Question 96 from UPSC CSE 2015 - Geography

Question

Consider the following States:
1. Arunachal Pradesh
2. Himachal Pradesh
3. Mizoram
In which of the above States do 'Tropical Wet Evergreen Forests' occur?

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: C. 1 and 3 only

Strategy: Focus on climatic and geographical fit: Tropical Wet Evergreen Forests require high rainfall and persistently warm, humid conditions. Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram, both in the Northeast, meet these criteria due to high monsoonal precipitation. Himachal Pradesh, although heavily forested, primarily features temperate and sub-tropical vegetation, not evergreen rainforests. Eliminate Himachal Pradesh based on insufficient tropical climate, confirming only Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram fit.

Key Info: Tropical Wet Evergreen Forests, also called rainforests, are characterized by dense, multi-layered structure and evergreen species with broad leaves. These forests require annual rainfall above 200 cm and average temperatures above 24°C.

**Distribution in India**
- Major tracts are found in the Western Ghats (Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra) and North-Eastern States (Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram, and Manipur), as well as the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
- Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram: Both experience high rainfall, especially on southern hill slopes, supporting lush tropical evergreen forests with species like mahogany, Dipterocarpus, and bamboos.
- Himachal Pradesh: Predominantly lies in temperate zones of the Himalayas; forests are usually temperate coniferous or sub-tropical pine, rather than true tropical rainforests. Areas here experience colder winters and lower humidities unsuitable for tropical wet types.

Key tree species of these forests include Dipterocarpus, Hopea, Mesua, and Canarium, with dense undergrowth and rich biodiversity. These forests are crucial for ecological stability and carbon sequestration.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option A: 1 only

IASCODEX · Answer

Option B: 2 and 3 only

IASCODEX · Answer

Option D: 1, 2, and 3

Consider the following States: Arunachal Pradesh Himachal Pradesh Mizoram In which of the above States do 'Tropical Wet Evergreen Forests' occur?

Consider the following States:

Arunachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh

Mizoram
In which of the above States do 'Tropical Wet Evergreen Forests' occur?