The correct option is (a).
Explanation
Ladakh is a cold desert located in the Great Himalayas. Due to extreme aridity and cold temperatures, the vegetation is sparse. However, specific flora adapted to these conditions can be found in valleys and along river banks where moisture is available.- Statement 1 is Correct: Willows are characteristic trees of the Ladakh region. They are commonly found in valleys and are economically significant, often used for making cricket bats and providing fuel and fodder.
- Statement 2 is Correct: Poplars are frequently seen in the valleys of Ladakh. These trees are often planted in groves to provide timber and greenery in the otherwise barren landscape.
- Statement 3 is Incorrect: Teak is a dominant species of Tropical Deciduous Forests (Monsoon Forests). It requires a warm climate with moderate to high rainfall, typically found in Central and Peninsular India, not in the cold, dry climate of Ladakh.
- Statement 4 is Incorrect: Rubber is a plantation crop associated with Tropical Evergreen regions. It requires high temperatures (above 25°C) and heavy rainfall (over 200 cm), conditions that are absent in the cold desert of Ladakh.
Key Takeaway: The vegetation in the cold desert of Ladakh is limited to scant patches of grasses and shrubs. Groves of willows and poplars are distinct features of the valleys, while Teak and Rubber are tropical species unsuited to this climate.