Question

Which statements about Tropical Deciduous Forests are correct?

1. They are also known as monsoon forests and are the most widespread in India.

2. Moist deciduous forests are found in regions with rainfall between 100-200 cm.

3. Dry deciduous forests transition to tropical thorn forests in wetter margins.

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

Answer 1

Answer:

C. 1 and 2

Tropical Deciduous Forests in India

• Common Name: Also referred to as monsoon forests, these are the most prevalent type of forests across India.
• Rainfall Distribution: These forests are typically found in areas receiving moderate rainfall.
• Moist Deciduous Forests: Occur in regions with an annual rainfall ranging from 100 cm to 200 cm. These forests are characterized by trees that shed their leaves during the dry season.
• Dry Deciduous Forests: Found in areas with annual rainfall between 50 cm and 100 cm. The trees in these forests shed their leaves for a longer period during the dry season, appearing more barren.
• Geographical Spread: Moist deciduous forests are found in the eastern parts of India, along the foothills of the Himalayas, Odisha, and parts of the western ghats. Dry deciduous forests cover the larger part of the country, including parts of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh.
• Vegetation Characteristics: The dominant tree species in moist deciduous forests include teak, sal, bamboo, and mahogany. In dry deciduous forests, common species are peepal, neem, sal, and khair.
• Ecological Transition: Dry deciduous forests gradually transition into more arid landscapes like tropical thorn forests in regions with lower rainfall (<50 cm) or drier margins. They do not transition into thorn forests in their wetter margins.