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Geographical Diversity of India

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Chapter Notes

Overview
This chapter explores the vast geographical diversity of India, from the snow-capped Himalayas to the Thar Desert, the fertile Gangetic Plains, the Peninsular Plateau, and the islands. It exists in the syllabus to help students understand how India's physical features shape its climate, culture, economy, and history. The one big idea a student must walk away with is that India's geographical diversity is not just a collection of landforms but a living system that influences every aspect of life, from agriculture and transport to traditions and biodiversity.
Key Concepts (30)
Geographical Diversity
The variety of physical features such as mountains, plains, plateaus, deserts, coasts, and islands found in a region.
e.g. India has the snowy Himalayas in the north, the hot Thar Desert in the west, and the lush Western Ghats in the south.
Indian Subcontinent
A region of Asia that includes India and its neighbouring countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar, separated from the rest of the continent by natural barriers.
e.g. The Himalayas act as a natural barrier separating the Indian Subcontinent from the rest of Asia.
Himalayas
A mountain range in northern India that acts as a natural barrier, stretching about 2500 km, with peaks over 8000 metres, known as the 'Water Tower of Asia'.
e.g. The Himalayas feed major rivers like the Ganga, Indus, and Brahmaputra with melting snow.
Himadri (Greater Himalayas)
The highest and most rugged part of the Himalayan range, home to peaks like Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga, remaining snow-covered throughout the year.
e.g. Mount Everest, the highest mountain in the world, is part of the Himadri range.
Himachal (Lower Himalayas)
The middle range of the Himalayas with a moderate climate, rich biodiversity, and popular hill stations like Shimla and Darjeeling.
e.g. Nainital and Mussoorie are hill stations located in the Himachal range.
Shivalik Hills (Outer Himalayas)
The outermost and lowest range of the Himalayas, consisting of rolling hills and dense forests, serving as a transition zone to the Gangetic Plains.
e.g. The foothills of the Shivaliks are rich in wildlife like tigers and elephants.
Gangetic Plains (Northern Plains)
Vast, fertile plains nourished by rivers like the Ganga, Indus, and Brahmaputra, supporting dense population and agriculture.
e.g. Uttar Pradesh and Bihar are part of the Gangetic Plains where wheat and rice are grown.
Thar Desert (Great Indian Desert)
A vast arid region in northwestern India, spanning Rajasthan, Gujarat, Punjab, and Haryana, with sand dunes up to 150 metres high and extreme temperatures.
e.g. Jaisalmer, known as the 'Golden City', is located in the Thar Desert.
Aravalli Hills
One of the oldest mountain ranges in the world, about 2.5 billion years old, acting as a natural barrier preventing the Thar Desert from expanding eastward.
e.g. Mount Abu, the highest peak of the Aravallis, is a popular hill station in Rajasthan.
Peninsular Plateau
A triangular, old landform in central and southern India, bordered by the Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats, rich in minerals and forests.
e.g. The Deccan Plateau is part of the Peninsular Plateau, known for its black soil and cotton farming.
Western Ghats
A tall mountain range along the western coast of India, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to many rivers and waterfalls.
e.g. The Sahyadri Hills are the northern part of the Western Ghats.
Eastern Ghats
A lower, broken mountain range along the eastern coast of India, with rivers like Godavari and Krishna flowing through.
e.g. The Eastern Ghats are less continuous than the Western Ghats and have smaller hills.
Peninsula
A piece of land surrounded by water on three sides.
e.g. India is a peninsula because it is surrounded by the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and Indian Ocean.
Delta
A triangular or fan-shaped landform formed at the mouth of a river when it deposits sediments into a larger body of water.
e.g. The Sundarbans delta is formed by the Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers.
Estuary
A partially enclosed coastal body of water where a river meets the sea, mixing fresh and salt water.
e.g. The Narmada and Tapti rivers form large estuaries on the west coast of India.
Lagoon
A body of water separated from larger bodies of water by a natural barrier, such as a sandbar or coral reef.
e.g. Chilika Lake and Pulicat Lake are lagoons on the east coast of India.
Archipelago
A group of islands scattered in a body of water.
e.g. Lakshadweep is an archipelago of 36 coral islands in the Arabian Sea.
Coral Reef
A marine ecosystem made of calcium carbonate structures built by coral polyps, found in warm, shallow waters.
e.g. The Lakshadweep islands are made of coral reefs, supporting diverse marine life.
Cold Desert
A desert with very low temperatures and little rainfall, often with rocky terrain.
e.g. Ladakh is a cold desert in India with winter temperatures below -30°C.
Biodiversity
The variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat or region.
e.g. The Western Ghats have rich biodiversity, including the lion-tailed macaque and king cobra.
Hydroelectricity
Electricity generated by the power of falling or flowing water using turbines.
e.g. Jog Falls in Karnataka is used to generate hydroelectricity.
Tributary
A river or stream that flows into a larger river.
e.g. The Bhagirathi River is a major tributary of the Ganga.
Glacier
A large, slow-moving mass of ice formed from compacted snow.
e.g. The Gangotri Glacier is one of the largest glaciers in the Indian Himalayas.
UNESCO World Heritage Site
A place of cultural or natural significance that is protected by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
e.g. The Great Himalayan National Park and the Western Ghats are UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India.
Mangroves
Trees and shrubs that grow in coastal saline water, forming dense forests in deltas and estuaries.
e.g. The Sundarbans are famous for their mangrove forests, home to the Royal Bengal Tiger.
Kath-kuni (Dhajji-dewari)
A traditional house construction method in the western Himalayas using stone and wood, resistant to mild earthquakes.
e.g. Houses in Himachal Pradesh are often built using the kath-kuni style.
Living Root Bridge
A bridge made by weaving tree roots over many years, found in Meghalaya.
e.g. The living root bridges in Cherrapunjee are a famous example of tribal craftsmanship.
Cellular Jail
A prison in the Andaman Islands where Indian freedom fighters were jailed under severe conditions.
e.g. The Cellular Jail is preserved as a reminder of the sacrifices of our forefathers.
Barren Island
The only active volcano in India, located in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
e.g. Barren Island sometimes erupts, sending smoke and lava into the sky.
Mawlynnong Village
A village in the East Khasi Hills of Meghalaya, known as the 'cleanest village in Asia'.
e.g. Mawlynnong is famous for its bamboo dustbins and eco-friendly living.
How It Works
Formation of the Himalayas
  1. India was part of the ancient landmass Gondwana, next to Africa.
  2. India broke away and slowly moved northward.
  3. About 50 million years ago, India collided with the Eurasian landmass.
  4. The land between them crumpled and rose up, forming the Himalayan mountains.
  5. India is still pushing into Asia at about 5 cm per year, causing the Himalayas to grow about 5 mm per year.
💡 Students often forget that the Himalayas are still growing. The collision is ongoing, not a one-time event.
Formation of Sand Dunes in the Thar Desert
  1. Wind blows sand particles across the desert.
  2. Wind shifts and shapes the sand into hill-like formations.
  3. These formations are called sand dunes, which can rise as high as 150 metres.
💡 Sand dunes are not made of rock; their shape changes with wind, unlike mountains which are fixed.
Formation of Deltas
  1. A river carries sediments (sand, silt, clay) from its source.
  2. When the river reaches a larger body of water (ocean, lake), it slows down.
  3. The sediments are deposited at the river's mouth.
  4. Over time, these sediments build up, forming a triangular or fan-shaped area called a delta.
💡 Deltas are formed by deposition, not erosion. They are fertile and ideal for farming.
Formation of the Moonland Terrain in Ladakh
  1. The Indian landmass collided with Eurasia, folding the mountains.
  2. The folded portion was part of an ancient ocean.
  3. The rocks in this area are made largely of sand and clay.
  4. Wind and rain eroded the mountains into the shapes seen today, resembling the moon's surface.
💡 The moonland terrain is not volcanic; it is formed by folding and erosion of ocean sediments.
How Rivers in the Peninsular Plateau Flow
  1. The Peninsular Plateau tilts slightly to the east.
  2. Most rivers (Godavari, Krishna, Mahanadi) originate in the Western Ghats.
  3. They flow eastward across the plateau and drain into the Bay of Bengal.
  4. Some rivers (Narmada, Tapti) flow westward and drain into the Arabian Sea.
💡 Students often think all rivers flow east. The Narmada and Tapti are west-flowing rivers.
Traditional Water Conservation in the Thar Desert
  1. Women travel long distances to fetch water for their families.
  2. Utensils are cleaned by scouring with sand, using minimal water.
  3. Used water is reused for watering plants.
  4. Rainwater is collected in taanka or kunds (special storage systems) for drinking.
💡 The key point is that water is scarce, so every drop is reused. Taanka is a rainwater harvesting structure.
Exam Traps — Don't Make These Mistakes
⚠ Confusing Himadri, Himachal, and Shivalik
✗ The Himalayas are divided into Himadri, Himachal, and Shivalik, with Himachal being the highest.
→ Himadri (Greater Himalayas) is the highest range, not Himachal. Himachal is the middle range with moderate climate.
✓ The Himalayas are divided into three ranges: Himadri (highest, snow-covered), Himachal (middle, moderate climate), and Shivalik (outermost, lowest).
⚠ Thinking the Thar Desert is only in Rajasthan
✗ The Thar Desert is located only in Rajasthan.
→ The Thar Desert spans multiple states: Rajasthan, Gujarat, Punjab, and Haryana.
✓ The Thar Desert spans the states of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Punjab, and Haryana.
⚠ Confusing Estuary and Delta
✗ An estuary and a delta are the same thing.
→ An estuary is a partially enclosed body of water where a river meets the sea, while a delta is a landform formed by sediment deposition at the river's mouth.
✓ An estuary is a water body where river meets sea (e.g., Narmada estuary), while a delta is a landform formed by sediment deposition (e.g., Sundarbans delta).
⚠ Thinking all Indian rivers flow into the Bay of Bengal
✗ All major rivers in India flow into the Bay of Bengal.
→ Some rivers like the Narmada and Tapti flow westward into the Arabian Sea.
✓ Most peninsular rivers flow east into the Bay of Bengal, but the Narmada and Tapti flow west into the Arabian Sea.
⚠ Confusing the Aravallis with the Himalayas
✗ The Aravallis are part of the Himalayan range.
→ The Aravallis are a separate, much older mountain range (2.5 billion years old) in northwestern India, not connected to the Himalayas.
✓ The Aravallis are among the oldest mountains in the world, located in Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, and Delhi, and are not part of the Himalayas.
⚠ Thinking Lakshadweep and Andaman & Nicobar are the same type of islands
✗ Both Lakshadweep and Andaman & Nicobar islands are coral islands.
→ Lakshadweep is made of coral, but the Andaman & Nicobar Islands are volcanic in origin.
✓ Lakshadweep is a coral archipelago, while the Andaman & Nicobar Islands are volcanic islands.
Compare & Contrast
Height and continuity
Western Ghats
Eastern Ghats
The Western Ghats are taller and run continuously along the western coast like a wall, while the Eastern Ghats are lower and broken into smaller hills along the eastern coast.
Temperature and landscape
Thar Desert
Cold Desert of Ladakh
The Thar Desert is a hot desert with high daytime temperatures and sand dunes, while Ladakh is a cold desert with winter temperatures below -30°C and a rocky, rugged terrain.
Altitude and human settlement
Himadri (Greater Himalayas)
Shivalik Hills (Outer Himalayas)
Himadri is the highest range with peaks over 8000 metres and few human settlements, while Shivalik is the lowest range with rolling hills, dense forests, and more human habitation.
Landform vs water body
Delta
Estuary
A delta is a landform formed by sediment deposition at a river's mouth (e.g., Sundarbans), while an estuary is a water body where river meets sea (e.g., Narmada estuary).
Exam Focus
Marks pattern: 2 MCQs (1 mark each), 1 SA (3 marks), 1 LA (5 marks)
Most asked: Three divisions of the Himalayas (Himadri, Himachal, Shivalik) · Importance of the Himalayas as a natural barrier and 'Water Tower of Asia' · Features of the Gangetic Plains and their agricultural significance · The Peninsular Plateau and its river systems · Difference between Western and Eastern Ghats · The Thar Desert and its adaptations · Indian islands: Lakshadweep and Andaman & Nicobar · The Sundarbans delta and mangroves
Don't skip: Describe the three main ranges of the Himalayas with examples.; Explain how the Himalayas influence India's climate and rivers.; Compare the Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats.; Why is the Peninsular Plateau important for India's economy?
One-Line Revision (read aloud before the exam)
  1. India is the seventh-largest country in the world and part of the Indian Subcontinent.
  2. The Himalayas are divided into three ranges: Himadri (highest), Himachal (middle), and Shivalik (outermost).
  3. The Himalayas are called the 'Water Tower of Asia' because they feed major rivers like the Ganga, Indus, and Brahmaputra.
  4. The Gangetic Plains are fertile because rivers deposit minerals and sediments from the Himalayas.
  5. The Thar Desert spans Rajasthan, Gujarat, Punjab, and Haryana.
  6. The Aravalli Hills are among the oldest mountains in the world, about 2.5 billion years old.
  7. The Peninsular Plateau is a triangular old landform bordered by the Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats.
  8. The Western Ghats are taller and continuous, while the Eastern Ghats are lower and broken.
  9. Lakshadweep is a coral archipelago in the Arabian Sea, while the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are volcanic in the Bay of Bengal.
  10. The Sundarbans delta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the Royal Bengal Tiger.
  11. Ladakh is a cold desert with winter temperatures below -30°C and unique wildlife like snow leopards.
  12. The Narmada and Tapti are west-flowing rivers, while most peninsular rivers flow east into the Bay of Bengal.
  13. Barren Island in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is the only active volcano in India.
  14. Mawlynnong Village in Meghalaya is known as the 'cleanest village in Asia'.
  15. The Himalayas were formed when the Indian landmass collided with Eurasia about 50 million years ago.
  16. Sand dunes in the Thar Desert are formed by wind shifting sand into hill-like formations up to 150 metres high.

MCQs — 10 Questions with Answers

Q1. Which of the following is the highest range of the Himalayas?

  • A. Himadri ✓
  • B. Himachal
  • C. Shivalik Hills
  • D. Thar Range

Answer: A — Himadri (Greater Himalayas) is the highest and most rugged part of the range, home to peaks like Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga.

Q2. Ladakh is known as a 'cold desert'. What makes it cold?

  • A. High altitude and proximity to polar ice
  • B. Winter temperatures drop below -30°C due to high altitude in the Himalayas ✓
  • C. It receives heavy snowfall every month
  • D. It is located near the North Pole

Answer: B — Ladakh is at high altitude in the Himalayan region where winter temperatures drop below -30°C, making it a cold desert despite low rainfall.

Q3. Which river originates from Gaumukh, the edge of Gangotri Glacier?

  • A. Indus River
  • B. Brahmaputra River
  • C. Bhagirathi River (tributary of Ganga) ✓
  • D. Yamuna River

Answer: C — The Bhagirathi River, a major tributary of the Ganga, originates from Gaumukh (Cow's Mouth) in Uttarakhand.

Q4. What does the legend on India's physical map show?

  • A. Names of all cities and towns
  • B. Different altitudes and heights of various regions ✓
  • C. Population density of each state
  • D. Types of crops grown in each region

Answer: B — The legend on India's physical map shows different colours representing different altitudes or heights of each geographical area.

Q5. If you visit hill stations like Darjeeling or Shimla, which part of the Himalayas are you likely in?

  • A. Himadri (Greater Himalayas)
  • B. Himachal (Lower Himalayas) ✓
  • C. Shivalik Hills
  • D. The Outer Himalayas only

Answer: B — Darjeeling, Shimla, Mussoorie, and Nainital are popular hill stations located in the Himachal (Lower Himalayas) region with moderate climate and human habitation.

Q6. A farmer in Uttar Pradesh wants to grow multiple crops in one year. Which geographical feature of the Gangetic Plains allows this?

  • A. Cold temperatures throughout the year
  • B. Fertile soil enriched by river minerals and easy access to water ✓
  • C. High altitude preventing crop diseases
  • D. Sandy soil that drains water quickly

Answer: B — The Gangetic Plains have fertile soil enriched by minerals from rivers and abundant water supply, making multi-cropping possible throughout the year.

Q7. Why do transportation networks like roads and railways develop more easily in the Gangetic Plains compared to the Himalayas?

  • A. The plains are flat, making construction easier ✓
  • B. There are more people willing to build in the plains
  • C. Rivers in the plains flow faster
  • D. The Himalayas have no need for transportation

Answer: A — The flat land of the Northern Plains allows for the development of elaborate road and railway networks, whereas mountains require more complex engineering.

Q8. How was the Himalayan mountain range formed, according to geological evidence?

  • A. Volcanic eruptions pushed the land upward
  • B. The Indian landmass collided with Eurasia and the land between them crumpled and rose up ✓
  • C. Heavy rainfall eroded valleys and created mountains
  • D. Underground water pressure lifted the ground

Answer: B — About 50 million years ago, the Indian landmass collided with Eurasia, and as India pushed northward, the land between them crumpled like a carpet and rose up to form the Himalayas.

Q9. Why is the Great Himalayan National Park in Himachal Pradesh declared a World Heritage Site?

  • A. It has the oldest temples in the world
  • B. It has wide diversity of flora and fauna that is being preserved by government and village communities ✓
  • C. It produces the most timber in India
  • D. It is the only place where snow leopards live

Answer: B — The Great Himalayan National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its remarkable biodiversity in flora and fauna, being preserved through both government and community efforts.

Q10. A geologist observes folded rock layers in Ladakh and explains this by referring to geological processes. What process is she referring to?

  • A. Wind erosion over millions of years
  • B. The collision of the Indian landmass with Eurasia, which folded the earth's crust ✓
  • C. Glaciers melting and reshaping the landscape
  • D. Underground earthquakes creating wrinkles in the land

Answer: B — The folded rock layers in Ladakh resulted from the collision of the Indian landmass with Eurasia, which crumpled and folded the land just like a wrinkled carpet.

Flashcards

Which mountain range is called the 'Water Tower of Asia' and why?

The Himalayas are called the 'Water Tower of Asia' because melting snow feeds major rivers like Ganga, Indus, and Brahmaputra that provide water for hundreds of millions of people.

What are the three main ranges of the Himalayas from north to south?

The three ranges are Himadri (Greater Himalayas, highest), Himachal (Lower Himalayas, moderate climate), and Shivalik Hills (Outer Himalayas, lowest with rolling hills).

Why is Ladakh called a 'cold desert' instead of a hot desert?

Ladakh is a cold desert because winter temperatures drop below -30°C, with very little rainfall and rugged rocky terrain, unlike hot deserts which are warm.

What is the meaning of the word 'Himalaya' in Sanskrit?

Himalaya comes from 'hima' (snow) and 'ālaya' (abode or dwelling), meaning 'abode of snow'.

How fast is India currently moving northward, and what is the result?

India is moving northward at about 5 centimetres per year, causing the Himalayas to grow taller by approximately 5 millimetres annually.

Name three major rivers that originate from the Himalayas.

The three major rivers are the Ganga, Indus, and Brahmaputra, all of which originate from Himalayan glaciers.

What type of house construction is used in the western Himalayan region?

Kath-kuni or dhajji-dewari style houses use a combination of locally available stone and wood to keep homes warm and resistant to earthquakes.

Why are the Gangetic Plains highly fertile and suitable for agriculture?

The Gangetic Plains are fertile because rivers originating from the Himalayas bring minerals and nutrients that enrich the soil, making them ideal for farming.

What is Pangong Tso, and what makes it unique?

Pangong Tso is a lake in Ladakh that has salty water, unlike most other lakes, because minerals dissolve from surrounding mountain areas into it.

Name two endangered species found in the Himalayan region.

Snow leopards and Himalayan monal are two endangered species found in the Great Himalayan National Park and surrounding areas.

Important Board Questions

Why is the Himalayan mountain range called the 'Water Tower of Asia'? [1 mark]

Focus on what Himalayas provide to Asia — mention snow melting and rivers that feed millions of people.

Describe the climate and landscape of Ladakh. How do people and animals survive there? [2 marks]

Mention cold desert with temperatures below -30°C, rocky terrain, and unique adaptations like snow leopards and yaks; explain how Ladakhi people lead simple lives with monasteries and festivals.

Explain how the collision of the Indian landmass with Eurasia led to the formation of the Himalayas. Why are the Himalayas still growing today? [3 marks]

Describe the crumpling of land like a wrinkled carpet 50 million years ago; mention India still moves 5 cm northward yearly, adding 5 mm to mountain height annually — continue the folding process.

Compare the geographical features and human activities in the Gangetic Plains with those in the Himalayan Mountains. How do these differences affect the lives of people living in each region? [5 marks]

Gangetic Plains: flat, fertile soil from river minerals, dense population, multi-cropping, roads and railways, agriculture-based livelihoods. Himalayas: rugged terrain, mountains, limited settlements in Himadri, hill stations in Himachal, monasteries, tourism, pastoralism. Explain how geography determines settlement, economy, culture, and daily life in each region.

Assertion-Reason Questions for Geographical Diversity of India

Q1. Assertion (A):

The Himalayas are called the 'Water Tower of Asia'.

Reason (R):

Summer snowmelt from the Himalayas feeds major rivers like the Ganga, Indus, and Brahmaputra, which provide water for drinking, farming, and industry to hundreds of millions of people.

Answer: A — Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A — Both the assertion and reason are true, and the reason directly explains why the Himalayas earn this important title. The Himalayas' role as a water source is the precise reason for this name.

Q2. Assertion (A):

The Himadri (Greater Himalayas) has more human settlements than the Himachal (Lower Himalayas).

Reason (R):

The Himadri remains snow-covered throughout the year and has a harsh climate.

Answer: D — A is false but R is true — The assertion is false—the Himachal actually has more human settlements due to its moderate climate and rich biodiversity. The reason is true but irrelevant, as it explains why Himadri has fewer settlements, not more.

Q3. Assertion (A):

The traditional kath-kuni house construction method is used in the western Himalayan region.

Reason (R):

The method uses locally available stone and wood to keep houses warm and resist mild earthquakes.

Answer: B — Both A and R are true, but R is NOT the correct explanation of A — Both the assertion and reason are true, but the reason does not explain why the method is used in the western Himalayas specifically—it explains the benefits of the method. The reason is true but not the correct explanation for the assertion's regional specificity.

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Case-Based Questions (CBQ) for Geographical Diversity of India

Case Study:

A research team studying the Himalayan region collected data on elevation, temperature, and human settlements across the three Himalayan ranges. They found that at elevations above 4000 metres (where the Himadri is located), temperatures often drop below freezing, and fewer than 5000 people live permanently. At elevations between 1500-3500 metres (Himachal region), temperatures are moderate (10-20°C), and popular hill stations like Shimla have over 100,000 residents. In the Shivalik Hills (below 1500 metres), dense forests cover 60% of the area, and settlements are scattered throughout.

Q1. Why do fewer people live in the Himadri compared to the Himachal?

  • A. The Himadri is too crowded with tourists
  • B. The Himadri has below-freezing temperatures and harsh conditions, while Himachal has moderate climate ✓
  • C. The Himadri receives less rainfall
  • D. The Himadri has no rivers for water supply

Answer: B

Q2. What relationship exists between elevation and temperature in the Himalayan ranges?

  • A. Higher elevations have lower temperatures ✓
  • B. Higher elevations have higher temperatures
  • C. Elevation does not affect temperature
  • D. Temperature increases randomly with elevation

Answer: A

Q3. Which Himalayan range would be most suitable for establishing new human settlements based on climate and geography?

  • A. Himadri, due to its snow cover and scenic beauty
  • B. Himachal, due to moderate climate and established infrastructure like hill stations ✓
  • C. Shivalik Hills, due to dense forests only
  • D. All three ranges equally

Answer: B

Q4. What does the dense forest coverage (60%) in the Shivalik Hills indicate about its role in the Himalayan ecosystem?

  • A. It is a biodiversity-rich transition zone linking mountains to plains ✓
  • B. It is unsuitable for any human activity
  • C. It receives no rainfall
  • D. It is the highest and most isolated region

Answer: A

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