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

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