Question 75 from UPSC CSE 2015 - Environment

Question

Which one of the following regions of India has a combination of mangrove forest, evergreen forest, and deciduous forest?

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: D. Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Strategy: Identify the region where mangrove, evergreen, and deciduous forests co-occur. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands uniquely feature all three forest types due to their varied climate and terrain, unlike the other options.

Key Info: The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, located in the Bay of Bengal, represent one of India's richest biodiversity hotspots. The islands feature:

- **Mangrove Forests:** Found extensively along tidal creeks and coastal regions (notable sites: Baratang, South Andaman, and North Andaman). These forests are vital for coastal protection and harbor species like Rhizophora, Sonneratia, and Avicennia.
- **Tropical Evergreen Forests:** Dominant over large tracts, especially in areas with high, well-distributed rainfall. These forests support tall canopy trees, dense undergrowth, and high species richness, including Dipterocarp and Hopea species.
- **Deciduous Forests:** Occur in relatively drier parts of the islands and as transitional zones in regions with seasonal rainfall variation. Dominant species include Terminalia, Lagerstroemia, and Pterocarpus.

Other regions considered:
- **South-West Bengal:** Primarily features the Sundarbans mangroves but lacks widespread evergreen forests.
- **North Coastal Andhra Pradesh:** Characterized by mainly tropical dry deciduous and coastal vegetation, with limited mangrove cover and negligible evergreen forests.
- **Southern Saurashtra (Gujarat):** Dominated by dry deciduous and thorn scrub forests, with minor mangroves near the Gulf of Kutch and virtually no evergreen forests.

The ecological uniqueness of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is supported by the presence of multiple biomes in close proximity, high endemism, and varied rainfall patterns. The islands are a designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and a focus area for the conservation of multiple forest types in India.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option A: North Coastal Andhra Pradesh

IASCODEX · Answer

Option B: South-West Bengal

IASCODEX · Answer

Option C: Southern Saurashtra