Question

How many bio-geographical regions are present in India ?

• A. 3
• B. 4
• C. 7
• D. 10

Hint:

India possesses 10 distinct biogeographical zones, representing highly diverse ecosystems ranging from cold deserts (Trans-Himalayas) to tropical marine islands.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Biogeographical classification of a country involves partitioning its geographic space into distinct zones based on similarities in climate, altitude, geology, flora, fauna, and ecological communities.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
According to the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) classification developed by Rodgers and Panwar (1988), India is divided into 10 biogeographical zones.
These 10 distinct biogeographical regions are:
1. Trans-Himalayas: Cold, arid mountain desert region.
2. Himalayas: Comprising the mountain ranges with altitudinal vegetation zones.
3. Desert: The extremely arid regions of Thar and Kutch.
4. Semi-Arid: The transitional zone between desert and the Deccan peninsula.
5. Western Ghats: High-biodiversity evergreen tropical forest mountain ranges.
6. Deccan Peninsula: The largest semi-arid plateau region.
7. Gangetic Plains: Vast, flat alluvial plains.
8. Coasts: East and west coastal margins and beaches.
9. North-East India: High-rainfall zone representing a transition of Indo-Malayan biodiversity.
10. Islands: Comprising Andaman, Nicobar, and Lakshadweep islands.
These zones are further subdivided into 26 biogeographic provinces for conservation planning.

Step 4: Final Answer:
Thus, there are 10 bio-geographical regions present in India.