Previous Year Question

Teak (Tectona grandis) and Sal (Shorea robusta) are economically important hardwood timber species of India. According to the forest classification relevant to this question, they are associated with Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests.

These forests experience seasonal rainfall and a distinct dry season during part of the year. During periods of water scarcity, most trees shed their leaves; hence, they are called Deciduous Forests.

Forest classification specifically includes both Dry Teak Forests and Dry Peninsular Sal Forests. Generally, teak-dominated dry forests occur in several parts of southern and central India, while dry sal forests occur in parts of central, northern and eastern India.

A useful examination point is that teak and sal are not restricted exclusively to dry deciduous conditions; they can also occur in moist deciduous forest formations.

Tropical Evergreen Forests are characterised by evergreen species such as ebony, mahogany and rosewood, whereas Tropical Thorn Forests are dominated by acacia and other xerophytic species.