Question

Which of the following statements about Montane Forests are true?

1. Southern mountain forests in the Nilgiris are called Sholas.

2. Deodar is an important species in the western Himalayas.

3. These forests are found in areas with rainfall less than 50 cm.

• A. 1 and 2
• B. 1 and 3
• C. 2 and 3
• D. 1, 2, and 3

Answer 1

Answer:

A. 1 and 2

Montane Forests in India

• Montane forests, also known as mountain forests, are found in the higher altitudes of mountainous regions in India. These forests are characterized by their specific vegetation adapted to cooler temperatures and varying precipitation patterns.
• Statement 1: Southern mountain forests in the Nilgiris are called Sholas.
  This statement is TRUE. The montane forests found in the southern Indian mountain ranges, particularly the Nilgiris, Palani Hills, and Anamalai Hills, are locally known as Sholas. These are typically found in valleys and depressions, often surrounded by grasslands.
• Statement 2: Deodar is an important species in the western Himalayas.
  This statement is TRUE. The Deodar (Cedrus deodara) is a coniferous tree native to the western Himalayas and is a significant component of the montane forests in this region, especially at altitudes between 1,500 to 3,000 meters.
• Statement 3: These forests are found in areas with rainfall less than 50 cm.
  This statement is FALSE. Montane forests generally require significant rainfall to thrive. Shola forests, for example, are typically found in areas that receive substantial rainfall, often exceeding 100-200 cm annually, with high humidity. Lower rainfall areas would not support the dense forest cover characteristic of montane ecosystems.
• Distribution: Montane forests are found in the Himalayas in the north and peninsular mountain ranges like the Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats, Vindhyas, and Satpuras in the south.
• Altitudinal Zonation: Vegetation in montane forests changes with altitude. As altitude increases, temperature decreases, leading to changes in forest types from tropical to subtropical, temperate, and alpine.
• Key Species: Besides Deodar in the Himalayas, other common species include various oaks, pines, firs, spruces, and rhododendrons, depending on the altitude and specific mountain range.