In which one of the following highlands of India can you find temperat

In which one of the following highlands of India can you find temperate forests called ‘Sholas’?

[amp_mcq option1=”Nilgiris” option2=”Vindhyas” option3=”Satpuras” option4=”Himalayas” correct=”option1″]

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CDS-2 – 2022

The correct answer is A) Nilgiris.

‘Sholas’ are patchworks of montane grassland and evergreen forests found in the high altitude regions of the Western Ghats, specifically in the Nilgiris, Anaimalai Hills, Palani Hills, High Wavys, Munnar, Eravikulam National Park, and Agasthyamalai Hills. These temperate forests are characterized by stunted trees and are interspersed with rolling grasslands.

The term ‘Shola’ is derived from the Tamil word ‘solai’ meaning a tropical rainforest thicket. These unique ecosystems are found above 1,500 meters (5,000 ft) and play a critical role in the hydrology of the region, acting as important catchments for many rivers. The Vindhyas, Satpuras, and Himalayas have different types of forest ecosystems depending on altitude and latitude, but the specific ‘Shola’ grasslands and forests are characteristic of the higher reaches of the Southern Western Ghats.

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