UPSC Prelims 2014 Question:

If you travel through the Himalayas, you are likely to see which of the following plants naturally growing there?

1. Oak 
2. Rhododendron 
3. Sandalwood
   
   

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Explanation:

• There are 16 species of oaks growing in India, ten in the Eastern Himalayas and six in the Western Himalayas. Oak is a large tree which is primarily used for its timber as fuel and the leaves of this tree are the best fodder. So, point 1 is correct.
  
  
• Rhododendron is a woody flowering plant in the heath family. It is notable for their attractive flowers and handsome foliage. Rhododendrons are native chiefly in the north temperate zone, especially in the moist acidic soil of the Himalayas and into Southeast Asia to the mountains of New Guinea. So, point 2 is correct.
  
  
• The sandalwood tree flourishes in regions where the climate is cool with moderate rainfall, plentiful sunshine, and long periods of dry weather. The tree is planted in different states of India but the largest commercial cultivation state is Karnataka. i.e. Western Ghats. The trees are slow growing and usually takes about 30 years for the heartwood to become economically useful in India. So, point 3 is not correct.
  
  

Therefore, option (1) is the correct answer.

Subject: Geography | Natural Vegetation and Wildlife