Question 18 from UPSC CSE 2023 - Geography

Question

Consider the following trees:
1. Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus)
2. Mahua (Madhuca indica)
3. Teak (Tectona grandis)
How many of the above are deciduous trees?

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. Only two

Strategy: - Identify the leaf-shedding pattern for each tree.
- Note Teak and Mahua as deciduous species, which shed leaves seasonally.
- Recognize Jackfruit as an evergreen species that retains its leaves year-round.
- Determine the total count of deciduous trees among the listed species.

Key Info: ## Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus)
- A large, evergreen tree native to tropical Asia, commonly cultivated in the wetland tropics of India, Southeast Asia, and other tropical regions.
- Belongs to the Moraceae (fig) family.
- Retains its leaves year-round and is not classified as deciduous.

## Mahua (Madhuca indica)
- Indigenous to the Indian subcontinent and belongs to the Sapotaceae family.
- Medium to large deciduous tree commonly found in tropical and sub-tropical mixed deciduous forests.
- Loses leaves during the dry season.
- Culturally significant for its edible flowers and traditional uses in rural India.

## Teak (Tectona grandis)
- Native to South and Southeast Asia.
- A large deciduous hardwood tree, highly valued for its durable and water-resistant timber.
- Sheds leaves annually, especially during the dry season (usually in the Indian monsoon context).
- Major species of moist and dry deciduous forests in India; teak forests are prevalent in central and southern peninsula.

## Deciduous Forests in India
- Found primarily in areas receiving 70-200 cm annual rainfall.
- Characterized by trees that shed leaves seasonally to conserve water during dry periods.
- Typical deciduous tree species in India include teak, mahua, sal, shisham, and amla.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option A: Only one

IASCODEX · Answer

Option C: All three

IASCODEX · Answer

Option D: None

Consider the following trees: Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) Mahua (Madhuca indica) Teak (Tectona grandis) How many of the above are deciduous trees?

Consider the following trees:

Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus)

Mahua (Madhuca indica)

Teak (Tectona grandis)
How many of the above are deciduous trees?