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Difficulty: EasySoils, Natural Vegetation, and Agriculture in India

In the higher reaches of the Nilgiri, Palani, and Anaimalai hills of South India, temperate evergreen forests are locally known as 'Shola' forests. Which of the following natural vegetation categories do these unique forest patches belong to?

  1. Montane Wet Temperate ForestsAnswer
  2. B
    Tropical Thorn Forests
  3. C
    Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests
  4. D
    Mangrove Forests

Answer

Montane Wet Temperate Forests
Montane Wet Temperate Forests in the Nilgiris, Anaimalai, and Palani hills are characteristically known as Shola forests. These consist of stunted evergreen trees with thick undergrowth, surrounded by grasslands in high-elevation peninsular plateaus.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the geographical region and altitude
The Nilgiri, Palani, and Anaimalai hills represent high-altitude peninsular montane ecosystems above 1,500 meters.
Vegetation types in Indian mountains vary systematically with elevation and local climate.
2
Correlate local forest terminology with official vegetation classification
The stunted, evergreen temperate forest patches found in sheltered valleys of these southern high hills are classified under Montane Wet Temperate Forests and locally termed 'Sholas'.
Montane wet temperate forests develop under high humidity, low temperatures, and distinct highland topography in South India.

Key Concept

Montane Wet Temperate Forests and Shola Vegetation in Peninsular India
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Topics

Soils, Natural Vegetation, and Agriculture in India

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