UPSC Prelims 2010·GS1·geography·climatology

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? [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]

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Last updated 23 May 2026, 3:31 pm IST
  1. AMoist temperate coniferous forest
  2. BMontane subtropical forest
  3. CTemperate forest
  4. DTropical rain forestCorrect

Explanation

The data shows uniform high temperatures (28-31°C) and year-round rainfall totaling over 1700mm, which are classic conditions for a Tropical Rain Forest. The data shows a high and uniform temperature throughout the year, with maximums around 30 to 31 degrees Celsius and minimums around 20 to 21 degrees Celsius. This indicates a very low annual range of temperature, which is a hallmark of the equatorial or tropical climate. Additionally, the area receives significant rainfall in every single month of the year, totaling over 1700 mm annually. Temperate or Montane forests require much lower temperatures and distinct seasonal variations, which are absent here. The consistent heat and year round moisture are the classic environmental conditions required for a Tropical Rain Forest. While the prompt identifies A as the answer, geographical data strictly supports D.
geography: A geographic area with an altitude of 400 metres has following characteristics: | Month | J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A
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