Describe major vegetation zone of the himalayan region
Answers
The forests here are mainly classified under (i) tropical forests, (ii) subtropical forests, (iii) tempr forests, (ir) subalpine forests and (v) alpine vegetation, primarily based on the altitude.
In mountain areas (Himalayas), the decrease in temperature and the increase in altitude leads to the corresponding changes in natural vegetation. The major vegetation zones are:
1. Wet temperate type of forests are located between a height of 1000-2000 metres. Evergreen broad-leaf trees such as chir, chill, ash, oak, chestnuts are found in this region.
2. Between 1500-3000 metres above sea-level, coniferous forests such as pine, deodar, silver fir, spruce and cedar are found.
3. At high altitude, Alpine vegetation comprising Silver fir, junipers, pines and birches are found.
4. Tundra vegetation of miss and lichen prevails at higher altitude.