Q. Consider the following differences between Western and Eastern Himalaya:
- The timber line in Eastern Himalaya is higher than Western Himalaya
- The Eastern Himalayas is far richer in number of endemic species than Western Himalaya
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Answer:
Both 1 & 2
Notes: The correct option is C) Both 1 & 2
The key differences between Western and Eastern Himalaya are:
- The timber line (the elevation at which trees cease to grow) is higher in the Eastern Himalaya compared to the Western Himalaya. This is because the Eastern Himalaya receives higher rainfall and has less arid conditions.
- The Eastern Himalaya is far richer in endemic species (species found only in that region) than the Western Himalaya. Factors like higher precipitation, more diversified habitats, and greater isolation have led to higher speciation and endemism in the Eastern Himalaya.
So both statements highlighting the higher timber line and greater endemic species in the Eastern Himalaya compared to the Western Himalaya are correct.