commercial timber.
40. Moist deciduous forests shed their leaves —
A) Throughout the year
B) In winter
C) During dry summer
D) During monsoon
Answer: C) During dry summer
Explanation: To conserve moisture, deciduous trees shed leaves in summer (March–May).
41. Dry deciduous forests dominate —
A) Southern coastal plain
B) Central plateau and eastern Maidan
C) Malnad hills
D) Western Ghats
Answer: B) Central plateau and eastern Maidan
Explanation: Dry deciduous forests occur where rainfall is 60–100 cm, mainly in Chitradurga, Davanagere, Tumakuru.
42. The rainfall range suitable for dry deciduous forests is —
A) 40–60 cm
B) 60–120 cm
C) 150–250 cm
D) Above 250 cm
Answer: B) 60–120 cm
Explanation: Moderate rainfall and long dry seasons favor dry deciduous forests.
43. The common species in dry deciduous forests include —
A) Teak, Terminalia, Acacia
B) Rosewood, Ebony, Mahogany
C) Bamboo, Sandalwood, Neem
D) Casuarina, Eucalyptus, Rubber
Answer: A) Teak, Terminalia, Acacia
Explanation: Trees like Teak, Terminalia tomentosa, Acacia, and Sandalwood dominate these forests.
44. Dry deciduous forests are most extensive in —
A) Northern dry zone
B) Coastal belt
C) Kodagu region
D) Southern Maidan
Answer: A) Northern dry zone
Explanation: Found in Ballari, Raichur, Koppal, where rainfall is low and vegetation is sparse.
45. The commercial use of dry deciduous forests is mainly for —
A) Fuelwood and timber
B) Fruits and gums
C) Spices
D) Bamboo
Answer: A) Fuelwood and timber
Explanation: These forests supply fuel, poles, and medium-quality timber for rural use.
46. Thorn forests of Karnataka are found where rainfall is —
A) Below 50 cm
B) 100–150 cm
C) 200–300 cm
D) 400 cm
Answer: A) Below 50 cm
Explanation: Thorny shrubs and bushes dominate areas with very low rainfall, especially in Raichur–Ballari plains.
47. Typical vegetation of thorn forests includes —
A) Acacia, Euphorbia, Babul
B) Rosewood, Ebony, Mahogany
C) Teak, Terminalia, Neem
D) Mango, Jackfruit, Fig
Answer: A) Acacia, Euphorbia, Babul
Explanation: Drought-resistant plants like Acacia and Euphorbia thrive in arid zones.
48. Thorn forests are prominent in —
A) Ballari, Raichur, Koppal, Yadgir
B) Kodagu and Udupi
C) Shivamogga and Hassan
D) Belagavi and Dharwad
Answer: A) Ballari, Raichur, Koppal, Yadgir
Explanation: These dry districts with <60 cm rainfall support scrub vegetation.
49. Which is not a characteristic of thorn forests?
A) Deep roots
B) Thick leaves
C) Evergreen canopy
D) Spiny stems
Answer: C) Evergreen canopy
Explanation: Thorn forests have sparse, spiny shrubs — not evergreen canopies.
50. The transition between dry deciduous and thorn forests in Karnataka occurs around —
A) Raichur–Ballari tract
B) Kodagu–Hassan belt
C) Shivamogga–Udupi region
D) Tumakuru–Mandya plateau
Answer: A) Raichur–Ballari tract
Explanation: The Raichur–Ballari region marks a gradual transition from dry deciduous to thorn forests, based on rainfall gradient.
51. Scrub forests in Karnataka are mainly found in —
A) Coastal belt
B) Western Ghats
C) Northern and Central Dry Zone
D) Kodagu region
Answer: C) Northern and Central Dry Zone
Explanation: Scrub vegetation dominates low rainfall areas (<60 cm) such as Raichur, Ballari, Chitradurga, and Tumakuru.
52. Scrub forests are characterized by —
A) Dense evergreen canopy
B) Thorny shrubs and scattered trees
C) High tree density
D) Bamboo and creepers
Answer: B) Thorny shrubs and scattered trees
Explanation: Scrub vegetation consists of bushy plants, thorns, and stunted trees that can survive dry climates.
53. The typical species found in scrub vegetation of Karnataka are —
A) Acacia, Euphorbia, Cassia
B) Rosewood, Ebony, Teak
C) Mango, Banyan, Fig
D) Coconut, Arecanut, Jackfruit
Answer: A) Acacia, Euphorbia, Cassia
Explanation: Acacia and Euphorbia are xerophytic species well adapted to drought conditions.
54. Grasslands in Karnataka are locally known as —
A) Sholas
B) Bayalu or Maidans
C) Savannas
D) Kadu regions
Answer: B) Bayalu or Maidans
Explanation: Bayalu Seeme literally means “open land” or grassland plains, covering central and northern Karnataka.
55. Grasslands are most extensive in —
A) Tumakuru, Chitradurga, and Davanagere
B) Kodagu and Udupi
C) Hassan and Shivamogga
D) Mandya and Mysuru
Answer: A) Tumakuru, Chitradurga, and Davanagere
Explanation: These central districts have open grassy plains with scattered thorny vegetation.
56. The natural grasslands of Karnataka are mainly used for —
A) Timber extraction
B) Animal grazing
C) Mining
D) Paddy cultivation
Answer: B) Animal grazing
Explanation: Pastoral communities use these Bayalu Seeme grasslands for livestock grazing, especially in dry zones.
57. The degradation of grasslands in Karnataka is mainly due to —
A) Heavy rainfall
B) Overgrazing and deforestation
C) Urbanization only
D) Volcanic soil erosion
Answer: B) Overgrazing and deforestation
Explanation: Uncontrolled grazing, encroachment, and deforestation have degraded the natural grass cover.
58. The grasslands of Karnataka are similar in structure to —
A) Tropical rainforests
B) African savannas
C) Temperate coniferous forests
D) Alpine meadows
Answer: B) African savannas
Explanation: Karnataka’s tropical grasslands resemble savanna-type ecosystems with scattered trees and tall grasses.
59. The Shola forests of Karnataka are found in —
A) Kodagu, Hassan, and Chikkamagaluru districts
B) Tumakuru and Kolar
C) Raichur and Ballari
D) Belagavi and Dharwad
Answer: A) Kodagu, Hassan, and Chikkamagaluru districts
Explanation: Shola forests occur in high-altitude valleys (>1500 m) of the Western Ghats.
60. The Shola forests are typical of —
A) Lowlands
B) Hills and valleys of Western Ghats
C) Coastal plains
D) River deltas
Answer: B) Hills and valleys of Western Ghats
Explanation: Sholas are patches of evergreen forest in high-altitude valleys amidst rolling grasslands.
61. Shola forests are ecologically important because —
A) They are sources of minerals
B) They regulate climate and act as water catchments
C) They are used for agriculture
D) They host mining zones
Answer: B) They regulate climate and act as water catchments
Explanation: Sholas help conserve moisture, recharge streams, and maintain biodiversity.
62. The Shola–grassland ecosystem is a feature of —
A) Malnad
B) Northern Maidan
C) Bayaluseeme
D) Karavali
Answer: A) Malnad
Explanation: Found mainly in Malnad’s upper slopes, Shola forests alternate with montane grasslands.
63. The average elevation where Shola forests occur is —
A) Below 500 m
B) 500–1000 m
C) 1200–2500 m
D) Above 3000 m
Answer: C) 1200–2500 m
Explanation: Sholas occur between 1200–2500 meters altitude, characterized by cool and misty climate.
64. Major trees of Shola forests include —
A) Rosewood, Mahogany, Teak
B) Rhododendron, Michelia, Elaeocarpus
C) Acacia, Neem, Tamarind
D) Eucalyptus, Pine, Oak
Answer: B) Rhododendron, Michelia, Elaeocarpus
Explanation: Shola trees are stunted, evergreen, and moisture-loving, forming dense thickets in valleys.
65. The Shola vegetation is known for —
A) Monoculture
B) High endemism and biodiversity
C) Deciduous character
D) Drought tolerance
Answer: B) High endemism and biodiversity
Explanation: Shola forests harbor many endemic plant and animal species, unique to the Western Ghats.
66. The Shola forests play an important role in —
A) Industrial development
B) Rainwater storage and river formation
C) Soil mining
D) Fuelwood extraction
Answer: B) Rainwater storage and river formation
Explanation: Shola ecosystems act as catchment areas, feeding major rivers like Tunga, Bhadra, and Kaveri.
67. The Western Ghats and coastal districts together account for about ___ of Karnataka’s forest area.
A) 20%
B) 40%
C) 60%
D) 80%
Answer: D) 80%
Explanation: Nearly 80% of Karnataka’s forest cover lies in the Western Ghats and Karavali regions (Uttara Kannada, Kodagu, Shivamogga, Udupi).
68. The Malnad region contributes most to Karnataka’s —
A) Agricultural production
B) Forest and water resources
C) Industrial output
D) Dryland farming
Answer: B) Forest and water resources
Explanation: The Malnad region is rich in forests, rivers, and biodiversity, acting as the ecological heart of Karnataka.
69. The coastal belt (Karavali) forests are mainly —
A) Mangroves and semi-evergreen
B) Dry deciduous
C) Thorn forests
D) Alpine vegetation
Answer: A) Mangroves and semi-evergreen
Explanation: The Karavali belt has mangrove patches along estuaries and semi-evergreen forests inland.
70. Mangrove forests in Karnataka are found in —
A) Bhatkal, Honnavar, Kumta
B) Raichur, Ballari
C) Shivamogga, Tumakuru
D) Chikkamagaluru, Hassan
Answer: A) Bhatkal, Honnavar, Kumta
Explanation: Mangroves thrive in estuarine areas of Uttara Kannada, especially near Aghanashini and Sharavathi estuaries.
71. The northern plateau region of Karnataka mainly has —
A) Tropical evergreen forests
B) Thorn and scrub vegetation
C) Moist deciduous forests
D) Montane forests
Answer: B) Thorn and scrub vegetation
Explanation: The dry northern districts (Raichur, Koppal, Yadgir) support thorny and dry scrub vegetation due to scanty rainfall.
72. The eastern dry Maidan (Bayaluseeme) is dominated by —
A) Evergreen forests
B) Deciduous and scrub vegetation
C) Alpine shrubs
D) Teak plantations only
Answer: B) Deciduous and scrub vegetation
Explanation: Bayaluseeme receives low rainfall (60–100 cm), supporting dry deciduous and scrub vegetation.
73. The Malnad region is famous for its —
A) Shola and evergreen forests
B) Grasslands only
C) Cotton farms
D) Semi-arid deserts
Answer: A) Shola and evergreen forests
Explanation: Malnad, the hilly Western Ghats zone, has dense evergreen, semi-evergreen, and Shola forests.
74. The coastal region (Karavali) vegetation is influenced by —
A) Sea winds and heavy rainfall
B) Irrigation
C) Human settlement
D) Volcanic soil
Answer: A) Sea winds and heavy rainfall
Explanation: Karavali receives >300 cm rainfall, resulting in lush evergreen vegetation and mangroves.
75. The region with the least percentage of forest cover in Karnataka is —
A) Northern Dry Zone
B) Western Ghats
C) Coastal Belt
D) Malnad
Answer: A) Northern Dry Zone
Explanation: The Northern Dry Zone (Ballari, Raichur, Vijayapura) has less than 5% forest cover, mostly scrub and thorny vegetation.
76. The major forest produce of Karnataka includes —
A) Timber, Bamboo, Sandalwood, Teak
B) Coal, Iron, Mica, Copper
C) Paddy, Cotton, Sugarcane
D) All of these
Answer: A) Timber, Bamboo, Sandalwood, Teak
Explanation: Karnataka’s forests yield valuable timber and minor forest products such as teak, sandalwood, rosewood, and bamboo.
77. Karnataka is the largest producer of which forest-based product in India?
A) Rosewood
B) Teak
C) Sandalwood
D) Bamboo
Answer: C) Sandalwood
Explanation: Karnataka is known as the “Land of Sandalwood”, accounting for over 80% of India’s sandalwood production.
78. The Sandalwood tree (Santalum album) is commonly found in —
A) Malnad and Southern Maidan regions
B) Western Ghats only
C) Northern Dry Zone
D) Coastal belt
Answer: A) Malnad and Southern Maidan regions
Explanation: Sandalwood grows naturally in Mysuru, Chamarajanagar, Tumakuru, and Hassan regions with red loamy soil.
79. The most important minor forest products of Karnataka are —
A) Honey, Gum, Resin, and Bamboo
B) Iron, Mica, and Bauxite
C) Rice and Ragi
D) None of these
Answer: A) Honey, Gum, Resin, and Bamboo
Explanation: Karnataka’s forests provide valuable minor products used in medicine and industry.
80. The major forest industries in Karnataka are —
A) Paper, plywood, and sandal oil
B) Cotton and silk
C) Jute and coir
D) Mining and cement
Answer: A) Paper, plywood, and sandal oil
Explanation: Mysuru sandalwood oil factories, Dandeli paper mills, and plywood units depend on forest resources.
81. The Western Ghats of Karnataka are recognized as —
A) Industrial belt
B) Desert region
C) Biodiversity hotspot
D) Cultural heritage zone
Answer: C) Biodiversity hotspot
Explanation: The Western Ghats are one of the world’s eight hottest biodiversity hotspots, rich in endemic flora and fauna.
82. The total number of wildlife sanctuaries in Karnataka is —
A) 15
B) 18
C) 21
D) 25
Answer: C) 21
Explanation: As of 2024, Karnataka has 21 wildlife sanctuaries and 5 national parks under protection.
83. The total number of national parks in Karnataka is —
A) 3
B) 4
C) 5
D) 6
Answer: C) 5
Explanation: Karnataka has 5 National Parks — Bandipur, Nagarhole, Kudremukh, Bannerghatta, and Anshi (Kali Tiger Reserve).
84. The oldest National Park in Karnataka is —
A) Bannerghatta
B) Nagarhole
C) Bandipur
D) Kudremukh
Answer: C) Bandipur
Explanation: Bandipur National Park, established in 1974, was among India’s first Project Tiger reserves.
85. The largest National Park in Karnataka is —
A) Bandipur
B) Kudremukh
C) Nagarhole
D) Kali (Anshi)
Answer: D) Kali (Anshi)
Explanation: Kali Tiger Reserve (formerly Anshi NP) in Uttara Kannada is the largest, covering over 1300 sq km.
86. The Bandipur National Park is located in —
A) Kodagu district
B) Mysuru and Chamarajanagar districts
C) Shivamogga district
D) Hassan district
Answer: B) Mysuru and Chamarajanagar districts
Explanation: Bandipur, a Project Tiger reserve, lies in the Nilgiri Biosphere and is famous for elephants and tigers.
87. The Nagarhole National Park (Rajiv Gandhi National Park) lies between —
A) Kodagu and Mysuru districts
B) Hassan and Tumakuru
C) Belagavi and Dharwad
D) Chikkamagaluru and Shivamogga
Answer: A) Kodagu and Mysuru districts
Explanation: Nagarhole is a UNESCO World Heritage Site candidate and is home to tigers, elephants, and deer.
88. Kudremukh National Park is known for —
A) Sandalwood
B) Iron ore and grassland–shola ecosystem
C) Coffee estates
D) Sugarcane
Answer: B) Iron ore and grassland–shola ecosystem
Explanation: Kudremukh NP in Chikkamagaluru combines rolling grasslands and Shola forests, famous for scenic hills and biodiversity.
89. Bannerghatta National Park is located near —
A) Mysuru
B) Bengaluru
C) Tumakuru
D) Raichur
Answer: B) Bengaluru
Explanation: Bannerghatta National Park, on the outskirts of Bengaluru, has a zoological park, safari, and butterfly park.
90. The only National Park with both lion and tiger safaris in Karnataka is —
A) Bandipur
B) Bannerghatta
C) Kali
D) Nagarhole
Answer: B) Bannerghatta
Explanation: Bannerghatta NP includes lion, tiger, and bear safaris, making it a major tourist and research center.
91. The Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for —
A) Elephants
B) Black panthers and hornbills
C) Crocodiles only
D) Flamingos
Answer: B) Black panthers and hornbills
Explanation: Dandeli Sanctuary in Uttara Kannada is known for hornbills, panthers, and river rafting on the Kali River.
92. The Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is located in —
A) Shivamogga and Chikkamagaluru
B) Raichur and Koppal
C) Ballari and Vijayanagar
D) Mandya and Mysuru
Answer: A) Shivamogga and Chikkamagaluru
Explanation: Bhadra Sanctuary is part of the Western Ghats, home to tigers, leopards, and elephants.
93. The Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary is in —
A) Kodagu
B) Chikkamagaluru
C) Hassan
D) Uttara Kannada
Answer: A) Kodagu
Explanation: Brahmagiri Sanctuary protects evergreen forests and is known for peacocks and primates like the lion-tailed macaque.
94. The Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary is located near —
A) Hampi (Ballari district)
B) Mysuru
C) Kodagu
D) Tumakuru
Answer: A) Hampi (Ballari district)
Explanation: Daroji is India’s first sloth bear sanctuary, near Hampi, known for rocky scrubland.
95. The Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary is spread across —
A) Mandya, Ramanagara, and Chamarajanagar
B) Raichur and Koppal
C) Tumakuru and Hassan
D) Belagavi and Dharwad
Answer: A) Mandya, Ramanagara, and Chamarajanagar
Explanation: The Cauvery WLS protects the riverine ecosystem and Mahseer fish in the Cauvery basin.
96. The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve includes parts of —
A) Kodagu, Chamarajanagar, and Mysuru
B) Ballari and Raichur
C) Udupi and Shivamogga
D) Dharwad and Belagavi
Answer: A) Kodagu, Chamarajanagar, and Mysuru
Explanation: Karnataka’s share of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve covers Bandipur, Nagarhole, and Biligiri Rangaswamy hills.
97. The Project Tiger was implemented in Karnataka in —
A) 1972
B) 1973
C) 1974
D) 1976
Answer: C) 1974
Explanation: Project Tiger started in Bandipur in 1974, later extended to Bhadra, Kali, and Nagarhole.
98. The main objective of “Project Elephant” is —
A) To increase forest area
B) To conserve elephant habitats and migration routes
C) To expand agriculture
D) To prevent poaching of tigers
Answer: B) To conserve elephant habitats and migration routes
Explanation: Project Elephant ensures safe corridors and protection for elephants in southern Karnataka.
99. The major environmental challenges faced by Karnataka’s forests include —
A) Encroachment, mining, and forest fires
B) Cyclones
C) Landslides only
D) Industrialization of Ghats
Answer: A) Encroachment, mining, and forest fires
Explanation: Illegal mining, forest clearance, and fires are key threats to Western Ghats ecosystems.
100. The main goal of Karnataka’s “Greening Karnataka Mission” is —
A) Increasing urban population
B) Promoting forest cover and tree plantation
C) Expanding mining
D) Constructing roads in forests
Answer: B) Promoting forest cover and tree plantation
Explanation: The Greening Karnataka Mission (2015) aims to increase forest cover to 33%, encouraging afforestation and social forestry.