CCF Geography Major - DSCC-13 (Soil and Bio Geography) - 2026 | University of Calcutta

Previous Year Question Paper (2026)

2026

Geography — Honours

Paper: DSCC-13 (Soil and Bio Geography) • Full Marks: 75

Category - A

Answer any ten questions (each within 50 words).

2 × 10

1. What is duricrust?

2. What is C : N ratio?

3. What do you mean by 'duff'?

4. Define 'niche'.

5. Justify the name of laterite soil.

6. Why are saline and alkaline soils not fertile?

7. Mention any two characteristics of 'oxisols'.

8. Mention two threats to biodiversity.

9. What do you mean by 'community' in ecosystem?

10. What is 'eutrophication'?

11. Define 'food web'.

12. What is Red Data Book?

13. What is 'ped'?

14. Define 'biomass pyramid'.

Category - B

Answer any five questions (each within 150 words).

5 × 5

15. Distinguish between 'pedalfer' and 'pedocal'.

16. State the significance of soil pH in plant growth.

17. What is meant by land capability?

18. What are the impacts of depletion of forests on mountain slopes?

19. Discuss the nature and significance of energy flow in an ecosystem.

20. Highlight the characteristics of 'coral reef biome'.

21. What is an 'ecotone'?

Category - C

Answer any two questions (each within 500 words).

15 × 2

22. Differentiate between texture and structure of soil. Analyze the importance of these two soil properties. (7+8)

23. What do you mean by soil degradation? Give an account of soil erosion in the humid tropics. (3+12)

24. Describe the geographical extent and characteristic features of the Tropical Rain Forest biome. (15)

25. What is meant by bio-geochemical cycles? Discuss nitrogen cycle as the most important gaseous nutrient cycle. (3+12)