With reference to 'Red Sanders', sometimes seen in the news, consider the following statements : 1. It is a tree species found in a part of South India. 2. It is one of the most important trees in the tropical rain forest areas of South India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A
1 only
Correct Answer
B
2 only
C
Both 1 and 2
D
Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation
Statement 1 is correct because Red Sanders (*Pterocarpus santalinus*) is an endemic tree species found in a restricted area of the Eastern Ghats in South India, primarily in the Seshachalam hills of Andhra Pradesh. Statement 2 is incorrect because Red Sanders thrives in **tropical dry deciduous forests** and rocky terrain, rather than tropical rain forests which require high rainfall. This question tests the core concept of the geographical distribution and specific ecological habitats of endemic Indian flora.
Environment - BiodiversityPlant Species (Red Sanders)Red SandersPterocarpus santalinustree speciesSouth Indiatropical rain forestEastern Ghatsendemic