Question 15 from UPSC CSE 2014 - Geography

Question

If you travel through the Himalayas, you are likely to see which of the following plants naturally growing there?
1. Oak
2. Rhododendron
3. Sandalwood
Select the correct answer using the code given below:

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: D. 1, 2, and 3

Strategy: Identify the native range of oak, rhododendron, and sandalwood. Confirm that all three species naturally occur in the Himalayan region, despite sandalwood's stronger association with southern India. Select the most inclusive geographic option based on their shared presence in the Himalayan zone.

Key Info: **Oak**
- Major element of temperate forests in the Western and Central Himalayas.
- Elevation: 1,500 to 3,300 meters.
- Significant for soil conservation and sustaining diverse alpine life.

**Rhododendron**
- Occurs from subtropical to alpine zones across the Himalayas (e.g., Sikkim, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh).
- India hosts over 80 species, abundant above 2,000 meters.
- Known for showy flowers.

**Sandalwood**
- Naturally occurs in Himalayan foothill forests, despite being famous in peninsular India.
- Habitat: Moist deciduous and submontane regions with 100–200 cm of rainfall.

**Himalayan Forest Context**
Himalayan forests range from tropical to alpine and feature a mosaic of species. Besides oak, rhododendron, and sandalwood, they include other hardwoods like sal, teak, shisham, semul, and mahua. Moist deciduous forests on the lower slopes provide the specific habitat for sandalwood's natural occurrence.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option A: 1 and 2 only

IASCODEX · Answer

Option B: 3 only

IASCODEX · Answer

Option C: 1 and 3 only

If you travel through the Himalayas, you are likely to see which of the following plants naturally growing there? Oak Rhododendron Sandalwood Select the correct answer using the code given below:

If you travel through the Himalayas, you are likely to see which of the following plants naturally growing there?

Oak

Rhododendron

Sandalwood
Select the correct answer using the code given below: