202. If you travel through the Himalayas, you are likely to see which of the following plants are naturally growing there? (2014)

1. Oak 
2. Rhododendron 
3. Sandalwood 

Select the correct answer using the code given below: 

(a) 1 and 2 only 

(b) 3 only 

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3 

Answer: (a) The Himalayan ranges show a succession of vegetation from the tropical to the tundra, which change with the altitude. Deciduous forests are found in the foothills of the Himalayas. It is succeeded by the wet temperate type of forests between an altitude of 1,000-2,000 m. 

Option 1 is correct: In the higher hill ranges of northeastern India, hilly areas of West Bengal and Uttaranchal, evergreen broadleaf trees such as oak and chestnut are predominant. 

Option 2 is correct: Between 1,500-1,750 m, pine forests are also well-developed in this zone, with Chir Pine as a very useful commercial tree. Deodar, a highly valued endemic species, grows mainly in the western part. Blue pine and spruce appear at altitudes of 2,225- 3,048 m. Silver firs, junipers, pines, birch and rhododendrons occur between 3,000-4,000 m. At higher altitudes, mosses and lichens form part of the tundra vegetation. 

Option 3 is not correct: Sandalwood is found in tropical deciduous forests which are found in western ghats, Deccan plateau and northern plains. It is not a natural vegetation of the Himalayan range.