Correct Answer: Option C — Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve. Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve is correct because it is alpine meadows, glaciers and rugged mountain habitats are prominent. Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve is also specifically associated with a high-Himalayan biosphere reserve in Uttarakhand. Two additional identifying facts are that Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve is alpine meadows, glaciers and rugged mountain habitats are prominent and Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve is associated with altitudinal zonation supports varied Himalayan biodiversity. Why the other options are incorrect: • Option A — 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 B — 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. • Option D — Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve: Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve is Satpura National Park, Bori Sanctuary and Pachmarhi Sanctuary are associated protected areas. It is incorrect here because its separate identifying association is a biosphere reserve in Madhya Pradesh. Exam Takeaway: Connect Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve with “alpine meadows, glaciers and rugged mountain habitats are prominent” and “a high-Himalayan biosphere reserve in Uttarakhand”.
