Which one of the following National Parks lies completely in the temperate alpine zone?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 4 — Valley of Flowers National Park
Valley of Flowers National Park in Uttarakhand is situated entirely at a high altitude (3,352 to 3,658 metres above sea level) and lies completely within the temperate alpine zone. This zone is characterized by alpine meadows, low-growing vegetation, and a cooler climate suitable for high-altitude flowering plants.
Why other options are incorrect:
• Manas National Park (Assam): Located in tropical and subtropical zones with grasslands and evergreen forests, not alpine.
• Namdapha National Park (Arunachal Pradesh): Features diverse vegetation zones from tropical evergreen forests at lower elevations to sub-alpine meadows at higher altitudes, covering multiple zones.
• Neora Valley National Park (West Bengal): Extends from subtropical broadleaf forests at lower levels to temperate forests at higher reaches, not entirely alpine.
📝 Short Notes: Temperate Alpine Zone & National Parks
- Temperate Alpine Zone: High-altitude region above the tree line (typically above 3,000m in the Himalayas), characterized by alpine meadows, low shrubs, herbs, and grasses adapted to cold temperatures and short growing seasons.
- Valley of Flowers National Park: Located in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand; a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for endemic Himalayan flora with over 600 species of flowering plants; entirely within the alpine zone.
- Alpine Vegetation Characteristics: Cushion plants, dwarf shrubs, perennial herbs, and colorful wildflowers that bloom during the brief summer season; adapted to extreme cold, high UV radiation, and strong winds.
- Other Alpine Parks in India: Great Himalayan National Park (parts), Pin Valley National Park, and Hemis National Park also have alpine zones, but may not lie entirely within this zone.
- Altitude Zones in Himalayas: Tropical (up to 1,000m) → Sub-tropical (1,000-2,000m) → Temperate (2,000-3,000m) → Alpine (3,000-4,500m) → Glacial (above 4,500m).
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