Question

Which statements about Montane Forests are accurate?

1. Evergreen broadleaf trees like oak and chestnut are found between 1,000-1,750 m.

2. Alpine forests at 3,000-4,000 m include silver firs, junipers, and rhododendrons.

3. These forests are primarily located in the arid regions of Southwest Punjab.

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

Answer 1

Answer:

C. 1 and 2

Montane Forests: Key Characteristics and Distribution

• Altitude Zonation: Montane forests exhibit distinct vegetation patterns based on altitude, largely influenced by temperature and precipitation changes as elevation increases.
• Lower Montane Forests (1,000-1,750 m):
  • This zone is characterized by temperate vegetation.
  • Dominant tree species include evergreen broadleaf trees such as oak and chestnut.
  • These forests transition into coniferous forests at higher altitudes.
• Higher Montane Forests (1,500-3,000 m):
  • As altitude increases, the vegetation shifts towards coniferous trees like pine, deodar (Himalayan cedar), and fir.
  • The 'western Himalayan temperate forest' is a prime example found in this range.
• Alpine Forests (3,000-4,000 m):
  • This zone is dominated by subalpine and alpine vegetation.
  • Key species found here include silver firs, junipers, pines, and rhododendrons.
  • The vegetation becomes sparser with increasing altitude, eventually giving way to alpine meadows.
• Distribution:
  • Montane forests are primarily found in the Himalayan region of India, covering states like Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh.
  • They are also present in the higher reaches of other peninsular mountains like the Nilgiris, Annamalai, and Palani Hills in South India.
  • Statement 3 is inaccurate as these forests are not primarily located in the arid regions of Southwest Punjab; that region has a different ecological profile.