Correct Option
The correct option is (c).
Explanation
Ladakh is a cold desert located in the Great Himalayas. The region is characterized by high altitude, extreme cold, and significant aridity. These climatic conditions result in very sparse vegetation cover, distinct from the dense forests found in other parts of the Himalayas.
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1 is Incorrect: Due to the high aridity and cold desert climate, the vegetation in Ladakh is not dense. Large areas of the mountain range are barren, lacking significant vegetative cover.
- Statement 2 is Correct: The vegetation is extremely sparse. Scanty patches of grasses and shrubs are found, primarily in the valleys and sheltered areas, which provide grazing grounds for animals such as yaks, sheep, and goats.
- Statement 3 is Correct: During the summer months, when temperatures are relatively milder, fruit trees such as apples, apricots, and walnuts bloom. Groves of willows and poplars are also seen in the valleys.
Key Takeaway: Ladakh's cold desert climate supports only sparse vegetation, consisting mainly of stunted shrubs and grasses for grazing, with seasonal blooming of fruit trees in the valleys during summer.