In Biosphere Reserves of India, which term combines the facts “montane shola-grassland and tropical forest habitats occur within it” and “a biosphere reserve in the Western Ghats”?

Correct Answer: Option A — Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve is correct because it is a biosphere reserve in the Western Ghats. Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve is also specifically associated with montane shola-grassland and tropical forest habitats occur within it. Two additional identifying facts are that Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve is montane shola-grassland and tropical forest habitats occur within it and Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve is associated with it was India's first designated biosphere reserve. Why the other options are incorrect: • Option B — Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve: Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve is a high-Himalayan biosphere reserve in Uttarakhand. It is incorrect here because its separate identifying association is alpine meadows, glaciers and rugged mountain habitats are prominent. • Option C — Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve: Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve is a marine biosphere reserve along the Tamil Nadu coast. It is incorrect here because its separate identifying association is coral reefs, seagrass beds and mangroves are important ecosystems. • Option D — Sundarban Biosphere Reserve: Sundarban Biosphere Reserve is a deltaic mangrove biosphere reserve in West Bengal. It is incorrect here because its separate identifying association is tidal creeks, mudflats and mangrove islands dominate the landscape. Exam Takeaway: Connect Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve with “a biosphere reserve in the Western Ghats” and “montane shola-grassland and tropical forest habitats occur within it”.