Question

For the design of a very large green lung space in a city in India, the most appropriate approach for selection of plant species is:

• A. Choosing beautiful flowering plants to cater to public aesthetic tastes
• B. Choosing mostly one or two sturdy native plant species that are easy to maintain
• C. Choosing a mix of various local plants to create a biodiversity rich environment
• D. Using mostly drought-resistant plants to optimize water management

Hint:

Large-scale urban infrastructure calls for ecological functionality over simple aesthetics. Avoid monocultures and purely decorative plants; instead, prioritize a diverse mix of native species to build a resilient, biodiverse urban ecosystem.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept: An urban "green lung" is a large-scale ecological infrastructure asset designed to combat urban heat island effects, improve local air quality, facilitate groundwater recharge, and provide habitats for urban wildlife. Maximizing the ecological value of these spaces requires applying urban forestry and restoration ecology principles, which favor diverse, multi-layered plant communities over decorative ornamental gardening. Step-by-step Explanation:
• Analysis of Option (A): Focusing exclusively on ornamental flowering plants requires high pesticide use, artificial fertilizers, and heavy watering, which prioritize brief visual appeal over ecological resilience.
• Analysis of Option (B): Creating a monoculture with only one or two species leaves the entire urban forest vulnerable to catastrophic losses from single pest infestations or climate shocks.
• Analysis of Option (C): Selecting a diverse mix of native trees, shrubs, and ground cover recreates the structural complexity of a natural forest ecosystem. This approach creates a self-sustaining habitat for birds, insects, and pollinators, builds long-term climate resilience, and improves the city's overall ecological health. This aligns perfectly with the goals of an urban green lung.
• Analysis of Option (D): While water management is important, using only drought-resistant or xerophytic plants may not fit the regional climate profile of many Indian cities, and misses the opportunity to build a rich, diverse forest habitat. Consequently, creating a biodiverse environment with mixed native species is the most effective approach.