Explain the geological features and ecological importance of the Eastern Ghats.

Eastern Ghats are the discontinuous hill systems, overlooking the Bay of Bengal and present a unique extension from the Godavari hills to the Kanyakumari. Geological Features: 1) Structurally distinct and physically discontinuous hills. 2) Formed during the proterozoic period due to collision and crustal folding. 3) Consist of archaean granoid, with Nilgiri gneiss and khondalite rocks.

Ecological significance: 1) Important drainage channel, connecting the Western Ghats to Bay of Bengal. 2) Key to moist dry deciduous forests with RF-70-90cm and unique tree species like Indian laurel, red sandal etc. 3) Hosts numerous diverse and endemic faunal species. Eg: lemurs, shrews, rock rats etc. 4) Cultural ecology => Lesha dhalam will treat the Tipupati temple undergoing various threats like deforestation, mining, biodiversity loss, that needs to be addressed by including local communities and involving protected area networks.