Correct Option (d):
Sundari trees (Heritiera fomes) are a dominant mangrove species found in the Sundarbans delta, which spans across southern West Bengal in India and Bangladesh. These trees are well-adapted to brackish and saline swamp environments. They play a crucial ecological role in stabilizing the mangrove ecosystem, providing habitat for various wildlife including tigers, and acting as a natural barrier against cyclones and tidal surges.
Incorrect Options:
(a) Teak - Jammu and Kashmir:
Teak (Tectona grandis) is a prominent tropical hardwood species primarily found in the deciduous forests of central and southern India, including states like Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Kerala. Jammu and Kashmir, being a temperate Himalayan region, does not provide the suitable climatic conditions for natural teak growth.
(b) Deodar - Madhya Pradesh:
Deodar (Cedrus deodara) is a coniferous tree native to the Himalayan region. Its natural habitat includes states like Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Jammu and Kashmir, where it thrives in temperate and sub-alpine zones. Madhya Pradesh, characterized by tropical dry deciduous forests, is not a natural habitat for Deodar.
(c) Sandalwood - Kerala:
Sandalwood (Santalum album) is primarily known for its natural abundance in the dry deciduous forests of Karnataka, particularly in districts such as Mysuru and Chamarajanagar, which are major producers. While some sandalwood plantations exist in Kerala, it is not its primary or most significant natural habitat compared to Karnataka.