Q. In India, which type of forest among the following occupies the largest area? (UPSC Prelims 2010)
Answer: Tropical Moist Deciduous Forest
Notes: According to the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2021 by the Forest Survey of India, Tropical Moist Deciduous Forests cover the largest area at 20.09% of total forest cover (approximately 83,440 sq km). This exceeds Tropical Wet Evergreen Forests (4.38%, 18,233 sq km), Montane Wet Temperate Forests (about 2-3%), and Sub-tropical Dry Evergreen Forests (<1%). These forests thrive in areas with 100-200 cm annual rainfall, like central India (e.g., Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra), supporting teak and sal. ISFR data confirms their dominance due to India's monsoon climate and historical logging patterns.