Question

Read the following statements on crown classes in an even aged forest which consists of the following.
Given below are three statements:
Statement (I): Dominant trees consists of predominants (top canopy) and codominants with 5/6 th of the predominant
Statement (II): Dominated trees consists of 3/4 th of the tallest trees
Statement (III): Suppressed trees consists of 1/2 th to 5/8 th of the predominants
In light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below.

• A. Only statements (I) and (II) are correct and statement (III) is incorrect
• B. Only statement (II) and (III) are correct and statement (I) is incorrect
• C. All the three statements (I) (II) and (III) are correct
• D. All the three statements (I) (II) and (III) are incorrect

Hint:

To remember the relative heights of the crown classes:
- Codominant = \(5/6\) of predominant.
- Dominated = \(3/4\) of predominant.
- Suppressed = \(1/2\) to \(5/8\) of predominant.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
In an even-aged forest stand, trees are classified into different crown classes based on their position in the canopy and their relative heights.
This classification helps foresters evaluate tree vigor, competition, and thinning requirements.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us analyze each statement based on standard Indian silvicultural standards:
1. Statement (I): Dominant trees form the general upper canopy level.
They are divided into Predominants (which are the tallest, outstanding trees) and Codominants.
Codominants are slightly shorter, with heights of approximately \(5/6\text{th}\) of the predominants. This is correct.
2. Statement (II): Dominated trees are those whose crowns are below the top canopy level, receiving light only from above but not from the sides.
They generally have heights of about \(3/4\text{th}\) of the tallest (predominant) trees. This is correct.
3. Statement (III): Suppressed trees have their crowns entirely below the general canopy level, receiving virtually no direct light.
Their heights typically range from \(1/2\) to \(5/8\text{th}\) of the predominants. This is correct.

Step 3: Final Answer:
All three statements regarding the height-based definitions of crown classes are correct.