Correct answer: (a) 2, 4, 3, 1
Explanation
- A
2, 4, 3, 1
2, 4, 3, 1. Pontic (Turkey), Zagros (Iran), Hindu Kush (Afghanistan/Pakistan), and Karakoram (India/China) are correctly arranged from West to East based on their geographical locations, making this the correct sequence. This specific order accurately traces the mountain ranges across the Middle East and Central Asia towards South Asia.
- B
2, 3, 4, 1
2, 3, 4, 1. This option places the Hindu Kush before the Zagros mountains, which violates the correct western-to-eastern spatial progression across the region. Therefore, this sequence is invalid because Hindu Kush lies further east than the Zagros range.
- C
4, 2, 3, 1
4, 2, 3, 1. This sequence starts with the Zagros mountains instead of the Pontic mountains, placing an Iranian range further west than its Turkish counterpart. Consequently, this ordering fails the primary westernmost geographic requirement.
- D
4, 1, 2, 3
4, 1, 2, 3. This option incorrectly places Karakoram second after Zagros, wildly disrupting the true continuity of these prominent Eurasian mountain systems. Thus, it bears no resemblance to the actual West-to-East topographical alignment.
Summary. Official key is (a) corresponding to the correct West-to-East arrangement of the mountain ranges. Pontic is located in Turkey furthest to the west, followed eastward by the Zagros mountains in Iran. Continuing further east brings us to the Hindu Kush, while the Karakoram range lies furthest to the east among the given options. Candidates must carefully trace longitude from Turkey through Iran and Central Asia to South Asia to avoid common spatial errors.