Question 14GS1UNKNOWN

पश्चिमी घाट के ऊपाई वाले क्षेत्रों में शोला वनों के विकास के लिए उत्तरदायी भौगोलिक परिस्थितियों पर चर्चा कीजिए। उसके पारिस्थितिक महत्व को स्पष्ट कीजिए। (उत्तर 250 शब्दों में दीजिए।) / Discuss the geographical conditions responsible for the development of shola forests in the upper reaches of the Western Ghats. Highlight their ecological significance. (Answer in 250 words)

Introduction

Shola forests in the Western Ghats are called the 'rainforest of India' precisely owing to ecological and sustainability significance. They have developed due to a mix of factors:

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Main Body

Conditions responsible for shola forests

1Altitude of the Western Ghats are such that it is not too high for icy cold conditions & too low for tropical conditions.

2Monsoons and rainfall the year in the

region allows formation of escarpees, plants and tree like resemblences.

3Protected area for human and animal habitations activities predominantly due to its altitude.

4Contiguous landscape of the Western Ghats unlike Eastern Ghats allows its formation.

5Temperature both annual & diurnal are minimal allowing primary of sholas.

Examples of Sholas

1Pampadura Shola

2Mathi kektan Shola

Ecological significance of Sholas

1Source of multiple rivers due to its high altitude and rainfall

E.g. Caunery from Brahmagiri hills

2Large presence of endemic plant (E) hence they have been classified as biodiversity hotspot => Red Saunders, Heliogamy

2Presence of unique species like the lion-tailed macque of alidgiri Tahr

4Presence of shola is essential for to maintain the orographic rainfall pattern in Kerala and nearby state

5Natural barrier against landslides in Western Ghats

Hence the shola need to be conserved to uplift the livelihoods of people around and for its ecological significance to climate, biodiversity & disaster resilience

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Conclusion

Hence the shola need to be conserved to uplift the livelihoods of people around and for its ecological significance to climate, biodiversity & disaster resilience

25 words

Diagram

FIG: WESTERN GHATS (map of India showing Western Ghats region)

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Page 35

Topper

Aditya Narayan

AIR 68

Subject & Paper

GS1UNKNOWN

Topic

Indian Geography

Vegetation and Forest Types

Shola forests of Western Ghats

Writing Stats

252

Total words

Paragraphs

descriptive, technical

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