Question

Champion and Seth revised the preliminary classification of forest types of India prepared in 1935, according to them forest of India have first been divided into _______ major groups.

• A. 16
• B. 4
• C. 5
• D. 8

Hint:

Do not confuse "major groups" with "forest type groups":
- Major Climatic Groups = 5
- Forest Type Groups = 16

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The classification of Indian forests developed by Harry G. Champion and S.K. Seth (1968) is the most widely accepted system used to categorize forest types based on temperature and moisture regimes.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
According to the Champion and Seth classification system, the diverse forests of India are hierarchically structured:
1. They are first divided into 5 major climatic groups:
- Moist Tropical Forests
- Dry Tropical Forests
- Montane Subtropical Forests
- Montane Temperate Forests
- Alpine Forests
2. These 5 major groups are further subdivided into 16 forest type groups (e.g., Tropical Wet Evergreen, Tropical Dry Deciduous), which are then divided into subgroups and individual forest types.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The forests of India are first divided into 5 major groups in the Champion and Seth system.