With reference to the "water table", consider the following statements: 1. Forests help maintain the water table throughout the year. 2. The root system prevents water from seeping into the ground. 3. Deforestation leads to an increase in the water table level. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is (a) 1 only. Explanation The water table is the upper surface of the zone of saturation where the soil and rocks are completely filled with water. Forests and vegetation cover play a pivotal role in the hydrological cycle, specifically in the process of infiltration and groundwater recharge. Statement-wise Analysis - Statement 1 is Correct: Forests help maintain the water table by acting as a natural sponge. The canopy reduces the velocity of raindrops, and the forest floor, rich in humus and leaf litter, absorbs water. This allows rainwater to seep slowly into the ground (infiltration) rather than flowing away immediately as surface runoff, thereby recharging the groundwater. - Statement 2 is Incorrect: The root system facilitates, rather than prevents, water seepage. Roots penetrate the soil, creating macropores and channels that allow water to percolate deeper into the ground. Additionally, roots bind the soil, preventing soil erosion, which further aids in maintaining the soil's capacity to absorb water. - Statement 3 is Incorrect: Deforestation leads to a decline in the water table level. Without trees to slow down precipitation and facilitate infiltration, the majority of rainwater is lost as surface runoff. This reduction in groundwater recharge causes the water table to drop. Key Takeaway: Forests enhance groundwater recharge by increasing soil permeability and reducing surface runoff, which is essential for sustaining the water table.

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

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With reference to the "water table", consider the following statements:

Forests help maintain the water table throughout the year.
The root system prevents water from seeping into the ground.
Deforestation leads to an increase in the water table level.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

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

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is (a) 1 only.

Explanation

The water table is the upper surface of the zone of saturation where the soil and rocks are completely filled with water. Forests and vegetation cover play a pivotal role in the hydrological cycle, specifically in the process of infiltration and groundwater recharge.

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Correct: Forests help maintain the water table by acting as a natural sponge. The canopy reduces the velocity of raindrops, and the forest floor, rich in humus and leaf litter, absorbs water. This allows rainwater to seep slowly into the ground (infiltration) rather than flowing away immediately as surface runoff, thereby recharging the groundwater.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: The root system facilitates, rather than prevents, water seepage. Roots penetrate the soil, creating macropores and channels that allow water to percolate deeper into the ground. Additionally, roots bind the soil, preventing soil erosion, which further aids in maintaining the soil's capacity to absorb water.
Statement 3 is Incorrect: Deforestation leads to a decline in the water table level. Without trees to slow down precipitation and facilitate infiltration, the majority of rainwater is lost as surface runoff. This reduction in groundwater recharge causes the water table to drop.

Key Takeaway: Forests enhance groundwater recharge by increasing soil permeability and reducing surface runoff, which is essential for sustaining the water table.

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

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?

medium

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 (a) 1 only.

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Correct: Forests help maintain the water table by acting as a natural sponge. The canopy reduces the velocity of raindrops, and the forest floor, rich in humus and leaf litter, absorbs water. This allows rainwater to seep slowly into the ground (infiltration) rather than flowing away immediately as surface runoff, thereby recharging the groundwater.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: The root system facilitates, rather than prevents, water seepage. Roots penetrate the soil, creating macropores and channels that allow water to percolate deeper into the ground. Additionally, roots bind the soil, preventing soil erosion, which further aids in maintaining the soil's capacity to absorb water.
Statement 3 is Incorrect: Deforestation leads to a decline in the water table level. Without trees to slow down precipitation and facilitate infiltration, the majority of rainwater is lost as surface runoff. This reduction in groundwater recharge causes the water table to drop.

Key Takeaway: Forests enhance groundwater recharge by increasing soil permeability and reducing surface runoff, which is essential for sustaining the water table.