The correct answer is: b) Red soil.
Red soil is the major soil type found in the highlands of Kerala. It is a type of soil that is rich in iron and aluminum oxides, which give it its characteristic red color. Red soil is well-drained and has a high capacity to hold water. It is also relatively fertile, making it ideal for growing a variety of crops.
Black soil is a type of soil that is rich in organic matter. It is dark in color and has a high water-holding capacity. Black soil is found in the Deccan Plateau in India, and it is ideal for growing rice and other crops.
Laterite soil is a type of soil that is formed in tropical and subtropical regions. It is rich in iron and aluminum oxides, and it is often red or yellow in color. Laterite soil is not very fertile, and it is prone to erosion.
Alluvial soil is a type of soil that is formed from the deposition of sediments by rivers. It is a nutrient-rich soil that is ideal for growing a variety of crops. Alluvial soil is found in river valleys and floodplains around the world.
In conclusion, the major soil type found in the highlands of Kerala is red soil. It is a type of soil that is rich in iron and aluminum oxides, which give it its characteristic red color. Red soil is well-drained and has a high capacity to hold water. It is also relatively fertile, making it ideal for growing a variety of crops.