Consider the following statements regarding the interaction between forests and soil: 1. Forests protect the soil from erosion. 2. Soil hinders the growth and regeneration of forests. 3. Roots of trees bind the soil particles together. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is (c). Explanation The relationship between forests and soil is symbiotic and interdependent. Forests play a critical role in soil conservation, while soil serves as the fundamental medium for forest sustenance and growth. - Statement 1 is Correct: Forests act as a protective cover for the soil. The canopy intercepts rainfall, reducing the kinetic energy of raindrops before they hit the ground, thereby preventing splash erosion. Additionally, the layer of leaf litter on the forest floor reduces surface runoff velocity, allowing water to infiltrate rather than wash away the topsoil. - Statement 2 is Incorrect: Soil does not hinder the growth of forests; rather, it is essential for their existence. Soil provides the necessary anchorage for roots, retains moisture, and supplies essential nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, etc.) required for plant growth and regeneration. A healthy soil profile facilitates, rather than obstructs, the development of a forest ecosystem. - Statement 3 is Correct: The extensive root systems of trees and undergrowth penetrate deep into the ground, physically binding soil particles together. This mechanical binding increases the shear strength of the soil, making it resistant to the erosive forces of wind and water. Key Takeaway: Forests and soil maintain a mutually beneficial relationship where vegetation prevents soil erosion through root binding and canopy interception, while soil provides the essential nutrients and physical support required for forest growth.

NCERT Class 7 Environment & Ecology — Chapter 1: Forests: our lifeline

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Consider the following statements regarding the interaction between forests and soil:

Forests protect the soil from erosion.
Soil hinders the growth and regeneration of forests.
Roots of trees bind the soil particles together.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 and 2 only
B2 only
C1 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is (c).

Explanation

The relationship between forests and soil is symbiotic and interdependent. Forests play a critical role in soil conservation, while soil serves as the fundamental medium for forest sustenance and growth.

Statement 1 is Correct: Forests act as a protective cover for the soil. The canopy intercepts rainfall, reducing the kinetic energy of raindrops before they hit the ground, thereby preventing splash erosion. Additionally, the layer of leaf litter on the forest floor reduces surface runoff velocity, allowing water to infiltrate rather than wash away the topsoil.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: Soil does not hinder the growth of forests; rather, it is essential for their existence. Soil provides the necessary anchorage for roots, retains moisture, and supplies essential nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, etc.) required for plant growth and regeneration. A healthy soil profile facilitates, rather than obstructs, the development of a forest ecosystem.
Statement 3 is Correct: The extensive root systems of trees and undergrowth penetrate deep into the ground, physically binding soil particles together. This mechanical binding increases the shear strength of the soil, making it resistant to the erosive forces of wind and water.

Key Takeaway: Forests and soil maintain a mutually beneficial relationship where vegetation prevents soil erosion through root binding and canopy interception, while soil provides the essential nutrients and physical support required for forest growth.

Your note

More from Chapter 1: Forests: our lifeline

With reference to the structure of a forest, consider the following statements: 1. The branchy part of a tree above the stem is known as the crown. 2. The roof-like structure formed by the branches is called the root system. 3. The forest floor is the only layer found in a forest. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Consider the following statements regarding the vegetation layers in a forest: 1. Giant and tall trees constitute the top layer. 2. Shrubs and tall grasses form the lowest layer of the forest. 3. Herbs form the lowest layer of vegetation in the forest. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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In a dense forest ecosystem, the forest floor receives minimal sunlight primarily due to:

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With reference to the role of forests in the water cycle, consider the following statements: 1. Trees release water vapour into the air through the process of condensation. 2. The forest canopy intercepts raindrops, preventing them from hitting the ground directly. 3. Forests facilitate the infiltration of water into the ground. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Consider the following statements about the "forest floor": 1. The forest floor is generally dark due to the dense canopy above. 2. The forest floor is completely devoid of any dead or decaying matter. 3. The forest floor is sterile and supports no living organisms. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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The correct option is (c).

Explanation

Statement 1 is Correct: Forests act as a protective cover for the soil. The canopy intercepts rainfall, reducing the kinetic energy of raindrops before they hit the ground, thereby preventing splash erosion. Additionally, the layer of leaf litter on the forest floor reduces surface runoff velocity, allowing water to infiltrate rather than wash away the topsoil.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: Soil does not hinder the growth of forests; rather, it is essential for their existence. Soil provides the necessary anchorage for roots, retains moisture, and supplies essential nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, etc.) required for plant growth and regeneration. A healthy soil profile facilitates, rather than obstructs, the development of a forest ecosystem.
Statement 3 is Correct: The extensive root systems of trees and undergrowth penetrate deep into the ground, physically binding soil particles together. This mechanical binding increases the shear strength of the soil, making it resistant to the erosive forces of wind and water.