Indian Physical Geography : Forests

Q 1 / 10

UPSC CSE Prelims 2023

Consider the following trees :

  1. Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus)
  2. Mahua (Madhuca indica)
  3. Teak (Tectona grandis)
How many of the above are deciduous trees?

EXPLANATION

Correct Option

To determine which of the listed trees are deciduous, their foliage behavior needs to be examined:

  • Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus): This is an evergreen tropical tree. It retains its leaves throughout the year, especially in its native moist tropical environments.
  • Mahua (Madhuca indica): This is a tropical deciduous tree. It sheds its leaves seasonally, typically during the dry period, which is characteristic of tropical deciduous forests in India.
  • Teak (Tectona grandis): This is a prominent tropical deciduous hardwood tree. It sheds its leaves in the dry season as a mechanism to conserve moisture and is widely found in monsoon-type climates.

Based on this, Mahua and Teak are deciduous trees, while Jackfruit is evergreen. Therefore, two of the listed trees are deciduous.

Incorrect Options

(a) Only one: This option is incorrect because both Mahua and Teak are deciduous trees, making the count two, not one.

(c) All three: This option is incorrect because Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) is an evergreen tree, not deciduous.

(d) None: This option is incorrect because Mahua and Teak are indeed deciduous trees, meaning the count is not zero.

SOURCENCERT Class 11 Geography Chapter 5: Natural Vegetation