Previous Year Question

The Western Ghats are among the most biodiversity-rich regions of India. They are also known as the Sahyadri Range and extend approximately 1,600 kilometres parallel to India's western coast. Together with Sri Lanka, the Western Ghats form one of the world's major Biodiversity Hotspots. According to UNESCO, the region is distinguished by exceptionally high biological diversity and Endemic Species. It was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2012.

The high biodiversity of the Western Ghats is primarily attributed to abundant rainfall from the southwest monsoon, a warm and humid climate, variations in elevation, and diverse natural habitats. The region contains Tropical Evergreen Forests, Semi-evergreen Forests, montane Shola Forests, and Grasslands. Its climatic and topographical diversity provides suitable habitats for numerous plants, mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians.

Endemism is a major characteristic of Western Ghats biodiversity. Endemic Species are those naturally restricted to a particular geographical region. According to UNESCO, the Western Ghats support at least 325 globally threatened species. Of approximately 650 recorded tree species, 352 are endemic. The Nilgiri Tahr, Lion-tailed Macaque, and Nilgiri Langur are among the region's distinctive wildlife. Numerous amphibians, reptiles, and freshwater fish species are also endemic to the Western Ghats.

Compared with the other options, the Gangetic Plain is predominantly agricultural and densely populated, with extensive human modification of natural habitats. The Trans-Himalaya experiences extremely cold conditions and low rainfall, resulting in comparatively limited species richness, although it supports specialized animals such as the Snow Leopard. Central India contains extensive Deciduous Forests and important wildlife habitats, but among the given options, the Western Ghats stand out for their exceptional species diversity and endemism.