Alpine vegetation
Explanation
In mountainous regions, the decrease in temperature with increasing altitude leads to a distinct vertical zonation of natural vegetation. This succession of vegetation belts from the tropical to the tundra region corresponds to changes in climatic conditions.Detailed Analysis:
- Alpine Vegetation (Correct): At high altitudes, generally exceeding 3,600 metres above sea level, temperate forests and grasslands transition into Alpine vegetation. The common trees found in this zone include Silver fir, junipers, pines, and birches. As the altitude increases further, these trees get stunted, eventually merging into Alpine grasslands used by nomadic tribes like the Gujjars and Bakarwals for grazing. At even higher altitudes, mosses and lichens form part of the tundra vegetation.
- Tropical Evergreen (Incorrect): These forests are restricted to heavy rainfall areas of the Western Ghats and the island groups of Lakshadweep and Andaman and Nicobar, typically in warm, low-altitude regions.
- Mangrove Forests (Incorrect): These are found in coastal areas influenced by tides, where mud and silt accumulate. They are not associated with high-altitude mountain regions.
- Dry Deciduous Forests (Incorrect): These are the most widespread forests in India, found in regions receiving rainfall between 100 cm and 70 cm, typically in the peninsular plateau and plains of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, not at high Himalayan altitudes.
Key Takeaway: The vegetation hierarchy in the Himalayas follows the order of altitude: Tropical → Subtropical → Temperate → Alpine → Tundra. The tree line is generally reached around 3,600 metres, beyond which Alpine vegetation prevails.