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Difficulty: MediumSoils, Natural Vegetation, and Agriculture in India

Consider the following statements regarding Montane Forests in India:

1. In the southern hill ranges of the Nilgiris, Anaimalai, and Palani, the temperate forests are locally referred to as 'Sholas'.
2. Deodar, a highly valuable endemic timber species, is predominantly distributed in the moist temperate forests of the Eastern Himalayas.
3. At higher altitudes exceeding 3,500 m3,500\text{ m}, alpine meadows transition into tundra-type vegetation consisting of mosses and lichens near the snowline.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

  1. 1 and 3 onlyAnswer
  2. B
    1 and 2 only
  3. C
    2 and 3 only
  4. D
    1, 2 and 3

Answer

1 and 3 only
The combination stating that only statements 1 and 3 are correct is accurate. Temperate patch forests in the South Indian hills are termed Sholas, and alpine pastures transition into tundra-like mosses and lichens at altitudes above 3,500 m3,500\text{ m} near the snowline. Statement 2 is incorrect because Deodar is predominantly located in the Western Himalayas.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Evaluate Statement 1 regarding Peninsular temperate forests
Statement 1 is correct. Temperate forests found in the higher hill ranges of South India (Nilgiris, Anaimalai, Palani hills) above 1,500 m1,500\text{ m} elevation are known as 'Sholas'.
Topography and elevation in these peninsular ranges create temperate climate pockets distinct from surrounding tropical vegetation.
2
Evaluate Statement 2 regarding Deodar forest distribution
Statement 2 is incorrect. Deodar (*Cedrus deodara*) is an endemic, durable timber tree characteristic of the Western Himalayas (ranging from Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh to Uttarakhand) at altitudes of 1,500 m1,500\text{ m} to 2,500 m2,500\text{ m}. Eastern Himalayas have higher rainfall and are dominated by broadleaf evergreen trees like oaks, laurels, and rhododendrons.
Western Himalayas experience lower rainfall and cooler, drier conditions favorable for Deodar coniferous growth compared to the wetter Eastern Himalayas.
3
Evaluate Statement 3 regarding high-altitude alpine zonation
Statement 3 is correct. As elevation increases past 3,500 m3,500\text{ m} to 4,000 m4,000\text{ m}, alpine forests give way to alpine pastures, which further degrade into mosses and lichens near the permanent snowline.
Extreme cold temperatures and reduced soil depth near the snowline restrict plant growth to low-lying tundra vegetation like lichens and mosses.

Key Concept

Altitudinal Zonation and Regional Distribution of Montane Forests in India
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Soils, Natural Vegetation, and Agriculture in India

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