Official Answer Key & Detailed Solution
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Correct Answer: Option (D) — Western Andhra Pradesh
Concept & Option Breakdown
Standard Reference Verified- Tropical thorn forests and scrublands are characterized by open stunted trees, deep root systems to tap groundwater, and sharp spines/thorns to minimize water loss via transpiration.
- These thrive in semi-arid and rain-shadow regions receiving low rainfall (less than 70–75 cm annually), such as the Rayalaseema and western parts of Andhra Pradesh/Telangana and interior Karnataka.
- Eastern Odisha and Shivalik-Terai receive abundant rainfall supporting moist deciduous and subtropical forests.
Thorny, scrubby vegetation with deep roots is xerophytic adaptation found in rain-shadow or semi-arid zones like Western Andhra Pradesh/Rayalaseema.
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