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?

The correct option is (c) 2 and 3 only. Explanation Forests play a critical role in the global hydrological cycle by regulating precipitation, evaporation, and groundwater recharge through various physiological and physical processes. - Statement 1 is Incorrect: Trees release water vapour into the atmosphere through a process called transpiration, which occurs primarily through stomata in the leaves. Condensation is the reverse process, where water vapour turns into liquid water (e.g., cloud formation), which is not the mechanism by which trees release water. - Statement 2 is Correct: The forest canopy acts as a physical barrier that intercepts rainfall. This process, known as interception, prevents raindrops from striking the soil directly with high velocity, thereby reducing soil erosion and allowing some water to evaporate directly back into the atmosphere. - Statement 3 is Correct: Forests significantly enhance infiltration. Tree roots create macropores in the soil, and the layer of leaf litter (humus) on the forest floor acts like a sponge. This structure slows down surface runoff, allowing water to percolate into the soil and recharge groundwater aquifers. Key Takeaway: Forests regulate the water cycle through transpiration (release of water vapour), interception (canopy barrier), and infiltration (groundwater recharge), preventing soil erosion and maintaining soil moisture.

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

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With reference to the role of forests in the water cycle, consider the following statements:

Trees release water vapour into the air through the process of condensation.
The forest canopy intercepts raindrops, preventing them from hitting the ground directly.
Forests facilitate the infiltration of water into the ground.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 and 2 only
B2 only
C2 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is (c) 2 and 3 only.

Explanation

Forests play a critical role in the global hydrological cycle by regulating precipitation, evaporation, and groundwater recharge through various physiological and physical processes.

Statement 1 is Incorrect: Trees release water vapour into the atmosphere through a process called transpiration, which occurs primarily through stomata in the leaves. Condensation is the reverse process, where water vapour turns into liquid water (e.g., cloud formation), which is not the mechanism by which trees release water.
Statement 2 is Correct: The forest canopy acts as a physical barrier that intercepts rainfall. This process, known as interception, prevents raindrops from striking the soil directly with high velocity, thereby reducing soil erosion and allowing some water to evaporate directly back into the atmosphere.
Statement 3 is Correct: Forests significantly enhance infiltration. Tree roots create macropores in the soil, and the layer of leaf litter (humus) on the forest floor acts like a sponge. This structure slows down surface runoff, allowing water to percolate into the soil and recharge groundwater aquifers.

Key Takeaway: Forests regulate the water cycle through transpiration (release of water vapour), interception (canopy barrier), and infiltration (groundwater recharge), preventing soil erosion and maintaining soil moisture.

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?

easy

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

easy

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?

medium

Which group of organisms plays the primary role in converting dead organic matter into humus?

easy

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The correct option is (c) 2 and 3 only.

Explanation

Forests play a critical role in the global hydrological cycle by regulating precipitation, evaporation, and groundwater recharge through various physiological and physical processes.

Statement 1 is Incorrect: Trees release water vapour into the atmosphere through a process called transpiration, which occurs primarily through stomata in the leaves. Condensation is the reverse process, where water vapour turns into liquid water (e.g., cloud formation), which is not the mechanism by which trees release water.
Statement 2 is Correct: The forest canopy acts as a physical barrier that intercepts rainfall. This process, known as interception, prevents raindrops from striking the soil directly with high velocity, thereby reducing soil erosion and allowing some water to evaporate directly back into the atmosphere.
Statement 3 is Correct: Forests significantly enhance infiltration. Tree roots create macropores in the soil, and the layer of leaf litter (humus) on the forest floor acts like a sponge. This structure slows down surface runoff, allowing water to percolate into the soil and recharge groundwater aquifers.