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.
A
1 and 2 only
Correct Answer
B
3 only
C
1 and 3 only
D
1, 2 and 3
Explanation
Oak and Rhododendron are characteristic species of the temperate and sub-alpine forests found throughout the Himalayan range, where they thrive in cool, moist climates. Sandalwood is a tropical dry deciduous species native to the peninsular region of South India and does not naturally occur in the high-altitude, cold environment of the Himalayas. This question tests the core concept of India's natural vegetation zones and the specific altitudinal zonation of flora.
Indian GeographyHimalayan VegetationOakRhododendronSandalwoodHimalayasNatural vegetationAlpine forestsTemperate forests