Economic Geography

Total Questions: 50

21. Which of the following countries are included in the "Golden Crescent"? [U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2007]

1. Afghanistan

2. Iran

3. Iraq

4. Pakistan

Select the correct answer from the codes given below :

Code:

(a) 1 and 2
(b) 3 and 4
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) 1, 2 and 4

Correct Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 4

Solution:

The Golden Crescent is the name given to one of Asia's two principal areas of illicit opium production located at Central and South Asia. Golden crescent includes three nations, Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan, whose mountainous peripheries define the crescent. Iraq is not included in this Golden Crescent.

22. In which of the following group of countries maize is used as staple food? [U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2007]

(a) Western Europe
(b) Russia
(c) Middle Africa
(d) South-East Asia

Correct Answer: (c) Middle Africa

Solution:Maize or Corn is a cereal crop that is grown widely throughout the world. The grain is rich in Vitamin (A, C, and E), carbohydrates, Minerals and Protein. It is also rich in dietary fibre. It is an important staple food for people in Middle Africa.

23. Sacramento-San Joaquin Valley, renowned for vitreous & citrus fruit production in America, is located at: [U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 1998]

(a) California
(b) Alaska
(c) Mexico
(d) Columbia

Correct Answer: (a) California

Solution:Sacramento- San Joaquin Valley is located in California. The San Joaquin Valley is the area of the Central Valley of the U.S. state of California that lies South of the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta and is drained by the San Joaquin River. Sacramento- San Joaquin Valley is famous for vitreous & citrus fruit production in the world.

24. Consider the following statements: [U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2005]

Assertion (A): Commercial Viticulture is specific to the Mediterranean Region of Europe.

Reason (R) : 85% of its grapes go to wine making.

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

Code:

(a) Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
(b) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
(c) (A) is true, but (R) is false.
(d) (A) is false, but (R) is true.

Correct Answer: (a) Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).

Solution:Commercial Viticulture is specific to the Mediterranean region of Europe. The major cause of Viticulture at large scale is the use of its grapes production in wine.

Viticulture is the science and practice of cultivating grapevines, and the term "viniculture" is used when the grapes are specifically used for wine production. It's a branch of horticulture that focuses on the growth and production of grapes. Grapes are used for various purposes, including fresh consumption, dried as raisins, juice, and fermented into wine.

This type of agriculture, characterized by specialized commercial crops like olives and grapes, is particularly well-suited to the Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. Viticulture, or grape cultivation, is a key element of Mediterranean agriculture, with high-quality grapes being used to produce some of the world's best wines.

While the Mediterranean region is a major center for viticulture, the practice is not limited to that area. Areas with similar climates, including parts of North Africa, Southern California, Central Chile, and Southwestern parts of South Africa, also engage in commercial viticulture. Mediterranean agriculture also includes the cultivation of other crops like olives, citrus fruits, and figs, all of which thrive in the Mediterranean climate.

25. Which of the following regions of the world, the production of citrus fruits is well developed? [U.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 2020]

(a) Monsoon regions
(b) Tropical high lands regions
(c) Mediterranean regions
(d) Equatorial regions

Correct Answer: (c) Mediterranean regions

Solution:The production of citrus fruits is high in the Mediterranean regions. The Mediterranean climate region is also known as the subtropical dry-summer climate region.

The Mediterranean climate, characterized by mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers, is well-suited for citrus cultivation. Countries along the Mediterranean Basin, often referred to as CLAM countries, are significant suppliers of citrus fruits, accounting for a large portion of the world's fresh citrus trade. Spain is a leading producer, followed by Italy and Egypt.

The Mediterranean Basin contributes significantly to global citrus production and exports, with the region accounting for a substantial share of the world's fresh citrus fruit supply. Other countries in the Mediterranean region, such as Morocco, Turkey, and Algeria, also have significant citrus production and are important players in the global market.

26. In which one of the following countries high yielding variety seed was developed for the first time? [U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2008]

(a) Argentina
(b) China
(c) Mexico
(d) India

Correct Answer: (c) Mexico

Solution:High Yielding Variety Seeds (HYV seeds) are resistant to insects and diseases and have a high yielding capacity. These seeds are of better quality and are a better option for surplus and healthy production of crops. The high yielding seeds are generally flood and drought resistant and give better quality yielding.

Borlaug's work in Mexico, specifically his development of "dwarf wheat" varieties, is widely recognized as the catalyst for the Green Revolution, a period of dramatic increases in agricultural production. In the 1940s and 1950s, Borlaug worked in Mexico, focusing on improving wheat production and addressing food security challenges.

He developed semi-dwarf wheat varieties that were resistant to diseases and lodging (bending and breaking of the stalk) and had a higher yield potential. By 1956, Mexico became self-sufficient in wheat production.

27. The Wood of which tree is used for catechu production? [M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1990]

(a) Saal
(b) Khair
(c) Babool
(d) Saaja

Correct Answer: (b) Khair

Solution:Catechu is obtained from the wood of Khair Tree (Acacia Catechu). Catechu is extracted from the heartwood of the Khair tree through a process of boiling the wood in water and then evaporating the resulting brew. The Khair tree is scientifically known as Senegalia catechu (formerly Acacia catechu).

The Khair tree is also known as kher, catechu, cachou, cutchtree, black cutch, and black catechu. Catechu is used as a food additive, astringent, tannin, and dye. It is also a key ingredient in the preparation of paan (betel leaf) and is used for chewing purposes. The wood is used in traditional medicine to treat sore throat and diarrhea. The tree is found in various parts of Asia.

28. Peanuts are the main crop of: [U.P.R.O./A.R.O. (Mains) 2013, U.P.P.C.S.(Pre) 2012]

(a) Georgia
(b) Gambia
(c) Ghana
(d) Guatemala

Correct Answer: (b) Gambia

Solution:Peanuts/Groundnut is the main crop of Gambia among the given Countries. Presently, Ghana is the leading producer of groundnuts among the countries given in the options. According to FAO, 2022 data China is the largest producer of groundnuts, excluding shelled globally.

29. The native place of groundnut is: [U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2010]

(a) Australia
(b) Brazil
(c) China
(d) South Africa

Correct Answer: (b) Brazil

Solution:Brazil, mato grosso and its nearby areas in South America is considered the native place of ground nuts. Groundnuts, scientifically known as Arachis hypogaea, are native to South America. The headwaters of the Paraguay River within the region of Mato Grosso are considered the birthplace of the genus. From its origins, groundnuts spread to other parts of the world and are now grown in tropical and warm temperatures worldwide for their seeds and oil.

30. Most attractive, warmest and lightest wool of the world 'Shahtoosh' is produced in- [39th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1994]

(a) Nepal
(b) Uzbekistan
(c) China
(d) Bangladesh

Correct Answer: (c) China

Solution:Shahtoosh is the name given to a specific kind of shawl, which is woven with hair of the Tibetan antelope (Chiru) by master craftsman. They are found almost entirely in China, Tibet, Southern Xinjiang, and Western Qinghai; a few are also found across the border in Ladakh, India. Thus, the correct option is (c).

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