1. The total geographical area of Karnataka is approximately —
A) 1.75 lakh sq. km
B) 1.91 lakh sq. km
C) 1.95 lakh sq. km
D) 2.05 lakh sq. km
Answer: B) 1.91 lakh sq. km
Explanation: Karnataka covers an area of 1,91,791 sq. km, making it the 8th largest state in India.
2. Which of the following latitudes passes approximately through the middle of Karnataka?
A) 10° N
B) 13° N
C) 15° N
D) 17° N
Answer: C) 15° N
Explanation: The 15° North latitude roughly bisects Karnataka, giving it a tropical climate.
3. Karnataka lies between —
A) 11°30′ N to 18°30′ N latitudes
B) 12°30′ N to 18°30′ N latitudes
C) 11°30′ N to 18°45′ N latitudes
D) 10°30′ N to 19°00′ N latitudes
Answer: C) 11°30′ N to 18°45′ N latitudes
Explanation: Karnataka extends between 11°30′ N to 18°45′ N and 74°05′ E to 78°35′ E longitudes.
4. The highest peak in Karnataka is —
A) Kudremukh
B) Mullayanagiri
C) Pushpagiri
D) Bababudanagiri
Answer: B) Mullayanagiri
Explanation: Mullayanagiri (1930 m) in Chikkamagaluru district is the highest peak of Karnataka and the entire Western Ghats region.
5. Which of the following rivers originates in Karnataka?
A) Krishna
B) Godavari
C) Mahanadi
D) Tapi
Answer: A) Krishna
Explanation: The Krishna River originates near Mahabaleshwar in the Western Ghats of Karnataka (Chikodi taluk, Belagavi district).
6. The Western Ghats in Karnataka are known locally as —
A) Nilgiris
B) Sahyadri
C) Malnad
D) Karavali
Answer: C) Malnad
Explanation: The hilly region of the Western Ghats in Karnataka is called Malnad, meaning “hill country.”
7. The coastal plain of Karnataka is known as —
A) Malnad
B) Karavali
C) Bayaluseeme
D) Konkan
Answer: B) Karavali
Explanation: The Karavali region refers to the narrow coastal belt of Karnataka along the Arabian Sea.
8. Which physiographic division of Karnataka is the largest?
A) Karavali
B) Malnad
C) Bayaluseeme
D) Ghats region
Answer: C) Bayaluseeme
Explanation: Bayaluseeme (plains) covers nearly 60% of Karnataka’s area — mainly the Deccan Plateau.
9. The Tungabhadra River is formed by the confluence of —
A) Tunga and Varahi
B) Bhadra and Vedavathi
C) Tunga and Bhadra
D) Hemavathi and Tunga
Answer: C) Tunga and Bhadra
Explanation: The Tunga and Bhadra rivers join near Kudli (Shivamogga district) to form the Tungabhadra.
10. Jog Falls is located on which river?
A) Tunga
B) Sharavathi
C) Netravati
D) Varahi
Answer: B) Sharavathi
Explanation: Jog Falls (Gerosoppa Falls) on Sharavathi River in Shivamogga district is the highest waterfall in Karnataka.
11. The Western Ghats in Karnataka run through how many districts?
A) 4
B) 6
C) 9
D) 12
Answer: C) 9
Explanation: The Western Ghats stretch across 9 districts — Uttara Kannada, Udupi, Dakshina Kannada, Kodagu, Chikkamagaluru, Shivamogga, Hassan, Belagavi, and Dharwad.
12. The soil most commonly found in the coastal region (Karavali) is —
A) Red soil
B) Laterite soil
C) Black soil
D) Alluvial soil
Answer: B) Laterite soil
Explanation: Laterite soils dominate the Karavali and Malnad regions, ideal for cashew, coconut, and arecanut.
13. The Deccan Plateau part of Karnataka has mostly —
A) Red soil
B) Black cotton soil
C) Laterite soil
D) Alluvial soil
Answer: B) Black cotton soil
Explanation: Black cotton soil (regur) is common in northern and central Karnataka, formed from basaltic rocks.
14. Which district is known as the “Rice Bowl of Karnataka”?
A) Mandya
B) Raichur
C) Mysuru
D) Koppal
Answer: B) Raichur
Explanation: Due to irrigation from the Tungabhadra project, Raichur is famous for paddy cultivation.
15. The famous Kudremukh Iron Ore project is located in —
A) Chikkamagaluru district
B) Shivamogga district
C) Ballari district
D) Hassan district
Answer: A) Chikkamagaluru district
Explanation: Kudremukh in Chikkamagaluru has one of the largest iron ore deposits in India.
16. The Sharavathi River flows entirely within —
A) Uttara Kannada
B) Shivamogga
C) Udupi
D) Kodagu
Answer: B) Shivamogga
Explanation: Sharavathi River flows completely inside Shivamogga district, draining into the Arabian Sea.
17. Which of the following rivers flows eastward in Karnataka?
A) Netravati
B) Sharavathi
C) Tungabhadra
D) Varahi
Answer: C) Tungabhadra
Explanation: Tungabhadra River flows eastward and joins the Krishna River, unlike west-flowing coastal rivers.
18. The main climatic type of Karnataka is —
A) Tropical monsoon
B) Temperate
C) Arid desert
D) Mediterranean
Answer: A) Tropical monsoon
Explanation: Karnataka has a tropical monsoon climate, influenced by southwest and northeast monsoons.
19. The region receiving the highest rainfall in Karnataka is —
A) Kodagu
B) Hassan
C) Chikkamagaluru
D) Uttara Kannada
Answer: A) Kodagu
Explanation: Agumbe (Kodagu region) receives over 7000 mm rainfall annually, known as “Cherrapunji of South India.”
20. The driest region in Karnataka is —
A) Raichur
B) Chitradurga
C) Ballari
D) Bidar
Answer: C) Ballari
Explanation: Ballari district receives very low rainfall (<600 mm), making it one of the driest zones.
21. Which of the following is a west-flowing river in Karnataka?
A) Tungabhadra
B) Hemavathi
C) Kali
D) Kaveri
Answer: C) Kali
Explanation: The Kali River originates in Uttara Kannada and flows west into the Arabian Sea.
22. The Kaveri River enters Karnataka from —
A) Kodagu
B) Mysuru
C) Mandya
D) Chamarajanagar
Answer: A) Kodagu
Explanation: The Kaveri River originates at Talakaveri in Kodagu district of Karnataka.
23. The average elevation of the Karnataka Plateau is about —
A) 200 m
B) 400 m
C) 600 m
D) 900 m
Answer: C) 600 m
Explanation: The Deccan Plateau in Karnataka has an average elevation of 600–900 meters.
24. The name “Bayaluseeme” refers to —
A) Coastal region
B) Plateau plains
C) Hilly region
D) River valleys
Answer: B) Plateau plains
Explanation: Bayaluseeme means open plains — the plateau region of interior Karnataka.
25. The longest river flowing through Karnataka is —
A) Tungabhadra
B) Krishna
C) Kaveri
D) Bhima
Answer: B) Krishna
Explanation: The Krishna River (480 km in Karnataka) is the longest river flowing through the state.
26. The main tributary of the Krishna River in Karnataka is —
A) Bhima
B) Hemavathi
C) Sharavathi
D) Tunga
Answer: A) Bhima
Explanation: The Bhima River, originating in the Western Ghats (Bhimashankar), is a major tributary of Krishna flowing through north Karnataka.
27. The Kaveri River forms the famous Shivanasamudra Falls in which district?
A) Mysuru
B) Mandya
C) Chamarajanagar
D) Ramanagara
Answer: B) Mandya
Explanation: Shivanasamudra Falls on the Kaveri River is located in Mandya district and is home to Asia’s first hydroelectric plant.
28. The Hemavathi River is a tributary of —
A) Krishna
B) Tungabhadra
C) Kaveri
D) Malaprabha
Answer: C) Kaveri
Explanation: Hemavathi River, originating in the Western Ghats near Ballalarayana Durga, joins the Kaveri River near Krishnarajasagara.
29. Which river forms the Gokak Falls?
A) Kali
B) Malaprabha
C) Ghataprabha
D) Tungabhadra
Answer: C) Ghataprabha
Explanation: The Gokak Falls is formed by the Ghataprabha River in Belagavi district, known for its horseshoe-shaped gorge.
30. Which among the following rivers flows through Hampi?
A) Krishna
B) Tungabhadra
C) Bhima
D) Varahi
Answer: B) Tungabhadra
Explanation: The Tungabhadra River flows through Hampi, which was once the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire.
31. Which river forms the border between Karnataka and Goa?
A) Kali
B) Sharavathi
C) Mandovi
D) Varahi
Answer: D) Varahi
Explanation: The Varahi River, also called Halady or Gerusoppa, flows between parts of Uttara Kannada and Goa.
32. The Bhima River joins Krishna near —
A) Kurnool
B) Raichur
C) Vijayapura
D) Bagalkot
Answer: B) Raichur
Explanation: The Bhima River merges with the Krishna River near Raichur, forming an important irrigation basin.
33. The red soils of Karnataka are most widespread in —
A) Coastal districts
B) Southern plateau
C) Northern dry zone
D) River valleys
Answer: B) Southern plateau
Explanation: Red loamy soils cover most of southern Karnataka, especially Mysuru, Mandya, and Chamarajanagar.
34. Black cotton soil is ideal for which crop?
A) Rice
B) Cotton
C) Coffee
D) Arecanut
Answer: B) Cotton
Explanation: Black cotton soils (regur) are rich in clay and suitable for cotton cultivation in Ballari, Raichur, and Kalaburagi.
35. Laterite soils are generally found in —
A) Bayaluseeme
B) Karavali and Malnad
C) Northern dry zone
D) Central plains
Answer: B) Karavali and Malnad
Explanation: Laterite soils form under heavy rainfall in Udupi, Kodagu, Dakshina Kannada, and parts of Shivamogga.
36. Which soil type supports arecanut, coconut, and cashew in coastal Karnataka?
A) Black soil
B) Alluvial soil
C) Laterite soil
D) Red soil
Answer: C) Laterite soil
Explanation: The lateritic soils in the coastal belt are acidic and porous, supporting plantation crops like coconut, cashew, and arecanut.
37. Which soil is predominant in Raichur and Ballari?
A) Laterite soil
B) Black cotton soil
C) Red soil
D) Alluvial soil
Answer: B) Black cotton soil
Explanation: The Deccan Trap region of Raichur and Ballari has extensive black cotton soils, ideal for dry crops.
38. The monsoon in Karnataka is mainly caused by —
A) Westerlies
B) Southwest monsoon
C) Northeast monsoon
D) Sea breeze
Answer: B) Southwest monsoon
Explanation: Southwest monsoon (June–September) brings 80% of Karnataka’s rainfall, especially to Malnad and coastal regions.
39. Which part of Karnataka receives rainfall from both southwest and northeast monsoons?
A) Northern dry zone
B) Southern Maidan
C) Coastal region
D) Southeastern region
Answer: D) Southeastern region
Explanation: Southeastern Karnataka (Bengaluru, Kolar, Tumakuru) gets rainfall from both SW and NE monsoons.
40. The average annual rainfall in Karnataka is around —
A) 450 mm
B) 600 mm
C) 800 mm
D) 1240 mm
Answer: D) 1240 mm
Explanation: The state average rainfall is about 1240 mm, though distribution is highly uneven.
41. Which district receives the lowest rainfall in Karnataka?
A) Bidar
B) Ballari
C) Kalaburagi
D) Raichur
Answer: B) Ballari
Explanation: Ballari lies in the rain shadow zone of the Western Ghats, receiving less than 600 mm rainfall annually.
42. Which is the coldest place in Karnataka?
A) Chikkamagaluru
B) Kodagu
C) Sakleshpur
D) Bidar
Answer: B) Kodagu
Explanation: The Kodagu district, especially around Madikeri, records the lowest winter temperatures due to elevation.
43. The region known as “Rain Shadow Area” in Karnataka lies —
A) East of the Western Ghats
B) West of the Western Ghats
C) Along the coast
D) In northern plains
Answer: A) East of the Western Ghats
Explanation: The eastern slopes of the Western Ghats receive less rainfall — forming a rain shadow zone (Chitradurga, Tumakuru, Ballari).
44. The forests found in the Western Ghats are mostly —
A) Tropical thorn forests
B) Deciduous forests
C) Evergreen forests
D) Mangrove forests
Answer: C) Evergreen forests
Explanation: The Western Ghats (Malnad) host dense evergreen forests, rich in biodiversity.
45. The deciduous forests are mainly found in —
A) Coastal region
B) Plateau region
C) Kodagu hills
D) River valleys
Answer: B) Plateau region
Explanation: Moist and dry deciduous forests are widespread in Bayaluseeme and eastern Malnad.
46. The major forest product of Karnataka is —
A) Sandalwood
B) Teak
C) Bamboo
D) Rosewood
Answer: A) Sandalwood
Explanation: Karnataka is famous as the “Land of Sandalwood”, especially Mysuru, Shivamogga, and Chikkamagaluru.
47. The only mangrove forests of Karnataka are found in —
A) Udupi district
B) Uttara Kannada district
C) Dakshina Kannada district
D) Kodagu district
Answer: B) Uttara Kannada district
Explanation: Mangrove forests exist near Aghanashini and Kali river estuaries in Uttara Kannada.
48. The famous Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is located in —
A) Shivamogga district
B) Hassan district
C) Chikkamagaluru district
D) A & C both
Answer: D) A & C both
Explanation: Bhadra Sanctuary spreads across Shivamogga and Chikkamagaluru districts, known for tigers and elephants.
49. The Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for —
A) Tigers
B) Hornbills
C) Crocodiles
D) Bears
Answer: B) Hornbills
Explanation: Dandeli (Uttara Kannada) is renowned for hornbills, dense evergreen forests, and the Kali River.
50. The Bandipur National Park is contiguous with which wildlife sanctuary in Tamil Nadu?
A) Sathyamangalam
B) Mudumalai
C) Silent Valley
D) Periyar
Answer: B) Mudumalai
Explanation: Bandipur National Park (Karnataka) shares its border with Mudumalai Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu), forming part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
51. Karnataka is the leading producer of which mineral in India?
A) Iron ore
B) Gold
C) Limestone
D) Manganese
Answer: B) Gold
Explanation: Karnataka has been India’s top producer of gold, mainly from Kolar Gold Fields (KGF) and Hutti mines in Raichur.
52. The Kolar Gold Fields are located in which district?
A) Bengaluru Rural
B) Kolar
C) Chikkaballapur
D) Tumakuru
Answer: B) Kolar
Explanation: The historic Kolar Gold Fields (KGF) in Kolar district were among the deepest and oldest gold mines in the world.
53. The only active gold mine currently operating in Karnataka is —
A) Kolar
B) Hutti
C) Gadag
D) Chitradurga
Answer: B) Hutti
Explanation: Hutti Gold Mine in Raichur district is the only working gold mine in India today.
54. Which district is known for rich iron ore deposits in Karnataka?
A) Ballari
B) Hassan
C) Mandya
D) Udupi
Answer: A) Ballari
Explanation: Ballari (especially Hospet and Sandur) is known for its rich iron ore deposits, fueling the state’s steel industry.
55. Kudremukh is famous for —
A) Limestone
B) Iron ore
C) Copper
D) Bauxite
Answer: B) Iron ore
Explanation: Kudremukh (Chikkamagaluru district) has magnetite iron ore and houses a large-scale mining and pelletization plant.
56. The main manganese-producing districts of Karnataka are —
A) Ballari and Chitradurga
B) Shivamogga and Hassan
C) Mandya and Mysuru
D) Bidar and Raichur
Answer: A) Ballari and Chitradurga
Explanation: Manganese deposits are found mainly in Ballari, Chitradurga, and Belagavi districts.
57. The mineral asbestos is found in —
A) Tumakuru
B) Mandya
C) Hassan
D) Raichur
Answer: A) Tumakuru
Explanation: Asbestos and chromite minerals are found in Tumakuru district.
58. Limestone, used in cement industries, is found mainly in —
A) Kalaburagi
B) Kodagu
C) Shivamogga
D) Udupi
Answer: A) Kalaburagi
Explanation: Kalaburagi, Bagalkot, and Belagavi districts are rich in limestone deposits used in cement manufacturing.
59. The only aluminum-producing raw material (bauxite) in Karnataka is found at —
A) Dandeli
B) Kolar
C) Chitradurga
D) Bidar
Answer: D) Bidar
Explanation: Lateritic bauxite deposits occur in Bidar district, used for aluminum production.
60. The copper deposits in Karnataka are found in —
A) Chitradurga
B) Raichur
C) Tumakuru
D) Udupi
Answer: A) Chitradurga
Explanation: Chitradurga district contains copper and lead deposits, though production is limited.
61. The staple food crop of Karnataka is —
A) Jowar
B) Rice
C) Maize
D) Ragi
Answer: B) Rice
Explanation: Rice is the main food crop, especially in the coastal, Malnad, and irrigated southern regions.
62. The leading producer of ragi (finger millet) in Karnataka is —
A) Mandya
B) Chitradurga
C) Tumakuru
D) Kolar
Answer: D) Kolar
Explanation: Kolar and Tumakuru districts are top producers of ragi, Karnataka being India’s largest ragi-producing state.
63. “Ragi Mudde” is the staple food of which region?
A) Karavali
B) Malnad
C) Northern Karnataka
D) Southern Maidan
Answer: D) Southern Maidan
Explanation: Southern plateau districts (Tumakuru, Chikkaballapur, Kolar) mainly consume ragi mudde (finger millet balls).
64. The largest maize-producing district in Karnataka is —
A) Davanagere
B) Belagavi
C) Hassan
D) Chitradurga
Answer: A) Davanagere
Explanation: Davanagere is the leading maize-producing district, contributing significantly to poultry feed industries.
65. Sugarcane is mainly grown in —
A) Mysuru and Mandya
B) Kolar and Tumakuru
C) Kodagu and Udupi
D) Chitradurga and Raichur
Answer: A) Mysuru and Mandya
Explanation: Mandya is known as the “Sugar Bowl of Karnataka” due to intensive sugarcane cultivation.
66. Coffee plantations are concentrated in —
A) Kodagu, Chikkamagaluru, and Hassan
B) Mysuru, Mandya, and Tumakuru
C) Udupi, Dakshina Kannada, and Kodagu
D) Ballari, Raichur, and Bidar
Answer: A) Kodagu, Chikkamagaluru, and Hassan
Explanation: The Western Ghats region of Kodagu, Chikkamagaluru, and Hassan is ideal for coffee cultivation.
67. Which district is famous for tobacco cultivation?
A) Belagavi
B) Hassan
C) Ballari
D) Mysuru
Answer: D) Mysuru
Explanation: Mysuru and Hassan districts are leading producers of Virginia tobacco in Karnataka.
68. Cotton is primarily grown in —
A) Northern dry zone
B) Coastal region
C) Western Ghats
D) Southern plateau
Answer: A) Northern dry zone
Explanation: Ballari, Raichur, Kalaburagi, and Bidar districts of the northern dry zone are major cotton producers.
69. Which district is known as the “Granary of Karnataka”?
A) Mandya
B) Raichur
C) Davanagere
D) Ballari
Answer: B) Raichur
Explanation: With Tungabhadra irrigation, Raichur produces abundant paddy, earning the title “Granary of Karnataka.”
70. The major horticultural crops of Karnataka include —
A) Coffee, Arecanut, Banana
B) Rice, Wheat, Ragi
C) Cotton, Maize, Jowar
D) Sunflower, Barley, Mustard
Answer: A) Coffee, Arecanut, Banana
Explanation: Karnataka is a horticultural hub, producing coffee, arecanut, banana, cashew, and mango.
71. The main source of irrigation in Karnataka is —
A) Canals
B) Wells
C) Tanks
D) Rainfed agriculture
Answer: D) Rainfed agriculture
Explanation: Nearly 60% of Karnataka’s agriculture is rainfed, with limited irrigation facilities.
72. The Tungabhadra Project benefits mainly which districts?
A) Mandya and Mysuru
B) Raichur and Ballari
C) Kodagu and Hassan
D) Udupi and Shivamogga
Answer: B) Raichur and Ballari
Explanation: Tungabhadra Dam, built near Hospet, irrigates large areas of Raichur, Ballari, and Koppal.
73. The Krishna Raja Sagara (KRS) Dam is constructed across which river?
A) Hemavathi
B) Kaveri
C) Tungabhadra
D) Kabini
Answer: B) Kaveri
Explanation: The KRS Dam, built by Sir M. Visvesvaraya, is across the Kaveri River in Mandya district.
74. The Almatti Dam is built on which river?
A) Tungabhadra
B) Bhima
C) Krishna
D) Malaprabha
Answer: C) Krishna
Explanation: Almatti Dam, part of the Upper Krishna Project, is located in Bagalkot district on the Krishna River.
75. Which irrigation project is constructed across the Kabini River?
A) Bhadra Project
B) KRS Project
C) Kabini Project
D) Harangi Project
Answer: C) Kabini Project
Explanation: The Kabini Reservoir in Heggadadevanakote taluk (Mysuru district) provides irrigation and drinking water to Mysuru and Bengaluru.
76. The total forest area of Karnataka constitutes about —
A) 15% of total area
B) 20% of total area
C) 25% of total area
D) 33% of total area
Answer: C) 25% of total area
Explanation: Forests cover about 25% (≈38,000 sq. km) of Karnataka’s geographical area, though less than the ideal 33% target.
77. The district with the largest forest area in Karnataka is —
A) Kodagu
B) Uttara Kannada
C) Shivamogga
D) Chikkamagaluru
Answer: B) Uttara Kannada
Explanation: Uttara Kannada district alone accounts for over 25% of Karnataka’s total forest area, mainly evergreen and semi-evergreen forests.
78. The major forest type found in Malnad region is —
A) Dry deciduous
B) Moist deciduous
C) Evergreen
D) Thorny scrub
Answer: C) Evergreen
Explanation: The Western Ghats (Malnad) region has tropical evergreen forests with dense vegetation and heavy rainfall.
79. The forests of northern Karnataka mainly consist of —
A) Evergreen forests
B) Deciduous forests
C) Mangrove forests
D) Montane forests
Answer: B) Deciduous forests
Explanation: Northern dry zones (Ballari, Raichur, Koppal) have dry deciduous and thorny scrub forests due to low rainfall.
80. The tree species “Sandalwood” is mainly found in —
A) Mysuru and Shivamogga
B) Kodagu and Dakshina Kannada
C) Ballari and Raichur
D) Mandya and Tumakuru
Answer: A) Mysuru and Shivamogga
Explanation: Sandalwood forests are dominant in Mysuru, Chamarajanagar, and Shivamogga, known for fragrant timber exports.
81. The most valuable commercial tree in Karnataka forests is —
A) Teak
B) Rosewood
C) Sandalwood
D) Bamboo
Answer: C) Sandalwood
Explanation: Sandalwood is economically the most valuable and is a state-controlled tree species due to high export value.
82. “Myristica swamps” are unique forest types found in —
A) Western Ghats
B) Eastern plains
C) Coastal deltas
D) River valleys of north Karnataka
Answer: A) Western Ghats
Explanation: Myristica swamps are rare freshwater swamp forests found in Uttara Kannada and Dakshina Kannada, rich in endemic flora.
83. The largest National Park in Karnataka is —
A) Bandipur
B) Nagarhole
C) Kudremukh
D) Bannerghatta
Answer: C) Kudremukh
Explanation: Kudremukh National Park (600 sq. km) in Chikkamagaluru is Karnataka’s largest national park.
84. Bandipur National Park was established in the year —
A) 1956
B) 1974
C) 1980
D) 1992
Answer: B) 1974
Explanation: Bandipur was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1974 under Project Tiger.
85. The Bannerghatta National Park is located near —
A) Mysuru
B) Chikkamagaluru
C) Bengaluru
D) Shivamogga
Answer: C) Bengaluru
Explanation: Bannerghatta National Park, just 22 km from Bengaluru, houses a zoological park and butterfly park.
86. The Rajiv Gandhi (Nagarhole) National Park is spread over —
A) Kodagu and Mysuru
B) Mandya and Hassan
C) Shivamogga and Chitradurga
D) Chikkamagaluru and Hassan
Answer: A) Kodagu and Mysuru
Explanation: Nagarhole National Park, part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, lies across Kodagu and Mysuru districts.
87. The Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for —
A) Elephants
B) Tigers
C) Leopards
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Bhadra Sanctuary, spread over Shivamogga and Chikkamagaluru, shelters tigers, elephants, and leopards.
88. The Dandeli-Anshi Tiger Reserve is now renamed as —
A) Kali Tiger Reserve
B) Sahyadri Reserve
C) Malnad Reserve
D) Western Ghat Reserve
Answer: A) Kali Tiger Reserve
Explanation: In 2015, the Dandeli–Anshi Tiger Reserve was renamed as Kali Tiger Reserve, after the Kali River.
89. The Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary is located near —
A) Mandya
B) Mysuru
C) Hassan
D) Kodagu
Answer: B) Mysuru
Explanation: Ranganathittu, near Srirangapatna (Mysuru district), is Karnataka’s largest bird sanctuary, attracting migratory species.
90. The Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple (BRT) Wildlife Sanctuary lies at the junction of —
A) Eastern & Western Ghats
B) Nilgiris & Eastern Ghats
C) Western Ghats & Deccan Plateau
D) Deccan Plateau & coastal plains
Answer: A) Eastern & Western Ghats
Explanation: BRT Sanctuary (Chamarajanagar) lies where Eastern and Western Ghats meet, creating high biodiversity.
91. Kabini Reservoir lies within which protected area?
A) Bandipur National Park
B) Nagarhole National Park
C) BRT Sanctuary
D) Bannerghatta National Park
Answer: B) Nagarhole National Park
Explanation: The Kabini backwaters form part of Nagarhole National Park, a prime habitat for elephants and tigers.
92. Peacock is protected under which wildlife schedule in Karnataka?
A) Schedule I
B) Schedule II
C) Schedule III
D) Schedule IV
Answer: A) Schedule I
Explanation: The Indian Peafowl (National Bird) is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
93. The “Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve” includes which Karnataka districts?
A) Chikkamagaluru and Shivamogga
B) Kodagu and Chamarajanagar
C) Mysuru and Udupi
D) Hassan and Mandya
Answer: B) Kodagu and Chamarajanagar
Explanation: The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve covers parts of Kodagu, Chamarajanagar, and Mysuru districts.
94. The “Western Ghats” of Karnataka are a UNESCO World Heritage Site since —
A) 2005
B) 2008
C) 2012
D) 2015
Answer: C) 2012
Explanation: The Western Ghats, rich in biodiversity, were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2012.
95. The “Eco-sensitive zone” around the Western Ghats aims to —
A) Promote mining
B) Protect biodiversity
C) Encourage industries
D) Ban agriculture
Answer: B) Protect biodiversity
Explanation: Eco-sensitive zones restrict industrial and mining activity to preserve fragile ecosystems.
96. The “Amrit Mahal Kaval grasslands” are located in —
A) Chitradurga and Tumakuru
B) Ballari and Raichur
C) Kodagu and Mysuru
D) Mandya and Hassan
Answer: A) Chitradurga and Tumakuru
Explanation: Amrit Mahal Kavals are dry grassland ecosystems used for cattle breeding and biodiversity conservation.
97. The “Agumbe Rainforest Research Station” is located in which district?
A) Shivamogga
B) Chikkamagaluru
C) Kodagu
D) Hassan
Answer: A) Shivamogga
Explanation: Agumbe (Shivamogga), known as the “Cherrapunji of South India”, hosts a rainforest research station for herpetology.
98. The “Bhadravathi Paper Mill” and “Visvesvaraya Iron & Steel Plant” are examples of —
A) Agro-based industries
B) Forest-based industries
C) Mineral-based industries
D) Handicraft industries
Answer: C) Mineral-based industries
Explanation: Both industries in Shivamogga district are mineral-based, utilizing iron ore and power from Bhadra.
99. The “Western Ghats Biodiversity Hotspot” is home to approximately —
A) 200 endemic species
B) 500 endemic species
C) 1,500 endemic species
D) 3,000 endemic species
Answer: C) 1,500 endemic species
Explanation: The Western Ghats harbor over 1,500 endemic plant and animal species, making it one of the world’s top biodiversity hotspots.
100. The state animal of Karnataka is —
A) Asian Elephant
B) Indian Gaur (Bison)
C) Tiger
D) Sloth Bear
Answer: B) Indian Gaur (Bison)
Explanation: The Indian Gaur (Bos gaurus) is the State Animal of Karnataka, symbolizing strength and forest wealth.