Explanation
- A
Tropical moist deciduous forest
Teak (Tectona grandis) is the characteristic dominant of tropical moist deciduous forests in India, as in parts of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. This option is the official key.
- B
Tropical rain forest
Tropical rain forests (wet evergreen) are dominated by dipterocarps and dense evergreen canopies, not by teak as the leading species. This option is not the key.
- C
Tropical thorn scrub forest
Tropical thorn scrub has acacias, euphorbias and hardy shrubs; teak is not dominant there. This option is therefore wrong.
- D
Temperate forest with grasslands
Temperate forests with grasslands (Himalayan or high-altitude) do not carry teak, a tropical species. This option is not the key.
Summary. Official key is (a) Tropical moist deciduous forest. Teak sheds leaves in the dry season and occupies the moist deciduous belt of peninsular India. Wet evergreen, thorn scrub and temperate types have other dominants. Forest-type questions pair teak with moist deciduous, sal with dry/moist deciduous of the north, and dipterocarps with wet evergreen. Only (a) is correct.
Same topic · past papers
UPSC has asked this before
These previous-year questions sit on the same topic. Open one to practise the earlier ask.
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2023 · Q63 · General Studies · 2 marks
Consider the following statements : Statement-I : The soil in tropical rain forests is rich in nutrients. Statement-II : The high temperature and moisture of tropical rain forests cause dead organic matter in the soil to decompose quickly. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? -
2015 · Q72 · General Studies · 2 marks
Consider the following States: 1. Arunachal Pradesh 2. Himachal Pradesh 3. Mizoram In which of the above States do 'Tropical Wet Evergreen Forests' occur?